The safest cities in Europe have been ranked and the top spot has gone to a beautiful city with a scenic Old Town and hidden beaches, not to mention Game of Thrones links
There are plenty of reasons to head to Croatia; the golden beaches, the idyllic islands, and the storybook-worthy national parks. However, you may want to add one bustling hotspot to your list, as it’s just been crowned the ‘safest city in Europe’.
In recent years, Dubrovnik firmly established itself as a must-visit holiday hotspot, especially after it served as a hub of filming locations for hit TV show Game of Thrones. The show offered a glimpse of its breathtaking Old Town, cobbled streets and unrivalled coastal views, and intrepid explorers were quick to want to find out more.
Nowadays it’s a firm favourite with tourists who book city breaks to tour the historic City Walls, relax on the beaches in the area, and of course make the most of the city’s popular restaurants, bars and shops.
The biggest highlight has to be the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering everything from fairytale-worthy streets lined with quirky boutiques, to impressive fortresses and eye-catching Baroque churches. The City Walls which surround the Old Town are also well worth exploring, and there are heaps of walking tours on offer if you want to learn all about the city’s fascinating history.
Meanwhile, Game of Thrones fans can of course find a plethora of guided walks that take you through some of the filming locations for the show, including the sites used to create King’s Landing, the fateful Purple Wedding and more.
One spot that history buffs won’t want to miss is Rector’s Palace; it boasts intricate Gothic architecture and also serves as a museum packed with interesting exhibits and beautiful artwork. If you want to explore, you’ll need around two to three days for a busy itinerary, although it’s worth adding an extra day or two if you want to relax on the likes of Banje Beach, a pebbled shore that’s known for its beautiful views of the city and azure ocean waters.
The Croatian city is already a hit with Brits, but recently there’s another reason why it needs to be on your radar, as the travel experts at Rivera Travel have named it ‘Europe’s safest city’.
They explained: “Landing the top spot as Europe’s safest destination, Dubrovnik’s minimal crime levels and very low increase in crime rates earn it a 44.14 safety score. With an 8.76 score from Numbeo for its crime level, indicating a ‘very low’ amount, and a ‘low’ 35.38 for crime increase in the past five years, the Croatian city ranks as the safest in Europe.
“This UNESCO World Heritage gem, famously known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, offers visitors complete confidence walking through medieval streets and along pristine city walls. The city’s well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture creates a living museum where history comes alive. Visitors can feel assured when strolling through this charming city that they are in an incredibly safe location, allowing them to relax and enjoy what Dubrovnik offers.”
Those who want to do some wider exploring may also want to consider a boat trip to the nearby island of Lokrum, or ride the cable car up to the top of Mount Srd for some incredible views of both the city and coast (just be warned it’s extremely popular around sunset). If you were hoping to tick the likes of Split and Krka National Park with its waterfalls off your bucket list, then the easiest way to get there from Dubrovnik is by car – but be warned that it’s about a three-hour drive.
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