Avoid the Sea Urchins!
I would like to say that Croatia is absolutely beautiful and a worthwhile place to visit. We were enthralled by Trogir and the inland waterfalls. The roads are great for travelling. Restaurants are a bit scarce where we stayed in Razanj, but the small local hotel was very hospitable and food good, especially the vegetarian platter. Private accommodation standard is great. One thing which was not mentioned when we arrived and everyone should be made aware of, are the SEA URCHINS! Every visitor should be told where to buy rubber shoes from day one! It would avoid a lot of hassle and unnecessary pain. We did the best swimming off the rocks at Razanj, beautiful crystal clear water. The fresh markets are superb and the local bread is delicious. Try the marmalade donuts! I would definately go back again, this time with my rubber shoes...
Submitted by Christa & Stam, 2nd August 2007

General Tips
1. There are many atms from which cash may be withdrawn in local currency and provides better rates of exchange that cash or travellers cheques. For small amounts of cash to change the local tourist information centres sometimes offer facilties to exchange money without charges. Whilst many hotels etc quote euros (because most of the foreign visitors are from EU countries whose currency is now Euros), they frequently present bills finally in Kuna.

2.Bartering is acceptable in many instances such as it markets, jewellery shops, private rooms for rent.

3. Local alcoholic spirits and cigarettes are cheaper to buy than at duty free at airports.

4. Most locals will try and help with translation or queries. The younger generation appear to speak English as their 2nd langauge but the older population appear to speak German (or even Russion) as their 2nd langauge.

5. When ordering steak to eat, well done and medium appears to be understand but for 'rare' they call it 'English'.

6.Many of the holiday resorts close down by mid September (my experience along the Kvarner coast) although the weather can be glorious in September.

7. Local foods, wines, products etc are usually much cheaper than their imported equivalents.
Submitted by Susan, 15th October 2006

Croatian Coffee
I have to say that the BEST vacation I've taken in a LONG time was to Pula, Croatia. We've been there 4 times, and we're going back in October! The people are so open, and friendly, the vistas are breathtaking, and the food is amazing! A day-trip to The Brijuni Islands is not to be missed!

My tip for travellers would have to be - try the Croatian Coffee, but DON'T mistake if for the much weaker American version! Watch the locals around you if you happen to be in a situation where a hostess has placed a pot of coffee on the table. When the locals put a lot of sugar and milk in their cups, and then about 1/4-1/3 of a mugfull of coffee, that's because the croatian coffee is STRONG! Do NOT fill your coffee cup up most of the way, then plan on adding a little milk and sugar, it won't work! I ended up sipping, and adding milk and sugar, sipping and adding, all night! I wondered why the coffee pot "only" had 4 cups in it when she put it on the table. I didn't dare tell her that I didn't like the coffee. Actually, it was better coffee than I'd had in a long time, or have had since!

Happy travelling
Submitted by Sam, 16th September 2006

Must See Places
My name is Mats and I live in Gothenburg, on the west coast of Sweden. Three years ago I spent a week with some friends, sailing off Split. I have many nice impressions from Croatia, and I am returning there next month for another sailing tour. My first recommendation is to visit the old part of Split. It is like being transferred back in time to the Roman times! Another must is the town of Hvar. Here you also get the feeling of being in ancient Rome, with the old market place and the beautiful old buildings. Then there is the nice little town of Milna, with its narrow streets. Being on a boat, you will of course be able to explore many inviting bays, where you can go swimming almost on your own. Looking forward to returning!
Submitted by Mats, 25th August 2006

Go Swimming!
If you're visiting the Dalmatian Coast, and that's where most holiday makers head for, then go swimming in the sea. This may seem to many an obvious part of a seaside holiday, but particularly for those touring around or visitors who do not like lying in the sun it could be one of those things to which you never quite get around. Croatia doesn't have many beaches of the sandy or even pebbly variety. The coastline is largely rocky and resorts will have 'beaches' and promenades constructed from concrete to provide easy access to the sea; that makes it sound a bit grim, but it isn't:-) So why bother? Because the Adriatic is crystal clear and full of fish and other sealife! You can cheaply buy a mask and snorkel, and swimming shoes to protect against sea urchins if you're walking into the sea over rocks, and in the buoyant salty water you can then spend a delightful time watching a completely different and enchanting facet of Croatia only metres from the shore. Just don't become too carried away and let your back get sunburnt!
Submitted by Geoff, 11th August 2006

Be Flexible!
My name is Henry and I'm from Malta. I like to travel a lot and I have picked up some excellent tips along the way. Hopefully my next destination is beautiful Croatia, a trip I have been thinking of for some time. The greatest travel tip I have ever received and that I put on top of my travel tips is plan and re-plan. Although, sometimes trips out of the blue have their own sense of awe and adventure, the best trips have always been those well-prepared in advance, especially if you like those kind of trips that include moving from city to city and not stay in one place. The best way is to sketch an itinerary. Most probable, during your trip, you will not follow it to the letter, but having in mind this itinerary will make you feel that you have taken the utmost out of your trip. One other important trip is about packing. Travel light, for you never know when you'll have to be your own porter. This can be achieved by choosing conservative clothing and of matching colours so that one can give maximum utility to each item in a minimum wardrobe. My last tip: learn a few words of the language. You may not become an expert linguist but it always pleases the locals to hear foreigners trying to master their language. All my tips concern the preparation part of the trip, but I'm a firm believer that if you're well prepared, then, once you're in the place you just enjoy! Boy Scouts motto: Be Prepared!
Submitted by Henry, 11th August 2006

Plan Before You Go
Think about who you are and what you need before you start travelling. It's great to get hints from other people about what they packed and what they absolutely needed on their trip, but you need to think about your daily routine and what you need. Most other people don't find that they need to bring much food, but I'm different, first I'm a vegetarian and also when I need food, I need it right away! So I find it helpful to bring power bars, and to always be on the lookout for more when my supply is low. I also need to bring the best multi-purpose soaps around, something to wash my hair, my face, my body and my clothes is ideal! The less bottles the better, and also keep an eye out for replacements when your stocks are low, and try to look for these in bigger cities where they would be easier to find.
Submitted by Niki, 4th August 2006

Top Tips
We are planning our honeymoon to Croatia. We weren't sure where we wanted to go because we have two young children, but after speaking to friends who have been there we were soon sold on the country. So talk to as many people as you can to get their experiences and their own top tips. They are often more valuable than a bookshelf of guide books.

If you have trouble finding a decent perspective on the country then try a mapping program with satellite views or better still take a bird's eye view and fly it for yourself with Google Earth. It is certainly helping us figure out where we want to go and what is manageable. Croatia isn't a large country, but getting from one end to the other can take its time.

It is always tempting to plan so many things on your holiday, especially with somewhere as culturally rich as Croatia, but just pick a few key things you want to see or do and arrange the rest of your trip around it:
For example: a few days in Dubrovnik, a boat trip to one of the picturesque islands, wandering through the countryside tasting the local olive and wine delights and taking a tour of one of the national parks. The rest will fall into place!

Oh yes, and be brave and have a go at the lingo. A little effort on your behalf is often appreciated and can get you a long way!

Happy travelling!
Submitted by Simon & Viv, 25th July 2006

Must Try - Datteri di Mare!
My name is Claudia and I currently live in Parma, Italy.
I've been to Croatia twice and will be going again this August.

The first time we went to Croatia, we took the boat to Split and from there visited Hvar, a beautiful island with alot of life and Korcula, a nice and quieter island.

The second time I went to Croatia I went up North (Pula), but I will admit that the water is not as clear and beautiful as it is down South.

This coming August, we will be visiting Dugi Otok, which is located about 1.5 hours by boat from Zadar. We will be visiting the Kornati Islands (National Park), which we were told are beautiful.

The tip and suggestion I wish to offer you however, is to eat the fresh fish that they serve in restaurants and although you will never spot them on the menu, ask the waiter to serve you DATTERI DI MARE (I believe the translation in English is SEA FIGS). They actually look like figs and if you like shell-fish, these are the best.
Submitted by Claudia, 10th July 2006

Our Top Tips
My name is J. Parra, from Spain, and I have visited Croatia 2 years ago with one of my best friends. Our way to move us into the country was a VW Transporter, so we used campings of the coastline to sleep.

We planned the travel following the recommendations of the different official webpages.

I have found three treasures in this country:

- The beautiful virginity of some part of the coastline.
- The capacity of the people to survive and to overcome to horrible war.
- The multiculture of the different cities: Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb...

Only one advise: take on account that the highways/roads are slow and curved, therefore it is possible to lose a lot of time in the trips.

We will return to Croatia in a few years and we expect that concrete does not destruct this beautiful coast.
Submitted by J. Parra, 26th June 2006

Croatian For Travellers
Approaching our sixties the wife and I like to try somewhere new. For the first time, a short trip to your country, but we anticipate it will not be the last, judging by our research. (Prompted by Easy Jet from Bristol opening the way.) Like most Brits, we are pretty useless at languages, but we like to have a go, out of respect to our hosts. Found your site by trawling around. What a great presentation of a basic language course. All the basics covered off!! Have printed off several copies due to memories not being what they used to be. Shall slip a copy in my pocket and my wife will do the same in her purse so that she can correct me!
Submitted by Dave & Jane, 19th June 2006
N.B (see the Croatian language guide)

Useful Travel Tips
There is a Swedish saying, "he who wants a lot, often loses it all." This is very important while travelling. Don't try to go to every place there is to go to, because you will end up spending most of your time in trains, cars and buses. Instead when planning a 14 day trip, just make plans for 8-10 of the days and save the other for the "unexpected and spontaneous" things to do. You will not be disappointed.
Also when diving, with or without scuba gear, don't swim slowly above the bottom and look. Stop at a place, be still, look around and you will see much more. Then quickly swim to the next place, stop and look around. This way you will see a lot more animals then if you were constantly slowly moving. This is especially useful when not using Scuba gear, as you have a very limited supply of air.
You might to learn just a few phrases in the language of the country you are going to, saying "thank you" in someones native language is often hugely appreciated.
Submitted by Bjorn, 19th June 2006

Reaching Croatia from North America
Hi, I live in Canada and will be going to Croatia in September. There are some travel agencies that have direct flights to Croatia with charter airlines but they only offer them during July and August. In order to travel to Croatia at different times of the year you must book a flight to a large city in Europe and then use that as a transfer point. I am flying Malev into Budapest and then flying to Split, ferrying down the coast, flying from Dubrovnik back to Budapest. Since I will be in a major European city I will add that to my vacation also.
Submitted by Cindy, 9th June 2006

Beware of the sun
Don't think that lying out in the sun at every moment possible with a low factor cream or oil will get you a better tan. It won't! All you will achieve if you do this is nasty sunburn! You are better to wear a high enough factor to give protection and stay out the sun when its at its strongest. Keeping in the shade or under an umbrella will still allow you to achieve a great tan! I learnt my lesson after a week in Porec in July last year sitting by the pool with the lowest factor i had just to get as much sun as possible before returning home to the rain. I was quite glad to get back home and out of the sun again!
Be warned!! But enjoy the sun!
Submitted by Hannah, 9th June 2006

Three treasures in Croatia
I visited Croatia two years ago. It was really nice, really really nice. I stayed in many places there, but there were three of them that were unforgettable. First is the island of Hvar. Unfortunately I just could spend 1 night there, but I'm sure I have to go back early, it really worth. The second was the island of Korcula. It was a nice surprise. We "found" it during the trip by boat to Dubrovnik. We had not notice about it, but we kept really impressed. And the third was, of course, Dubrovnik. Maybe is not as known as other cities of the Mediterranean, but, if you are planning to visit this zone, think about Dubrovnik.
I'll be back soon, for sure.
Submitted by Yago, 29th May 2006

Croatia's Beautiful Coastline
I am from South Africa and for the last couple of years I have been visiting my man, who works on Superyachts in many different countries. This year it was my priviledge to visit Croatia. I am so impressed with this country and its peoples. Croatia is unspoilt and truely "as the Mediterannean once was". the coastline especially is a visual delight. The people of Croatia I found to be very hospitible (we rented an apartment ) and always eager to offer assistance and service, even if it meant going right out of their way. I loved Croatia and hopefully will return this year. My man is researching residence in Croatia!
Submitted by Jan, 17th May 2006

Hiring A Car From Outside Croatia
Make certain if you are reserving a rental car from the USA that you are allowed to travel into Croatia when traveling from a neighboring European nation. I had made a reservation with Thrifty Car Rental for a pickup at the Venice office, and only after pressing for this information did I learn that I would NOT be able to travel into Croatia. Instead I contacted other car rental companies, and found, as an example, that Avis would allow travel from Venice into Croatia.
Submitted by Traudi, 1st May 2006

Best Places to Visit
I visited Croatia last year for approximately 2 weeks in June, what a beautiful country. So beautiful in fact, that I am returning for another 2 weeks this June as well. I recommend that travellers take lodging in such places as Tucepi or Makarska it is fantastic then of course, although more expensive, it is very important that the time be taking to visit the historic city of Dubrovenik, it is amazing. If you want a beach, Bol is the beautiful, although last year the temperature was well below average, it was still enjoyable.
Submitted by Andrew, 13th April 2006

Back to Istria!
Went to Istria two years ago, and going again this year. Why, being pensioners every penny counts. So like two years ago the BEST value for money holiday is Croatia . Lovely clear sea water, very good food, very helpful people.

Two weeks, half board, in a appartment,cleaned every day,towels changed every two days, return flight from Gatwick, all for less than £500.

No contest, Croatia every time.
Submitted by Ray, 10th April 2006

Research, research, research!
That’s all I can say about planning your trip to Croatia. The internet is a wealth of information on where to stay, what to do! We booked all our accommodation over the internet but always look for pictures. The people are so friendly and accommodating and the scenery is just spectacular, especially split! Just enjoy!
Submitted by Celena, 6th April 2006

Planning Our Trip in September
I planned my trip to Croatia myself - my brother in law is Croatian so he gave us lots of tips. He recommended a lovley littltle place, area of Istria, we are going in September. I don't like it too crowded or hot so I think this is a good month. We are flying to Trieste then pick hire car from airport which if you book with Ryanair you get a good rate. My brother has said the drive is easy, takes about 2 hours. Then Ilooked around for some deals on accommadation and with Adratica Ibooked Villa Annette which is lovely, visited by brother. He said its first class, 7 nights for price of 6 at the moment. You can get very cheap apartments over looking the lovely harbour. Very cheap for 2 weeks, cheap flight, included for 2 £500 bargain for this lovely place.
Submitted by Michelle, 20th March 2006

The Pearl of the Adriatic
I had originally planned on visiting Greece, but when it became clear prices would be high and tourists everywhere, I started to look elsewhere to fix my longing for sun soaked islands and Greek and Roman ruins. Croatia was magnificent! I spent all of my time on the Dalmatian coast, starting from Split and hitting the islands of Hvar and Korcula (my favorite) and then ferrying back to Dubrovnik which is worth a visit just in itself. I'm now heading back to check out the northern reaches of the country and can't wait! Enjoy!
Submitted by Clare, 20th March 2006

Amazing landscapes in the Plitvice lakes
The national park of Plitvice offers a marvelous landscape with a lot of high cascades and a lot of vegetation everywhere. It is not only one of the most beautiful places in Europe but a very exciting point for walking. There are 3 or 4 paths (2 hours to 9 hours of duration) and it is not so far from Zagreb.

A short tip about how to arrive to Zagreb. You can do it from Graz arriving from London Stansted airport with Ryanair for a very low price. Then you have to get the bus to the OBB railway station in the center of Graz. From there you can take the Croatiabus line. It takes about 3.30 hours to arrive to Zagreb but it cost only 20 euros to go there and back, and the seats are quite comfortable.

Finally, it's very easy to find agencies in the center of Zagreb offering a small trip to the Plitvice National Park.
Submitted by Javier, 7th February 2006

Why Croatia?
Want to see Ancient Roman and Greek ruins? Desire to walk Medieval walls? Want tropical heat and endless beaches? Then travel to the Dalmatian coast. It is underestimatied and never over rated. This is a piece of heaven. For a fraction of the cost of Greece and Italy. Yet all the perks. Go to Croatia!
Submitted by Sue, 4th February 2006

Favourite thing about Dubrovnik...
After arriving in Dubrovnik and walking right round the walls and having a cafe breakfast, we chose one of the competing boatmen for the 10 minute trip to the tiny island of Lokrum. Among its delicious smelling pine forests there are numerous rocky beaches. We found ourselves alone at one with stone steps and a shower and had no hesitation, although it was still early in the day, about taking a swim. Both the clarity and the warmth of the water were just what was needed after a night on board the ferry and would certainly recommend this excursion to all visitors to Dubrovnik.
Submitted by Lisa, 30th January 2006

Italy to Zagreb - Why Not Stop in Ljubljana?
Next summer i will visit croatia by train and i'm trying to choose the best way to start.
For those like me who start in italy i have two choices.
The long one is straight from italy. The night train is a bold choice since you have to change and wait a few hours before you arrive to zagreb.
For example

Venice - 01:22 ---> Zagreb - 10:52 but you have to leave the train in Villach Hbf ( 04:15) and wait two hours for the next train to zagreb.....

During the day the best choice for me is this train

Venice - 09:12 ---> Zagreb - 15:42
No need to change and the arrival time isn't the worse.

The other choice for this trip is to divide the trip. First a small trip to Ljubljana, a small stop there (it's a great town so you don't waste your time) and then to Zagreb.
Here's the best plan I could find to this trip.

Day One
Venice - 09:12 --> Ljubljana - 13.13
Day Two
Ljubljana - 08:35 --> Zagreb - 10:52

Two small trips. You can visit Ljubljana in one day and arrive to zagreb in the following morning.
Hey I think it's great and probably that's my choice.
Tip by Daniel, 11th January 2006

Wordless Travellers Phrasebook - A Must!
My tip is the wordless travellers phrasebook, which I came across by chance on Amazon.co.uk, it's great for travelling anyway in the world, as all you need to do is point at the picture and you are instantly understood in any language. The phrase book is broken down in to subject matter and is very light and easy to carry as it is pocket sized. A must have for any traveller.
Tip by Martin, 6th January 2006