Dubrovnik Summer Festival begins

Beginning this week and running until August 25th Dubrovnik's Summer Festival could be the ideal excuse to book a Croatia holiday in the next few weeks.

Located on the popular west coast of the Balkans nation, the famous walled city and its paved streets remain among the most iconic images of the region.

Here, holidaymakers from across Europe descend on this unique Mediterranean paradise to soak up the local sites, sidewalk cafes, bars and bakeries serving up delicious Croatian delicacies in the popular Old Town district of the city.

With market stalls and shops offering also fresh produce and seafood alongside souvenirs and items of clothing the city remains a popular place for those seeking a slice of Balkans culture.

However for those eager to discover another more vibrant glimpse of Croatia and the city itself, this summer's Dubrovnik festival could be just the ticket.

Differing from the usual mix of bands and DJs performing the region this year, the festival offers a unique chance to sample the rich and vibrant arts scene in the region, with plenty of food for the belly and the mind on offer during proceedings.

All walks of artistic life are on display in the city, with the festival representing Croatia's equivalent to the Edinburgh Fringe – only with a Mediterranean climate and gorgeous sandy beaches rather than rain and mud.

This summer's event is promising to be the best yet too, with over 2,000 artists from the world of theatre, ballet and music performing in the theatres and even the streets of the city itself.

With so much to see and do throughout the day, the nearby Adriatic Sea could provide the ideal opportunity for cultured but weary travellers to cool off and enjoy a spot of exploring, via one of the many cruises travelling round the nearby islands.

The festival began this week, but with events running throughout the summer and flights to Dubrovnik cheaply priced, it's not too late to get involved.