Don’t want to behave like a stereotypical tourist on holiday? Then avoid these seven things – otherwise locals will see straight through you, like a newly pitched hire tent on a Dalmatian campsite. And honestly, some mistakes happen to everyone. But once you have read this list, there are no excuses left.
1. Wearing tennis socks with sandals
A classic that simply refuses to die. In Croatia this is not considered charmingly old-fashioned, just “odd”. Anyone shuffling along the harbour like that gives themselves away instantly – not only to locals but also to other tourists wondering: “Why?”
Even worse: socks with pool slides. Bonus points for white calves that look freshly taken from the fridge. Fashion in Croatia is more relaxed, yes – but people still care about clean, well-kept clothing, even at the beach. Socks in the sand? Please don’t.
2. Ordering with Google Translate
“Yes, two ćevapčići and one... er... velika pivo?” Croatians are patient, of course. But if you hold your phone over the table and translate every sentence, it is obvious that you are not from here. A simple “Molim” (please) and “Hvala” (thank you) work wonders and immediately earn you goodwill.
Many restaurants in tourist areas have menus in German, English and Italian. Even so, trying at least a few Croatian words is appreciated. It does not matter if they are wrong – the effort counts. Anyone saying “thank you” with a smile often receives more than just good food in return.
3. Talking far too loudly
“Daaaarling, did you pack the charging cable?” In German. At the market. Beside 20 other people. Croatians speak more quietly and calmly, and do not discuss battery levels, bread prices or insect bites at every opportunity.
Groups of German holidaymakers talking loudly are extremely conspicuous – especially in narrow lanes, restaurants or at the beach. While you may simply be enthusiastic, locals are thinking: “Why are they shouting?” Loudness is often equated with disrespect here. Speak more quietly and people will take you more seriously.
4. Wearing beach slides in the Old Town
Yes, it is hot. Yes, you want comfortable footwear. But slippery stone steps and flip-flops are not a good combination. The old towns of Split, Rovinj or Krk are often built from ancient stone – smooth, uneven and slippery.
Locals dress properly in town – even at 30 degrees. Men wear polo shirts, women wear dresses, and nobody wears swimwear in the konoba. Walking through the Old Town bare-chested or in a bikini does not look relaxed but disrespectful. An accident in flip-flops on marble steps also happens faster than you might think.
5. Parking as if you were in Germany
You neatly position the car within the markings, pay at the machine and behave sustainably and correctly? Congratulations. Except that parking in Croatia is often... more flexible. Anyone arguing for too long or ignoring somebody else’s driveway can quickly annoy the locals.
Worse still: you try to install a parking app while the sun cooks your phone. Or you block half the road while parking and wait for the perfect angle. Tip: be quick and pragmatic – and if you are uncertain, ask someone, preferably not another tourist.
6. Sitting noisily on the balcony after 22h
“But we’re on holiday!” Yes, but your host may not be. And his mother sleeps next door. In many places, quiet hours begin at 22h. Sitting on the terrace with a Bluetooth speaker after that will not make you popular.
Croatians enjoy a celebration – but not every day. In residential areas, including holiday homes, people expect visitors to adapt. Many hosts have already faced complaints or hefty fines because of noise. Anyone laughing or singing loudly in the evening also risks an unpleasant visit from the “komunalni redar” (municipal warden).
7. Asking publicly: “How much does beer cost here?”
Ask this loudly on the promenade and everyone knows what is happening: a tourist with a price-check mentality. Even worse: “It’s cheaper in Germany.” Please never say that. Never. You are on holiday, not in Lidl.
Locals regard comments like these as arrogant. Croatia is not Germany – and that is a good thing. Anyone constantly complaining about prices will be treated accordingly: like someone who would rather have stayed at home.
Bonus: Thinking you know Croatia better than Croatians do
They are everywhere: holidaymakers who have visited Rab or Makarska for 10 years and now believe they know everything. “It used to be better!” “Back then you could barbecue right on the beach!” “Now everything has been built over!”
Perhaps. But anyone acting like a know-it-all loses people’s sympathy. Better to listen, ask and learn – and understand that Croatia is changing too. Some things for the better, some not, just like everywhere else.
Conclusion:
Croatia is open, friendly and tolerant. But those who travel with a little sensitivity experience more, pay less and often receive a more genuine smile in return. Locals notice immediately who arrives with respect – and who arrives only with a selfie stick.
Which tourist failures have you observed – or committed yourself? Tell us in the comments!