Major European city bans wheelie suitcases as Brits could face £230 fine
Wheelie suitcases have been banned in the beautiful old town of a holiday hotspot.
Anyone planning to visit Dubrovnik this summer needs to make sure they don't get caught out by a new rule banning suitcases on wheels in its historic centre.
The Croatian city sees a huge influx of visitors each year, which is great for the hospitality industry there, but not so fantastic for those wound up by the sound of miniature wheels rumbling across cobbles.
Under a new law suitcases must be carried and not dragged through the streets of the town. Anyone caught rolling their luggage faces a fine of £230.
The anti-bag legislation is due to get even more severe in November, when all suitcases and bags will have to be left at the walls of the old town before visitors can enter.
Inside Europe's secret party town with beers for £2 and open-air clubs
Locals are fed up with hearing noisy wheelie-suitcases (Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)Those laden with things who wish to enter the section of Dubrovnik will have to pay a courier to have their bags delivered to their accommodation by electric vehicle.
The laws have been passed by Dubrovnik mayor Mato Franković, who is attempting to lessen the impact of over tourism on the town.
Each year 1.5million people visit the city, which is almost 40 times the 41,000 people who live there full time.
Another additional noise-reducing measure just introduced will see cafes and bars with terraces where the noise level exceeds 55 decibels face fines and be forced to close for seven-day.
A video urging tourists to “respect the city,” will be shown on cruise ships docking at Dubrovnik and on Croatian Airline flights arriving in the country, Lonely Planet reports.
Walking around shirtless, riding bikes or e-scooters in the city centre, and climbing on statues are all behaviours that will be discouraged in the public announcement.
The city is currently trying to keep its world-heritage status six years after UNESCO warned disrespectful hordes were ruining the city.
In a bid to make Dubrovnik more sustainable, the number of tour buses and cruise ships docking in the port have been limited.
Despite this, the reputation of the city has only grown, capturing large numbers of the post-coronavirus-lockdown crowd looking to visit new place now that travel restrictions have been lifted.
Mayor Franković, who is trying to get the still rising tourist numbers to fall, said: “The most important thing is that Dubrovnik has stopped being a city of excessive tourism, although we still have a lot of work left.”
Brits could face £3,400 fines for breaking new tourist rules in Croatia
The city's mayor is pushing back against over tourism (Getty Images)This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the city's biggest highlights thanks to its eye-catching architecture, picturesque cobbled streets and beautiful Baroque churches.
If you are one of the 1.5million who make it there annually, a walking tour can be a great way of seeing the highlights.
Surrounding the Old Town are impressive walls which make for a scenic stroll as you can enjoy some great views of Dubrovnik and the ocean. The 1940 meters long-walls boast six fortresses.
Rector's Palace is one not to be missed off the itinerary with its intricate Gothic architecture, heaps of fascinating exhibits and plenty of artwork. If you're short on time it is possible to explore it under an hour or so, so if you are nearby it's still worth popping in.
If you're planning to spend a few days in the city it's worth leaving space on the itinerary for a trip to Banje Beach.
Here you'll find everything from high end bars and beach clubs to families tucking into picnics on towels along the shore.
The beach can get quite busy during peak seasons but it offers some pretty views of Dubrovnik, not to mention there are heaps of boat tours you can take to visit the islands.
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