Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations in southern Croatia. It sits on the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by massive natural cliffs as well as man-made rock walls. The city is most well known for its Old Town, which is filled with amazing restaurants, bars, and shops, and is completely surrounded by stone walls completed in the 16th century.
The history of the city dates back all the way to the 7th century. Between the 14th and 19th centuries, Dubrovnik ruled itself as a free state, and in 1667, the entire city was devastated by a massive earthquake. Today, however, Dubrovnik is a part of Croatia, and the city has a thriving tourism industry and nightlife, and has become one of the most beloved destinations in all of Europe. With so much to do in the city, the best way to explore is by renting a scooter and riding through the streets.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a scooter in Dubrovnik. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- Important driving rules in Croatia
- The best places to hire a scooter in Dubrovnik
- The price of scooter hire
- If you need an international driving permit to rent a scooter in Dubrovnik
- The best things to do in Dubrovnik by scooter
What Are Some Important Driving Rules in Croatia?
In Croatia, they drive on the right side of the road, which will be very familiar for anyone traveling from the United States. You are usually required to give way to any traffic to your right-hand side, unless there are signs stating otherwise.
The speed limits within Dubrovnik are typically 50 kilometers per hour. If you travel to more rural roads, the limit may go up to 90 kilometers per hour, and speed limits on large motorways are usually 130 kilometers per hour. Speed limits are usually posted on signs along the road.
If you want to overtake another driver, pay attention to the lines. A hatched line on the road means that overtaking is permitted, whereas a solid line means that overtaking is illegal.
Where Can You Hire a Scooter in Dubrovnik?
If you plan on flying into Dubrovnik Airport, also known as Cilipi Airport, there are several places where you can find a rental scooter just outside the terminals. So, you can rent a scooter and drive it directly to your accommodation from the airport.
If you’re traveling to Dubrovnik by boat, you’re probably going to be arriving at Port Gruz. There are plenty of scooter rental shops around this area, and you should have no problem finding a scooter for rent.
If you’d rather arrive at your accommodation before hiring a motor scooter, there are plenty of scooter hire shops around Old Town, as well as in more northern parts of the city like Lapad and Babin Kuk.
What Is the Price of Scooter Rental in Dubrovnik?
If you’re looking to rent a scooter in Dubrovnik, you’re probably going to pay about €26 per day for a 50cc scooter, such as a Kymco Agility 50. If you’re willing to spend a little more money for a more powerful scooter, you can probably find a 125cc scooter for around €35 per day. Some shops may have even more powerful options, but they’re going to cost a bit more.
Make sure that wherever you decide to hire a scooter includes the price of helmet rental and insurance in their daily rate. Most of the shops do, but it’s always better to check.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Scooter in Croatia?
If you plan on driving in Croatia, you should know that an international driving permit is required for all non-EU citizens, including citizens of the United States. While many tourists choose not to get an international driving permit before driving in Croatia, and permit enforcement varies between rental shops, it’s better not to take the chance of getting in trouble with Croatian police.
If you want to get an international driving permit, you can apply here. There is an application fee of $20 and the permit typically takes a little under two weeks to come in the mail. Once you get your permit, it’s valid for one full year.
The Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik by Scooter
Now that you’re aware of everything you need to know about driving a rental scooter in Dubrovnik, here are some of the best things to do in the city:
Old Town
You can’t visit Dubrovnik without checking out its famous Old Town. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to bring your scooter into Old Town, as it’s a car-free zone. However, you can find free parking in the nearby area at one of the hotels or resorts and explore Old Town on foot.
In 1979, UNESCO declared Old Town to be a World Heritage site. It’s one of the most well-preserved medieval walled cities in the whole world. There are bars and restaurants where you can sit on the edge of a cliff and get spectacular views of the ocean. There’s even one of the prominent filming sites from the HBO series Game of Thrones.
While you’re in Old Town, make sure you visit Gornji Ugao Tower, a museum built around an excavated foundry that houses some interesting archaeological findings. It’s located in the northwest corner of Old Town.
Fort Imperial
One of the best things to do in the city, especially if you’re on a romantic getaway, is to ride the cable car up to Fort Imperial at sunset. The fort offers views of Old Town and the ocean on one side, and beautiful rolling hills on the other side.
You can have a candlelit dinner at Panorama Restaurant with your significant other, all while enjoying the best view in Dubrovnik. The entrance to the cable car is located right in the heart of Old Town and is easy to find.
Lokrum Island
If you want to get out of the city for a while, you can take a short ferry ride over to Lokrum Island, one of the most popular excursions from the city of Dubrovnik. The island features beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife. You can see peacocks and large rabbits roaming around at any time of the year.
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, there’s another filming location on Lokrum Island at the Benedictine Monastery where you can sit on the “Iron Throne”.
Dubrovnik by Scooter Is the Way to Go
While a great deal of the most famous sites in Dubrovnik are located in the car-free zone of Old Town, it’s still absolutely worth hiring a scooter during your stay in the city. It will give you the freedom to get around without having to wait for public transportation, and you’ll have the option to take trips to the many beautiful areas outside of the city.
Do you still have questions about scooter rentals in Dubrovnik? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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