Heat exposure, Dubrovnik

Summer days in Dubrovnik can be surprisingly hot. Even in early June (when we were there) the sun , and the humidity, were really enervating ... and coming from Australia as I do, I thought I was used to hot weather! The pale stone buildings and stone-paved squares radiate the heat so you'll be glad of the respite offered by narrow alleys, umbrella-shaded cafes and the buildings you visit, but you won't want to spend all your time in back streets or inside. You need to plan your day a little and come prepared.

Essentials for a day exploring the city are a hat, sun glasses and sun screen. I'm always amazed when I see how sunburnt some people have allowed themselves to become. Apart from the risk of skin cancer later down the track, sunburn HURTS! If you must make a fashion statement, do make sure you slather on the SP30+, and keep applying it. Better still, do as the locals do in really hot countries and opt for loose clothing with sleeves; failing that, tuck something into your bag that you can put on when you begin to feel the sun's sting.

If walking the walls is on your agenda (and it certainly should be) be aware that there you will be very exposed for at least an hour or two and avoid the hottest part of the day. Plan to do it either early or late in the afternoon - the light's better then for photos as well. Take some water with you, and if you forget to do that, or don't want to carry it, buy some while you're up there - you'll pay over the odds but dehydration is no joke and by leaving getting a drink until you're gasping for one you're exposing yourself to that risk.

It is easy to overheat in Dubrovnik, so my advise is to put your water in the deep freezer the previous evening and ensure that you remember to take it the following day with you so that you will have nice cold water on "tap". Ensure that you drink enough water during the day not to de-hydrate!

Dubrovnik is really hot in the summer time! Not unusual to have temperatures of 40-42 degrees celcius. This fountain is found at the entrance of the fortified city of Dubrovnik and to my knowledge has been used constantly!