Located in the southern Adriatic, just a few hours’ sail from Dubrovnik, the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park is one of Croatia’s most breathtaking island groups. This eleventh nature park in the country encompasses 46 islands, islets, rocks and reefs, with Lastovo and Sušac as the largest. Thanks to its unspoiled nature, cultural richness, and authentic Dalmatian way of life, it has become a favourite escape for those seeking tranquillity and discovery.

Untouched Nature and Cultural Heritage

Lastovo is famed for its mystical beauty: dense greenery, fertile fields, and crystal-clear seas. With an average of 2,700 hours of sunshine a year, it is one of the sunniest islands in the Adriatic. Here you can find sheer cliffs, underwater caves, coral colonies (particularly gorgonians), seagrass meadows, and habitats teeming with bird and marine life.

One of Lastovo’s most enchanting features is its night sky – among the darkest in Europe. With almost no light pollution, the island is a candidate for International Dark Sky Park status, making stargazing here an unforgettable experience.

The cultural heritage is just as rich. The Lastovo Statute of 1310, the early Christian basilica in Ubli, defensive structures, and 46 scattered churches all testify to a long and storied past. The unique amphitheatre-shaped village of Lastovo is distinguished by its quirky fumari – ornate chimneys from the 17th and 18th centuries – while the fishermen’s houses in Lučica preserve the charm of a Baroque fishing settlement.

Among its traditions, none is more famous than the Lastovo Carnival (Poklad), one of Europe’s oldest, held for more than five centuries and protected as intangible cultural heritage.

Activities on Land and Sea

Exploring Lastovo is an adventure in itself. Boat trips reveal secluded bays and islets such as Saplun, home to the archipelago’s only sandy beach. Along the southern coast, you’ll discover Skrivena Luka and the Struga lighthouse (built in 1839), as well as abandoned military sites that add intrigue to the landscape.

Hiking and cycling trails lead to spectacular viewpoints such as Hum, Sozanj and Galičine, where the panoramas stretch across the archipelago, Korčula, Mljet and even to Italy on clear days.

Snorkellers and divers can explore underwater caves, coral gardens, shipwrecks and lobster habitats, while others may choose to visit remote lighthouses like Struga, Glavat or Sušac – some of which even offer accommodation for a truly off-grid stay.

Educational walking trails weave together nature and history. The “Through the Present into the Past” trail winds through pine and oak forests, vineyards, olive groves and the village itself, while the “Artina” trail near Zaklopatica highlights the island’s rare seabirds, including the Mediterranean endemic Yelkouan shearwater.

Special guided tours, like “Starry Sky of Lastovo”, take visitors to the Hum viewpoint for telescopic stargazing and astronomy sessions, turning the island’s dark skies into an open-air planetarium.

Flavours of Lastovo

No visit is complete without tasting Lastovo’s traditional dishes. Fresh fish and seafood dominate, with local specialities such as sardines on a skewer, eel stew, and grilled moray eel. Home-grown vegetables accompany these dishes, while desserts like layered skale cake, fried prkle dough balls, candied orange peel (arancini), and quince jelly (kotonjata) showcase centuries of island culinary tradition. Pair it all with a glass of Lastovo’s own maraština white wine or plavac mali red for a truly authentic experience.

Getting There

Though remote, Lastovo is well connected. Catamaran services link Dubrovnik via Korčula and Mljet with Ubli, the island’s main port, and private or chartered boats offer additional flexibility.

For those willing to venture further into the Adriatic, Lastovo rewards with a rare mix of pristine nature, living heritage and a night sky that feels infinite. It remains one of Croatia’s most magical island escapes – a place where time slows, traditions endure, and the sea sparkles with endless horizons.

@matea.miljan Wow ljudi! Prvi put na Lastovu i doslovno sam oduševljena? Gdje vam je naj na našem Jadranu? #lastovo #lastovoisland #croatia #croatiafulloflife #uvalalucica #lucica ♬ edamame - bbno$

Last week saw a flurry of interest in topics ranging from dramatic demolition, to food festivals, to nature’s fury. Here’s a roundup of the top-performing Dubrovnik stories that captured readers’ attention:

Demolition Works at Kupari Site Near Completion

Readers were drawn to a video showing the long-abandoned Kupari resort being torn down. The footage captures heavy machines reclaiming the ruins of once-glamorous hotels, signaling that the clean-up phase is entering its final stretch. Read more →

Countdown to Good Food Festival 2025 in Dubrovnik

With just days to go, anticipation is building for Dubrovnik’s gastronomic feast. The two-week Good Food Festival (October 6–19) will feature workshops, signature dinners, themed nights, and menus from over 60 local restaurants. Read more →

VIDEO – Croatian Flag Football Team Returns from Euro Flag 2025 with Heads Held High

The national flag football team landed in Dubrovnik to a hero’s welcome after competing in Paris. It was Croatia’s first appearance at Euro Flag, and despite stiff competition, the squad returned with pride and growing momentum in the sport. Read more →

VIDEO – Spectacular Waterspout Swirls Near Dubrovnik During Sunday Storm

Nature stole the show when a dramatic waterspout formed off the Adriatic coast amid stormy skies. The spinning column of air over the sea was caught on video, astonishing onlookers and quickly going viral. Read more →

Old City of Dubrovnik Packed with Visitors on Last September Weekend

Despite the end of peak season, Dubrovnik’s Old City remained busy. Reader-submitted photos show long queues at Pile Gate, crowded Stradun, and bustling side streets—proof that Dubrovnik’s allure lingers into autumn. Read more →

Pegasus Airlines is flying high in Croatia, recording a sharp rise in passengers on its Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen – Zagreb route during the first half of the year, reports EX-YU Aviation. 

The Turkish low-cost carrier handled 22,748 travellers between January and June, up 50.5% on the same period in 2024 – an increase of 7,634 passengers.

To meet demand, Pegasus added 11,838 extra seats to the market, achieving an average cabin load factor of 73.2%.

The airline only launched flights to Zagreb on 18 January 2024, but has quickly carved out a strong foothold in the Croatian capital. Industry observers note that Pegasus’s growth underscores rising demand for affordable links between Croatia and Turkey, fuelled by both leisure and business traffic.

With traffic on the up and competition heating up, Pegasus looks set to continue building momentum on the Istanbul–Zagreb corridor.

The cobbled streets of Dubrovnik’s Old City echo with many languages, but this year one accent has become increasingly hard to ignore. The American accent is now nearly as common as the clipped tones of Britain’s holidaymakers, and for the first time in decades, US visitors look poised to challenge the UK’s long-standing dominance in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County tourism charts.

Figures released from Croatia’s national eVisitor system show that between 1 January and 30 September 2025, the county welcomed 238,387 American tourists, a remarkable 14 per cent increase on the same period last year. Collectively they accounted for 646,000 overnight stays, firmly establishing the United States as the second most significant source market.

Mihael Barisic / CROPIX

Only the British remain ahead – with just over 260,000 arrivals – although that figure represents a slight dip compared with previous years. For at least a decade, Britons have topped the tables, flying south to the Adriatic for sunshine, seafood and the occasional Shakespearean backdrop. Yet now, the question being whispered in Dubrovnik’s hotels and along its city walls is whether Americans could finish the year in the number-one spot.

Why the Americans Are Coming

The surge is no accident. Travel experts point to a combination of increased accessibility, clever marketing and a pinch of Hollywood magic.

“Croatia, and Dubrovnik in particular, is a hot destination for US travellers this year,” one American travel agent explained. “It’s the blend of Mediterranean beauty, deep history and that sense of stepping into another world. Our clients see it as both romantic and adventurous.”

Tonci Plazibat / CROPIX

The biggest structural advantage, however, lies in air connectivity. Dubrovnik remains the only Croatian city with a direct link to the United States, courtesy of United Airlines, which operates flights from New York (Newark) during the summer season. For many Americans, the ability to bypass a European hub and land directly on the Dalmatian coast has transformed Dubrovnik from an exotic outpost into a realistic holiday choice.

On the ground, their presence is already being noticed. “I was amazed at how many Americans I’ve bumped into this week,” said one British visitor.

RELATED - Croatia Pushes for More Direct US Flights as Tourism from America Surges 

Another enduring draw is the city’s silver-screen alter ego. Dubrovnik’s role as King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones continues to lure fans eager to tread in the footsteps of Tyrion Lannister or gaze over Blackwater Bay from the city walls. While the show’s finale aired years ago, the cultural pull remains powerful, especially in the United States, where the fantasy epic became a television phenomenon.

Guided “Thrones tours” are now a staple of the local tourism offering, ensuring that the city’s medieval fortifications double as a pop-cultural pilgrimage site.

For American travellers with limited time in Europe, that combination of real history and fictional legend is proving irresistible.

The Road Ahead

The crucial question is whether the American wave will endure. Early indications suggest it will. According to the same US travel agent, bookings for 2026 are even stronger than this year’s. Croatia’s broader profile in North America has grown steadily, boosted by glossy travel features, social media influencers and word-of-mouth from returning visitors.

Whether or not the US overtakes the UK by December, one thing is clear: Dubrovnik has captured the American imagination – and the sound of that discovery now drifts unmistakably along the Adriatic breeze.

@dubrovnik_times Even in October the Adriatic in Dubrovnik is warm #traveltiktok #croatia #dubrovnik #adriatic ♬ original sound - The Dubrovnik Times

Public transport company Libertas Dubrovnik d.o.o. continues modernising its fleet and improving service quality. At the company’s headquarters in Komolac, in the presence of Mayor Mato Franković and associates, Libertas officially received three new articulated Iveco Urbanway buses, which will be deployed on the busy routes to Mokošica and Cavtat.

The new buses, each 18 metres long, are powered by the latest Euro 6 diesel engines with mild hybrid technology, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact when starting the vehicle. They offer a total capacity of 125 passengers, including dedicated spaces for people with reduced mobility and prams. With this addition, Libertas now operates nine articulated buses.

“The goal of this investment is to raise the quality and accessibility of public transport for our citizens, especially during the tourist season when demand is highest. This project ensures continuity in renewing the fleet and increasing the number of modern buses,” said Mayor Franković.

Since 2018, Libertas and the City of Dubrovnik have purchased 71 new vehicles, 29 of them financed with EU funds. Looking ahead, the mayor announced the arrival of 14 new electric buses worth over €11.7 million, also co-financed with EU and national funds, continuing the city’s strategy of electrifying and digitalising public transport. This will bring the total number of new vehicles to 85.

Libertas director Pero Milković highlighted the benefits of the new articulated models: “Their capacity and four entry doors will make boarding and disembarking easier. The buses will operate on lines 1A and 10, and we hope passengers will be satisfied. We are pursuing our strategic goal for Libertas to have the youngest fleet in Croatia.”

At this week's assembly of the Dubrovnik Development Agency DURA d.o.o., a leadership change was confirmed.

The current President of the Management Board, Ana Marija Pilato Krile, has been relieved of her duties. She will continue to serve the agency as a Management Board member with a new four-year mandate beginning November 1, 2025.

Taking over as the new President of the Management Board is Luna Polić Barović, who has been appointed for a four-year term, also starting on November 1, 2025.

This decision marks a new chapter for DURA as it continues its role in supporting local development, innovation, and EU-funded projects in Dubrovnik.

Croatia’s new car market continues to grow. In the first nine months of 2025, a total of 55,738 new passenger vehicles were sold, representing a 7.6% increase compared to the same period last year. According to data from Promocija Plus, September alone saw 4,640 new car sales, a rise of 12.5% year-on-year.

Škoda retained the top spot with 7,459 vehicles sold, accounting for 13.4% of the market. Close behind was Volkswagen with 6,578 units (11.8%), followed by Opel in third place with 5,077 sales (9.1%). Renault ranked fourth with 4,687 cars (8.4%), while Suzuki rounded out the top five with 3,504 vehicles (6.3%).

The Škoda Octavia remains Croatia’s best-selling model. In September, 265 buyers chose the Octavia, followed by the VW T-Cross (204 units), Opel Mokka (193), and Dacia Sandero (115). Other popular models included the Hyundai Tucson (109), Renault Clio (108), and Suzuki Vitara (101). September also saw sales of two luxury “heavyweights” – one Aston Martin and one Bentley.

Among newer brands, particularly Chinese manufacturers, Geely sold 105 cars in September, while MG recorded 83 units. Forthing and BYD both sold 49 vehicles each.

By fuel type, petrol-powered cars remain dominant, making up 48.9% of total sales (27,253 units). Hybrids are gaining ground, representing 35.8% (19,982 units). Diesels accounted for 11.9% (6,647 units), while LPG-powered cars made up 2% (1,093 units). At the bottom of the list were fully electric vehicles, with just 763 sold, equal to 1.4% of the market.

From Taylor Swift’s showgirl era to Justin Bieber’s iconic laid back fits, celebrities and culture have been inspiring Halloween costumes for years. 

With spooky season on the horizon, the music enthusiasts at SeatPick analysed Pinterest trends to uncover which artist reigns supreme as the ultimate Halloween muse in 2025. 

Top 10 Artist That Have Inspired Halloween The Most This Year

Taylor Swift is the most inspiring Halloween muse this year 

SeatPick can exclusively reveal that dressing up as Taylor Swift is the most popular Halloween inspiration this year, racking up a total of 53,500 pins and boards - this is 313% more pins than Gaga in second. Thanks to her record-breaking Eras Tour and ever-evolving eras, from cowboy boots and sundresses to sequinned bodysuits and black leather, Swifties have endless costume inspo to choose from, cementing her as the ultimate Halloween muse of 2025.

Ranking second, Mother Monster has always been synonymous with making a statement, and Halloween is her natural stage. With just 12,940 total pins and boards, Gaga costumes remain a go-to for those wanting theatrical drama, from her iconic meat dress to her futuristic Born This Way outfits. 

Harry Styles’ bold, gender-fluid fashion choices have cemented him as a Halloween favourite, placing third. With 9,650 total pins and boards, fans are ready to recreate everything from his feather boas and sequinned jumpsuits to the instantly recognisable pink Love on Tour fits. 

Queen B never misses a chance to serve a look, and Halloween is no exception. Ranking fourth with 8,209 total pins and boards, Beyoncé's inspiration proves fans are eager to embody her fierce stage presence, whether channeling the Single Ladies leotards, Renaissance-era metallics, or her legendary Coachella outfits. 

Once known for his signature hoodies and snapbacks, Justin Bieber’s laid back style has made him an enduring Halloween choice by placing fifth. With 4,991 total pins and boards, the demand shows fans are still repping his streetwear looks, as well as throwback nods to his floppy-haired teen idol era. In the last few years, we have seen a huge popularity in pairing Justin’s casual vibe with his wife Hailey Bieber’s chic, model-off-duty aesthetic, which has become a popular couple’s costume, giving Halloween duos the perfect mix of effortless cool and star power.

Sabrina Carpenter rounds off the top 10 of Halloween muse inspo

Despite global dominance over the last two years, Sabrina Carpenter only ranks at number 10, becoming a newer Halloween muse for Gen Z. With over 2,000 pins, her recent rise, powered by bold stage outfits and playful, feminine aesthetics, suggest she is slowly striking a chord with fans looking for costume inspo.