This blog was originally published on March 13, 2018.
Croatia has quickly secured a place on all Euro-trip itineraries (and for good reason – it’s stunning). Every year, thousands of sun-seeking travellers make their way here, whether by boat, cruise ship, plane or car.
However, as the Balkan gem gains popularity, the locals are growing increasingly frustrated by tourists. As European summers get more and more crowded, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re travelling responsibly.
Our tips for responsible travel in Croatia
1. Eat the local cuisine, from local places
Eating local produce and drinking locally brewed beer is better for the environment and the local economy, so why not treat your taste buds to some traditional cuisine and broaden your horizons?
Coastal Croatia serves a variety of tasty seafood and is one of the hottest food destinations in Europe! We recommend trying the fresh fish, mussels, oysters, prawns and squid ink pasta. (If you don’t eat seafood, don’t worry, there are plenty of other delicious foods to try.)
Choose a foodie adventure
2. Avoid bottled water
Plastic bottles account for a lot of waste in Croatia (and worldwide), even though tap water here is safe to drink. Stay hydrated while cruising around the Adriatic Sea by refilling a reusable drink bottle from a local drinking tap – the environment will thank you.
As with plastic bottles, you should always take any packaging or waste with you. Waste removal and disposal cause issues on Croatian islands especially, so don’t be that traveller. Oh, and say no to plastic bags! Pack your shopping into a tote bag instead.
3. Learn the local lingo
Consider learning a couple of words or phrases in Croatian before you jet off. Whether you’re trying to break the ice or you’re just being polite, try a simple please (molim), thank you (hvala), or cheers (zivjeli) – the locals will appreciate your effort.
4. Stick to the trails
Areas like Mljet National Park, which you can explore on Intrepid’s Explore Croatia trip, are still off the beaten track. However, with many travellers now aware of the island’s beauty, it’s more important than ever to respect your surroundings – stick to the trails and leave nothing but footprints behind.
Going off the path can result in crushing protected plants and harming fragile ecosystems. Others are also likely to follow in your tracks, causing even more damage to the area, which nobody wants!
5. Be mindful of conversation topics
If you chat with a local, be aware of sensitive subjects. Although you will discover some Croatians want to talk about past wars, it’s a very touchy topic that others don’t want to discuss. Ensure you navigate any conversations with sensitivity.
6. Consider your shopping
If you want to bring back a souvenir or two, it’s always best to support the local economy. Maybe head to the stalls of traditional artisans for locally produced and manufactured mementoes, instead of shops that import their goods. Also, avoid the red coral jewellery if the price tag seems too cheap – chances are it wasn’t sourced responsibly!
7. Educate yourself
As with every country you visit, you should always take the time to brush up on the social norms beforehand. Learning as much as you can about the place you’re visiting, like the main religions, cultural norms, what to wear and the appropriate body language, can help you feel prepared and comfortable when you travel.
Check out our trips to Croatia for your next adventure, whether a summer sailing through the Adriatic, a walking tour of Europe’s highlights or a small cruise adventure with a local.
