Seasoned travelers know that no prep for visiting a new destination is complete without some solid insider info! The kind of stuff that travel blogs and listicles omit, yet you and the locals wish you’d have known before departing.
Are you planning on visiting Croatia and want an inside scoop on some of the finer points? Then start here!
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
Croatia Is More Than The Coast
For most tourists, Dubrovnik’s iconic walls or the Arena in Pula are the first and only things that come to mind when thinking about Croatia. The country’s coastline is indeed both breathtaking and distinct. But the inland can be just as enticing!
Continental Croatia sees Mediterranean influences give way to a Central European vibe more reminiscent of Austria or Slovenia. Outdoor-wise, the Plitvice Lakes are a bona fide natural world wonder, while the Kopački Rit nature park is a haven for birding. Meanwhile, the regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar are ideal for quiet winter getaways.
No shortage of culturally and historically significant places to visit, either. There’s something for everyone, from the six-sided fort town of Karlovac in the west and the baroque beauty that is Varaždin in the north to the war-torn yet proud Vukovar in the far east. And that’s not even accounting for Zagreb and its unique charm.
Brands We Use And Trust
The Quick Travel Myth
Croatia is on the smaller side of European countries, so tourists assume that compactness equals convenience. In reality, you won’t be taking day trips to Zagreb if you’ve made Split your home base, since seasonal traffic congestion can slow travel down to a crawl.
Even island hopping might not be practical during peak season, so don’t be surprised if locals roll their eyes if you forget to book ferry tickets in advance.
The highway network is modern and generally well-maintained. The rail system will get you where you’ll want to go as well, but delays are common. Summer downpours are common, and bridges might shut down due to wind gusts that can exceed gale-force levels.
You’ll want to stay on top of up-to-date weather alerts and live roadmaps, especially if you’re tackling the narrow, winding coastal roads in a rented vehicle. An eSIM card for Europe is your best bet since Croatia’s cellular network is more reliable than the likelihood of getting Wi-Fi in the konobas of the villages you pass through.
Taking It Easy
Croats LOVE their coffee, and drinking it is practically the national pastime. Enjoying coffee like a local means picking a cozy café and taking at least an hour to wind down and catch up with friends. Unless you’re in a bar on Dubrovnik’s Stradun in mid-August, no one will bat an eye if you take hours to finish that single iced coffee.
If you’re American, don’t mistake the waiter not hovering as poor service. Servers in Croatia will take your order, fulfill it, and then let you enjoy yourself in peace. You can always flag one down when you need something, and they’ll be happy to oblige.
Wait staff get standard wages, so tipping is encouraged but not mandatory. Round out your bar tab or add 10% extra to your restaurant bill, and you’ll be fine.
Getting Along with the Locals
Croats can seem reserved at first, but once you break the ice, the humor comes quickly — and it’s usually sarcastic. Expect to be approached with courtesy and curiosity at first. If polite inquiry eventually gives way to playful jabs, you know you’ve made some friends!
Talking to Croats is straightforward. You’ll be surprised how effortlessly most people switch to English — especially under 40. That said, learning a few phrases in Croatian will usually be met with approval – and possibly baked goods.
Faux pas are still possible despite all of this. You’ll want to respect local laws and dress appropriately, especially in religious and government buildings and in some historical city centers.
Croats are proud of their Slavic heritage and will (sometimes grudgingly) admit to being Balkan. That said, leave talk of Yugoslavia and its tumultuous past to the history books, unless a local brings the subject up first.
Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
Final Word On Croatia
Croatia is easy to enjoy if you slow down a little and adjust expectations. Distances are longer than they look, and some of the best moments happen away from the obvious hotspots.
Stay flexible, plan transport ahead when needed, and keep reliable mobile data with an eSIM. If you’re unsure which provider offers the best value for your trip, check available deals and coupons, like Saily discount codes, so you can stay connected without overspending and enjoy Croatia to its fullest.