Croatia Travel Guide: Beautiful Holidays and Adventures
There is a relatively small area of Croatia that can be called the most beautiful place in the Balkans. Although the country is small, it has a lot of natural and man-made beauty. It is surrounded by turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. On the small group tours you'll find unique mountain views, narrow streets in old cities, and green parks where romance reigns.
A warm climate, picturesque landscapes, sandy sea coasts, and rugged mountains make the country a popular tourist destination. There are unique castles in almost every city for antiquity lovers. The summer days are perfect for lying on the beach and listening to the surf, and the winter days are perfect for skiing.
Wine tours, held at historical factories, draw tourists to the country. There's an annual carnival in Dubrovnik in February, which attracts event tourists. With its dried meat and cheese, the state is famous all over the world for its gastronomic tradition.
What to Do in Croatia
There are lots of things to do in Croatia, whether you're active, passive, or sightseeing. Diving, surfing, and fishing are all popular in the Adriatic Sea. Tourists in the European state have to:
- Take a trip to Plitvice Lakes. In addition to natural fresh water bodies, the national park has waterfalls, caves, mountains, and ancient beech and coniferous forests. Animals like bears, wolves, forest cats, roe deer and more live here.
- Take a look at this unique marine organ. Wind passes through pipes embedded in the steps of the embankment that vary in length, diameter, and slope.
- Get a taste of the delicious truffles. In the forest near Motovun, which stretches for several tens of kilometers, there are black and white mushrooms. In honor of the harvest, there's a festival where you can try the delicious treats.
Croatia has a lot of beautiful rivers that are perfect for rafting. The right tributary of the Cupa River Dobra is popular with tourists with average training who want to get their adrenaline pumping.
Best Places to Visit in Croatia
People don't just come to Croatia to relax on the beaches. The country has a lot of museums, architectural monuments, ancient castles, and fortresses. The main historical sites are in Zagreb. Exhibits of the museum complex Mimara have a unique exhibition of paintings by famous artists.
Dubrovnik is one of those cities you just have to see. Located on a rocky cliff, washed by the Adriatic Sea, the ancient part of the city is the most popular. Tourists love strolling down Stradun, the limestone-paved central street with lots of shops. The princely palace, built at the end of the XV century, deserves special attention. Bas-reliefs in Gothic style adorn the building.
The best zoo in Croatia is in Maksimir park. There's a lot of space for different animals to live, as close to their natural habitat as possible. Here you can see the rare snow leopard, pygmy hippopotamus, and baby panda.
Tips
Croatia has been in the European Union for a while, but the local kunas are still the currency. In some stores, you can pay in euros, but the price tag says it's inflated. Follow these tips to make sure your journey doesn't get spoiled:
- You can drink tap water in any city in the country.
- Italian, German, and English are widely spoken in many cities.
- Rijeka is the best place to find cheap jewelry.
- During Velvet season, starting in September, it's best to visit the country for beach vacations.
- With the healing oil at Naftalan, you can improve your health.
- Croatia has developed religious tourism, so during Christian holidays there are lots of people.
- Truffle hunting and tasting are popular tourist attractions.
Restaurant tips in the country are ambiguous. Don't forget to check that the payment isn't on the main bill before thanking the waiter. Tips aren't shrugged off by cab drivers, bartenders, and tour guides.
FAQ About Journey in Croatia
How do I communicate with the locals?
Croats speak English fairly well, but prefer to converse in their native tongue with tourists. Learn a few common phrases to build trust with the locals.
What's the cost of eating out?
In a European country, restaurants are quite affordable. Always check the portion sizes before ordering, because they're usually huge.
Which beaches are there in the country?
Croatian beaches are mostly rocky. Make sure you don't step on a sea urchin, which lives in shallow water. Wear rubber slippers before you go in the water to be safe.
What are the safety rules for tourists?
Croatia is relatively safe. However, you shouldn't walk around the city with large sums of cash or original documents, which can be left in a hotel safe. There's a chance you'll meet a pickpocket in a crowded place.
What's special about national cuisine?
Most tourists will enjoy the local cuisine. There are tons of restaurants that serve paprika-seasoned meat with lots of vegetables.
What are the peculiarities of local behavior?
Slowness is the hallmark of most Croatians. Almost any request is possible, but only for the next day. Promises are usually made in words. Local men have an ardent temperament, so attractive girls sometimes find themselves in awkward situations. It's better not to walk alone.
What's the best way to save money?
When you buy goods in local stores for more than 500 kuna, you get a tax refund of 22%. To do this, you'll need to show a receipt to a customs officer.
What don't the locals like?
There aren't many fences in Croatia, but you can't trespass on private property.
What's the best way to please friends and family after a vacation?
Tourists usually bring back local souvenirs and handicrafts. Get a Morcich - a small Moor's head - as a gift. Ceramic vessels with birds and round stone houses are also popular.
How do I get around the country?
Rail connects most cities in the country. Dubrovnik is the exception. Intercity and city buses are also comfortable. Despite paying by the meter, cabs are expensive. There are ferries between the mainland and all the islands.
When's the best time to go to Croatia?
Come to the country whenever you want. It's important to think about what you're going to do. Summer and autumn are the best times for beach holidays, yachting, and diving. The ski resorts are just as open in winter as the Alpine resorts.
