Brits warned not to visit 'beautiful' tourist hotspot that's 'killed' by crowds

Brits jetting off to Croatia for their summer holidays have been warned about immense crowds that have dampened the spirits of some travellers. The travel advisory concerns Dubrovnik – renowned as a key filming hotspot for blockbuster hits like 'Star Wars' and 'Game of Thrones'.

However, it seems that Dubrovnik's allure extends beyond cinephiles and TV buffs, with early birds who've visited the city during peak season warning of overwhelming throngs that are tarnishing the charm of the locale. A Reddit user lamented the swarms of tourists, labelling them "insane" and indicating that Dubrovnik might only appeal to those who can "handle the crowds".

The commenter said: "We did a lot of Croatia some summers ago, it was REALLY crowded! Not even the cities, but places like the Plitvice Lakes were insane; also very hot! But there is a reason they are all there, it is worth it if you can handle the crowds!"

Despite its picturesque scenery and coveted coastline, Croatia is often knocked for being overpopulated, especially during tourist season.

The experts at Responsible Travel offer advice on how to avoid the crowds of tourists in Dubrovnik, stating: "Anyone who's timed their holiday to Dubrovnik just wrong will know that sinking feeling of standing on the city walls, watching as a sixth cruise ship rocks up to the horizon.

"Like Venice and Barcelona before it, Dubrovnik has become synonymous with over tourism." It's worth noting that the city now imposes restrictions on the number of cruise ships that can dock within a certain timeframe.

The travel firm further clarified that the notion "tourism has ruined the city – or that you shouldn't visit at all – isn't quite right" as "Dubrovnik is still one of the prettiest cities in the world, spun with impossibly picturesque streets."

However, they advised against visiting the city during the peak summer months. Responsible Travel continued: "Thanks to its location in the deep south of Croatia, Dubrovnik boasts some of the sunniest, warmest days in the country.

"Summer sees six ships a day docking in Gruz port, families taking advantage of school and work holidays, crowded beaches and city streets rivaling Venice in terms of crowds.

"Putting crowds aside, it's not always the best time to visit the Dalmatian Coast anyway. July and August see temperatures soaring to 28°C, which turns the city and beach crowds into a different kind of ordeal.

"Activity holidays often take a break during this period; hiking in heatstroke conditions is no fun."