I am a big researcher. I love, love the thrill I get from planning a trip. I tend to read numerous guidebooks, articles, and blogs related to the destination I am going to visit.
Even with all the reading (and posting questions in groups), there is a certain level of discovery involved with every trip. It is impossible to print real-life experiences in a paper (or on a digital form).
And, to be honest, the real learning about a destination starts once I hit the ground. At least, that is the feeling I got when I visited Croatia earlier this year. I got super prepared for the trip but got surprised by several aspects anyway.
I realize my experiences may benefit others who have never visited the country. That is why I have decided to share some observations and insights.
Ready? Let’s begin.
Table of Contents
Planning a Trip to Croatia
Here is a list of the things I wish I have known about Croatia before planning a trip to the country.
1.As with Iceland, I was surprised by the inaccuracy of prices reported by travel websites and blogs. Prices are increasing by the minute due to the country’s rising popularity. If the article you are reading is more than a year old, the prices are probably outdated. In addition, I noticed articles reflecting last year’s prices because that is when a blogger visited but the article was written a year later.
Moral of the story: double check prices before visiting a place/attraction.
2.You will probably hear a lot of sources mentioning the affordability of the Balkan countries. Well, they may be referring to Montenegro or Bosnia because let me tell you, I didn’t find Croatia inexpensive at all. A lot of prices are on par with what you will find in Western Europe.
3.Even though I didn’t find Croatia economical, I noticed a big difference between Zagreb and the Dalmatian Coast. Zagreb and other inland cities offer an excellent value for your money. However, prices start to blow up when you hit Zadar and Split. Then, things get totally out of control once you arrive at Dubrovnik.
I am talking about $15 for a simple dish, $40-$50 for a seafood dish and $100 for a day excursion.
Keep this in mind when planning your travel route.
4.Dubrovnik is the most popular city in Croatia and, as a consequence, it can get very crowded. I visited during late May and the crowds were crazy. I heard it gets worst in July and August.
Most of the crowds congregate in and around Old Town. If you visit during those months, try to stop by Old Town first thing in the morning.
5.Even though Dubrovnik can get insanely crowded, there are areas where you can go to escape the madness. For example, you can walk around the ports, visit the Lapad beaches or take a boat to Lokrum island.
Also, remember Dubrovnik is part of a Riviera. You can stay or visit towns such as Slano, Trsteno, Zaton, MIini, Plat, and Cavtat. These places are gorgeous!
6.Even though my husband loved Split, I am not that fond of the city. The sights can be seen in a short amount of time and this is not a beach town. Now, Split is an excellent base for island hopping and national parks visits.
7.The saving grace in terms of prices is lodging. You can find beautiful apartments and private rooms for a nice amount. I didn’t pay more than 40 euros per night (2 persons). Book well in advance to get the best deals!
8.Your host will be your best friend! He or she can recommend the best things to do, see and eat in their city. I loved every one of my hosts. Their advice was on point. We would have never found the great restaurants we visited without their advice.
9.Save money on food by replacing one or two meals with items found at a grocery store. There are plenty of big and small stores in touristic areas. Sounds totally unglamorous but a lot of people balance their budget by doing that.
10.For meals, restaurants located in residential neighborhoods offer the best value. For example, in Dubrovnik, we stayed in the Gruz area (close to the port). We used to eat at the local pizza joint before walking to our apartment instead of having something at the Old Town. By doing that, we saved more than 40% (and I bet you the food was better).
11.Many cities have a daily market selling fresh produce (or stalls selling produce all day on the main plazas). This is a great opportunity to taste the country’s bounty while support local businesses.
12.I found taxis rides on the expensive side. The prices are fixed (instead of metered), therefore, you will pay the same price for short or long rides on a route. I would use taxis only for emergencies.
Update: A fellow Croatian blogger told me taxis in Croatia should be metered. He mentioned I was probably scammed (and I do not doubt it). However, I would like to mention I took taxis in designated areas (I did not hail them on the street). At Plitvice National Park, I was directed to the taxi area by the touristic info office. Those taxis did not have meters.
13.Uber worked great for me in Zagreb and Dubrovnik. As mentioned, the service is really cheap in Zagreb and a bit pricier in Dubrovnik. The bus, which everyone uses, is a better deal in Dubrovnik.
14.Dishes vary per region. The Istrian Peninsula has a strong Italian influence, Zagreb and Slavonia have a central European vibe (stews, goulash, sausages) and seafood reigns on the Dalmatian coast. I know I am simplifying things in here (regions may not be that homogeneous) but you will notice the differences in terms of food.
15.Did I mention the pizza in Croatia is super delicious? I still dream about those thin crusts topped with ingredients such as prosciutto, arugula, and anchovies. Now that I am back home, I keep comparing all pizzas to the ones in Croatia. Not sure if I have become a pizza snob.
16.Split and Dubrovnik’s Old Towns are pedestrian zones. If you are staying inside their perimeters, get prepared to move your luggage around stairs, inclines and narrow alleys. Several neighborhoods in Dubrovnik are located in hills. Since roads are slim, some taxis leave people at the base or top of the nearer staircase. Pack light if you are staying in these areas.
17.And, since we are talking about mobility, many people find the geography of the Dalmatian Coast a challenge. I may add it is not only the geography but the attractions too. The walls of Dubrovnik and Ston can be classified as a full workout. The best views in Trogir and Split are accessed through long staircases. As a matter of fact, I have never traveled to a country with so many stairs. Make sure you are physically and mentally prepared to tackle these “challenges.”
18.Train service is almost nonexistent in Dalmatia. There is a train connecting Zagreb and Split (the two biggest cities) and that is pretty much it. Transportation is by bus, ferry, private transfer or car.
19.Bus service is affordable and reliable. Do not expect premium buses with TVs, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Some companies may offer these but, for what I observed, this is not the norm. I thought service was decent.
20.Bus drivers may charge a fee (usually 1 Euro) per suitcase stored in the luggage area. This is normal in the country (and area).
21.Do not assume your destination is going to be clearly labeled on the bus or platform. If departure time is approaching and you cannot identify your bus, start asking around. The bus is probably on the station but on a different platform or the destination is labeled in small letters.
22.Ferry schedules offer the best times during June, July, and August (morning, afternoon and evening departures to the islands). Schedules are somehow limited during the rest of the year. I visited Croatia during late May and was not able to visit the islands as a day trip because there were only afternoon departures available. Take this into consideration to avoid potential disappointment.
23.Many companies offer short cruises (60 to 90 minutes) for about 20 to 30 Euros. Taking a ferry between cities may cost one-third of that and provide the same wow factor.
24.Many businesses do not have a presence in their actual location. Once you arrive at the site (hotel, apartment, car rental agency), you have to call for somebody to show up and provide the service. This may present a problem for those who do not have a phone with an international data plan. I recommend you agree on an arrival time with your service provider a couple of days before the arrival date. However, there is no guarantee a person will be waiting for you. Get prepared to wait.
25.This point is related to the previous. When booking a hotel or apartment, the booking site may show the reception is open for a determined amount of time. For example, it may show the receptions is available for check-in from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Well, the same concept as above applies. A reception area may not exist and you will need to call for somebody to show up. It is very difficult (or almost impossible) to determine from the booking site if a “traditional” reception exists. Coordinate with the hotel/apartment beforehand.
26.I found the weather forecast in the country inaccurate. Things ended up being the complete opposite of what was forecasted. Locals told me there are several factors that make weather prediction difficult. Therefore, be prepared for anything. You have no idea how a cheap poncho saved me more than once.
27.The sun is strong in Croatia. Because of that, it is important to pack sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. I would go for the highest SPF. This one is not a joke. I saw a lot of people badly sunburned (there is no way they were enjoying their vacation in that state).
28.The southernmost part of the Dalmatian Coast is separated from the rest of the country by a coastal strip belonging to Bosnia. That means that to reach Dubrovnik you will need to exit Croatia, enter Bosnia, exit Bosnia and enter Croatia. Have your passport on hand to expedite the process!
29.Many people have a desire to visit Bosnia and Montenegro as a day trip from Split or Dubrovnik. I would recommend checking the time you are going to spend on transit if you book an excursion to one of these countries. The transit time may be longer than the time spent on location. This may be tough for some people.
In my opinion, these are not places to visit on a day trip because of the distance and border crossings (you can tell I was stuck more than two hours on the border when returning from Montenegro). And, to be honest, it is very difficult to visit these places as a day trip using public transportation.
30. Many beaches in Croatia are rocky or pebbly. Beachgoers compensate for this by bringing a mat, renting a chair or spending the day at a beach club. Also, people are not that worried about sunbathing on a beach per se. I saw a lot of people claiming a random rock on the shore and spending some time there.
31.Croatia has plenty of beaches designated for naturalists. These beaches are designated with an FKK symbol on maps. You may encounter people sunbathing nude on areas non-designated as naturalist. Make sure to respect their privacy.
32.I got a lot of puzzled looks when I mentioned I was visiting Croatia. Just to make things clear, Croatia is a modern, developed and safe country. There is no need to worry about security or infrastructure issues.
33. Also, I didn’t have any problems communicating with locals. English is widely spoken and you should be fine if you have a basic knowledge of the language (Note: English is not my mother tongue but I am referring to it since it seems to be what people from different nationalities use to understand each other).
34.During my time in Croatia, fellow travelers expressed their discontent with the Croat’s way of being. These comments broke my heart since I received a lot of help and attention from the people in Croatia. I was even invited to homes.
I was being told by locals that I had a “different spirit” and that is probably one of the greatest compliments I have ever received. I am not going to pretend I have all things figured out but I can tell you people can detect if have a genuine interest in them. Superficiality shows.
People will open up when you show interest in their story. A couple of minutes is enough to make a connection that is going to be remembered for years. Keep that in mind when visiting Croatia (or any other country).
35.You are not going to see Croatia in one or two weeks. The country has an area of 56,594 square kilometers (21,851 square miles) and more than a 1,000 islands. Several trips are needed to get to know the many marvels of Croatia. But, those are very good news!
More of Croatia
Do not miss my article about the best things to do in Cavtat, a small town located 10 miles south of Dubrovnik.
More European Travels
Remember to check these other stories if you want to see more of Europe.
- 7 Phenomenal Things To Do in Frankfurt
- 10+ Things to Do In Old Town Prague
- Vienna in 2, 3 or 4 Days
- Best of Budapest: Sights, Itineraries and Day Trips
Have you been to Croatia? What surprised you about the country? What advice would you give to those who have never been?
Esther says
Excellent post. When we stayed in Dubrovnik, we chose to reside in Lapad and I highly recommend it. It’s away from the crowded city centre, close to the beach and near plenty of restaurants. I also highly recommend taking full advantage of the ferries going from Split and Dubrovnik, so you can stay at some of the islands, I particularly loved Korcula (where Marco Polo was said to be born). Trogir is an excellent place to stay if Split turns out to be too expensive. Enjoy!!!!
#WanderfulWednesdays
Harva Carbone says
Thank you for this recommendation. I am planning a Sept. 2024 trip to Croatia for my husband and I and another couple, so am gathering lots of info. Though we want to visit Dubrovnik, we don’t want to stay there and think Lapad would be a good choice. Thank you for all your other recommendations as I will take not of them when booking VBRO apartments.
Rhonda Albom says
I have wanted to visit Dubrovnik for a long time and your tips would be very useful. I had not realized that the costs have gone up towards those of western Europe. I have also found that local Neighborhood restaurants are less expensive (and better) than those in the more popular areas.
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
What an excellent post. The last time I was in Dubrovnik was when I was about 3 and it was the former Yugoslavia. I’ve seen and heard such amazing things about Croatia – I’m pinning this for when (notice I don’t say if,) I get to go!
Minoru says
Hi! Very beautiful photos! I want to go there in near future.
Trippin' Turpins (Kelly) says
Fabulously informative post! I have pinned this because, even though I don’t know when, I will visit Croatia one day! Thank you for sharing.
Kate and Kris says
Lots of my family and friends have been to Croatia but we’ve not managed to visit yet. You’ve given us some inspiration with those pictures and some good advice for when we do go! Thanks.
Jill says
Great tips, Ruth! I have had Croatia on my list for a long time but it’s looking like that may become a reality sooner than later. Definitely will try these out. And I, too, love the research and studying for a trip. My husband says he can’t believe how much time I spend reading about traveling 🙂
Karen says
We’ve flirted with Croatia on our fulltime travels and visited the delightful Zagreb although nothing more, partly because of the costs you mention. Hopefully next year as we travel down through to Greece.
Sharon Wagner says
Croatia is at the top of my bucket list. Lucky you!
Anisa says
I have not been to Croatia, so very interesting to read your post. I am surprised that it is getting so expensive. I have been meaning to go but just haven’t had the chance. The taxi experience sounds fishy. I think I will stick with Uber there. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Wendy Maes says
I am going to visit Dubrovnik this summer as it is a stop on my cruise in the Mediterranean. If I ever return, I will keep in mind not to book a hotel in the pedestrian zone as I don’t like climbin uphill carrying suitcases 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Upeksha says
Great post. I’ve not been to Croatia, but it’s on my list. I will pin your post, for later! #theweeklypostcard
Liana Katrina Felipe says
Great tips! #theweeklypostcard
Elaine Masters says
I spent weeks in Croatia and enjoyed my time immensely. Took a short cruise, climbed all over Split and Zagreb then down through Plitvice and onto Rovinj. Going in early spring was the trick. Lodging was available and easy, food was generally inexpensive and it was a beautiful time. I wish I’d had your post to refer to before I went.
Annette @ A French Collection says
Thank you for tip 24 and 25 I think they are my most important ‘take-away’ tips for me from your great post.
Anda says
I should have read your post last year, before our road trip through the Balkans. Now I know some of these things from my own experience. We didn’t have to use Uber as we had our own car, but it’s good to know it works well in these cities. We really loved Croatia and we hope to return there someday. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Sandra says
Amazing as well as informative post. I’ve been living in Croatia for two years now and I still haven’t seen everything.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Madhu says
Croatia is on my bucketlist since long.and your tips definetly gives a lot of insights and help into planning a nice trip.thanks so much i am saving this for future.
Jessica C says
This is so comprehensive! I’ve been curious about Croatia recently so these tips really help me understand it from a travel perspective. Thanks for taking the time to put it together!
Suzana says
Interesting view…I live close to Croatia, and I was there many times (amazing for me) and I was very curious to see how Croatia looked like with a dispassionate eye.
Anna says
I’ve only been to Dubrovnik so far but will use your tips when planning the rest of my visit to Croatia! You’re so right… the pizza in Croatia is amazing! Nearly as good as in italy!
April says
Thanks for the great tips! Croatia has long been high on my list of places to explore and it sounds like I’ll need a nice long vacation for that. Hopefully soon. I’m saving this article for later use!
Nicole says
We went 5 years ago to Dubrovnik and it was exoensive and crazy busy then. I can’t imagine now! We also took a one week gullet trip in the islands. That was fantastic. Ur tips are great especially the one to be aware of the metered taxis. I hate when a place decides its ok to scam tourists. The police should be all over this.
Mariann Ong says
What’s the place with a photo just above #6? It’s so beautiful!!!
Sharon Odegaard says
You’ve organized a fantastic amount of information on Croatia! I would love to go here, but I don’t have any specific plans. But some of your points apply to travel in general, such as buy food at local markets. We try to eat out dinner but pack lunches. Also, checking prices is a good point. A year-old blog post may be way off target by now. Pinned for future travel planning!
Erin says
These tips are incredibly helpful, especially for first time visitors. The part about arriving at your destination and not having anything there is so odd. I’d be frustrated to have to use my phone to call someone to come check me in. Also good to know about that one strip where you’d need your passport to continue exploring. Really, every single tip you provided is fantastic! I’m pinning this to help others.
Hannah says
I loved Croatia when I was there (for almost a month!) and I can’t wait to go back. It’s definitely super crowded in August. I didn’t make it all the way down to Dubrovnik, but I can only imagine how crazy it must get! I’m planning to visit during the offseason this year so I won’t have to fight the crowds, and I’m so excited!
Andrea Mayfield says
This is such a great list of tips! Cannot wait to be back soon!
Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels says
great tips! especially about the prices.for weather, check the weather here yr.no. but it can still be quite changeable especially on the northern coast. Croatia is extremely safe when compared to some other European countries but pick-pocketing is present and some people overprice their restaurants and goods. #theweeklypostcard
California Globetrotter says
Found myself nodding through the entire post! I felt the same about the prices, and definitely wasn’t prepared for the crowds! We would like to return in October! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Katherine says
Great tips for visiting Croatia. I’ve noticed more and more travel posts are about Dubrovnic, and Split, so I guess it stands to reason that you noticed they were very busy and pricier. And your point about double-checking the prices is a great one. I think sometimes we just take those things for granted then get sticker shock when we actually visit. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Keri | Ladies What Travel says
This is a really great, detailed guide with some very helpful tips for me (especially relating to all the stairs!) Thanks for the heads up! 😉 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Lady Fi says
We stayed in a lovely (and affordableI Airbnb with a very helpful local lady, and everyone was so kind. But as you say, the PRICES in Dubrovnik were even more expensive than Stockholm, London and NY!! Crazy! And the city was so very very crowded. In a nutshell, I was very disappointed and wished I had stayed the entire holiday in Montenegro instead. Lokrum was lovely and the locals very helpful – don’t get me wrong… but it was a harsh contrast with quiet Montenegro.
Tracy says
I would advise people not to stay in Dubrovnik at all but to find a hotel in Lapad. Also check when the cruise ships are in before visiting the city as it can get dangerously crowded.
I don’t agree that Bosnia and Montenegro are not good day trips from Dubrovnik. We had two excellent days in both countries. The trick is to hire a driver for the day to take you – more affordable than people realise. We loved both day trips to Montenegro and Bosnia and strongly advise people to do them.
Pity you didn’t like Split – I am with your husband I love it. Knocked Rome off it’s top spot as my favourite European city.
The train from Split to Zagreb is not recommended unless you like a 6 hour roller coaster ride!
Angie - FeetDoTravel says
This is such a good post Ruth, everyone needs to read something like this before visiting a new destination! I am also a huge researcher, I really get involved in the planning, but often nothing prepares you for the small things as you have described. Pinned, and thank you for sharing. #feetdotravel
Lauren Barratt says
I have visited Croatia several times and you really have covered everything here! Even the small details and the things you don’t consider before you arrive. Great read.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
Love this post, Ruth. We haven’t been to Croatia, and would love to. So we payed extra attention – particular to the bits about crowds and costs – and are pinning this for later. Great photos, too! Can’t wait to see them in person. 🙂
Samantha says
Great tips and lovely photos! I’ve bookmarked this post for when I make it to Croatia. #feetdotravel
Madhu says
This is so useful ..Croatia is one of the places which are on top of my bucketlist.and this guide really gave a good inside into finner details.thanks for sharing
April says
What a super helpful guide! I’m making every effort to visit Croatia next year so knowing the pricing and getting around is super helpful. I’m very curious about Split as it seems no one can agree on that city! I’m definitely saving this post for reference later. Thank you for sharing!
Kathi says
Your tips make me want to go back so bad!! One thing I’d add was to always always double check ferry times and book ahead if you can – we had some unpleasant surprises with ferries on previous trips…
Michelle says
I’ve spent a few days in Croatia, but have obviously missed so much. I definitely need to go back and check off everything on your list.
Kelly Turpin says
We are going to Croatia next year! I am so excited. It will be the first time in Europe for both of us. Thank you for this post, it is really helpful.
Hector Luis Cabán says
Excellent tips and reviews. I wish I had found this before my trip to Dubrovnik. Paying $27 for a bacon and eggs coffee was not easy. Lucky us, we found a market and made sandwiches for two for less than $8.00. If I may add, do not rent a car if you are staying in Dubrovnik, there is no public parking space and private ones can go for 10EUR an hour. We made a day trip to Montenegro, for sure we have to go back and stay there at least 4 days to really enjoy it.
Kylee says
I visited Zagreb and totally agree with you – prices were more than I was planning to pay. Great tips, thanks!
Dubrovnik boat rentals says
First of all, I would like you to say thanks to author for sharing such a great post regarding travel tips which everyone likes to see if they are going to visit first time in Croatia as in unknown place everyone wants to explore new things so they may see while going there.