5 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Croatia

Croatia is an enthralling destination located on the beautiful Adriatic coast that delights holidaymakers with its gorgeous landscapes, a culture that is amazingly rich and wonderful history. But, before you go to this incredible Mediterranean country, you should know about some important things. You have landed at the right place to know all about it along with some incredible things to do in Croatia. Get ready to learn about some crucial travel tips to discover the charming country in the best possible way with a visa for Croatia!

5 Things You Should Know & Things to Do in Croatia

1). Understand the Culture and Etiquette of Croatia

This is perhaps one of the most important things that you should know about. By understanding the etiquette and culture of Croatia, you can easily interact with locals, respect their traditions and have a great time in the country. Let’s look at some of the must-know culture and etiquette of Croatia.

1. Greeting Customs

This is one of the first things that you will do when you go to Croatia. Whether it is entering restaurants, going to tourist locations or exploring places of interest, you will interact with a lot of local people. The best way to do it in Croatia is by giving a firm handshake. This is common for first meetings in Croatia. If you are meeting close friends, you can also greet them with a kiss on each cheek. 

2. Learning the Basics of Croatian Language

You will usually find many Croatians speak English. However, it is always good to learn a few basic phrases to improve your entire travel experience in Croatia. 

Start by learning phrases like Hello – Bok [bohk], Thank you – Hvala [hvah-lah], Please – Molim [moh-leem], Excuse me – Oprosti [oh-proh-stee] and I’m sorry – Žao mi je [zhao mee yeh]. 

The locals in Croatia appreciate travellers who show interest or put in effort to speak their language even if it is just a few words.

3. Know about the Dress Code

When you go to Croatia, you will find that most of the Croatians dress casually but smartly. However, when you are going to a church or a religious site, make sure to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect to the local traditions and customs. If you are travelling to the beach, you can opt for beach attire. But when you leave from the beach, try to cover up by wearing casual clothes or attire. 

By learning about these crucial things to do in Croatia, you can easily have a wonderful time in the enthralling nation!

2). Travelling in and around Croatia

This is another crucial thing that you should know about when you visit Croatia. Travelling is one of the most frequent things you will do when you are in Croatia to see beaches, landmarks, places of interest and much more. But, how to do it? Read on!

1. The Public  Transportation

The transportation of system in Croatia is hassle-free, reliable and affordable. When you go to Croatia, you will come across buses as the primary mode of transport if you want inter-city travel. If you are going to bigger cities like Zagreb, you will find that buses as well as trams are common forms of public transportation. 

Pro Tip: Make sure to verify the ticket you get i.e., the starting and the end destination to avoid any fines.

2. Renting a Car

If you want to freely explore Croatia instead of sticking to public transport which would mean waiting for buses and trams then you should rent a car. 

By renting a car, you can easily discover Croatia at your own pace. You can travel to various destinations whenever you want and park at designated spots to enjoy an authentic view of Croatia. 

When you drive in Croatia, you need to do it on the right hand side. If you want to go to coastal areas, be ready for winding roads. Apart from this, if you are travelling via highways, be prepared to have some cash on hand to pay for at the toll.

3. Travelling to Islands (Island Hopping)

One of the major tourist attractions of Croatia is its islands. When you plan to visit these islands, you will find that most islands are connected by ferries. 

So, you can easily travel from the mainland to the islands and also travel from one island to another via a ferry. You will come across both car ferries and passenger-only ferries as well. 

Apart from this, you will also find Catamarans and Private Boats as well. A catamaran is similar to a boat but it has two hulls instead of one. These are much fast compared to regular ferries and allows you to quickly travel between the islands as well as the mainland. 

These are an essential part of the Croatia travel guide that you must know. But having thorough knowledge about travelling in and around Croatia, you can easily reach the destinations that you want to go to and have a delightful time with your loved ones!

3). The Best Things to Do in Croatia for an Unforgettable Vacation

Croatia has a wide range of spell-binding destinations that you will enjoy seeing and exploring. Whether it is the landscapes, the culture, the history or activities, there is something that every traveler will love!

1. The National Parks of Croatia 

Croatia is home to eight incredible national parks that will offer a bunch of amazing experiences for you and your family. 

One of the best national parks that you must go to in Croatia is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws millions of travellers each year with its turquoise lakes, lush greenery and numerous waterfalls. Another wonderful national park that you should go to is the Krka National Park. This amazing place is home to 16 waterfalls including the largest travertine waterfall of Europe. Other popular national parks include Mljet National Park and Brijuni National Park.

2. Gorgeous Beaches of Croatia

Croatia boasts a collection of stunning beaches that you will have an incredible time exploring. 

One of the most popular beaches that you should visit is the Zlatni Rat (Golden Rat) in Brač Island. This wonderful beach is unique thanks to its ever-changing shape coupled with crystal clear waters and white pebbles. You will enjoy sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing and kitesurfing activities here. 

Another beach that you shouldn’t miss out on is the Banje Beach in Dubrovnik. You will find this wonderful place just below the old town of Dubrovnik where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the city walks. This beach is best known for water sports like banana boat rides, jet skiing and parasailing.

Other beaches that you should check out are the Stuniva Beach of Vis Island and Nugal Beach near Makarska. 

3. Check Out Marine Life of Croatia

Some of the best locations where you can enjoy diving are Vis Island, Kvarner Gulf, Dubrovnik and Kornati Archipelago. In these places, you can check out unique wildlife like Nudibranchs, Damsel fish, Gorgonians, Scorpion fish, Sea Bream and Combers.

Apart from this, you can also go Wreck Diving to check out some iconic things like a B-17 bomber, WWI and WWII shipwrecks.

Want to explore all these stunning attractions? Book a Croatia Visa Appointment. Get started on your incredible Croatia getaway!

4). The Delicious Croatian Cuisine and Dining Customs 

Delicious food is one of the interesting things you will love about Croatia. When visiting Croatia, you will encounter a wide range of culinary delights, from wines to traditional dishes.

1. Traditional Foods & Wines of Croatia

When you go to restaurants or cafés to enjoy the traditional food of Croatia, you will find out that they are a fusion of Central European and Mediterranean flavours. 

One of the best dishes to try is “Peka”. This mouth-watering is made by slowly cooking meat and vegetables that results in a flavorful experience. Another dish is the Crni Rižot (Black Risotto) which is made of cuttlefish ink or squid which represents the flavorful Dalmatian cuisine. As for the wines, you should try out Plavac Mali (most famous red wine), Malvazija (white wine) and Graševina (white grape wine).

2. Dining Etiquette of Croatia

Meals and dinners are usually social events in Croatia. That means, you will most likely see a blend of casualness as well as formality. 

Dinners usually start around 7 and these are slow-paced. This allows you to easily talk to one another while relishing the delightful flavours of the food. If someone invites you to their home, pick up a small gift, wine or sweets. It is customary to accept, if you are offered a second serving.

5). Apply for a Visa for Croatia in Advance!

Travelling to Croatia and exploring the beautiful country is a wonderful experience that you will love immensely. However, in order to enjoy a smooth travel experience, you will need to apply for the Croatia visa in advance. 

You can do this by first booking a Croatia visa appointment through a trusted partner. By doing this, you can have more time to plan for your trip, while experts handle your appointment scheduling process.

After that, simple visit the visa centre on the day of the appointment with all of your documents. After completing the appointment requirements, you will easily get your Croatia visa from UK in just a few days. 

Now, you can easily head over to Croatia for an amazing time with your loved ones! 

Conclusion

These are 5 things you should know and amazing things to do in Croatia. From travelling inside Croatia to enjoying the food, the traditions of Croatia, tourist destinations and much more, Croatia has it all for you and your loved ones. But, to experience all these on your Croatia vacation, you should first get your Croatia visa. So, what are you waiting for? Book your appointment for Croatia visa today. After that, simply pack your bags and jet off to the charming country for an amazing time! 

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Croatia?

The best time to go to Croatia to see it is during the shoulder season months like May and September. During this time the crowds are fewer and you will the weather to be pleasant as well. However, if you do not mind the crowds, then you can go to Croatia during the peak season i.e., July and August.

2. What is the currency used in Croatia? 

Croatia uses the Euro (€) as its official currency. Initially, the country used the Croatian Kuna (HRK). But, they officially joined the eurozone on January 1, 2023. Since then, the Euro has been the official currency of Croatia.

3. Are credit cards widely accepted in Croatia? 

Indeed, a majority of hotels, stores, restaurants, and tourist destinations accept credit cards. Still, a lot of tourists advise bringing cash, particularly if you’re visiting tiny towns or rural areas.

4. What are the must-see attractions in Croatia?

Some of the must-see attractions or destinations in Croatia are the old town of Dubrovnik, the historic city of Split, the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the captivating islands of Hvar and Brač.

5. Is Croatia expensive for tourists? 

When you go to Croatia, you will find that it is more affordable as compared to some Western European countries. This is especially true for areas and destinations that are away from the usual tourist places. But, be prepared to see fluctuating prices between the inland places and the coastal areas.