Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 114 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot are recommended. Consider hepatitis A and B vaccines. For specific advice, check with a healthcare provider.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Croatia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for CroatiaCulture & Customs
Respect local customs: dress modestly when visiting churches, and cover shoulders and knees. When greeting, a handshake is common, and eye contact is important. Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated; round up or leave 10%.
Public displays of affection are generally accepted, but same-sex couples might face occasional stares, especially in rural areas. It’s best to be discreet. Women travelers should feel safe, but take usual precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas at night.
Don’t discuss sensitive topics like the Balkan wars unless locals bring it up. Avoid being loud and overly assertive, as Croatians value politeness.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Croatia.
- Peka: A method more than a dish, Peka involves cooking meat (often lamb or octopus) and vegetables under a bell-like dome covered in embers. This slow-cooking technique locks in flavors, making it a culinary staple in Croatian households and a must-try for its unique taste and preparation style.
- Ćevapi: These are small, grilled minced meat sausages, often served with onions, sour cream, and flatbread. They’re a popular street food option and are rooted in the country’s shared culinary heritage with the Balkans.
- Pašticada: A rich, slow-cooked beef stew, typically marinated in vinegar and spices before being simmered with vegetables and prunes. It’s traditionally served at festive occasions, highlighting its importance in Croatian cultural gatherings.
- Black Risotto (Crni Rižot): Made with cuttlefish or squid ink, this dish is both visually striking and deliciously seafood-rich. It’s a staple along the Dalmatian coast, showcasing the region’s abundant seafood offerings.
- Sarma: Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a hearty dish, popular during the winter months and family gatherings, embodying the warmth of Croatian hospitality.
Yes, tap water in Croatia is generally safe to drink, and locals do drink it. It’s recommended for tourists as well, but if you prefer, bottled water is widely available. A portable filter can be handy if you’re heading to more rural areas.
The main language in Croatia is
Croatian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Croatian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Croatia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Croatia, especially in urban areas and popular tourist destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. Many Croatians, particularly those in the hospitality industry, such as hotel staff, restaurant workers, and tour guides, have a good command of English. Younger generations, who often learn English in school, are generally more fluent.
In rural areas, English proficiency may decrease, and you might encounter some language barriers. However, basic English phrases can often get you by, and many locals are friendly and willing to help, even if they don’t speak the language fluently.
Overall, travelers will find that communicating in English is relatively easy, making it convenient for navigating the country, asking for directions, and enjoying local attractions. Additionally, many signs and menus are available in English, further enhancing the travel experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Croatia is EUR (€).
ATMs: Croatia’s got you covered with plenty of ATMs, especially in cities and tourist hotspots. Just watch out for those pesky fees that your home bank might hit you with.
Cash: While cards are widely accepted, it’s smart to carry some kuna for markets, small eateries, and rural areas. Euros aren’t official tender, but some places might take them at a bad rate.
Currency Exchange: Skip the airport and head to a bank or a trustworthy exchange office (’mjenjačnica’) for better rates. Be wary of any place offering ”zero commission”—they usually have a lousy exchange rate.
Cards: Visa and Mastercard are your best buddies here, but don’t rely on American Express. Always have a backup plan in case a place is cash-only.
And remember, always choose to be charged in kuna if you get the option at a terminal. The dynamic currency conversion is often a rip-off. Safe travels!
In Croatia, tipping isn’t obligatory but appreciated. Leave around 10% in restaurants for good service, and round up taxi fares or bar bills. Always carry some cash, as smaller places might not accept card tips.
v2.webp){kind=logo}
Best Backpacking.jpg)
Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.