What not to do in Croatia – 10 MOST COMMON MISTAKES & WHAT TO DO INSTEAD IN 2026

If you come from the “10 cities in 10 days” school of vacation planning, it’s time to Marie Kondo your vision. What is your goal? What do you and your kids really enjoy the most? Usually great holiday experiences fall into one of three categories:

Building an itinerary around fewer locations often leads to deeper experiences and far less stress for both parents and children. Try blocking out your vacation from this perspective, as chunks of meaningful time. On a given day, you might have time for three or four “memories,” if you will. You know best what mix of high energy and quiet activities makes your family happy, and you can use that template to think about how you want to compose each day. Maybe breakfast at the beach, then a caving expedition, browsing through art galleries in the afternoon, and cooking and eating a meal together at “home” that night.

When you know how precious your time away from school and work truly is, it may make more sense to prioritise connecting more with your family over superficially exploring numerous places in just a few days.

Ambitious road trips look great on paper, but in practice they often eat into the very time families hoped to spend together. First-time visitors to Croatia commonly arrive in Split or Dubrovnik, spending a couple of nights in each while island-hopping in between. It is tempting to pack all the famous tourist hubs into a week or two, but that is far less relaxing – and enjoyable – than spending more time in one place. When you’re in constant transition, you’re focused on catching ferries, packing, and unpacking. By contrast, choosing a “home base” and spending most of your time in the same area allows you to reconnect with a genuine family lifestyle, no matter how far from home you are.

An example of trying to do too much is apparent on Hvar, too. For many tourists, Hvar Island itself is a “must-see”, but they end up only seeing Hvar Town, which is not even the most historic town on the island. During their few days on Hvar, many visitors take boat tours to sites far off the island, the Blue Cave tour being by far the most popular option. While the tour might be deemed worth the effort, it may not be what many had in mind due to the lengthy boat ride and waiting time outside the cave.

Rather than chasing trends and crowds, it is generally more rewarding to embrace the local way of life. After all, is experiencing authenticity not the aim of travel? In Croatia, that authenticity lies in taking things slowly, with as little stress as possible.

The island catchphrase is “pomalo”, which translates to “bit by bit” or “slowly”. You’ll also hear “laganini” – “take it easy”. It is a necessary mindset here, where most things take patience and consistent effort to accomplish. But it’s a great philosophy for visitors as well. The real pleasures of this place can’t be rushed. There’s no such thing as a fast-paced day on the beach or an accelerated wine tasting.

It is remarkably easy to get wrong, even for those of us who live here! One misstep with the ferry booking, however, can cast a shadow over the start of your family holiday.

Croatian islands are the heart of its world-famous coastline, and reaching them almost always involves a boat journey. A handful have small airstrips for private planes, but unless you are among the very few who arrive that way, you will rely on either a private charter or the public ferry system.

Operators include Jadrolinija, the state-subsidised national carrier, alongside private companies Kapetan Luka (Krilo) and TP Line. Croatia operates two main types of passenger vessels. Catamarans are pedestrian-only and designed for speed, while ferries carry both vehicles and foot passengers. Ferries are generally around twice as slow as catamarans, but they allow you to move around freely, step outside, and enjoy the crossing as part of the journey. Catamarans, by contrast, feel more like efficient water buses, albeit with generous legroom. All ferries are operated by Jadrolinija, while catamaran services are shared between Jadrolinija, Krilo, and TP Line.

Journey times vary depending on route and vessel. Short island hops may take just over an hour, while longer routes can stretch to several hours. As a general reference, a catamaran from Split to Hvar Island takes about one hour, while the ferry takes closer to two. If you plan to visit Hvar, the Hvar Away guide on how to get to Hvar can help you make well-informed decisions.

More remote islands, such as Lastovo, can require journeys of up to five hours, though crossings are usually comfortable, with snack bars and toilets available on both ferries and catamarans. Families travelling with young children may want to bring books or games, as even the Adriatic’s views have their limits for restless toddlers. While the crossing itself is usually straightforward, travellers sometimes find the real challenge lies in navigating timetables, terminals, and arrival points, particularly in busier ports.

Here are four things not to do:

Private speedboat transfers do cost more than taking a ferry or a catamaran, but the experience is pleasant and certainly faster than the ferry. However, we would really only consider it mandatory for visitors who are arriving from long flights into Split. Americans, Australians, and visitors from Asia, for example, have had 12+ hour journeys just to get to the mainland airport. To then have to kill a few hours in Split while hauling around luggage is likely not anyone’s idea of a good start to their Croatia vacation.

Under those circumstances, it is much less stressful to simply book a transfer with a reputable operator. If you are a villa guest with Hvar Away, you can book your private speedboat transfer through us. A driver will meet you at the airport, drive you to the nearby dock, help getting your luggage onto the boat, and your skipper will whisk you to your destination port or even straight to your villa, if it is by the sea.

Croatia is home to an impressive range of hotels and resorts, from refined city landmarks to polished seaside retreats. For many travellers, they remain a familiar and comfortable choice. At the same time, the country has a long tradition of private holiday villas, particularly along the coastline and on the islands, where space, privacy, and independence are built into the experience.

Unlike hotels, villas never feel crowded. There is no shared pool, lobby, or timetable competing for your attention. No other guests, no wandering hotel staff, no awkward run-ins at the breakfast buffet. A villa also offers outstanding value for larger groups and families.

This contrast becomes especially clear on the islands, where a villa lets you slip into the slower island rhythm, and offers a level of privacy and space that hotels simply cannot match. Whether set above vineyards, tucked into villages, or positioned right by the sea, a villa stay comes closest to making the island feel like home, where the priority is a sense of belonging rather than scale or spectacle.

Staying in a villa also allows for a deeper connection to local life. Wake to birdsong in the garden instead of breakfast buffets, shop the morning market for dinner ingredients, and feel the pulse of authentic life all around you.

At Hvar Away, we combine the comfort of a private home with the support and service of a high-end holiday experience. Our villa staff, many born and raised within a stone’s throw of your terrace, become your private guides to a Croatia that mass tourism never sees. They point you to the fisherman’s stall at dawn, the unmarked trail to a pebble beach untouched by sun-lounger fleets, or the grandmother selling rakija from her garden gate.

By choosing a villa, you are not another face in a lobby queue, but a temporary local. Why follow the crowds? Contact our helpful team to start planning your ideal getaway.

Croatia is by no means a dangerous place, but every year a few unlucky tourists wind up in the hospital. When the dog bites, when the bee stings…. traveller’s insurance will be one of your favourite things.

There are emergency rooms on Croatian islands, and serious cases are whisked to the mainland by helicopter. It is a lifesaver (literally), but if you are not insured, these procedures will cost you.

Visitors from other EU countries have reciprocity in Croatia, so their care is covered under existing insurance. Everyone else should buy traveller’s insurance if they are not already covered in case of emergency by their domestic provider.

Croatia’s popularity means that peak season travel rewards planning rather than spontaneity. Accommodation is the first thing to fill up, especially in smaller towns and on the islands, where supply is naturally limited. Booking in advance gives you access to a wider choice of properties and locations, allowing you to secure the ideal spot that fits the way you want to travel, rather than settling for what happens to be left.

The same logic applies, to a degree, to restaurants and experiences. Waiting until the last moment to make a dinner reservation will not increase the price, but it does increase the chance that the restaurant you had your heart set on will be fully booked for the nights you are in town. Popular tables, sunset terraces, and well-loved konobas often fill days in advance during high season. A little forward planning helps ensure your time is spent enjoying the island, not adjusting plans around availability.

It is easy to assume that a summer holiday in Croatia requires nothing more than swimwear and sandals, but that assumption leads to problems for visitors every year. Local news regularly reports on tourists heading into actual mountain terrain with minimal water and unsuitable footwear, sometimes getting injured or needing rescue. These are extreme cases, but they are a reminder that Croatia’s landscapes can be demanding, even in destinations best known for beaches.

For most travellers, the issue is less dramatic but far more common. Exploring old towns, coastal paths, hill villages, or viewpoints often means walking on steep routes, gravel tracks, or uneven stone lanes that simply are not flip-flop friendly.

A pair of proper shoes and basic awareness make everyday exploring far more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the country’s scenery without turning a casual walk into an avoidable struggle.

Many visitors arrive expecting long stretches of sandy beach, only to be surprised by Croatia’s predominantly pebble and rocky coastline. This is not a drawback so much as a defining feature.

The smooth stones are the reason the water is so exceptionally clear, and on many beaches the pebbles are small and rounded enough to be more comfortable than sand. Unlike sand, they do not stick to skin, fill bags, or travel home with you.

For those who prefer a little extra comfort, most popular beaches offer sunbeds, making the natural surface almost irrelevant. Others enjoy the gentle pressure of smooth pebbles, which some swear by as a form of natural foot massage.

Water shoes are a practical addition if you plan to spend a lot of time entering and exiting the sea, but once you adjust your expectations, Croatia’s beaches quickly reveal their own quiet advantages.

If you want to see this in practice, the Hvar Away guide to the best beaches on Hvar offers a clear picture. You will quickly notice that sand is the exception rather than the rule, yet each beach has its own appeal. From experience, we can say that once you picture yourself there, the surface underfoot becomes far less important than the water, the setting, and the ease of settling in for the day.

Croatia is part of the eurozone, and while it still offers strong value compared to many Mediterranean destinations, it is not universally cheap. Prices vary by location, season, and demand. Historic city centres and popular coastal hubs, including Dubrovnik’s old town, central areas of Zagreb and Split, naturally reflect their popularity. For the average tourist, the key mistake is assuming that costs will be uniform across the country, when in reality, planning makes far more difference than geography alone.

The smarter approach is to budget with intention. Transport choices matter, as taxis are convenient but add up quickly, while buses and public transport remain reliable options in most towns. Dining choices and timing also play a role, with the same meal priced differently depending on setting and season

When it comes to tipping, American-style tipping is not standard in Croatia, but good service is always appreciated, and rounding up the bill or leaving a modest amount is welcomed by service staff. Knowing how pricing works helps you plan realistically, avoid small frustrations, and focus your energy on enjoying where you are, rather than second-guessing every bill.

Croatia’s national parks are among the country’s greatest assets, but they are protected natural areas, not attractions designed to absorb crowds effortlessly. Places like Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park are carefully managed landscapes with fixed paths and conservation rules that exist to preserve what makes them special. Walking distances can be longer than expected, facilities are limited by design, and during peak season the number of visitors can shape the experience more than some travellers anticipate.

This does not mean national parks are difficult or disappointing.

Quite the opposite. With a bit of planning, they become highlights of a trip to Croatia. Choosing the right time of day, understanding that a national park visit is closer to a scenic walk than a ride-based attraction, and allowing enough time for a proper day trip makes all the difference.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rewards patience with layered waterfalls and lakes that unfold gradually, while Krka offers a more compact experience that fits well into shorter itineraries and road trips. A sensible plan, good footwear, and travel insurance for peace of mind help ensure that time spent in Croatia’s national parks feels calm and very much worth the effort.

This is not a mistake that will ruin your holiday. Croatia is an exceptionally safe country and Croatians are, by nature, welcoming and helpful to visitors. Still, understanding a few cultural nuances can make visiting Croatia feel more intuitive and help you shape more meaningful interactions with locals.

To newcomers, everyday conversations can sometimes sound like arguments, especially along the Dalmatian coastal areas. Voices are louder, hands are involved, and discussions are animated. This is rarely anger and far more often enthusiasm. What may feel confrontational to visitors is usually just a normal exchange of opinions, often followed by coffee five minutes later. Croatia is also a Catholic country, so modest behaviour when visiting churches or religious sites is appreciated, even if expectations are not enforced with strict rules.

Certain topics are best handled with a bit of awareness. Discussions about Yugoslavia, recent history, or politics can carry emotional weight, particularly for people who lived through the 1990s. Some locals may open these conversations themselves, especially over time and trust, but it is generally better not to lead with them. Listening is usually more appreciated than debating.

As you travel around the country, you will notice strong regional identities. Speech, humour, and temperament differ noticeably between Istria, Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and inland areas, and these differences extend even to islands like Hvar, where neighbouring villages have their own dialects and expressions. These variations are part of everyday life and a source of local pride, not something that needs decoding or comparison.

Humour plays a central role in social interaction. Croatians like to joke, tease lightly, and test the tone of a conversation. If you find yourself in a smaller town and locals make a playful comment as you pass by, it is often a sign of acceptance rather than disrespect. If it feels good-natured, a smile or a simple reply usually turns it into a shared laugh. These small, spontaneous exchanges are often the moments people remember most from their trip to Croatia, precisely because they feel unplanned and genuine.

In short, there is no special code to crack. A bit of openness, patience, and curiosity goes a long way. Croatia rewards those who observe before judging and who are happy to meet people where they are.