Croatia Travel Guide: 10 Things to Know Before Traveling

Many travelers choose Croatia because it's a safe country with many luxury experiences to offer. From various day trips boat tours to wine tasting. But how much do you know about Croatia?

Top 10 Things You Should Know

Before you take off, it’s good to research and plan your vacation accordingly. Here are the 10 most common questions our guests ask.

So, let’s uncover them in this comprehensive Croatia travel guide.

1. Where Is Croatia

Luxury pool with a view of the sea and sunset

First thing before traveling: find your destination on the map!Croatia is in southeast Europe. Geographically, it’s very diverse. From mountain ranges to one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

North Croatia and its capital city Zagreb are close to Central Europe. You can enjoy an atmosphere you would expect to find in big European cities such as Vienna there.

However, the Croatian coast is on the Adriatic Sea which is part of the Mediterranean. So, in the summertime, you can experience the true Mediterranean lifestyle, especially in Dalmatia and its islands.

2. How to Get to Croatia

Singpost in a beach bar in Split, Croatia

Getting to Croatia is fairly easy. You can come by land, sea, or air.Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your travel style.

If you prefer the land, you can come by car, bus, or train. Croatia is well-connected with most big European cities by train and bus. Besides,most highways in Croatia are newly built so they’re one of the safest and most modern in Europe.

Jadrolinija ferry

Also, the ferry is a great option if you’re coming from Italy. There are several routes and companies. Croatia is connected to Trieste, Venice, Cesenatico, Pesaro, Ancona, and Bari. You can bring your car on ferries connecting Ancona with Split and Zadar, and Bari with Dubrovnik and Split.

Finally, flying to Croatia is the fastest option.Croatia has nine international airportsacross the country. They are connected with most major European and a good number of global cities, especially during the summer. From there, you can rent a car, hire a private transfer, or use public transport to your destination.

3. Is Croatia in the EU

Yes,Croatia is in the European Union as of 2013. Moreover, Croatia is amember of Schengen and the Eurozone. The Schengen area includes 27 countries and allows its citizens to travel freely without going through border control. So, getting to and around Croatia is very easy and safe.

4. What Is the Currency in Croatia

Hvar Old Town

Guests often ask us if they should bring Croatian Kuna with them. However, it’s the former currency, no longer in use. In January of 2023, Croatia started using the Euro as its national currency.

Also, most places in Croatia accept cards,but not all. Before visiting small undiscovered towns, make sure you have some cash. If you use any currency other than Euro, exchange it. Croatia has many exchange offices, but it’s best you prepare cash before departure from your home country.

5. Language in Croatia

The official language in Croatia is Croatian.

If you’re traveling to Croatia and want to connect with the local culture, we recommend you learn a few words in Croatian.

Vacation in Split, Croatia

It’s a Slavic language. The most common way of saying “Hi” is “Dobar dan” (/ˈdɔbar ˈdan/ ). To say “Thank you”, learn the words “Hvala” (/ˈxʋala/ ). The usual greeting “Goodbye” is “Doviđenja” (/dɔʋiˈd͡ʑɛɲa/ ), or “Bok” (/bɔk/) which is more casual.

Here’s our pro tip: there are no silent letters and every letter is always pronounced the same, regardless of its position in the word.

To get around, it’s enough that you know English. It’s a common language in Croatia. Around 60% of people are comfortable speaking it, and almost all young people are fluent in English. Often, locals speak German and Italian, too.

6. How to Pack for Croatia

What time of the year are you traveling to Croatia? Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Croatia has hot summers. You can learn more about the weather in Croatia in our blog.

So, if you’re arriving in the summer,pack light clothes. Don’t forget the swimsuit, some beach towels, and sunglasses. Keep in mind that sunscreen is a must!

A pair of water shoes is nice to have because Croatia has a rocky coast and pebble beaches.

7. Local Food and Drinks in Croatia

Croatian cuisine is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean, especially in its coastal parts. Meals are prepared from fresh local meat, fish, and vegetables, combined with extra virgin olive oil.

Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese

A must-try cold appetizer islocal pršut (prosciutto ham) and cheese. We recommend Pag cheese. On the other hand, a popular and tasty warm appetizer is black risotto. Its dark color comes from the squid ink. Pasta with Istrian truffles is great as well.

Are you ready for the main course? If you’d like to try local meat, we recommend young lamb or pasticada, a marinated beef stew, served with gnocchi.

It’s common for meals such as lamb, veal, or octopus to be prepared using the“ispod peke” (under the bell) method. To have proper “peka”, order it the day before arriving at the restaurant.

Along with octopus, other popular seafood dishes include gregada, brodet, sardines (srdele), Kvarner scampi, and oysters.

Finally, Croatia has many local desserts. The most popular ones are rozata, a custard pudding with local rose liqueur, and fritule, little battered doughnut balls dusted with powdered sugar.

Of course, you have to order a drink with your delicious meal. National drinks in Croatia include wine, rakija (liquor), beer, coffee, and soft drinks.

Fine dining in Trogir

If you opt for fine-dining restaurants, definitely order red or white wine, depending on what you eat. The most popular red wines are Plavac Mali from Dalmatia and Teran from Istria and Kvarner. They are best served with cheese or red meat, especially beef. On the contrary, white wines are excellent with seafood, chicken, and pasta. Istria and Kvarner are home to white Malvasia Istriana (Malvazija), while Dalmatia is famous for native Posip wine.

Another big part of the Croatian culture is slowly sipping coffee in local cafes. It’s a daily ritual that reflects Croatians’ tendency to enjoy life and take it easy.

8. Tipping Culture in Croatia

Although it’s not required, tipping is part of the Croatian culture. People often leave tips in cafes, bars, restaurants, and other services. It’s a way of showing appreciation and respect for the workers.

There’s no set amount you should tip, just add how much you’re comfortable with. For example, leave a tip of around 10% of your order in restaurants. In cafes and bars, locals usually round up the bill.

You can also leave tips for your taxi drivers and private drivers, helping staff at your accommodation, tour guides, skippers, and other service providers.

9. Most Popular Destinations in Croatia

Even though it’s a small country, Croatia has a lot to offer. It’s most popular for its stunning coast with over 1,000 islands, islets, rocks, and reefs.

Dubrovnik City Walls and Old Town

Most tourists know about Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and Istria. However, there are other wonderful places worth visiting.

Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach in Bol, Brac Island

Along with Hvar Island, other gorgeous islands are Korcula, Vis, Brac, and Rab. They are perfect for experiencing the art of a slow Mediterranean lifestyle and visiting crystal-clear beaches.

Trogir town

Coastal cities such as Sibenik, Zadar, and Pula are great to visit, too. They have a rich cultural heritage, beautiful monuments and buildings, and many amenities for an eventful vacation.

For day trips, Croatia has 8 national parks.In Dalmatia, we recommend Plitvice Lakes and Krka waterfalls. If you’d like to explore ones at sea, don’t skip the Mljet island in South Dalmatia, the Kornati archipelago in North Dalmatia, or the Brijuni archipelago in Istria.

10. How to Find Perfect Accommodation in Croatia

Last but not least, you’re ready for the final step: booking the perfect accommodation. Since Croatia is a tourist country, there are many options. For a truly splendid experience,rent a luxury villa in Croatia. You can’t go wrong!

Luxury Villa Aqua Haven with Pool

The luxury villa provides you with comfort, privacy, and entertainment. You can book a villa only a few steps away from the beach with magical views of the Adriatic Sea. While some villas are hidden from the crowds and surrounded by nothing but greenery, others are right in the buzzing centers of beautiful towns. Anyone can find something that perfectly fits their needs.

Learn More About Croatia

So, you are now better equipped for your vacation in Croatia!

What’s more, we have a blog called “Useful info about Croatia” where we’ve gathered answers to more questions our guests often ask. It will provide you with some additional information about this wonderful country.

We wish you all the best on your upcoming Croatian holiday!