{"id":674720,"date":"2026-05-12T15:07:40","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:07:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/?p=674720"},"modified":"2026-05-12T15:33:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:33:12","slug":"first-time-in-croatia-the-guide-to-avoiding-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/premiere-fois-en-croatie-le-guide-pour-eviter-les-erreurs\/","title":{"rendered":"First time in Croatia? The guide to avoiding mistakes."},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Croatia attracts millions of travelers each year, drawn by its turquoise waters, medieval towns, and sun-drenched islands. But like any popular destination, it holds a few pitfalls for the unwary visitor. Here's <strong>The Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free First Trip to Croatia<\/strong>, avoiding the most common mistakes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/neilmorrell-dubrovnik-5214286_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-674734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/neilmorrell-dubrovnik-5214286_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/neilmorrell-dubrovnik-5214286_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/neilmorrell-dubrovnik-5214286_1280-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/neilmorrell-dubrovnik-5214286_1280-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/neilmorrell-dubrovnik-5214286_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Choose the right time<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Croatia is beautiful all year round, but <strong>not all seasons are equal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best times:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>May \u2013 June<\/strong> ideal weather, reasonable prices, fewer tourists, nature and landscapes are at their peak.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>September\u2013October<\/strong> : The water is warm, and the atmosphere is more relaxed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Avoid if possible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>July\u2013August<\/strong> : record crowds, skyrocketing prices, and heat that can sometimes be overwhelming.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To fully enjoy, aim for the <strong>mid-season<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Trogir-e1614347633687-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74839\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Trogir-e1614347633687-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Trogir-e1614347633687-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Trogir-e1614347633687-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Trogir-e1614347633687-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Trogir-e1614347633687-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Trogir-e1614347633687.jpg 1622w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Underestimating distances (and travel time)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Croatia seems small\u2026 but <strong>The coastal roads are winding<\/strong> and the journeys then take longer than expected, especially in July and August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Keep these factors in mind if you&#x27;re traveling in the summer: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You have to count <strong>1 hour and 30 minutes for 80 km<\/strong> along the coast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ferries to the islands can add time to the schedule.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traffic jams are common in the summer, especially around Split and Dubrovnik.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/mike_68-mountain-6321040_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-674735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/mike_68-mountain-6321040_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/mike_68-mountain-6321040_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/mike_68-mountain-6321040_1280-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/mike_68-mountain-6321040_1280-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/mike_68-mountain-6321040_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Trying to visit too many islands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Croatia has more than <strong>1,000 Islands<\/strong>. Many travelers want to see four or five\u2026 and end up exhausted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For your first visit, choose <strong>1 or 2 islands at most<\/strong> :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hvar<\/strong> : festive, sunny, beautiful.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brac<\/strong> : perfect for beaches and a peaceful atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kor\u010dula<\/strong> : charming, authentic, perfect for foodies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mljet<\/strong> : nature, national park, lagoons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5814092_1280-1024x686.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-674724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5814092_1280-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5814092_1280-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5814092_1280-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5814092_1280-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5814092_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Assuming that everything can be paid for by card<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Croatia now uses <strong>the euro<\/strong>, but some old habits die hard. In small villages, restaurants often prefer cash payments. Local ferries and parking lots don\u2019t always accept credit cards. So always make sure to <strong>a little liquid<\/strong> on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Don\u2019t plan around the ferries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Croatia, ferries are often a key part of the trip\u2026 but be careful: there are several factors to consider to avoid getting stuck in your itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact: <strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some ferries <strong>don't run every day<\/strong> off-season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The schedules change depending on the month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Car ferries fill up quickly in the summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check the schedules on the website of <strong>Jadrolinija<\/strong> the national ferry company <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jadrolinija.hr\/en\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"www.jadrolinija.hr\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.jadrolinija.hr\/en<\/a>) and arrive <strong>at least 1 hour before<\/strong> If you are traveling by car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/milivigerova-croatia-1020668_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-674726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/milivigerova-croatia-1020668_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/milivigerova-croatia-1020668_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/milivigerova-croatia-1020668_1280-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/milivigerova-croatia-1020668_1280-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/milivigerova-croatia-1020668_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Poorly preparing for national park visits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>National parks <strong>Plitvice<\/strong> and <strong>Krka<\/strong> They are sublime, but very crowded. Follow our advice to enjoy a serene visit: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Buy the tickets <strong>online<\/strong> To avoid queues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Come <strong>early in the morning<\/strong> or <strong>late afternoon<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At Plitvice, know that you must <strong>4 to 6 hours<\/strong> to walk around the site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At Krka National Park, swimming is no longer permitted at Skradinski Buk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In general, do not plan a long trip on the same day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Plitvice-2-scaled-e1613641038814-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"sunweb croatia\" class=\"wp-image-67485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Plitvice-2-scaled-e1613641038814-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Plitvice-2-scaled-e1613641038814-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Plitvice-2-scaled-e1613641038814-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Plitvice-2-scaled-e1613641038814-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Plitvice-2-scaled-e1613641038814-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Croatie-Plitvice-2-scaled-e1613641038814.jpg 1980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Missing out on the local cuisine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many travelers limit themselves to tourist areas... and miss out on the best restaurants, and often, along with them, the most delicious traditional dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here's what's needed<strong> must try<\/strong> in Croatia: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Peka<\/strong> meat or octopus cooked under a bell.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cevapi<\/strong> typical grilled meats (often very hearty).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black Risotto<\/strong> in squid ink.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Croatian wines<\/strong> (Po\u0161ip, Plavac Mali), they have nothing to envy from good wines of other countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And finally, in the most popular sites and cities, get off the main streets to find the real <em>Tavern<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Expect sandy beaches<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Croatia is famous for its beaches... but <strong>they are mostly covered in pebbles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bring sandals for walking in the water and for comfortable swimming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sandy beaches exist, but they are rare (Lopar, Nin, Omi\u0161).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5071381_1280-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-674723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5071381_1280-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5071381_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5071381_1280-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5071381_1280-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/alexnewworld-nature-5071381_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Don't go off the beaten path<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Croatia is more than just Dubrovnik and Split. For a first trip, why not add a touch of authenticity. By choosing stops in less touristy sites and regions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Istria<\/strong> Hilltop villages, white truffles, wines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zadar<\/strong> Ancient monuments, famous pipe organ, starting point for unknown islands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u0160ibenik<\/strong> Superb old town, less crowded.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The island of Vis<\/strong> wild, verdant, and preserved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit <strong>Inland Croatia<\/strong>, around Zagreb, green and dotted with pretty historic towns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Croatia is an exceptional destination, but it requires a bit of preparation to fully enjoy it. By avoiding common mistakes\u2014too many stops, the wrong time of year, poorly planned ferries\u2014you'll have a smooth, diverse, and unforgettable trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/memorycatcher-dubrovnik-708196_1280-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-674730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/memorycatcher-dubrovnik-708196_1280-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/memorycatcher-dubrovnik-708196_1280-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/memorycatcher-dubrovnik-708196_1280-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/memorycatcher-dubrovnik-708196_1280-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/memorycatcher-dubrovnik-708196_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>La Croatie attire chaque ann\u00e9e des millions de voyageurs s\u00e9duits par ses eaux turquoise, ses villes m\u00e9di\u00e9vales et ses \u00eeles ensoleill\u00e9es. Mais comme toute destination tr\u00e8s populaire, elle r\u00e9serve quelques pi\u00e8ges aux visiteurs non avertis. Voici le guide ultime pour r\u00e9ussir son premier voyage en Croatie sans stress, en \u00e9vitant les erreurs les plus fr\u00e9quentes. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":674733,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-674720","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/674720","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=674720"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/674720\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":674772,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/674720\/revisions\/674772"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/674733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=674720"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=674720"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=674720"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}