Croatia has so much to offer and, for that reason, it’s high on the list of favorite European countries for many people. During a trip through Croatia, you’ll encounter heavenly beaches, towering waterfalls, and vibrant green lakes. The charming towns and rugged mountain landscapes complete the experience. Excited? Before you go, check out these 9 things you need to know to get the most out of your trip to Croatia.
#1 Watershoes are a must in Croatia
Because the beaches in Croatia are mostly pebble beaches, you’ll definitely need water shoes. We forgot ours, and it was really inconvenient; we ended up awkwardly stumbling into the sea everywhere we went. So, make sure to order a pair and bring them with you!
#2 Also bring an (air)mattress
To make your beach days more comfortable, it’s also wise to invest in a mat or air mattress. Whether the pebbles are big or small, lying on just a beach towel isn’t exactly comfy. An air mattress or mat is therefore ideal and definitely worth bringing along if you’re planning to have some relaxing moments on the beach during your trip through Croatia.
#3 Bakery Mlinar is perfect for a lunch on the road
In nearly every city in Croatia, you’ll find the Mlinar bakery, which offers a wide variety of sweet, savory, and filled pastries. They’re super delicious! Grab a pastry from here for the road, whether you’re going on a long hike, driving a distance, or planning a day at the beach.
#4 Transportation in Croatia is good
You can explore Croatia by (rental) car, but public transport is also a viable option for getting around. Personally, we love the flexibility a rental car provides, but if you’re on a tighter budget, the bus is a great alternative. You can reserve all your bus and boat tickets on this website, which is wise to do in advance, especially during the summer months. If you want to take a rental car on a ferry, you won’t be able to book it through this site. Croatia boasts over 1,000 islands, and there’s a good chance you’ll visit one or more of them. Ferries operate between the islands and the mainland. If you have a (rental) car, you can bring it on the larger ferries. Tickets for the larger ferries that accommodate cars are best booked through Jadrolinija. Interested in more information about traveling with a rental car, read this article.
#5 Some restaurants are closed on Sunday
Things are a bit quieter in Croatia on Sundays compared to the rest of the week. Many shops and some restaurants are closed. If you’re planning to visit a specific restaurant on Sunday, it’s a good idea to check their opening hours on Google beforehand. If you’re still unsure, you can always give the restaurant a call. Most tourist attractions remain open, but it’s always a good idea to double-check their hours on Sundays just to be sure.
#6 Croatia has many special places to stay
Waking up in a treehouse, at a stylish glamping site, or in a cozy old farmhouse: one of the best parts of a trip might just be staying in unique places. Croatia has countless beautiful spots where you can have an exceptional stay, making your trip even more special. We’ve listed our nine favorite unique accommodations in Croatia, spanning various price ranges, for you to consider.
#7 Download Google Maps before you go
When you’re cruising through Croatia on your road trip and find yourself driving through the mountains far from populated areas, there’s a chance you might lose signal and consequently access to Google Maps. Therefore, it’s a good idea to download the map of Croatia on Google Maps beforehand. This way, whether you have a signal or not, you can always navigate and avoid getting lost in the mountains.
#8 This is the best travel time for Croatia
During the summer months, Croatia enjoys warm weather, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) along the coast. In the higher inland areas, it’s always slightly cooler than on the coast. July and August are the most popular months to visit Croatia, so it can get quite crowded. Therefore, if you have the flexibility, we recommend visiting Croatia in the spring or fall. The temperatures are still very pleasant, but it’s much less crowded than in the peak summer months of July and August.
#9 Traveling in Croatia is diverse
Historic cities, azure-blue seas, charming towns, waterfalls, and rugged mountain landscapes. Traveling through Croatia is incredibly diverse and took us by surprise! In just about 2 weeks, you can see a lot since the travel distances aren’t that long. Our travel itinerary for Croatia takes you through all the highlights and even a few hidden gems that are lesser-known.
