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Croatia: A Completely Honest Travel Guide

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Whether you are backpacking through or are wanting to splurge on Yacht Week, this Croatia travel guide has everything you need to help you plan your next adventure throughout this beautiful country in the Balkans.

Views from Minčeta Fortress Dubrovnik Croatia

With piercing turquoise seas and fairytale-like architecture, there is no denying Croatia is breathtakingly beautiful.

Spanning most of the Adriatic Sea, you’re never too far away from the coast when traveling in Croatia. And even if it’s not pretty beaches you seek, stone castles and magnificent waterfalls await travelers of all kinds.

Whether you are backpacking through Croatia or are wanting to splurge on Yacht Week, this Croatia travel guide will help you plan your next adventure to the Land of a Thousand Islands.

What we really thought about Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia

We do our best to give our honest opinions about all the destinations we travel to and the products we recommend through Two Wandering Soles. That is why we are going to be honest about our thoughts on traveling in Croatia.

So brace yourself because ours is an unpopular opinion. What we’re about to say may come as a surprise, but it has to be said: We didn’t love Croatia.

That doesn’t mean we didn’t like Croatia. We just didn’t fall in love like we so often do with places we visit.

There’s no denying Croatia’s beauty. The aquamarine waters and craggy beaches are what dreams are made of. And Plitvice Lakes National Park is out-of-this-world gorgeous!

But frankly, it takes more than beautiful landscapes to make us fall in love. Just like with people: a pretty face is nice, but we crave more. 

The thing is, we made some big mistakes when traveling to Croatia. So make sure to read until the end of this article so you don’t make the same mistakes. If you follow our advice we think you will enjoy your time in Croatia much more than we did.

Croatia Travel Guide


Important info about Croatia

Zagreb Croatia
Zageb, Croatia

Croatia at a glance: Croatia is a popular travel destination due to its breathtaking beauty, historic seaside villages and stunning national parks. 

  • Location: The Balkans region of Eastern Europe on the Adriatic Sea (view on Google Maps)
  • Capital city: Zagreb
  • Language: Croatian 
  • Currency: Euro (EUR / €)*
  • Plugs/outlet types: Plug types C and F / 230 V and 50Hz

*A note about the currency: As of January 1, 2023, Croatia joined the Eurozone and adopted the Euro as their currency. Kuna (kn or HRK), the former currency of Croatia, will no longer be accepted as a form of payment. However, Kuna banknotes and coins can be exchanged until December 31, 2023. 

Visa Requirements

As of January 1, 2023, Croatia joined the Eurozone and officially became part of the Schengen Area for passport control and visa purposes. If you are a citizen of a Schengen Area country, you can enter Croatia easily without the need for a visa. 

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can enter the Schengen Area countries with a visa on arrival (just a stamp in your passport) and stay for up to 90 days in a rolling 180 period. (Meaning you cannot exceed 90 days in the previous 180 days.)

If you are from a non-Schengen country, and not a U.S. citizen, you may need a visa to enter Croatia. However, this is dependent on your nationality and purpose of visiting.  We suggest double-checking with your home state department for updates on visa requirements. 

Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Language and helpful phrases

The official language of Croatia is Croatian (shocking!), but most people in the tourism industry will speak at least a bit of English. 

With that being said, it is always nice to learn a few local phrases to show you’ve done your homework and respect the local culture. 

  • Hello = Bok
  • Please = Molim
  • Thank you = Hvala 
  • Beer = Pivo
  • Bathroom = Kupaonica 
  • How much? = Koliko Kosta? 

Tipping in Croatia

While it isn’t necessarily expected to tip in Croatia, it is fairly common to round your bill up to the nearest whole number after a meal. You might consider adding a bit extra if you were especially pleased with your service.

For cafes, bars or drivers, you can simply round up your bill.

Since Croatia is a popular tourist destination, you can assume getting tips is becoming more and more common for service-industry workers and tour guides. Offering a few extra Euro is a great way to show someone they did an excellent job.

Best time to visit Croatia

Banje Beach Dubrovnik Croatia
Banje Beach in Dubrovnik

In short, you’ll have the most favorable weather and avoid peak season crowds during the late spring and early fall. 

Although Croatia’s busiest season is during the summer, the sheer number of crowds and scorching heat are no joke. So while it is the most popular time to visit, those factors may heed you to reconsider.

However, each season and month has its own draws and drawbacks, so there’s really no correct answer as it depends on what you’re doing and where you’re going.

Psst! You’ll find our guide to the best time to visit Croatia helpful to get the full breakdown on what makes each season distinct and unique to help cater to your trip.

Top places to visit in Croatia

Korcula Croatia
Korcula, Croatia

Croatia boasts of beauty and unique places to visit. Choosing where to go is the hardest part! 

  • Dubrovnik: For those who have a love for history (or happen to be a Game of Thrones super-fan), definitely plan a visit to this Croatian walled city to see its medieval architecture. 
  • Split: This central coastal city has it all from gorgeous beaches to historic landmarks and a fantastic nightlife scene. Due to its central location, it is a great ‘home-base’ when traveling to many of the islands. 
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park: Nature enthusiasts flock to the stunning waterfalls, lush forests and array of wildlife in this national park. This is an absolutely perfect place for anyone looking to get swept away in the beauty of nature. 
  • Zagreb: As the capital of Croatia, you can expect this city to always be bustling with activity. Whether you’re visiting a museum, a cute boutique or trying out a new dish at a local restaurant, you will not run out of things to do.
  • Croatian Islands: Home to over 1,000 islands, Croatia is a beach-lovers paradise. Hvar, Brac, Vis and Korcula are some of the most popular island destinations. Connected by a network of ferries, it’s easy to hop around.
  • Istria Peninsula: Roman ruins and delicious cuisine make up this part of Croatia that shares a lot of similarities to neighboring Italy. 

Want more info? We have an entire article with a round up of the best places to visit in Croatia, including the top things to do and where to stay in each place. 

Top things to do in Croatia

Split Croatia
Split, Croatia view from the top of the Bell Tower

Croatia truly offers a variety of activities for every type of traveler. We’ve pooled together a few of the highlights (though there are many, many more!) in this Croatia travel guide. To find out more, check out our round up of absolute best things to do in Croatia.

  • Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. With its network of waterfalls, stunning canyons and array of wildlife, you’ll adore Plitvice Lakes. This is one of the oldest national parks in the country and part of the World Heritage Foundation. 
  • Go truffle hunting. Croatia happens to be the best (and one of the only!) place to find truffles in the world. If you are visiting during the months of April – November, Karlic Tartufi, a local family business of 3 generations, offers a truffle hunting experience that we highly recommend. 
  • Walk Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls. Throw on your walking shoes and weave through these ancient city walls to explore the stunning Medieval architecture.
  • Explore Krka National Park. Throughout Krka National Park, there are dozens of waterfalls, picnic spots and numerous winding nature trails waiting to amaze you. 
  • Discover Diocletian’s Palace. Experience a (mega) slice of ancient history by visiting a real-life palace built for the Roman emperor, Diocletian, over 1,500 years ago. If you’re in Split, you really cannot miss this. 
  • Go sailing. One of the best ways to explore Croatia’s gorgeous coastline is from the water. As a popular sailing spot, there are numerous companies that offer sailing tours, lessons or charters.  

Budgeting for Croatia

Old Town Split Croatia
Old Town Split, Croatia

Compared to its neighbors, Croatia is a pretty expensive place to visit. There are areas to cut costs so it doesn’t have to break the bank, but it’s definitely pricier than we expected.

You can expect to see the highest prices in popular places like Dubrovnik and Split. Many prices countrywide may double or even triple during summer. 

Typical daily budget for Croatia

  • Budget traveler: If you are on a tight budget and watch your spending closely, €45 – €55 could be a sufficient budget. 
  • Mid-range traveler: If you want to have a few splurges and stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget €100 – €150 per person, per day in Croatia.
  • Luxury traveler: You can easily spend as much as you want traveling around Croatia without any budget concerns. However, if you hope to have a luxury vacation, you should expect a minimum daily budget of €210+. 

Typical costs for Croatia

Prices in Croatia fluctuate depending on the area you’re traveling and the season, with summer being the most expensive time to travel. 

Accommodation

  • Dorm bed: €10 – €20 
  • Private room: €20 – €30 
  • Mid-range hotel: €50 – €80 
  • Luxury hotel: €150+ 

Food

  • Street food: €5 – €10
  • Mid-range restaurant meal: €10 – €25
  • Local beer: €3 – €5
  • Coffee: €2 – €4

Rides

  • Taxis:€2 – €4
  • Local bus: €1 – €3 
  • Cross-country bus: €13 – €24
  • Ferry: €5 – €13 (small ferries) and €30 –  €40 (large ferries)

Fun

  • Plitvice Lakes entrance: €10 – €40 (depending on the season)
  • Dubrovnik City Walls:  €35 
  • Truffle hunting tour:  €35 – €200
  • Krka National Park entrance: €20 – €40 

Transportation in Croatia

Dubrovnik Croatia
Dubrovnik harbor, just outside the city walls

There are a few convenient ways to get around Croatia, but if you stay near the city center, you’ll find that most cities are convenient and walkable. 

For longer distances, buses and ferries are quite popular. Or, if you really crave freedom, you may opt to rent your own vehicle.

Rental car

Renting a car in Croatia is shockingly affordable (around €13 – €26 per day) and allows you the freedom to explore the natural wonders of Croatia without having to adhere to a schedule or timetable. 

Overall, the roads in Croatia are safe and easy to navigate making this an ideal spot for a road trip. However, because some of the roads can be twisty and locals tend to drive with a lead foot, be sure you’re a comfortable driver.

For the best deals on car rentals and to compare prices, we recommend using Discover Cars

Uber

You’ll easily be able to snag an Uber in popular areas like Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split which can be a convenient way to get around. Ubers might not be available on the islands, but taxis are around. 

Whenever traveling with Uber, always be mindful of your journey home. Sometimes Ubers are happy to take you to a remote location, but finding a ride back can be tricky. 

Ferries

Traveling by ferry within Croatia is really convenient, affordable and makes island hopping a dream.

There are two major ferry ports in Dubrovnik and Split and it takes about 4.5 hours to travel between the two. This will cost you around €30 –  €40.

There are also smaller ferries that almost work like a public bus system connecting the smaller islands to the mainland. Prices for these ferries can range from €5 – €13. 

Public bus

In recent years, Croatia has committed to improving their roadways, which has resulted in a fantastic public transport system.

Although buses are usually a cheaper option, they aren’t always the quickest option—except in Croatia. 

You’ll be pleasantly surprised that the public buses in Croatia are both quick and inexpensive. With AC, WIFI  and comfy seats, you’ll be riding in style—er—as stylish as a public bus can get. 

There are a few major routes connecting the big cities and smaller ones that run between villages and towns. Therefore, prices can range anywhere from €1 to €25.

Ues Bookaway to search routes and purchase bus tickets in Croatia. 

Campervan

Enjoy the freedom of waking up to some of the most scenic landscapes in Croatia by renting a campervan. This is becoming an increasingly popular way to explore some of the most magical spots in Croatia—ones that might not be accessible by public transport or within the constraints of a tour’s timetable. 

We are big fans of campervan travel and highly recommend this mode of transportation if you love adventure and straying from the beaten path a bit. 

Practical tips for traveling in Croatia

Hvar Croatia
Hvar, Croatia

Whether it’s your first time traveling in Croatia or you’re a regular, it’s always helpful to keep in mind some helpful tips that can come in handy when you’re traveling. 

  • Download a local eSIM. We recommend using Airalo
  • Use public transportation. Not only is it an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, the public transportation in Croatia (Ubers, buses, ferries) is accessible and cheap. 
  • Check visa rules. If you’re from a non-Schengen area, you’ll be granted 90 days to visit. However, you must keep in mind this accumulates for time spent in all other countries in the Schengen Area in a rolling 180-day period.  
  • Book ahead. This is especially important if you’re traveling during peak travel season because things will book out months in advance.
  • Drive carefully. If you’re renting a car or a campervan, be sure you’re a comfortable driver and map out your routes ahead of time to avoid any added stress. 

Don’t make these mistakes when traveling to Croatia

Fort Lovrijenac Dubrovnik Croatia
Fort Lovrijenac Dubrovnik, Croatia

We’re not writing this to discourage anyone from visiting this Mediterranean beauty. We tend to shy away from sharing when we don’t like a place. But I think we’ve pinpointed what it was that turned us off to Croatia at the top.

We hope by sharing our disappointment, it may help others come with more realistic expectations and avoid the mistakes that we made while traveling in Croatia.

There are a few things that affected our feelings about Croatia, and we made some big mistakes when we traveled there. Once you understand the mistakes we made, you will enjoy Croatia so much more!

1. Our expectations were high

Split Croatia
Bell Tower in Split, Croatia

For one thing, we had super high expectations. Back in 2009, Ben and I studied abroad in Italy. That was the first time I remember hearing about Croatia. 

A friend of mine went there and raved about the beaches, the lack of other tourists compared to neighboring Italy. She said it was cheap, “off the beaten path”, and beautiful. I’ve been dreaming about visiting Croatia ever since. You can probably guess where I’m going with this…

Have you ever visited a place that was so hyped up that even though you had a good time, you left feeling underwhelmed? 

That’s how we felt about Croatia. We had allotted 2 and a half weeks to visit Croatia, but ended up leaving early – something we rarely do when traveling (in fact, it’s almost always the opposite!).

2. It was PEAK tourist season

Tourist crowds Dubrovnik Croatia
Tourist crowds in Dubrovnik, Croatia in July

When we visited Croatia in July, it was packed with tourists everywhere you looked. Places that were described online as “hidden gems” had lines around the block.

The famed Plitvice Lakes that grace your Instagram feed are magical, yes, but some of that magic is diminished when you have to walk the wooden boardwalks behind long lines of people carrying selfie sticks.

And in Dubrovnik, you couldn’t walk a few minutes in the Old City without seeing one of the many corny “Game of Thrones” tours (complete with a guide dressed in chainmail and holding an iPad that was playing a scene from the show). 

Historic buildings had been turned into overpriced pirate-themed candy shops. It felt a bit like Disney World. And not in a good way.

I think a few years ago, these crowds didn’t exist to the extent that we experienced. But with photos of Croatia being an Instagram staple (I’m guilty of posting these too!) and with the exploding popularity of Croatia as a filming location for Game of Thrones, people are flocking to this Mediterranean country in hordes. Especially during the summer months. 

3. We didn’t budget correctly

Plitvitce Lakes National Park Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Prices were much higher than any of the neighboring countries we visited (and with all the tourists there, I totally understand why). 

This is more on us than anything else, but we just didn’t have the right budget expectations to fully appreciate Croatia. If we raised our budget, we probably would have been able to enjoy ourselves a little more.

4. The people weren’t as friendly as the neighbors

On top of everything else, we’d just come from Bosnia & Herzegovina where the people were incredibly friendly, funny and excited to talk with us. Many of the people we met in Croatia were lacking in this department.

This isn’t to say we didn’t meet friendly Croatians – just the opposite. We had a few lovely guesthouse owners that were very kind, but the overall vibe just wasn’t as friendly as many of the countries we visited during our round-the-world trip – especially the neighboring countries.

5. Our feelings are relative

Dubrovnik Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia

Our travels were bookended with visits in two countries that seriously surprised us: Bosnia and Slovenia. And it just so happened that Croatia fell in between.

Think of it this way: You go to a dinner party and speak with 3 people. The first (Bosnia) and the last (Slovenia) are humble and surprisingly interesting. You laugh, you cry. You listen to their stories and they listen to yours.

That person you speak with in between is perfectly nice. A little cocky, maybe. They are beautiful, but they know they are. Everyone in the party wants to talk to them, so you kind of just feel like you scratch the surface of really getting to know who they are. 

And when it comes time to leave the party, you reflect on the two fantastic conversations you just had. The one in the middle kind of fades away. Maybe if you hadn’t spoken with the other two party-goers, you would have really appreciated that middle convo a bit more. 

For better or worse, our opinions of people or places are heavily impacted by where we’ve just come from or where we’re going (literally and metaphorically). We just weren’t in a place to fully and wholeheartedly appreciate what Croatia had to offer.

6. We may have gone to the wrong places

Dubrovnik Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia

This is a lesson we learn over and over again. 

The most popular destinations almost always leave us a bit disappointed. I’m sure anyone who has ever gone to the Leaning Tower of Pisa can relate. Cool tower, but that’s about it for Pisa. 

Maybe it was our route: Dubrovnik – Korčula – Split – Plitvice Lakes – Zagreb. We started off with a city that we really didn’t enjoy, and that sour taste lasted in our mouths for the rest of the country. 

We probably should have done some more research and found more off-the-beaten-path areas, but we were traveling so fast that we just defaulted to the easiest route. 

Would we go back to Croatia?

Yes, without a doubt. We would return in a heartbeat. 

There are a few places we already have in mind that we’d like to visit the second time around. These include some that our Director of Content, Amanda, has visited and wrote about in some of our other Croatia guides. 

We won’t deny that Croatia is absolutely breathtaking. Dubrovnik is as touristy as it is beautiful and Plitvice Lakes are a natural treasure.

Our advice to others visiting Croatia

Split Croatia
Split, Croatia

Avoid peak tourist season. Period. Go somewhere else.

Budget quite a bit more money than you would for the rest of Eastern Europe. We knew Croatia would be one of the more expensive countries on our trip. But we didn’t think we would be seeing the same prices as Western Europe. 

Don’t make the mistake we did. You’ll enjoy yourself more if your budget has some wiggle room.

Have realistic expectations about crowds. Unless you visit during a totally off-peak time, Plitvice Lakes will be crowded. Dubrovnik may feel a bit like Disney World. If you go in knowing that there will be long lines and selfie sticks, you won’t be as disappointed as we were.

I’m sure there will be a few people who read this and think we’re crazy because they had a fantastic time in Croatia. And I know we rave about places that others may not like. Travel is personal. 

We try not to highly publicize when we don’t like a place because we truly believe that there are so many factors that can affect how much you like a particular city or country. But we also believe in honesty, and think that it’s okay not to fall in love with every place we visit. 

Our intention is not to discourage anyone from visiting Croatia, but instead to help set expectations and give you advice so you avoid some of our mistakes. We would definitely go back to Croatia; and knowing what we know now, we would most likely enjoy it much more.

How to book your trip to Croatia

Korcula Croatia
Korcula, Croatia

Planning a trip to Croatia, whether long or short, can seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Take the stress out of planning by following these simple steps that’ll ensure you don’t forget anything. 

1. Decide where you want to go

Okay, this is definitely the hardest part of traveling, right? The looming feeling of trying to pack in every magical hike, every historical site, every restaurant … how!?

We feel you, seriously.

In our opinion, less is usually more. Choose a few of the best places to visit in Croatia and work backward from there. 

Once you’ve narrowed down the places you actually want to go, the rest becomes easy (and fun!). While we know this will differ based on your budget, time and interests, Croatia truly offers something for every type of traveler. 

2. Book your flights

As we all know, airfare is one of the priciest parts of traveling, so definitely check out our guide on how to find cheap flights before you book your trip to Croatia.

Skyscanner is a great way to gauge prices and easily compare between airlines, days and flight times. We really love the ‘whole month’ feature, too, especially if you can be a little flexible with your dates. 

3. Book your accommodation

There are loads of options in terms of accommodation in Croatia suitable for a variety of budgets. Whether you’re looking to stay at a swanky beach-side villa, a quaint home-stay or a hostel, sites like Booking or Airbnb are your best bet in finding exactly what you’re looking for. 

4. Get travel insurance

Cliff jumping at Buza Bar Dubrovnik Croatia.
Cliff jumping at Buza Bar in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Travel insurance is a key component when planning a trip and we NEVER leave home without travel insurance. Honestly, it’s never a fun thing to pay for, but it is definitely worth it if something goes wrong and can put your mind at ease while you explore a new place. 

For a trip like this, we’d recommend Safety Wing insurance.

For more information on how to pick a policy and what we look for in travel insurance, check out our detailed travel insurance comparison article.

5. Start packing!

Now that you’ve got all the boring logistical stuff out of the way … it’s time to get packing for your trip. Whether you’re rolling, folding or using packing cubes, we’ve got a quick guide on what you don’t want to forget on your trip to Croatia. 

What to pack for visiting Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, so be mindful of the time you travel when packing. Aside from clothes, here are some essential things you don’t want to leave at home. 

  • Outlet adapter
  • Back up credit cards 
  • Comfortable walking shoes (your feet will thank you)
  • Reusable straw & reusable bag (always!) 
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Swimwear (with over 3,000 miles of coastline, you’ll want to take a dip!)
  • Light breathable clothing and plenty of layers 
  • Camera and tripod (this one is our favorite for travel)
  • Insulated water bottle 
  • Insect repellent (we prefer the natural stuff)

Are you planning a trip to Croatia?

We have lots of resources on travel in Croatia and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Croatia Travel Homepage for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Croatia articles here:

Save this article on Pinterest for later!

Croatia Travel Guide | Two Wandering Soles
Croatia Travel Guide | Two Wandering Soles

We want to hear from you!

Are you planning a trip to Croatia and still have questions? Let us know if anything in this Croatia travel guide surprised you, or what you’re most excited about in the comments below!

Comments (41) on “Croatia: A Completely Honest Travel Guide

  1. Zoran says:

    Well why did you come during “peak months” and stayed at the most popular destinations, and also expect there will be no crowd and prices would be lower…??? This makes no sense.

    Point of advice from a local Croatian living in Rijeka: stay in not-as-popular places and visit very popular places for a day, then go back to the not-as-popular place.
    Recommendations:
    Umag
    Motovun
    Labin old town
    Fuzine lake
    Ucka nature park
    Brijuni national park
    Cres Island (Lubenice beach)
    Island of Rab, with many beaches
    Risnjak National park
    City of Varazdin
    Last but not least, the City of RIJEKA!

  2. Beth says:

    hi and thank you for the great info on the blog. We are fellow Minnesotans traveling with small group next year. Any recommendations on where to fly in and out of in Croatia?

  3. Brandy Travel Planner says:

    Thank you for all your advice and the honesty you share with us. It’s still a country I want to go to.

  4. Rochelle Lee Sacora says:

    I want all the travel guides that you got,because I was thinking about travel throughout the globe sometime this year. So will you send me your travel guides to me,please.

  5. Nina says:

    I thought this blog post was hilarious. 20 percent of Croatia’s GDP comes from tourism so yeah there are going to be tourists there in July. Also Dubrovnik will probably be fine without the GoT fans… It’s great with honest reviews but they’re meaningless if the writer hasn’t bothered to find out basic facts about the country beforehand.

  6. Eric says:

    I think this article sealed the deal for me to not go. The only time I can go this year is in July and given the pandemic I’m not sure I want to be in crowds. The pandemic could translate into less tourists but I don’t think I want my first big overseas trip in 2 years to be a let down.

    • Julie says:

      I truly hope you didn’t let this article dissuade you from visiting Croatia. I read this article before my trip and I was very disheartened but I found the exact opposite of this article to be true. We loved Croatia and it exceeded every expectation we had for it. We are almost 50 years old and our trip to Croatia was the best in our lives. My husband and I agree and we don’t always agree on everything. Honestly I think the people who wrote this article really just did everything wrong when visiting Croatia.

  7. donna@ajis.com says:

    Hi Katie & Ben,

    Thx so much for your comprehensive review! I found your blog while looking around for some ideas on doing a coastal Croatian trip for our 40th anniversary. I especially appreciated your 3 different budget types of lodging…so helpful.
    We’ve been to Croatia many times before, Dubrovnik, Split, etc. etc. but this time I wanted to do strictly coastal and end up exactly where you went – the northern region almost to Italy – the Istrian Peninsula. I heard it’s less crowded and you did confirm that.
    Now, about the people lol. My husband was born here so he’s a local, well sort of. I never speak English while we’re there and let him speak his native tongue and we get along just fine. We get that they just don’t have the best attitude in the world, but as some others have said, they probably hate all of the tourism.
    Thanks again for all the info…you really helped me out a lot!

  8. Alex says:

    Croatia is a small country full of negative, arrogant, and lazy people. I know because I lived there. Many people think that Croatians are hospitable and good people but the truth is most of that is fake and you have no idea what they are saying behind your back – if you don’t understand the language. Croates look down upon tourists, they feel that everyone is inferior to them and this stems frim a deep seeded jealousy they have for the rest of the world- especially those countries with normal economies where people travel. So they will have no problem to cheat you. They will smile to you but curse and make fun of you behind your back. I know because I understand the language but often spoke English when there. Yes, the nature is stunning but people are miserable. Keep that in mind.

    • bwzweber@gmail.com says:

      Hi Alex, thanks for sharing your opinion. However, in our experience, we had lovely interactions with Croatians. As with any society, there will be people who are not as nice, but from our travels, we have nothing but good things to say about the people of Croatia.

  9. croguy@hotmail.com says:

    I could not agree more with your review of Croatia. As a Croatian, living in Canada over 20 years now, I stopped visiting the country as often as I used to.
    You summed up pretty much everything I have been thinking for years now and although preparation and expectations go a long way, some destinations need less of those in order for one to enjoy the destination.
    I will preface my comment by saying that I have been vacationing in Croatia for pretty much every two years and there have been some major changes that will prevent me from going back soon.
    The main one are the prices. I get expensive, since I live in Toronto, one of the most expensive cities in North America.
    The problem is the value. For example, we rented a yacht last summer and visited tons of little islands. The prices were exorbitant and before anyone says that is normal for island pricing, I have been to plenty of other places, where this wasn’t the case.
    In Lisbon or Barcelona, you can get a cup of fresh fruit for 1 or 2 Euros (berries and cherries), while Croatia would sell the same type of fruit cup (cheaper selection like watermelon and honeydew and grapes mix) for 5 or 6 euros.
    Rudeness was at an all time high in places of official business, the public transit and connection between cities is abysmal and overpriced, plus finding information in places that are frequented by tourists can be a challenge and I do not even want to get into what happens when you travel to smaller places.
    Most restaurants serve the same fare or a slight variation of it. We ate in some fine dining places and also in some regular joints, and overall the experience has been underwhelming. Way too expensive for what it is and also the quality of food declined drastically over the years.
    I am assuming lot of places have a high turnover and might not care about the returning customers, and yet lot of dishes were particularly bland and just too expensive.
    Renting anything, you will pay through an arm and a nose.
    Bike fees are obscenely expensive, as are cab fares.
    Due to the high increase in tourist numbers, it seems that every Joe is trying to capitalize on the opportunity and rents rooms and apartments.
    Again, price – value ratio is disappointing. Some of the accommodation prices we had to laugh at, since they thought they were renting at the Four Seasons, but instead you were getting the most recent Ikea dress-up.
    Public smoking seems to be ubiquitous, and it is really hard to avoid smoke everywhere you go. On one of the ferries we took, the crew was smoking on the dock, despite prohibition signs and then tossed the cigarette butts into the sea.
    Pollution and garbage everywhere, including the sea, made me question how clean some of the beaches are. I am comparing it to previous years and some garbage piles have net been cleaned in years.

    Having said all of that, I can share few tips from travelling abroad over the years.

    1. Avoid places like Split or Dubrovnik in high season
    2. Smaller Dalmatian islands like Vis or Hvar are great, and less crowded. Stay away from the main ports and pick other parts of the island for a more relaxing stay
    3. Rent a car if you can
    4. Rely on several sources for official information. It is very common to give incorrect info and this can vary from one representative to another.
    5. Eat where locals eat. This usually means moderately priced places and places that are rarely located by the marina
    6. Bring reusable water bottle. The amount of plastic wasted is sad, and never buy bottled water in Croatia. Croatia ranks as one of the highest countries when it comes to water drinking quality.
    7. Money exchange rates are similar in the tourist spots and post offices have one of the best exchange rates, even better than banks.
    8. Lot of bus stations don’t have anyone announcing anything, so it is very common to ask the driver if the bus is the right bus, since sometimes the labels on the buses can be incorrect.
    9. Bakeries are very often the best option for a fast and cheap meal on the go.
    10. Lot of places don’t accept debit or credit cards, so always have cash on you.

    This turned out to be a longer post than I originally anticipated. In conclusion, Croatia is an amazing place to visit, the nature is truly breathtakingly beautiful, but please be wary that it is not cheap or undiscovered. This was maybe true 20 years ago, but not anymore.

  10. Cyc says:

    Croatian expat here.
    I have to go every summer for holidays in Croatia to spend some time with the family and I’m even more annoyed about the prices, the crowds and rude locals. But I also know where to go and how to avoid it.
    The biggest mistake travellers like you make is thinking Croatia is eastern Europe or "balkans". It’s not. It’s always been (well besides the dark era or communist occupation) a Central European and Mediterranean society. So you should compare it as such. Rapid increase of tourists drives certain behaviours everywhere. But then again towns like Dubrovnik, Hvar and others are unique. their historical, cultural value plus the beauty justifies the price you need to pay to see them. Tourists shouldn’t expect some 3rd world shithole where their 100 bucks or euros will make them Kings. I don’t want our country to be overrun by cheap backpackers and cruisers . It spoils it for everyone.

    • Anna Gerad says:

      Croatia is not the Balkans?? That’s a story Croates maybe tell themselves because they hate the fact, but Croatia is as Balkan as it gets.

  11. blaugh@gmail.com says:

    The reason why people in Croatia, or more specifically Split and Dubrovnik, are not as friendly as the "neighbours" lies in the fact that locals are just absolutely inundated and fed up with mass tourism and the type of tourists their cities get. The old town of Split has in the past years lost hundreds of its inhabitants cos people have lost access to basic necessities in the centre and are abused night and day by groups of drunken tourists pissing at their doorsteps, vomiting under their windows, screaming and in general, acting like complete morons. Every shack downtown has turned into a shitty and overpriced pizza and burger place or an almost Michelin-star restaurant, neither of which the locals can afford. If that wasn’t enough, from April until October there’s at least 2 cruise ships daily docked in the harbour, each with thousands of passengers that just clog the already overwhelmed city, and who bring absolutely no value to the economy. People are bursting at the seams, they can’t function normally in their daily life and they are also being priced out of their homes, as everybody decided to squeeze whatever little buck out of tourism they can. And so on, and so on.

    • Nanook says:

      Well said, my friend.
      I can’t even imagine what the streets look like when passengers from the ships go on land. And that’s in addition to other tourists. And yes, I like it what you said about people wanna be kings for $100. That kind of money won’t buy you much anywhere else, why would anyone expect a lot in such touristy country. And people complaining about Dubrovnik and GoT. Lol. Go anywhere else and every town in the world promotes best what they can. I can’t even imagine what it is like for locals to be overrun by tourists who pee everywhere and vomit yet don’t leave a dime. A little respect goes long way, in my humble opinion. You get what you give.
      On the other side, just fir fun I Google Croatia sometimes and I always get the same towns in search engines. It’s like Croatia is nothing more but Dubrovnik and Split, how annoying.
      There’s so much more to see if you know where to go, and probably fir a lot less money.

  12. nivanytsky@gmail.com says:

    Hi! Thanks so much for all the information. We’re planning a small wedding in Split and are debating restaurants for our reception (small is very small, ie 6 people including us). Our planner recommended Bokeria which looks like it has great food but seating looks a little communal and not private. Were there any more private seating options there or would you recommend we look elsewhere. Sorry for the random message but appreciate your input!!

  13. massagetherapy9@aol.com says:

    Thanks for sharing all your information! I’m sorry the people aren’t friendly in Croatia. I have a friend that’s from there and she’s darling! She says it deoends where you go and what you do ..I don’t know never been.bit it looks beautiful! Great pictures as well ! Happy travels to you! Oh didn’t you get any massages while travelling? I always do so I can stay relaxed and enjoy my trip ! ?

  14. uyulove@comic.com says:

    I totally agree with you guys, having just coming back from Croatia. I didn’t have that high of an expectation but I didn’t really think it was that amazing either (also wanted to starting heading back). It was the same price as many other western european cities but without the infrastructure.. I loved the island (Hvar) but that was about it. It’s definitely not one of my favorite countries in Europe.

  15. Chang.nana@gmail.com says:

    Appreciate the review. I am hoping to go in September a little off the busy season, I was wondering if you think one day is enough for Plitvice Lakes?

  16. danbac36@gmail.com says:

    I have travelled to Croatia many times over the last ten years from Australia as it became one of my favourite places in the world after my first visit. The towns of Split and Dubrovnik are busy in July and August however in my opinion people overstate this as all the beautiful places in the world are busy, ie French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Dalmatian Coast and places like Mykonos and Santorini. I for one don’t mind the Crowds other than when Cruise ships are around which you may have encountered in Dubrovnik. They are normally gone by 6pm. There are places that are off the beaten track in Croatia that are stunning and if you want smaller crowds go in June or September. But places like Vis island and Island of Murter are beautiful and not overcrowded during peak season. There is still a good vibe and not too sleepy. Also small cities of Sibenik and Zadar are stunning as is Rovinj and places like Opatilja. Croatia is also a lot cheaper in shoulder season. I’m an avid traveller and blog reader and surprisingly the only time I’ve read a blogger write a negative review is when they are a budget traveller, backpacker or nomadic traveller and the first place they visit in Croatia is Dubrovnik. It’s as if they expect these cheap third world prices not realising they are coming to some of the most stunning and classy old towns in the entire world.

    • bwzweber@gmail.com says:

      Hey Dan, thanks for your detailed comment. Love hearing about more cities to explore in Croatia, especially ones that are not as crowded.
      During our trip to Croatia, we were on a year-long trip so we were traveling on a budget, and were slightly surprised but the prices in Croatia compared to neighboring countries. Just want to set expectations straight for other travelers and share our experience so they are prepared.

  17. Mandy says:

    Hi! I stumbled upon your site while researching for our 2019 trip to Croatia and Slovenia. I appreciate the candid feedback and helps solidify my decision to skip a few of the "must see" towns. It’s hard to skip when you don’t know when/if you’ll make it back, but I know it’s not what we like to do when we travel. It will give us more time to explore wine country.

    • bwzweber@gmail.com says:

      Glad we could help, Mandy. It is tricky choosing cities sometimes, but you have travel according to your travel style and not just because places are marked as “must see” spots. Have a great trip!

  18. costas@beyondgreentravel.com says:

    Katie and Ben, Just finished reading about your Croatia trip. First time to see your site. Feedback: You did a good job! Don’t be overly concerned about offering candid opinions based upon your experiences. Even when they may be negative. Travel is like beauty – "In the eyes of the beholder". It is refreshing to read a site that avoid hype and focuses on being honest, even if you sounded somewhat apologetic for not loving Croatia. What is most important is truth in travel. Keep at it.- Costas Christ, Editor at Large, National Geographic Traveler

    • bwzweber@gmail.com says:

      Wow, we are honored at such a compliment from you, Costas. We always aim to be honest, even if it’s not the easiest way to write. We appreciate honesty when we read other blogs, and we hope others feel the same when they read our writing. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

  19. emilyherman7@gmail.com says:

    Thank you for your advice! We are planning a trip to Croatia and plan to use a few tidbits learned from what you’ve mentioned here.

  20. contact@travelscams.org says:

    Great article, thanks for the tips!

    Indeed, Croatia is indeed home to many amazing sights and sounds, but in this beautiful land also lie some tourist-targeting scammers. Do be wary of the hostess bar scam, beach thieves, overcharging restaurants, pickpocketing, flat tire scam, overcharging taxi drivers, holiday apartment scam, car rental scam, border scam and many more!

    • bwzweber@gmail.com says:

      It’s always good to travel with common sense, David, so thanks for that reminder. We didn’t experience any of these scams while in Croatia (even during busy season). It’s good to be aware, but not to worry about traveling in Croatia.

  21. marko.spikic@gmail.com says:

    You’ve numbered the main problems regarding your trip to Croatia: thinking it is still an "undiscovered gem", that you’ve mostly stayed within the most touristy locations and that you had way too high expectations.
    Croatia is having a huge influx of tourists for the last several years and many people think that it’s still not that discovered, which isn’t true. This year it will be visited by around if not more than 20 million people. Have in mind that the country itself has only a bit over 4 million inhabitants.
    Also, people read blogs like this that rave about the country and have unrealistic expectations that sometimes can be hard to meet. Especially when you travel in the middle of the summer when the number of visitors can be off-putting.
    That being said, one needs to do some homework before the trip to know what more or less to expect and not to get unpleasantly surprised and enjoy their visit to Croatia.

    • hello@twowanderingsoles.com says:

      Thank you Mario for basically summarizing what we stated in the article. We acknowledged that our expectations were off and wrote this article to inform others so they don’t have the same experience as us. We really liked traveling in Croatia and encourage others to go there as well. We would love to go back during an shoulder or off season.

  22. katharina.office@gmail.com says:

    Hello Ben and Katie,

    fantastic and honest article. I agree with everything you write about Croatia. I had to smile about your "high expectations". 😉

    My family and I used to travel to Istria in Croatia every summer for, well, at least 5 years? I think the last time we spent our holiday there was maybe in 2011? I remember it to be always crowded, even though we stayed in a small fishermen’s village, not really a big player in the touristic landscape of Croatia. Still, the beach was packed with tourists, families,… but beautiful though. The reason could be, that many Germans and Austrians go there in summer, because it’s nearby, easy to reach and (still) cheaper than Spain or Italy.
    Sooo july & august, or summer in general isn’t really a great time to explore Croatia.

    Though, I have beautiful memories of that country as well. We used to drive around the countryside – and one time, by chance, we came by an old, very small village. It was in the middle of nowhere. Located on a hill and surrounded by the remains of a medieval fortress. The houses and streets were made of stone – and there was absolutely nobody far and wide. So calm. By the time the landscape darkened, it was a cloudy day, and this gave the whole scenery the final touch 😉 I don’t remember the name of that place, but it was somewhere in the middle of Istria.

    Hope you’ll go back someday (not in summer!) and have a great time, maybe you can still find some hidden treasures. <3

    all the best for your future-journeys,

    Kathi from nomadenleben.tumblr.com

    • bwzweber@gmail.com says:

      Hi Kathi, that sounds like a lovely memory of Croatia, so peaceful and charming. And don’t get us wrong, we would love to travel back to Croatia, but you’re right, we probably won’t go in the summer again. Thanks for your comment.

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