Giving Birth in Croatia: My Experience as an Expat!

4/16/2020

Selfie after the birth of my youngest daughter in Petrova hospital

I thought it might be helpful to share my experience as an expat giving birth in Croatia, because when I was pregnant for the first time, living in a foreign country, I had no idea what to expect about the process here.

What was the hospital experience going to be like? What kind of support would I have? Am I going to understand everything that’s going on? Who can be in the room with me? What will the prenatal care be like?

Some of you may even be "stuck" in Croatia because of border closures & canceled flights due to COVID-19. Maybe you were planning to travel back home to give birth, but realize that can't happen at the moment. Hopefully you'll find this post helpful!

Top Things to See and Do in Čakovec

4/7/2020

Zrinski Castle or Old town Čakovec - Photo credit IG @mariosaric4

A Brief History of Cakovec

(followed by a list of things to see & do, as well as a few restaurant recommendations)

Cakovec is a very interesting and culturally rich city in the north of Croatia. It’s the largest city in Medimurje (the northernmost county of Croatia) and has a long history dating back to the 1st century AD. It was formerly called Aquama, and was a Roman place for holiday.

During the 13th century, the Hungarian Earl, Dimitrus Csaky, built a wooden tower in Cakovec, which is how the name of the city originated (from the Cakov Tower).

20 Croatian Habits Everyone Should Adopt!

4/3/2020

Photo credit IG @travelernika

As a follow up to my recent post about some of the “strange things Croatians do,” I’ve put together a list of some Croatian habits I love and think everyone should adopt! Having lived in Croatia for over 8 years now, I've definitely picked up a bunch of these, myself!

Eat your big meal of the day when it counts, don’t take coffee to go, don't ever eat sliced bread, and never visit a home with a newborn. Take PLENTY of vacation (along with four-day weekends), see friends often, and top up the parking meter with a simple text message!

Read on to find out more about some of the best habits Croatians live by!

Best Short-Term, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans for Croatia Travel

3/8/2020

Prepaid plans in Croatia

Here I’ll walk you through the top providers in Croatia and their short term, prepaid plans that you can sign up for once you get over here, which will save you big.

Compared to the U.S.A. and Canada, Croatian phone bills are extremely inexpensive, so take advantage and say goodbye to roaming and long distance fees from back home!

(Example: Get 250 mins of talk + 2GB of data for only 3 EUR!)

Zagreb’s Top Things to See & Do (With Costs & Working Hours)

2/27/2020

The Upper Town, Zagreb - Photo credit IG @watchluke

If you find yourself in Zagreb and you have some time to explore, here is a list of things we recommend checking out! They’re all in the city center (or very close), so they’re easy to get to by foot or tram. I’ve also listed operating hours and any admission prices that apply!

We hope you’ll love Zagreb as much as we do :)

25 Strange Things Croatians Do (And Would NEVER Do)!

2/24/2020

Walking proudly with the Croatian flag - Photo credit IG @matterarts_

Croatians definitely have their fair share of rules, habits, beliefs and superstitions, and I’m here to outline the ones I’ve noticed since first setting foot on Croatian soil back in 2007. Some of these I also now do, while others I remain a total outcast for in Croatia.

Don’t sit on concrete, cover your kidneys, eat with a spoon, use lard and liquor if you’re sick, blame the wind if you’re grumpy, and buy olive oil in recycled Coke bottles, are just a few. Read on to discover more rules, habits and superstitions Croatians take very seriously.

A List of the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia

2/22/2020

Brown Bear, Kuterevo - Photo credit IG @mphotos_sotohpm

Croatia is home to many wild animals (including snakes, bears, sharks and scorpions to name a few). Here I have put together a helpful guide showing which animals are dangerous, where they can be found in Croatia, what you should look out for, and what to do if you get bitten.

Top 15 Nudist & Naturist Beaches in Croatia (With a Map)

2/16/2020

Nugel, Makarska/Photo credit IG @pati.zydor

Looking for nudist or naturist beaches in Croatia where you can swim, sunbathe and enjoy the day freely? Here is a list of the top 15 spots for naturism along the Adriatic Sea, each with a map so you can see precisely where they are (sometimes they’re hard to find!).

There are actually over 100 nudist beaches throughout the country, so there are plenty to choose from, but here’s a narrowed-down list to give you an idea, and help you sort out some of the best.

Just a quick note to mention that naturist beaches in Croatia are labelled with FKK, which is short for Freikorperkultur (which is a German naturist movement that translates to ‘free body culture’). Keep your eye out for those three letters, then you can strip down to your birthday suit and enjoy the clean and clear waters of the Adriatic!

15 Places in Croatia You’ve Probably Never Heard Of!

2/14/2020

Majerovo vrilo, a source of Gacka River - Photo credit IG @priba11

There is so much more to Croatia than Dubrovnik, Hvar and Plitvice Lakes! Here are some hidden gems that are off the beaten path, and are definitely worth a visit!

From the smallest town in the world to the furthest eastern city, artsy towns, bear sanctuaries, horse farms and legendary lighthouses, discover more of Croatia on your next visit!

Here are 15 spots you’ve probably never heard of, so check them out and work them into your Croatia travel plans if you want a little something different!

10 Reasons Croatian Weddings are Better Than the Rest!

2/7/2020

Our wedding in Maksimir Park, Zagreb, 2013

Croatians really know how to celebrate, especially when it comes to two people joining their lives in marriage. Their weddings are quite unique and I think they do it better than almost anyone!

I know because I’ve been to many Croatian weddings, I’ve had my own Croatian wedding, and the 3 day celebration, the traditions, the fake brides, the flagman, the horns, the dancing (and eating) until the sun comes up, really make the whole weekend-long festivities, incredible!

Read on to find out more!

50 Insanely Spectacular Photos of Croatia: Start Packing!

2/4/2020

Here are 50 of the most sensational photos from all over Croatia, capturing the country's most beautiful and iconic views!

From Dubrovnik's Old Town, to Plitvice Lakes, quaint fairytale towns in Istria, vast fields of Slavonia & Baranje, and everything in between, we've covered it all!

1. Zadar

The Greeting to the Sun, Zadar/Photo credit IG @merikankainzadar

My Kids Don’t Speak English: Raising Bilinguals is Tough!

1/31/2020

Story time with my babies

Raising bilingual children has been a struggle: one I didn’t expect. I thought that just because I’m a native English speaker, my kids would naturally and effortlessly pick up the language, no matter what country we live in, and no matter what language surrounds us.

I always thought English would be their first language. I thought their accents would sound like mine. I thought it would be effortless. I was wrong.

Best 5* Star Hotels in Split, Croatia + Notable 4* Choices

1/20/2020

Hotel Cornaro, Split/Photo credit IG @juliereinsnes4

Planning a luxurious trip to Split, Croatia and want the best of the best for hotels? Here are my top recommendations for 5 star hotels, as well as a few 4 star hotels that are definitely worth mentioning!

There are just two 5 star hotels in Split I would highly recommend: Hotel Posh (a very small, all suites hotel) and Hotel Park (a bit larger than Posh, but a classic, luxurious hotel).

Top 10 Food Festivals in Croatia: Truffles, Pie, Fish & More

1/15/2020

Food festivals in Croatia - Soparnik

Are you a food lover looking for a delicious experience in Croatia? If so, you’ve come to the right place, as Croatia is home to many of the best food festivals in Europe. Here I’ll outline the top 10 that take place around the country throughout the year.

This list will have you salivating and licking your lips, so don’t read if you don’t think you can handle it!

Best 5* Star Luxury Hotels in Dubrovnik for 2020

1/9/2020

Hotel Villa Dubrovnik/Photo credit IG @hotelvilladubrovnik

Best 5* Star Luxury Hotels in Dubrovnik for 2020

If you’re looking for luxurious 5 star hotels in Dubrovnik, you’ve come to the right place. All of the following hotels are within walking distance to the Old Town, they also offer stunning views of the Adriatic, exceptional service, amazing amenities and (most) have their own private beaches.

Stay at Excelsior or Villa Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the Old Town and Lokrum Island. Book Pucic Palace to stay right in the center of it all, or Orsula for a romantic, intimate escape. Take the elevator down to the private beach at Bellevue, or use your Hilton rewards points at Hilton Imperial, just steps from the entrance to the Old Town.

Whatever kind of luxury hotel you’re searching for, this list has it all, and you’re sure to get excellent service throughout your stay that goes above and beyond.

Luxury 5* Star Hotel in Hvar, Croatia

1/5/2020

Palace Elisabeth Heritage Hotel, Hvar's Only 5-Star Hotel

Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel/Photo credit IG @alankosa

Looking for a luxurious island stay in Hvar, Croatia? There is now a 5-star, luxury hotel that was recently renovated and relaunched, ready to cater to your every need!

Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel (Hvar Town, Hvar)

Relax at the first and only 5 star hotel in Hvar Town. This stunning heritage hotel re-opened in September 2019 with 45 brand new luxury rooms and suites. The building is a landmark itself with breathtaking Austrian and Venetian architecture, which dates back to the 13th century. In 1899, it was opened as “Empress Elisabeth Spa Hotel” as the Austrian Empress was a patron and co-sponsor of the hotel’s construction.

Top 10 Music Festivals in Croatia, 2020 (with dates & costs)

1/4/2020

IN music festival in Zagreb/Photo credit IG @ninomujkic

Here is a list of the top 10 music festivals in Croatia this year! Some are already quite well known, and others are still fairly new, but each will surely be enjoyed by true music lovers of all genres!

Croatia’s Best 20 Beaches: Sandy, Pebbly & Hidden Gems

1/4/2020

Veli Zal, Dugi Otok/Photo credit IG @petrunjela_pepe

Looking for the best beaches in Croatia for your upcoming holiday? I’ve put together a list of the top 20 beaches, which include sandy beaches, some popular pebbly beaches, as well as some hidden gems that are a little off the beaten path.

I’ve also included helpful information about each beach, like whether or not it has natural shade, if you can rent sun umbrellas or lounge chairs, and if there are any restaurants or cafes on the beach (or nearby).

Let’s start with the best sandy beaches, as they’re what most people are on the hunt for. Then we’ll move to pebbly & popular, and finally to those wonderfully natural, hidden beaches!

*If you click on the name of any of the beaches listed, it will bring you to a map of where they are located.

Is Croatia in the Schengen Zone / Area?

12/28/2019

Many people have asked us if Croatia is in the Schengen Area or Zone now, since it’s an official member of the European Union, however, this status alone doesn’t automatically grant a country entry into the Schengen Area (as is the case with Croatia).

Although Croatia became a member of the EU in July of 2013, it’s not yet in the Schengen Area / Zone. It’s working towards entry, but it’s unpredictable when Croatia will be officially accepted.

Emergency Numbers in Croatia: Stay Safe & Know Who to Call

12/28/2019

Emergency contact numbers are important to have handy when you travel in Croatia or any foreign country. Hopefully you won’t need any of them, but it’s better to be prepared.

Here I will outline a complete list of the most important emergency numbers you should know for your safety!

112 - All emergencies
192 - Police department
193 - Firefighters
194 - Ambulance
195 - Search and rescue at sea
1987 - Road Assistance(HAK)
116000 - Missing child help-line

Contact us today to start planning your custom-made Croatia tour!

Authors

Sarah Cosic

As a Canadian in Croatia, Sarah aims to share her favourite things to see and do, in hopes of helping others enjoy and explore this beautiful country,

Ivan Cosic

Ivan is always searching for unique places and experiences to offer his guests and wants to share some of his findings through the blog.

Payment methods

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p: +385 99 848 3225 / +385 99 848 3226
skype: royalcroatiantours
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Royal Croatian Tours - Travel Agency

ROYAL CROATIAN TOURS d.o.o. turistička agencija
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