In Dubrovnik, you climb the walls and look out to sea. The harbor sits below, Lokrum holds the horizon, and the Adriatic usually matches the steady rhythm of the city. It’s the kind of view that makes you slow down without thinking about it.
On June 13, that changes.
The UIM E1 World Championship runs just beyond the Old Town, with the track laid out directly below the city walls. You notice it immediately as the boats launch forward, rise above the water, and carve across the Adriatic at speed, breaking through the calm in seconds.
What Exactly Is the E1 Race
The E1 Championship is the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, and it moves nothing like traditional boat racing.
The boats, known as RaceBirds, lift above the water on hydrofoils once they reach speed and hold that position throughout the race. They don’t push through waves, which allows for sharper turns, faster acceleration, and far tighter control along the track.
The result feels technical, fast, and highly controlled, with every movement playing out clearly in front of you rather than getting lost in noise or distance. In Dubrovnik, where the track runs directly below the city walls, you see everything as it happens, from the way the boats enter a turn to how closely they hold their line when it matters.
Where to Get the Best Views
Dubrovnik gives you options, and this is where knowing the city makes a difference.
The city walls offer the most complete view. You can walk the full length and follow different parts of the race as it unfolds instead of staying in one spot. Entry is ticketed and open to the public, and if you arrive early, you’ll find places to watch comfortably.
Banje Beach sits directly across from the Old Town and brings a different energy. It’s public, it’s busy, and it keeps you close to the action, with a clear view and an atmosphere that builds as the day goes on.
Lokrum Island is the better choice if you want space. A short boat ride takes you across, and from there the view opens up, with Dubrovnik in front of you and the race moving across the water in full view.
Then there are the spots that don’t appear on any map. Terraces, quiet corners, and angles that only make sense once you’re standing there at the right moment.
This is where local knowledge matters. Anna Mrković, Croatia Country Leader and Dubrovnik native, knows exactly where those places are and when they work best. In a city like this, a few steps in the right direction change what you see.
A Different Way to Experience Dubrovnik
For travelers, this is a chance to experience Dubrovnik with a bit more energy than usual.
June is one of the best times to be here. The sea is warm, the light stays well into the evening, and the city feels active without becoming overwhelming. You can walk through the Old Town with ease and plan your day without overthinking every detail.
The race fits into that rhythm. You might start the day out on the water, settle into your spot for the afternoon, and then move straight into dinner as the city slows again. It feels full without feeling rushed.
Two to three nights in Dubrovnik around the event give you enough time to enjoy both the race and the city at a pace the suits you.
The right destination matters. The right timing makes it unforgettable.
When One Country Isn't Enough
The Adriatic coastline doesn’t stop at Dubrovnik, and most travelers don’t either once they’re here.
Heading south into Montenegro changes the pace almost immediately. The Bay of Kotor feels quieter and more contained, with still water and smaller towns that move at a slower rhythm.
It’s the kind of contrast that works best at the end of a trip like this.
Because the best trips don’t stay in one gear.
