If Croatia isn’t on your list of destinations to visit, it should be. While it may now be famous for setting the scene on Game of Thrones, the country has always been known for its striking natural beauty and wonderfully sunny weather. Having become increasingly popular since the aforementioned feature, Croatia can sometimes be bustling with tourists. If you want a quiet trip full of authentic Croatian culture, then follow our top tips to beating the crowds.
Avoid hotels
It may sound peculiar, but avoid central hotels at all costs. They’ll undoubtedly be crowded with tourists and tend to be located in the busiest areas of Croatia. Instead, take a look at private villas, such as those from Oliver’s Travels. Offering increased privacy, the ability to muster up your own food and more secluded spots for relaxing, villas are a great way of beating the crowds. You’ll enjoy a more realistic experience and always get a spot by the pool - there’s no need to run to lay down towels at 6 am!
Go local
The tourist spots are always going to be busy and, while there are some things you shouldn’t miss out on, heading to the quieter streets gives you a real taste of Croatian life. There are plenty of places to go that are equally as beautiful yet lesser known by tourists.
Research the best spots to get authentic Croatian food in your chosen city before you go. Most cities will have a ton of lesser-known restaurants that are more catered for locals. This ensures you’ll get a true taste of the cuisine while avoiding a crowd of tourists.
Heading outside of the city centre is how you can find all of the best hot spots. Dubrovnik, for example, has a highly rated restaurant called Konoba Veranda around twenty minutes away from the city itself. Praised for its selection of local dishes, it proves that leaving the centre really does have its perks.
Avoid peak times
If you’re keen on seeing some of the more popular spots, you can still beat the crowds by visiting in off-peak times. According to On the Go Tours, the busiest time of year is July and August due to the hot weather and the fact that it is in most school’s summer holidays. For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, head over in May or September. The weather and sea are both still warm, making it perfect for a dip in a not-so-busy sea or pool.
Anytime between October and May is the super off-peak season, making it ideal for those who want a peaceful getaway. They aren’t the warmest times of the year, but they’re still ideal for exploring the beautiful cities of Croatia.
Go early in the morning
Of course, there will be tourist spots you just can’t miss. The Muralles de Dubrovnik is most likely one of them if you’re heading to the big city, but of the hot spots will depend largely on where you go. Rather than exploring them at mid-day or afternoon, go early in the morning to avoid long queues and big crowds. Check what time the event opens and go as early as possible, you won’t have to worry about people slowing you down as they’re more likely to head out after lunch.
Whether you’re heading to a big city or a small village, following our tips can help you beat the crowds and enjoy your trip to the maximum.