Croatia Tips: 13 Don’ts of Visiting Croatia
Greetings from Hvar, Croatia, one of the beautiful islands along the Dalmatian Coast. There are many things you must do in Croatia, like visiting Split and Dubrovnik and Pula, but today we are sharing the “don’ts” of visiting Croatia.
Croatia Tip #1 Don’t Think Croatians are Fighting When Conversing
Croatian is a brusque, loud language. It has the brusqueness of German, with the emphasis and energy of Italian. To unknowing tourists, two Croatian friends catching up can almost sound like they are arguing.
Watch: Top Ten Words in Croatian for Tourists
Croatia Tip #2 Don’t Bring up the War with Serbia
The early 90’s war for Independence, or the Last War, is still really fresh in the mind of Croatians. It’s a painful subject best left untouched.
Croatia Tip #3 Don’t Call Croatia Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia has been gone for a long time now, so it’s time to use the correct terms for these countries. Younger travelers don’t have this issue, because it’s been Croatia for a long time, but those who remember Yugoslavia have a tendency to mix them up.
Croatia Tip #4 Don’t Disparage Croatia
Croatians are a very proud nation, so visitors should take care not to disparage anything about Croatia, even jokingly. There is much to be proud of in Croatia: from football teams to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to islands and cuisine and a cappella singing. However, there are small things that may be annoying, like rocky beaches, but don’t bring this up with the locals.
Croatia Tip #5 Don’t Expect Sandy Beaches
The beaches in Croatia are beautiful, with crystal clear water, but many of the beaches are stone beaches, not sandy beaches. Water shoes are a great idea when packing for your Croatia trip.
Watch: Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Croatia
Croatia Tip #6 Don’t Forget Sunblock and Bug Spray
If the beach is on your agenda, don’t forget the sunblock. The sun is very strong here, and it can get to be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. It’s important to stay hydrated, and protect your skin. They also have mosquitos and other biting bugs in the summer, so bug spray is a good idea.
Croatia Tip #7 Don’t Expect Fast Public Transportation.
Croatia has an interesting shape, with a long coastline area and a large continental area. The main transport mode for getting around Croatia are the buses, or ferries if you’re visiting the islands. Some distances may seem close, but mountainous terrain and islands can be deceiving, and may take much longer. In the winter months, ferry schedules are drastically cut back.
Croatia Tip #8 Don’t Skip the Local Museums
Croatia has amazing history, and seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, and so much natural beauty. In addition to all the “big” sites, our family loves the small, local museums in Croatia. Visiting these smaller museums is a great way to meet the locals who work there and hear first-hand why they are so proud of their country.
Croatia Tip #9 Don’t Skip the Local Cuisine
You’ll see a lot of pizza and pasta around Croatia, as there is a heavy Italian influence. But Croatia also has a lot of really great food. Being on the ocean, the seafood in Croatia is fantastic. Our favorite is getting a fish plate, which comes with all different kinds of seafood piled up. There’s also great meat and salad options in Croatia.
Croatia Tip #10 Don’t Expect to Pay in Euros
Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna, not the Euro, even though Croatia is in the European Union. This is a common misconception, so you’ll even see signs at businesses reminding travelers that they do not take Euros.
Croatia Tip #11 Don’t Forget to Tip
Tipping in Croatia is 10% of your restaurant bill.
Watch: Tipping in Croatia
Croatia Tip #12 Don’t Worry if You Don’t Speak Croatian
Tourists have been visiting Croatia for hundreds of years. They know how to treat tourists. The tourist infrastructure is really good, and there’s no trouble finding someone who can speak English as it’s very common.
Croatia Tip #13 Don’t Turn Down a Local Invitation to Enjoy Traditional Treats
if someone offers you dried figs, or Rakia, the local homemad liquor, don’t pass up the opportunity. It’s a welcoming gesture, and a good way to chat with the locals.
These are our travel “dont’s” for Croatia. These Croatia tips will help you enjoy your visit to this amazing country. For more of our travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: