{"id":109332,"date":"2018-12-27T14:21:59","date_gmt":"2018-12-27T14:21:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=109332"},"modified":"2023-03-08T15:58:36","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T15:58:36","slug":"backpacking-croatia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/backpacking-croatia\/","title":{"rendered":"Croatia backpacker guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Backpacking Croatia is all about being impulsive, right? It\u2019s about booking your flight and being spontaneous. It\u2019s about making new best mates from around the world in your hostel. Or swimming to a deserted Dalmatian island and fighting off black widow spiders with your bare hands. Oh, am I getting carried away?<\/p>\n<p>But seriously, backpacking Croatia is about engrossing yourself in the culture, learning a little of the language and exploring as many of the picturesque terracotta villages, pebble beaches and awe-inspiring national parks as you can. It\u2019s about making the most of your trip!<\/p>\n<p>Excited yet? You should be. Here are some tips on how to make your Croatian backpacking dream a reality.<\/p>\n<h2>Jump straight to:<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#best-time-to-visit-Croatia\" class=\"post links\">Best time to visit Croatia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#travelling-around-croatia\" class=\"post links\">Travelling around Croatia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#hostels-in-croatia\" class=\"post links\">Hostels in Croatia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#croatia-travel-costs\" class=\"post links\">Croatia travel costs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#where-to-go-and-what-to-do-in-croatia\" class=\"post links\">Where to go and what to do in Croatia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Croatian-food\" class=\"post links\">Croatian food<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#croatian-nightlife\" class=\"post links\">Croatian nightlife<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Croatia-phrases\" class=\"post links\">Croatian phrases<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#is-croatia-safe\" class=\"post links\">Is Croatia safe?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#croatia-travel-advice\" class=\"post links\">Croatia travel advice<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"best-time-to-visit-Croatia\">Best time to visit Croatia<\/h2>\n<p>Croatia\u2019s temperature dial is split firmly down the middle and you\u2019ll want to take both sides into account when planning your backpacking trip. The coastline is Mediterranean, with sizzling summers and mild winters. Inland is continental &#8211; hot in the summer but winters reach knee-knocking temperatures.<\/p>\n<p>The peak time to visit Croatia\u2019s coastline is during July and August when you can expect balmy, blissfully warm days, sparkling sapphire waters and plenty of activity. During this time locals head to the beaches, so inland towns become a little quieter. If busy beaches and al fresco dining is what you\u2019re after, then coastal towns like Dubrovnik and Split are perfect at this time of year. Bear in mind though that temperatures can reach boiling point and sightseeing can really drain your energy, as well as turn you lobster red. Try and avoid the middle of the day, as this tends to be the hottest.<\/p>\n<p>The summer is also fantastic for music lovers as Croatia comes alive with festivals. Whether you\u2019re in the market for carnival vibes, electronic beats or a spiritually inclined alternative, you\u2019ll find something that takes your fancy. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-croatia.co.uk\/festivals-croatia\/sonus-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Sonus Festival<\/a> is a techno-lovers dream, whilst <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-croatia.co.uk\/festivals-croatia\/obonjan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Obonjan<\/a> is set on an eco-friendly island with holistic music, wellness talks and soul-searching workshops. If you\u2019ve ever wanted to dance the night away in a Roman amphitheatre to the sound of dubstep then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-croatia.co.uk\/festivals-croatia\/outlook-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Outlook Festival<\/a> is your best bet.<\/p>\n<p>Remember that accommodation fills up quickly during peak season and with that comes peak price tags. It\u2019s often worth travelling during June and September if you want to save a few pennies and avoid the stress of fully-booked hostels.<\/p>\n<p>From October to May the sparkling coast is very quiet, and many bars and restaurants close shop for the winter. Make the most of the cooler weather by heading to areas of natural beauty like Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park. If you\u2019re visiting in late October through to November you can expect snow, which always make photos look that little bit prettier. If sightseeing is on the cards, pull on your walking boots and head to historic centres like Split or Croatia \u2013 the colder weather means less crowds and plenty of discounted rates in hostels, bars and restaurants. Win win!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-109345\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Photo-31-08-2017-18-23-57.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking croatia - lake sunset\" width=\"875\" height=\"1166\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"_7UhW9 fKFbl yUEEX KV-D4 fDxYl \" style=\"text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udcf7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetravelcrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">thetravelcrush<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"travelling-around-croatia\">Travelling around Croatia<\/h2>\n<p>Travelling Croatia can be a breeze if you plan it correctly, but if you don\u2019t you could end up stranded and nobody wants that.<\/p>\n<p>Buses are the main form of public transport and they almost always run on time. Granted, buses aren\u2019t the most glamourous mode of transport so you probably won\u2019t be snapchatting the journey, but they\u2019re cheap, clean and comfortable. They travel through mountains, down quaint town streets and offer great views of a Croatian countryside you\u2019d otherwise never see.<\/p>\n<p>You can book your tickets online on websites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autotrans.hr\/en-us\/home?r=441405d8\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Autotrans<\/a>, which is one of the biggest bus companies in the country. Other online booking websites include <a href=\"https:\/\/getbybus.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">GetByBus<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/vollo.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Vollo<\/a>. If you know your travel dates are unlikely to change then it\u2019s best to book ahead to be sure of a seat, otherwise you might find yourself squashed in the aisle and standing for the whole of your five-hour journey. Not ideal.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re unsure of your travel dates, then head to the bus station the day before you want to travel and book in person or find a tisak (newsstand) where you can grab tickets at a slightly discounted price.<\/p>\n<p>Some buses do travel overnight. You might think the ten-hour bus journey from Pula to Split sounds like a great way of saving accommodation money and sneaking 40 winks but in reality this may not be the case. Overnight buses in Croatia often have the lights on and the music blaring, so you probably won\u2019t get much sleep. Also, there\u2019s almost always a spiritually awakened chatterbox on these bus routes that can\u2019t wait to discuss the meaning of life. Good luck snoozing through that.<\/p>\n<p>There will be plenty of rest stops along the way, but try not to get left behind &#8211; these Croatian buses have been known to zap off, with or without a full house. If you do find yourself stranded, try travelling to the nearest large town and grabbing another bus from there.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.busabout.com\/european-sailing\/croatia-sailing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Busabout<\/a> tour is an alternative to DIY travelling and gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore Croatia\u2019s bucket list spots, whilst choosing when to hop on and off. If this is something you\u2019re interested in you can find out more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.busabout.com\/european-sailing\/croatia-sailing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Trains are another great way of travelling around Croatia and compared to the rest of Europe tickets are pretty cheap. Bear in mind that with the construction of modern motorways, trains do take longer than buses. For example, the Zagreb to Rijeka route takes only two and a half hours by bus, whilst the train takes over four. It\u2019s also worth remembering that the popular town of Dubrovnik has no train station. Croatian train websites don\u2019t offer an online booking facility but you can use <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hzpp.hr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Croatia Railways<\/a>, and <a href=\"http:\/\/reiseauskunft.bahn.de\/bin\/query.exe\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Die Bahn<\/a> to look up routes, train times, and prices.<\/p>\n<p>To travel to the islands, you\u2019re best off catching a ferry from one of Croatia\u2019s main ports like Split or Dubrovnik. Both the car ferries and catamarans are comfortable and clean, equipped with toilets (always good to know) and some even have snazzy bars and restaurants. Pre-booking doesn\u2019t guarantee you a seat, so it\u2019s best to get to the wharf early. If you\u2019re planning on bringing your bike along you\u2019ll need to pay an additional fee of between 13KN to 45KN. If you want to save money, you\u2019re best travelling without a vehicle and hiring one at your destination.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re only travelling through the big cities like Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, then chances are you won\u2019t need a car. If you\u2019re heading out into the countryside and want that extra freedom, you might. Websites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentalcars.com\/Home.do?affiliateCode=frankaboutcroatia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Rentalcars.com<\/a> always have good deals. Car companies like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.co.uk\/car-hire\/croatia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Sixt Croatia<\/a>, Fleet and Oryx also come highly recommended. Bear in mind that the minimum age for renting a car in Croatia is 21 years old. If you\u2019re lucky enough to be a spring chicken under this age, then you will have to pay a young driver surcharge. Try and keep your eyes on the road; gawking out of the window at the incredible Dalmatian scenery is tempting, but it can also be hazardous!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-109350 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Photo-31-08-2017-19-22-13-1.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking croatia - boat and lake\" width=\"875\" height=\"1166\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udcf7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetravelcrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">thetravelcrush<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"hostels-in-croatia\">Hostels in Croatia<\/h2>\n<p>Staying in a hostel will provide some of your best experiences when backpacking Croatia and you\u2019ll find plenty that cater to all your needs.<\/p>\n<p>Split is the second biggest city in Croatia and offers a hostel scene that is both varied and cheap. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hosteldetails.php\/En-Route-Hostel\/Split\/268775\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">En Route Hostel<\/a> is very popular with backpackers and is less than five minutes\u2019 walk to the city\u2019s main highlights and Ba\u010dvice Beach. This hostel tends to book up in advance so give yourself plenty of time if you want to bag a room here. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hosteldetails.php\/Backpackers-Fairytale\/Split\/58992?source=adwordsdynamic&amp;network=g&amp;creative=273742437500&amp;adposition=1t1&amp;uniqueclickID=17353145738306944594&amp;sub_keyword=&amp;sub_ad=b&amp;sub_publisher=ADW&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlb_fBRBHEiwAzMeEdpgDSIjP80pJ2rcjrTzWu0fjOjHVY-QmO2wVcgUTffx_u1BpTDHW5hoCK-IQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Backpackers Fairytale<\/a> is another popular choice. They organise group sightseeing days out and stand up paddle board sessions for those brave enough. Prices start from around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/search?q=euro+%E2%82%AC50&amp;stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LQz9U3MMoxy1Di1U_XNzRMtzA3zklPNtRSyk620s8uiM8p1y_PL8pJiU8uLSpKzUuutEpKzMvOyy9JLQYA6Rx6Oj8AAAA&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi36qb9_LzeAhUMzKQKHeyCBaYQmxMoATAiegQIARAW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">\u20ac<\/a>10 per night for a dorm and, again, rooms fill up quickly so book in advance if you don\u2019t want to miss out.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve set your sights on Dubrovnik, you might be paying slightly more. You\u2019ll find swathes of die-hard Game of Thrones fans descending on the city for the chance to explore Kings Landing. You can thank the popular TV series for the recent rise in prices! There are still some moderately-priced gems so don\u2019t lose all hope. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hosteldetails.php\/Hostel-Euroadria\/Dubrovnik\/267443?source=adwordsenhostelnames&amp;network=g&amp;creative=293185371722&amp;adposition=1t2&amp;uniqueclickID=10045503020929516390&amp;sub_keyword=hostel%20euroadria&amp;sub_ad=e&amp;sub_publisher=ADW&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlb_fBRBHEiwAzMeEdp4mARjLAylO1tyPNS9WHwi_qCSSkzuDYUDTwRuvk_DxEm47uOicGBoCCRMQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Hostel Euroadria<\/a> is one such place, with modern interiors, beautiful common areas and generously sized rooms. The Old City walls are a 10-minute bus ride away, and the station is right outside the hostel. \u00a0If it\u2019s a central location you\u2019re after, there are plenty of great budget options to choose from. You\u2019ll find the historic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hosteldetails.php\/Hostel-Angelina-Old-Town-Dubrovnik-Southern-pa\/Dubrovnik\/70694\/?source=adwordsenhostelnames&amp;network=g&amp;creative=238877453457&amp;adposition=1t1&amp;uniqueclickID=6371638245315857174&amp;sub_keyword=villa%20angelina%20old%20town%20dubrovnik&amp;sub_ad=e&amp;sub_publisher=ADW&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlb_fBRBHEiwAzMeEdiw3V5fb7QdVXhiCW5-cpL1Mds5cDiNKWM-32QU8A56giAIuihaz5hoC8_4QAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Hostel Angelina<\/a> right in the heart of the action, with cosy air-conditioned rooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and some of the best views of the city. A night here will set you back around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/search?q=euro+%E2%82%AC50&amp;stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LQz9U3MMoxy1Di1U_XNzRMtzA3zklPNtRSyk620s8uiM8p1y_PL8pJiU8uLSpKzUuutEpKzMvOyy9JLQYA6Rx6Oj8AAAA&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi36qb9_LzeAhUMzKQKHeyCBaYQmxMoATAiegQIARAW\" class=\"post links\">\u20ac<\/a>15 which leaves plenty of change for a cheeky tipple.<\/p>\n<p>When staying in Zagreb, why not scope out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hosteldetails.php\/Swanky-Mint\/Zagreb\/77646?source=adwordsenhostelnames&amp;network=g&amp;creative=238900584710&amp;adposition=1t1&amp;uniqueclickID=17885305891687500076&amp;sub_keyword=swanky%20mint%20hostel&amp;sub_ad=e&amp;sub_publisher=ADW&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlb_fBRBHEiwAzMeEdnk2AinDUBlbuCpZDZ7SeAccIDVqOsmf7LetTaT_Bo8-lXi95OL8fxoCOtoQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Swanky Mint Hostel<\/a>? You\u2019d be hard pushed to find anyone who has a bad word to say about this buzzing spot, located in a 19<sup>th<\/sup> Century textile factory in the centre of the city. On arrival you\u2019ll be treated to a traditional rakija (fruit brandy) and the next morning you can look forward to a breakfast in bed of delicious Croatian delicacies. There\u2019s an outdoor pool, a hip and happening bar area and DJ\u2019s spinning party tunes well into the night. What\u2019s not to love? Shared dorm rooms start from just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/search?q=euro+%E2%82%AC50&amp;stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LQz9U3MMoxy1Di1U_XNzRMtzA3zklPNtRSyk620s8uiM8p1y_PL8pJiU8uLSpKzUuutEpKzMvOyy9JLQYA6Rx6Oj8AAAA&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi36qb9_LzeAhUMzKQKHeyCBaYQmxMoATAiegQIARAW\" class=\"post links\">\u20ac<\/a>10, which sounds like a bargain to me!<\/p>\n<p>Hvar is one of the most popular Dalmatian islands and you\u2019ll likely get mobbed at the ferry port with floods of private room offers. Opt for a stay in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hosteldetails.php\/Hostel-Villa-Skansi\/Hvar\/29932\/?source=adwordsenhostelnames&amp;network=g&amp;creative=238877453724&amp;adposition=1t1&amp;uniqueclickID=11220963434681306091&amp;sub_keyword=villa%20skansi&amp;sub_ad=e&amp;sub_publisher=ADW&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlb_fBRBHEiwAzMeEduWDudUKw2bUp2KluKA3CHQsKRwTdpBuvEXnKkLr-UdM39xwg8vCMBoCXLUQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Villa Skansi<\/a>, which stands out from other budget accommodation because of its serene location, nestled on the small bay of Krizna luka. It\u2019s a 5-minute walk from the city centre but feels like a million miles. The dorm rooms are large and brightly coloured, surrounded by citrus trees, pomegranates and bougainvillea. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hosteldetails.php\/Youth-Hostel-Villa-Marija\/Hvar\/40455\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Villa Marija<\/a> is another top-rated bet. Snuggle up and watch the sun set on the hostel\u2019s sea-view terrace. There\u2019s also a trendy cocktail bar to help make friends, a swimming pool to keep fit and a reading lounge for those of you after a bit of zen. A room in a shared dorm here starts at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/search?q=euro+%E2%82%AC50&amp;stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LQz9U3MMoxy1Di1U_XNzRMtzA3zklPNtRSyk620s8uiM8p1y_PL8pJiU8uLSpKzUuutEpKzMvOyy9JLQYA6Rx6Oj8AAAA&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi36qb9_LzeAhUMzKQKHeyCBaYQmxMoATAiegQIARAW\" class=\"post links\">\u20ac<\/a>34 which is a little on the steeper side, but when you\u2019re waking up to sweeping views of the ocean you won\u2019t be complaining.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-109575 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/59_80.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking croatia - hostel with pool\" width=\"875\" height=\"582\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hosteldetails.php\/Youth-Hostel-Villa-Marija\/Hvar\/40455\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Villa Marija in Hvar<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"croatia-travel-costs\">Croatia Travel Costs<\/h2>\n<p>Backpacking Croatia doesn\u2019t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you\u2019re smart about the places you choose to visit, how you get around and where you eat and drink, you can save yourself a small fortune. Here are some dos and don\u2019ts to help you out on the road.<\/p>\n<p>Even though Croatia is part of the European Union, at the moment the currency remains the Kuna. You\u2019ll find plenty of prices written in Euros and you might still be able to pay for some items like private accommodation, taxis and meals in Euros.For everything else, you\u2019re best paying in Kuna.<\/p>\n<p>To save on bank fees I\u2019d recommend using cash as much as you can. Don\u2019t get Croatian Kuna in large quantities in the UK, unless you really shop around. The exchange rate in many of Croatia\u2019s bureaux de change is very competitive, and they often offer a better rate than you\u2019d find in the UK.<\/p>\n<p>If you can, avoid getting taxis in expensive cities like Hvar. If you\u2019ve consumed one too many Croatian cocktails and can no longer walk two steps in a straight line, then you have an excuse and a cab might be a good option. In few other circumstances is paying over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/search?q=euro+%E2%82%AC50&amp;stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LQz9U3MMoxy1Di1U_XNzRMtzA3zklPNtRSyk620s8uiM8p1y_PL8pJiU8uLSpKzUuutEpKzMvOyy9JLQYA6Rx6Oj8AAAA&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi36qb9_LzeAhUMzKQKHeyCBaYQmxMoATAiegQIARAW\" class=\"post links\">\u20ac<\/a>10 to go less than 5 minutes up the road recommended.<\/p>\n<p>As a general wallet-friendly rule, avoid the tourist traps when choosing places to eat. Look for restaurants on the side streets, with the menu written in Croatian, where food will be cheaper and most probably tastier too.<\/p>\n<p>Make the most of the free things to see and do. Paying for a guided film tour of Dubrovnik is all well and good but why not save those pennies and follow one of the guides on good ol\u2019 Google? Stroll through the local markets and pristine town squares, explore the beaches, visit the historical churches and soak up the local flavour. Make the most of the freebies around Croatia before they all start charging.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-109586 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Photo-31-08-2017-18-41-36-1.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking croatia - sea and sunset\" width=\"875\" height=\"1166\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udcf7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetravelcrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">thetravelcrush<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"where-to-go-and-what-to-do-in-croatia\">Where to go and what to do in Croatia<\/h2>\n<p>With so many gems to choose from for your Croatian backpacking trip, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you want sparkling beaches, awe-inspiring national parks, charming villages or historic cities, Croatia has it all.<\/p>\n<p>Why not start your backpacking trip in Croatia\u2019s underrated capital, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/findabed.php\/ChosenCity.Zagreb\/ChosenCountry.Croatia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Zagreb<\/a>? It\u2019s<\/strong> a typical European hotspot, combining charming nineteenth-century buildings with plenty of bars, restaurants and a vibrant caf\u00e9 scene. Make time to see St Mark\u2019s Church and Zagreb Cathedral before heading into the Contemporary Art Museum for a chin-stroking experience with the Croatian avant-garde. Take a selfie in the wonderfully quirky Museum of Broken Relationships before sipping coffee in one of the traditional Croatian coffeehouses. Zagreb is also a good base if you want to explore the surrounding hills and villages of <strong>Zagorje<\/strong> region to the north, or the charming pastel-coloured town of <strong>Vara\u017edin<\/strong> which makes for a perfect day trip.<\/p>\n<p>Nestled\u00a0between Zagreb and the sparkling coast (and easily visited from either) are the insta-famous Plitvice Lakes. Inside the lush national park you\u2019ll find 16 crystalline lakes which tumble into each other via a series of stunning natural waterfalls. It\u2019ll take you around 6 hours to explore the park on foot or you can make use of the park\u2019s many boats and buses that are all free of charge. No brainer.<\/p>\n<p>If you head further North you\u2019ll find the charming city of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/findabed.php\/ChosenCity.Zadar\/ChosenCountry.Croatia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\"><strong>Zadar<\/strong><\/a>, which is full of Roman ruins, medieval churches and bustling central alleys. If you use this as your base, you can catch a series of ferries to the small islands of <strong>Silba<\/strong><strong>, <\/strong><strong>Olib<\/strong> and <strong>Dugi Otok<\/strong>. They\u2019re each stunningly beautiful and relatively untouched by tourism, so a great option for those of you who want an authentic snapshot of the Balkans.<\/p>\n<p>Next, strike south to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/findabed.php\/ChosenCity.Split\/ChosenCountry.Croatia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\"><strong>Split<\/strong><\/a>, which is Croatia\u2019s second largest city and your portal to more of the beautiful islands. Take some time to soak up the buzzy atmosphere, pop into a local bar for a tipple or three (or four) and then head to the impressive Diocletian\u2019s Palace. Not necessarily in that order.<\/p>\n<p>Leave some time to jump off the mainland and explore the islands. The closest of these is <strong>Bra\u010d<\/strong>, where you\u2019ll find bustling fishing villages and beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. You can choose to sip away the afternoon in the town of Bol or explore the island\u2019s countryside where donkeys still work rugged farmland and grandpas sit on village steps, sipping tea and playing boules.<\/p>\n<p>Across the water, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/findabed.php\/ChosenCity.Hvar\/ChosenCountry.Croatia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\"><strong>Hvar<\/strong> <\/a>is one of the most popular spots for backpackers and sun-worshippers alike. This is the place to go for a real party. You\u2019ll find hundreds of young partygoers, hands in the air, dancing on tables at the town&#8217;s legendary beach bars. Drinks range from sky-high to dirt cheap, so whether you&#8217;re the most budget-conscious couch surfer or a full on glam-packer, there&#8217;s something for everyone. Once you\u2019ve sobered up, take some time to explore the sun-drenched vineyards, craggy peaks and wonderfully scented lavender fields that the island is famous for.<\/p>\n<p>No list of places to see in Croatia would be complete without a mention of the D word. Steady on, that\u2019s D for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/Dubrovnik\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Dubrovnik<\/a>. This walled medieval city has so much to offer besides just Game of Thrones. Take a wander down the city\u2019s cobbled streets, pop into the many local shops and bazaars, catch a boat to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dubrovnik-travel.net\/lokrum-island\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Lokrum island<\/a> or leave the old town behind completely with a swim session at Banje beach.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-109582 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Photo-30-08-2017-09-42-27-1.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking croatia - girl in hat\" width=\"875\" height=\"1166\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udcf7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetravelcrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">thetravelcrush<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Croatian-food\">Croatian Food<\/h2>\n<p>The food in Croatia is, in a word, delicious. You\u2019ve got the salty sweet seafood influences of the Med teamed with the gooey cheesy moreish schnitzel and strudel style treats of central Europe. The cuisine is diverse and there are some dishes you simply cannot leave Croatia without trying. After sampling some of the most delicious eats that the country has to offer, we\u2019ve narrowed it down to a select few. It\u2019s a hard job, but someone\u2019s got to do it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Breakfast<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Plenty of hostels in Croatia include breakfast in the price of boarding. At its simplest it\u2019ll be a couple of bread rolls, a few slices of cheese and\/or ham and a dollop of jam. Croatian caf\u00e9s serve strong coffee and don\u2019t mind if you want to sneak in a few croissants from the local bakery. Traditional English breakfasts are hard to come by so if you\u2019re nursing a hangover, you\u2019ll have to cook it up yourself.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to grab something quick for breakfast then head to a local pekara (bakery) and order a freshly made sandwich of either cheese, ham or pr\u0161ut (cured ham). Most bakeries also sell traditional Balkan pastries such as burek, which are stuffed full of mincemeat, spinach or gooey cheese.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Main meals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Restaurants typically open for ru\u010dak (lunch) around midday and serve until past midnight, which is handy for those late-night munchies.<\/p>\n<p>For starters, you have to sample some local pr\u0161ut; Croatia\u2019s famous home-cured ham. It\u2019s often served on a platter, along with pa\u0161ki cheese from the island of Pag. Think a moreish mixture of Parmesan and mature cheddar. Kulen, which is a piquant paprika-laced pork sausage from the east, is another local delicacy and one that tastes as delicious as it sounds.<\/p>\n<p>When in Zagreb, \u0161trukli is a starter that has \u2018comfort food\u2019 written all over it. They\u2019re large dough balls filled with cheesy goodness and then boiled or baked. Either way, they\u2019re devilishly addictive.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Meat dishes <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Think grilled or pan-fried chops and ribs. Think perfectly sizzled pork loin, accompanied by a tangy red aubergine and pepper relish called ajvar. The lamb dishes are usually spit-roasted, and as you\u2019re travelling around the country it\u2019ll be quite common to see roadside restaurants where the entire animal is being traditionally roasted over an open fire. Stop by, tuck in, and rub shoulders with the locals whilst you do it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Seafood dishes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>On the sparking Croatian coast your seafood dreams will become reality. Tuck into a tangy and delicious octopus salad, drizzled with lashings of olive oil and fresh herbs. Fish is either grilled, baked or boiled &#8211; although grilling is the way the locals like it. Osli\u0107 (hake) is one of the cheapest kinds of fish and it\u2019s often served sliced and pan-fried in breadcrumbs, with a side of soft potatoes and fresh salad. Don\u2019t leave without sampling the crni ri\u017eot, which is black risotto made from slices of squid and squid ink. Sampling this is a Croatia backpacker\u2019s rite of passage!<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Vegans and Veggies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Learning the phrase <em>&#8216;Ja ne jedem meso<\/em><em>\u2019 will help you out in many a meaty situation. Realistically you might still be served a salad with bacon bits sprinkled on top, but at least you tried. Croatian food is very meat heavy, but things are slowly changing. <\/em>Zagreb, Osijek, Pore\u010d and Split now offer up a sprinkling of vegetarian restaurants, while Dubrovnik has a vegan one. If you ask, you\u2019ll find a handful of restaurants offering vegetarian menus, or at the very least, veggie options. If you\u2019re heading north or east then you can look forward to meat-free specialities like \u0161trukli, which are cheesy oozing dumplings. Along the coast you\u2019ll find a heap of mouth-watering vegetarian pizza, pasta and risotto dishes that even carnivores can enjoy.<\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-109578 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Photo-27-08-2017-18-14-03-1.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking croatia - city \" width=\"875\" height=\"1166\" \/><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udcf7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetravelcrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">thetravelcrush<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"croatian-nightlife\">Croatia nightlife<\/h2>\n<p>From mental dance parties to chilled out music fests and boat bashes that you won\u2019t forget in a hurry, Croatia comes alive after dark. There\u2019s everything you could need for a top-notch night out; glorious beaches, booze sold by the bucketful and bumping beats spun by expert DJ\u2019s. Just try your best not to end up in a taxi at three in the morning texting your ex &#8211; save the tragic drunken messages for the Museum of Broken Relationships. Here\u2019s some of the very best Croatian shindigs for you to try.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Noa Beach Club, Pag Island<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Everyone and their nan knows about Zr\u0107e and its crazy beach parties. During the summer months the space comes alive with festivals like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.croatiagems.com\/croatia-rocks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Croatia Rocks<\/a>, Electro Beat and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hideoutfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Hideout<\/a>. Located on an idyllic pebble beach and open until six in the morning, <a href=\"https:\/\/noa-beach.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Noa Beach Club<\/a> is where it\u2019s at. The drinks are cheap too, which always helps.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Carpe Diem, Hvar<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve had your fill of the elegant restaurants and winding cobbled streets, it\u2019s time to explore the island once the sun goes down. Make your way down to the harbour and jump on a water taxi to the island of Stipanska. Here you\u2019ll find an all-out bash, complete with a rowdy crowd and top DJ\u2019s spinning the latest tunes. In the peak summer months this place is packed to the brim, so if sardine style isn\u2019t for you, try <a href=\"http:\/\/www.carpe-diem-hvar.com\/carpediemhvar\/night-day\/clubbing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Carpe Diem<\/a> in the quieter months. Make sure you catch the last water taxi back to Hvar in the morning, or you might be in for a longer trip than you bargained for.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Boogie Jungle, Korcula<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>With a name like <a href=\"https:\/\/en-gb.facebook.com\/boogiejunglekorculaclub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Boogie Jungle<\/a> you know you\u2019re in for a good time. There\u2019s a shuttle bus from the club to the town centre so you don\u2019t need to worry about getting ripped off on your ride. This is the place to go for themed party nights and their 80\u2019s events have revellers coming back time and again.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Klub Quasimodo, Split<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en-gb.facebook.com\/quasimodoklub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Quasimodo<\/a> is where it\u2019s at if you\u2019re after a cheap and indie night out in the city. Located on the suspect-looking second floor of an office block, the bare-bones space serves up good vibes and strong drinks into the wee hours. If local bands from ex-Yugoslavia are on tour, this is where they\u2019ll play. There\u2019s spoken word nights, quiz evenings and most importantly, cheap booze.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Santos Beach Club, Rab<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Let\u2019s just put it out there &#8211; this place is popular amongst nudists so if you want to add a little va va voom to your backpacking trip, here\u2019s where to go. The tunes start after dark, so spend your daytime catching some rays or flirting with the naked beach goers before firing yourself up for a fiesta. Santos Beach Club is open in summer only.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Revelin Culture Club, Dubrovnik<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Revelin Culture Club is set in an angular 16th-century fortress, at the very end of Dubrovnik\u2019s old town. You\u2019ll find a huge bar, a dancefloor the size of a football pitch and plenty of all-round good vibes. Meanwhile, DJs serve up current and throwback tunes to keep you bumpin\u2019 and grindin\u2019 long into the night. It\u2019s the perfect place to party, whip out some dad-dancing and strike up a conversation with the attractive stranger at the bar. To make things even better, drinks are cheap &#8211; which gives you no excuse not to buy your new \u2018friend\u2019 a cocktail or three.<\/p>\n<h1><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-109580 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Photo-27-08-2017-18-01-12-1.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking croatia - city centre\" width=\"875\" height=\"1181\" \/><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udcf7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetravelcrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">thetravelcrush<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Croatia-phrases\">Croatian phrases<\/h2>\n<p>Nothing bridges those cultural differences like making the effort to speak a little of the local language. And yes, whilst it\u2019s all so tempting to just learn how to say the f-<em>word and nothing else, that\u2019s not going to help you much when you\u2019re stranded with a hefty bill that you don\u2019t understand. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Here\u2019s a list of some of the most useful words and phrases that you might need to use when backpacking Croatia. <\/em><em>A basic grasp of mime may also help.<\/em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Bok \u2013 Hello<\/p>\n<p>D<strong>ovi\u0111enja!<\/strong> \u2013 Goodbye<\/p>\n<p>Kako si (ti)? \u00a0\u2013 How are you?<\/p>\n<p>Ja sam dobro. \u2013 I&#8217;m fine.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kako se (ti) zove\u0161?<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0What&#8217;s your name?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ja se zovem&#8230;<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0My name is&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Govorite li engleski?<\/strong> \u2013 Do you speak English?<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u017dao mi je, ne govorim hrvatski.<\/strong> \u2013 I&#8217;m sorry, I don&#8217;t speak Croatian.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Imam rezervaciju za danas na ime Sam Bella.<\/strong> \u2013 I have a reservation for today in the name Sam Bella.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Oprostite, gdje je WC?<\/strong> \u2013 Excuse me, where&#8217;s the toilet?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mogu li dobiti jelovnik?<\/strong> \u2013 Can I get the menu?<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u017delim platiti. Mogu li dobiti ra\u010dun?<\/strong> \u2013 I want to pay. Can I get the bill?<\/p>\n<p>Hvala \u2013 Thankyou.<\/p>\n<p>As mentioned earlier, <em>&#8216;Ja ne jedem meso\u2019 will also come in handy for the veggies amongst you. It means \u2018I don\u2019t eat meat.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-croatia-safe\">Is Croatia safe?<\/h2>\n<p>Croatia is a safe country but there are a couple of things you should be aware of before setting out for your backpacking adventure of a lifetime. Nothing ruins a trip like having your bag stolen, getting run over or standing on a landmine.<\/p>\n<p>Driving is notoriously hazardous in Croatia. Perhaps it\u2019s the sparkling scenery that makes it that much harder to focus on not ramming into the car in front, but in 2016 there were 7.3 road deaths per 100,000 of the population, compared with the average 2.8 road deaths in the UK. Take precautions when hitching a lift.<\/p>\n<p>Where you can, take public transport rather than hiring a car. If you\u2019re boarding a night train keep an eye on your bag at all times; thieves and pickpockets have been known to target tourists on busy routes. Perhaps keep that glitzy watch off your wrist and in your pocket until you arrive at your destination.<\/p>\n<p>Croatia is known for miles and miles of sparkling blue water along the Adriatic Sea, but you need to ditch the idea of powder white sand and palm trees. Most beaches are covered in large pebbles which have caused a few accidents over the years. You\u2019d be well advised to throw a good pair of beach shoes into your suitcase so you\u2019re not slipping and sliding all over the show. Sea urchins are also very common, and very uncomfortable if you stand on one.<\/p>\n<p>The last piece of safety advice refers to land mines which were scattered by the army during the Homeland War from 1991 \u2013 1995. While the capital and the shore are free of land mines, the countryside and smaller areas are still affected. The road from Karlovac to Plitvitce still has problems with mines so it\u2019s best to give it a miss. Ask locals about specific routes and keep an eye out for the red triangle sign that says \u201cne prilazite.\u201d This means \u201cno entry\u201d and you should probably pay attention. <strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-109584 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Photo-28-08-2017-13-48-23-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking croatia -sea and island \" width=\"875\" height=\"1150\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udcf7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetravelcrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">thetravelcrush<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"croatia-travel-advice\">Croatia travel advice<\/h2>\n<p>It goes without saying that you must have a valid passport to visit Croatia. Before you set off on your trip, make sure you double check it\u2019s renewed and well within date. If your passport becomes out of date while you\u2019re travelling, contact your embassy as soon as you can. It\u2019s also a good idea to bring photocopies of all your travel documents in case they get lost or stolen.<\/p>\n<p>Citizens of the U.K, EU, the U.S, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas to visit Croatia. If you\u2019re from any of those places you can visit happily for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you\u2019re from anywhere else you might require a visa and you can check the full list of countries and requirements <a href=\"https:\/\/mvep.gov.hr\/services-for-citizens\/consular-information-22802\/visas-22807\/visa-requirements-overview-22879\/22879\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You should always take out decent travel insurance. If you\u2019re an EU resident, remember to pack a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can apply for one for free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/using-the-nhs\/healthcare-abroad\/apply-for-a-free-ehic-european-health-insurance-card\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">here<\/a>. If something happens whilst you\u2019re backpacking, this gem entitles you to the basic level of health care in Croatia. It won\u2019t cover you for ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment though, so you should always invest in some good travel insurance. The emergency ambulance number in Croatia is 112.<\/p>\n<p>It might seem obvious but wearing 6-inch heels or the most expensive trainers is the absolute best way to put a barrier between you and your surroundings. Try to keep bling down to a minimum. Take your headphones out of your ears so you can talk to locals and appreciate the sounds of the city &#8211; or notice if a car is about to run you over.<\/p>\n<p>When you order tap water and chow down on the bread basket in a Croatian restaurant, don\u2019t expect them both to be free. Water is often chargeable, and the bread basket is charged to your receipt even if you only munch on one tiny morsel. The extra couple of Kuna probably won&#8217;t break the bank, but it could be a stressful scenario if you\u2019re nearing the end of your cash stash.<\/p>\n<p>Make the effort of speaking a few words in Croatian when you can; the effort is always appreciated and it can open the door to a whole new local experience. Find out about cool places not listed in the guidebooks. Start conversations with the people you meet in your hostels &#8211; they might just become friends for life. It\u2019s also handy asking the people who run your hostels if any street or neighbourhood is a no-go zone. If they say yes, then avoid.<\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re in the city alone, try and drink responsibly. You\u2019re a hindrance to yourself when you\u2019re so inebriated that you don\u2019t know your own name, never mind where you\u2019re staying, and you\u2019ll become a prime target for pickpockets. In your hometown, would you really go out and get intoxicated all by yourself? Oh, you would? Well just don\u2019t do it when you\u2019re backpacking Croatia.<\/p>\n<p>There you have it. You\u2019ve made it through the ultimate guide to backpacking Croatia. Now all that\u2019s left to do if for you to quit making excuses and figure out how to make it happen. Do you really need to pay that Netflix subscription fee every month? Maybe it\u2019s also time to swap the daily skinny caramel frappuccino for a good old black coffee and before you know it, you\u2019ll have saved up and be on your way.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-109589 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Photo-29-08-2017-19-00-43-1.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking croatia - girl looking into sunset\" width=\"875\" height=\"1166\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udcf7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetravelcrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">thetravelcrush<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Keep reading\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>\ud83d\udc47\ud83c\udffc\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy emoji lazy-loaded\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/11\/svg\/2b50.svg\" alt=\"\u2b50\ufe0f\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/croatian-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Croatian food<\/a><\/h3>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy emoji lazy-loaded\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/11\/svg\/2b50.svg\" alt=\"\u2b50\ufe0f\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/best-hostels-in-dubrovnik\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">The best hostels in Dubrovnik, Croatia<\/a><\/h3>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy emoji lazy-loaded\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/11\/svg\/2b50.svg\" alt=\"\u2b50\ufe0f\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/best-hostels-in-split-croatia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">The best hostels in Split, Croatia<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>About the author<\/h3>\n<p>Sam is a\u00a020 something from Manchester with a penchant for travel and cups of tea! Follow her adventures on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetravelcrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC9bQ_SZdxLVu_a-L0V_OGhA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">YouTube<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Snap: thetravelcrush<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Backpacking Croatia is all about being impulsive, right? It\u2019s about booking your flight and being spontaneous. It\u2019s about making new best mates from around the world in your hostel. Or swimming to a deserted Dalmatian island and fighting off black widow spiders with your bare hands. Oh, am I getting carried away? But seriously, backpacking&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":136373,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9973],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-109332","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-croatia","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Backpacking Croatia: everything you need to know! - Hostelworld<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover our guide to backpacking Croatia with everything you need to know. From what to see, to what to eat and where to stay. 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