Croatia is a great country that experiences a lot of visitors throughout the year. The country has pleasant weather and can be travelled to in any season. With its beautiful sceneries and much more to offer, the country has been climbing rapidly on the board of tourists in recent years. The entire nation is diverse, with some of the most beautiful natural sites in the world. The best part about visiting Croatia is that you will get to see fairytale-like architecture and breathtaking nature. The main visiting months are July and August, which are very hot and hence, experience a lot of tourists.
If you are planning to visit this country, there are a few things that you should know about it. Let us take a deep dive into some incredible facts about Croatia.
Croatian Rich History
The history of Croatia is long and eventful. Although, the colonies of Greek were present on the coast of Croatia from almost the 6th century BC. The country was an Illyrian-dominated territory until the time when Celtic tribes began pushing them into modern-day Albania in the 4th century BC. The Illyrians were tough enough to hold Croatia until the last Illyrian king was defeated in 168 BC. The entire Dalmatian coast was brought under the control of the Imperial by the Romans. On 25th June 1991, Croatia declared itself independent from Yugoslavia.
The Tip Is Not Included In Your Bill
Croatian service workers’ wages are far less than that of similar workers in other countries. Therefore, when you are a visitor to the place, you are expected to pay tips to the workers working in different industries. A few jobs require tipping in Croatia, and the culture is the same as in some other western countries.
Tipping is allowed to bartenders, waiters, hotel staff, tour guides, general services, and housekeepers. Also, it is vital to note that you can offer tips in smaller amounts to people of other professions, such as apartment doorman, cab drivers, parking attendants, and beach vendors. Some service sectors where the tourists are expected to tip the workers include restaurants, skippers, cafe bars, tattoo artists, tour guides, hotels, delivery services, hair, makeup, nail and wax services, etc.
The Best Way Is To Travel By Car
Most of the tourists of Croatia consider getting around the country by car. It has good motorways connecting Zagreb to Slavonia and Zagreb to Istria via Rijeka, all down to Dalmatia. Several other motorways connect the country from one destination to another, making travelling easy and convenient for tourists.
Though the roads are all in excellent condition, there are stretches with fewer facilities and service stations. Cars for hire are available in all major towns, cities and tourist locations. Based on your budget and plans, you will get a car company who will offer the desired services and will also take you to places. Keep in mind that tolls are charged on the highways in Croatia.
There are several villas in Croatia, where you can choose to stay and enjoy your trip.
Villa Luxury Lipa Tree*****, Novigrad, Istria
Villa Luxury Lipa Tree is an excellent choice for those who want to combine luxury with an active vacation. This villa can host 6 people in 3 bedrooms, and staying outdoors is a real experience. A covered outdoor area for dining, a landscaped garden, a lounge area, a sun deck and a 44 m² swimming pool and a hydromassage pool are the amenities that make staying in this villa extremely relaxing.
Drink Coffee As Long As You Can
Foreigners will be surprised by the coffee culture of Croatia. You will experience a completely different culture in which taking coffee is a big part of the everyday life in Croatia.
There are numerous of places serving coffee in Croatia and you will be amazed by the services offered. Furthermore, it is allowed smoking cigarettes at the bars.
Although smoking is allowed outdoors with coffee, some also allow it inside their cafe. Every cup of coffee brewed at the coffee shop is a sheer art. The way they present the beverage is outstanding, and the drink inside is just a caffeinated work of art. The best part about coffee is that it is extremely cheap throughout Croatia, and if you think you just found a place serving the cheapest coffee, you may find another serving a drink even cheaper after a few miles.
That said, when in Croatia, you can drink coffee as long as you want to.
Vegetarianism And Veganism In Croatia
Until recently, few people in Croatia declared themselves vegetarians or vegans. These food options were kept open for the vegetarian and vegan tourists visiting this place. Nowadays, the same diet options are becoming popular among the locals, especially the younger generations.
Some of the popular foods available include tofu, hummus, lactose-free milk, etc.
However, when you want to find numerous options in Croatia, we recommend you visit bigger stores. Some larger chains sell everything right from dry products, condiments, healthy snacks, fresh organic vegetables, etc.
Domestic Dishes And Wines
Over the centuries, foreign influences and diverse regions have left a robust mark on Croatian cuisine. Some popular local dishes you will get in most of the eateries and other larger restaurants and cafes include Boskarin, Black Risotto, Buzara, Brodetto, Fritule, and Peka, Truffles, etc. Besides food, wine is a passion in the country, and you will have some of the finest options to enjoy with your favourite dishes.
Pelješac and Korčula in the Dalmatian region of Croatia, as well as Istria are known as the capitals of wine. You can book a villa in Istria for yourself to taste the best quality wine.
The islands have some diligent winemakers who manufacture a huge quantity of wine. It ranges to several thousand hectolitres of premium quality wine from numerous vineyards, where some of the juiciest and tastiest grapes are ripe. When travelling by road in these regions, you will see plenty of the vineyards and wine cellar where you can make a quick stop.
Amazing Beaches
Croatia is home to some of the best beaches, and there are several destinations for tourists where they can spend quality and fun time. The country has over 4,000 km of coastline and hundreds of spectacular islands. The beaches are diverse, and you will find attractive towns scattered along the coast.
From the bustling sea beaches of Kvarner and central Dalmatia to the beautiful pebble sandy areas that stretch on the islands. Croatia has many beautiful beaches, including Paradise Beach on Rab, Zlatni Rat on Brač, Saharun on Dugi otok, Rabac in Istria, etc. To spend more time on the beach, you can choose a villa by the sea for your stay.
Prices In Croatia
Croatia recently became part of the Eurozone. Depending on your preferences and if you do a good research and plan your trip in advance, Croatia still can be a budget-friendly destination. However, visiting Croatian main attractions today is not possible on a shoestring budget, and the place is a bit more expensive now than it was earlier.
The increase in foreign tourism has led to a significant increase in the price of Croatia’s tourism. Though there are exceptions in every country, there are some in Croatia as well. There are a few cities like Dubrovnik and Rovinj, where everything is much more expensive than the normal rate. Food and accommodation are high for the locals and also for the tourists. Though, your travel budget depends on your specific spending habits. That said, it can vary significantly from person to person.
Visit Small Towns And Islands
Croatia has a variety of islands, cities and sights, such as the Plitvice Lakes, Istria and the Dalmatian islands. Apart from the main tourist destinations, tourists can enjoy and see a lot more in Croatia. No doubt, some of the famous and stunning attractions are popular for a reason, but if you visit the small towns and villages, you will experience authentic Croatian life.
National Park Kornati, Dalmatia
Croatia is one of the most popular and most visited European countries. It is one of the best places for a lively summer vacation. Visitors often feel inspired by the country’s natural and cultural heritage. It’s easy to fall in love with the sea and coast, national parks, and the cuisine and friendliness of the Croatian people.
