1. Do not go on a diet.
With several different regions, each famous for their own specialties, now’s not the time pass on succulent, mouthwatering meals. Savour some gnocchi with fresh truffle-cream sauce in Istria, delight in Dalmatia’s best seafood straight from the Adriatic Sea, revel in world renowned oysters from Ston, or taste traditional meats, finely cured from the continental region. There's so much to try - you might actually need to start a diet after you return home ;) All of these foods also pair extremely well with local wine, which brings me to number two on the list...
2. Do not drink imported wine.
Wine lovers unite! Croatia is known for its impeccable wine selection, so choose local, not imported wines. There are seriously hundreds of varieties throughout the different regions, but one of the most popular is Plavac Mali, which comes from Peljesac peninsula near Dubrovnik, and it’s loved by all (seriously, everyone), go ahead and try to prove me wrong :) Another little fact about Croatia's incredible wine selection - the Crljenak Kastelanski grape is actually genetically identical to the Zinfandel grape, proving that Zinfandel originates from Croatia!
3. Do not drink more than one cup of coffee in the morning.
Croatians love their coffee! But it's all about quality, not quantity. Typically, Croatians sip a small cup of espresso with milk OR a small cup of Turkish coffee which is loaded with caffeine. This traditional way of making coffee is prepared on the stove by boiling water, adding the grinds and letting the mixture rise exactly three times in the pot.
When you pour the coffee into the cups, the grounds are poured in as well (and stay in your cup, sinking to the bottom). Some Croatians use these leftover grounds to read their fortunes when they've finished drinking their coffee :) You can read yours, too, by simply flipping the cup upside down to see the formation the grounds make when it's flipped back up again!
When you pour the coffee into the cups, the grounds are poured in as well (and stay in your cup, sinking to the bottom). Some Croatians use these leftover grounds to read their fortunes when they've finished drinking their coffee :) You can read yours, too, by simply flipping the cup upside down to see the formation the grounds make when it's flipped back up again!
4. Do not be scared to try using some Croatian words with locals.
Even if you completely butcher your attempt at communicating some Croatian words to a local, they'll be overjoyed that you've made an effort. Croatian is not a very common language, obviously, since the country is home to just 4.2 million people, so locals are flattered when foreigners give it a shot. They'll probably try to invite you into their homes and feed you all day long, though, so watch out (another reason to abide by rule #1). Croatians are well known for their hospitality and are the most wonderful, welcoming hosts on the planet. This Lonely Planet phrasebook was a lifesaver when I first moved here, as smart phones weren't in full swing back in 2007 :)
5. Do not stay only on the mainland.
It's hard to believe that this little country has more than 1200 islands, but it's true. And it would be a pity to visit Croatia and not even see one of them. Almost a sin, really. They vary greatly in size, from small rocks in the sea to large populated islands (only 60 of which are inhabited) - so swim to one, sail to one, or paddle to one - but promise us you'll see at least ONE! The Adriatic is crystal clear as it is, but the clarity and the hues of the sea are especially exaggerated out around the islands.
Follow these simple rules, and you're sure to have an amazing Croatian vacation. We'd love to hear about your experiences and impressions of Croatia, so leave us a comment below :)
-Sarah
Follow these simple rules, and you're sure to have an amazing Croatian vacation. We'd love to hear about your experiences and impressions of Croatia, so leave us a comment below :)
-Sarah
