The 4 Most Beautiful Beaches on the Island of Rab
August 16, 2024
Must-visit small towns on the Croatian coast you need to explore this summer
August 23, 2024Can't stand the crowds? You can swim in September as well.
Beach in Croatia (Source: Pixabay)
Summer is the season when Croatia is the most visited. Guides state that the period from June to the end of August is the best time to visit Croatia. This is a great time to experience the charms of beaches and crystal-clear sea, enjoy one of the renowned world festivals or visit famous landmarks, but this is not the only option available to you.
If you are choosing Croatia as your destination specifically for its beaches and beautiful weather, you can plan a trip in September. The weather in September is still marked by plenty of sunny hours and high temperatures.
Besides the fact that the beaches won’t be overcrowded, September is an ideal time for a vacation because prices are relatively lower compared to the peak season, especially when it comes to accommodation and food.
Additionally, in September, there are still numerous events being held, and various opportunities for active holidays are available.
It is also worth mentioning that in recent years, more and more tourists are choosing to vacation in October because, in addition to further reduced prices, the weather remains favorable for beach visits.
Look for alternative swimming spots
Adriatic Sea (Source: Unsplash)
If you're coming to Croatia during peak season and don't like crowds, try to avoid the most famous beaches.
The beaches are truly unique, as many visitors and official guides will confirm, but there are some drawbacks associated with them. Their great popularity results in a high concentration of people on the beach.
Paradise beaches with crystal-clear sea can easily turn into places that look nothing like a postcard.
Due to the large crowds, it might take you some time to find a suitable spot for your towel and other belongings. In some cases, even though the beach is marked with a blue flag, the sea might lose some of its characteristic clarity.
If you're looking for a refreshing spot in the shade and a beach without much noise and crowds, try to find smaller, hidden beaches.
You won't find such a beach in a guidebook. The best way to find a peaceful spot is to seek advice from the locals.
Never ask: "What is the best spot for swimming?" Instead, try to find out where locals go to avoid the crowds.
The Croatian coastline is very diverse, so you won't have trouble finding hidden corners for swimming.
Parking
Parking lot at dusk (Source: Pexels)
If you decide to travel by car, you’ll be interested in the issue of parking. In Croatia, this is generally a challenge even for locals, especially in larger cities and during the summer crowds.
For example, Dubrovnik, one of the gems of the Croatian Adriatic, charges as much as 10 euros per hour for parking in some areas on Branitelja Dubrovnika Street in Pile (right at the entrance to the Old Town) during the summer months, making it the most expensive parking in Croatia. This can easily be avoided by parking your car in Gruž, where the cost is only 3 €/h or 40 €/day.
It’s a worthwhile option, considering it’s just a 10-minute public transport ride from the Old Town.
Taxi transport
Taxi transport in Croatia (Source: Pixabay)
In Croatia, there are a large number of taxi companies that can take you to your desired destination at an affordable price. However, this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll avoid a situation where you might pay a higher amount for a short ride.
The reason?
In key locations (such as city centers, bus stations, and airports), there might be unauthorized taxi operators. They can be difficult to spot as they prominently display “taxi” signs.
How can you easily avoid unauthorized taxis, unpleasant situations, or paying astronomical amounts for a ride?
The safest option is to order a ride through the app of a trusted taxi company.
It is advisable to check which taxi companies operate at your destination so you can compare prices and choose a more affordable option.
For example, the most common apps in Croatia are Uber, Bolt, or Cammeo.
If you find yourself at an airport or bus station in a hurry, before getting into the first available taxi, ask the driver how much they charge for a ride to your destination so the final amount doesn’t come as a surprise.
Another option to consider is to arrange transportation in advance when booking your accommodation.
Poor quality of food in restaurants
Explore local delicacies in Croatia (Source: Pixabay)
A good location and high prices do not necessarily guarantee quality service.
As you probably already know, Croatian cuisine, especially Dalmatian, has become a big hit among traveling gourmets.
Along the entire coast, there is a large number of restaurants (some of which even boast prestigious Michelin stars) combining unique locations and a rich selection of local specialties.
When choosing a restaurant to explore local delicacies, be cautious, as there are some restaurants that charge a premium for a central location or a sea view. The food in such restaurants often lacks higher quality, but due to the restaurant's prime location, you’ll pay more than necessary.
The price of drinks can also rise if you decide to sit in a café in the city center (e.g., the price of coffee can range from €2 to €5).
How to choose the right restaurant or café?
Try using apps like Tripadvisor to look up reviews and past guest experiences.
Higher prices and a good location won’t always guarantee a good experience and quality. You can find much better value for money in quieter places away from the city center.
If you are looking exclusively for local specialties, try finding smaller restaurants (konobe). These often serve traditional dishes at affordable prices.
If you enjoy seafood specialties, we can confidently say that in such places, you’ll get fresh fish rather than frozen, which many larger restaurants serve while claiming it’s fresh.
