Here are a few things to know about Croatia before you decide to visit!
Croatia is a stunning country that’s definitely worth visiting, but like every destination, it’s important to do your research and prepare beforehand. Here’s a quick guide to 10 things you definitely need to know before you visit, so keep reading if Croatia is one of your next destinations!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CROATIA
THE CURRENCY IS EURO
As of January 2023, Croatia officially uses the Euro. Even though it’s been a while, some visitors still wonder if they need Kuna, Croatia’s old currency. The answer is no, it’s all Euros now! Unfortunately, there’s no Kuna anymore, and if you have any from a previous trip, you cannot use it anymore.
Euro makes travel a bit easier for those coming from other EU countries, because they don’t have to exchange currencies, but even if you’re coming over for a Euro trip from another continent, it’s super convenient to use just one currency across multiple countries. Cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to carry a bit of cash in Croatia, especially when visiting smaller towns or island villages.
YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY RENT A CAR
There’s no better way to explore Croatia than by car. If you want the freedom to explore the charming coastal towns, national parks, and hidden beaches, you need the flexibility the car offers you. While public transport is great and you can see loads with it, a car just makes everything much easier. I would highly recommend renting a car immediately at the airport when you land, so you can start exploring as soon as possible. Here are 4 great road trip itineraries which can help you out plan your trip.
CROATIANS SPEAK GREAT ENGLISH
If you’re wondering how well Croatians speak English, don’t worry at all! Croatians are among world’s best non-native English speakers, so you’ll converse with anyone easily, especially younger people in tourist areas. Menus, signs, and tours are all available in English, so communication is a breeze for most travelers. It would be a great idea to learn a few Croatian words just out of respect. Often used are Dobar dan (Hello), Hvala (Thank you), Doviđenja (Goodbye), Da (Yes), Ne (No).
YOU MAY NEED A VISA
If you’re from the EU, visiting Croatia will be super easy. If you’re not from the EU, make sure to research whether you need a visa before visiting. Croatia is part of the Schengen Area, so depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. If you’re coming from the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, you can typically stay for up to 90 days without a visa. If you’re coming from somewhere else in the world, check out the latest requirements based on your country before you travel to Croatia.
CROATIA IS EXTREMELY SAFE
If you’re thinking of visiting Croatia solo, or just wondering how safe it is, I’m happy to tell you that Croatia is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. Crime rates are low, and both locals and tourists generally feel very secure, even at night. That said, obviously keep your belongings close, especially in crowded tourist areas, because you never know what can happen. As long as you’re smart about it, you won’t have any problems.
THERE ARE MOSTLY ROCKY BEACHES
Croatia’s coast is absolutely stunning, but don’t expect endless sandy beaches, because that’s not what you’re getting here. Croatia is known for its rocky and pebbled beaches. They’re beautiful, clean, and the water is incredibly clear, but if you have sensitive feet, you might find it a bit tricky getting into the sea.
I would highly recommend packing water shoes for comfort and easier swimming. All in all, once you see the stunning sea, you won’t miss the sandy beaches at all. However, if you really want to experience sandy beaches, there are a few popular ones you can visit. Check out Paradise Beach (Rab), Sakarun Beach (Dugi Otok), or Šunj Beach (Lopud).
HUGE TOURIST SPOTS ATTRACT LARGE CROWDS
While there’s plenty of different towns on the coast, tourists tend to visit the most popular ones, so those get quite crowded. Places like Dubrovnik, Split, and Plitvice Lakes are breathtaking, and during peak summer months (July–August) these spots can be overwhelming. If you don’t like huge crowds, consider visiting in May, June, or September. You’ll get a more relaxed experience with fewer tourists. If you want to visit during summer, make sure you stay in less popular spots where the crowds won’t be as huge.
TRY POPULAR LOCAL DISHES
I know I’m a bit subjective as a local, but Croatia has excellent food which is worth trying. Croatian cuisine is a tasty mix of Mediterranean and Central European flavors. There are quite a few delicious meals I would recommend trying, and here are some of them:
- Peka is a meat or seafood dish slow-cooked under a bell-like dome. Octopus is a great choice!
- Black risotto is risotto made with squid ink and seafood. It’s a very unique dish.
- Ćevapi are grilled minced meat sausages very loved in the Balkans.
- Pag cheese, Dalmatian prosciutto, and fresh seafood are also must-tries.
- If it’s on your way, try mussels and oysters at Mali Ston.
MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If you don’t have the ability or budget to rent a car, you can still see Croatia easily by using public transport. Public transport is affordable and reliable, and the main forms or transport are buses and ferries. In cities like Zagreb or Split, local buses and trams are also efficient and easy to use. Check out Arriva and Flixbus for buses, and Jadrolinija and Krilo for ferries.
CROATIA IS NOT THAT BUDGET-FRIENDLY ANYMORE
Croatia used to be a hidden gem for budget travelers, but in the last few years prices have risen significantly, especially in the most popular tourist locations. The country has become too expensive, even for the everyday life of locals, and it gets even more expensive on the coast during the summer.
Accommodation, restaurant meals, and attractions in places like Dubrovnik and Hvar can be on par with the most expensive countries of Western Europe. If you’re traveling on a budget, make sure you stay in less-touristy towns, eat at local konobas and bakeries, and avoid peak season when prices are outrageous.
