Dubrovnik entrepreneur charges for city view
Would you pay €3 for the perfect holiday photo? A local in Dubrovnik is betting that you would — and he’s turned that hunch into a business by offering tourists a “panoramic terrace” for photos, with nothing more than a view of the city and the sea.
From rocky land to money-maker
One inventive Dubrovnik resident has turned a previously unused plot on Bosanka — a hillside beneath Mount Srđ — into what may be Croatia’s first private viewpoint showcasing a stunning Dubrovnik view. With full council approval, he built stone-covered cascading terraces complete with stairs and umbrellas, and then opened them to the public.
It’s an incredibly scenic spot. From his terraces, tourists can take in panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Lokrum Island, and the Adriatic stretching to Cavtat. For €3, they can snap their ideal photo — and leave. That’s it. No souvenirs, no drinks, no tour guides. Just a photo opportunity.
Umbrellas block the view — until you pay
The umbrellas are strategically placed to block any unpaid photo-taking. Visitors must pay before they can access the open view of Dubrovnik. Even in a city famous for charging tourists for nearly everything, the move surprised both locals and media at first.
But soon, unease set in. Critics began questioning the ethics: “Can you really charge for a view?” they asked. Some feared this might set a worrying precedent. Others sarcastically wondered if bottled Dubrovnik air might be sold next.
Mayor disapproves, but hands are tied
Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković publicly voiced his disapproval but admitted he has no legal grounds to intervene. “It’s private land,” he said. “People come up with all sorts of ideas.”
Facing mounting pressure, the entrepreneur — Luko Paskojević — defended the project, saying it was created for safety. Tourists used to climb over fences to reach the cliff edge for photos, he explained, risking injury.
Safety or strategy?
His wife, Ira, echoed that justification, stating the area provides a safe way to enjoy the Dubrovnik view. “For years we saw people climbing over barriers and rocks to take photos,” she said. Luko added that, so far, the site offers only a photo booth for instant prints but future upgrades could include telescopes and VR experiences common at global viewpoints.
Tourists love it
Despite the controversy, paying tourists seem more than happy. “It’s absolutely beautiful,” said a visitor from South Africa. “Stunning views and magical photos of Dubrovnik.” A tourist from China agreed: “This is a normal price for a viewpoint. If you want photos, this price makes sense.”
Free for locals, kids, and veterans
To soften public opinion, Luko and Ira now offer free photo access to children, Dubrovnik’s war veterans, and local residents from the city and nearby towns. The gesture has reduced criticism, but the concept of charging for a view remains divisive among those who cherish the Dubrovnik landscape.
From inherited cliff to profitable business
“We’re targeting that small group of people who want the perfect photo to take home from Dubrovnik,” said Luko. What was once a worthless slice of cliffside land has now become a surprisingly profitable venture — and a snapshot of Croatian entrepreneurial spirit.
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