What Not to Do in Croatia: 12 Etiquette Mistakes to Avoid

Traveling is always interesting because no two countries are ever alike. Whether it’s the food, the people, or the landscape, each has it’s own unique qualities, including Croatia.

But like any country, Croatia also comes with its own set of cultural norms and unwritten rules that aren’t always obvious to first-time visitors.

Most people don’t intentionally set out to make etiquette mistakes when they travel. They just don’t know what they don’t know.

But, don’t worry. That’s why we’re here. We’ve traveled extensively throughout Croatia and picked up on a few of these cultural nuances and local etiquette tips along the way that you’ll want to know about beforehand.

In this guide we’re sharing what not to do in Croatia based on what we’ve learned so you can navigate the culture with confidence and focus on enjoying one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.

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Things You Shouldn’t Do in Croatia

No matter how well you plan a trip, we sometimes don’t plan for etiquette situations, so they have a way of catching you off guard, especially somewhere you’ve never been before.

That’s exactly why we put this list together. A little insider knowledge goes a long way toward avoiding these situations.

With that said, here’s our list of things you should avoid doing in Croatia.

1. Ignoring Ferry Etiquette

It may not seem so at first, but there is a process for boarding ferries. Locals often line up before ferries arrive, sometimes up to an hour or so before departure time.

Cutting lines or crowding entrances is frowned upon. We recommend getting to the pier well in advance to wait in line, especially if you’re traveling in the peak summer months. Keep in mind that ferries fill up fast, so booking in advance and getting there early will help you avoid a lot of stress, especially for popular routes like Dubrovnik to Split.

If you’re planning ferry travel around Croatia, you may find these guides helpful:
→ 6 Best Islands Near Dubrovnik (Plus Stunning Coastal Spots)
→ Island Day Trips From Dubrovnik Itinerary: Your 5-Day Guide

The starting point for the lines isn’t always obvious, so if you aren’t sure, we suggest asking someone.

There are sometimes pier workers around that you can ask. We found this to be the case most of the time, although they may get there only 15 minutes or so before the ferry gets there.

Another option is to check with the concierge before leaving your hotel. We arranged for our transfer to the port through our hotel in Hvar and they gave us all the information we needed.

2. Forgetting to Greet Shopkeepers When You Enter a Business

It’s interesting that this is something that needs mentioning at all. Having worked in retail environments when I was younger, I know how it can feel when someone walks into a store and doesn’t acknowledge you at all.

Even just a simple hello can make a big difference and helps to set a positive tone for the rest of the interaction.

In Croatia, it is customary to greet the shopkeeper when you enter any small business with “Dobar dan (DOH-bar dahn)“. There are other greetings you can use for specific times of day, but this one can generally be used throughout the day.

3. Not Tipping – It’s Expected and Appreciated

In some countries, such as Costa Rica, a mandatory service charge is added to your restaurant bill. This serves as a gratuity that’s shared among staff.

That isn’t the case in Croatia, and, in many instances, there won’t even be a designated spot on the bill to add a tip. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t leave one.

Tipping is very common in Croatia, and a very much appreciated, especially in restaurants, where a gratuity of around 10–15% is typical.

So how do you leave a tip if there isn’t a designated spot on the bill?
The most common way is to leave a cash tip, and you should hand it directly to your server rather than leaving it on the table.

Want a more detailed breakdown of tipping rules across restaurants, taxis, hotels, and tours?
We cover everything in detail here:
→ A Traveler’s Guide To Tipping In Croatia

4. Wearing Swimwear Away From the Beach

Croatia’s islands are a magnet for sun-seekers, yacht crowds, and visitors chasing a fun summer atmosphere.

It’s easy to assume that beach resort rules apply everywhere, especially if you’re used to destinations where swimwear is perfectly acceptable both on and off the beach. In Croatia though, it’s a different story.

Most Croatian coastal towns frown on this and you’ll often spot signs reminding visitors to cover up before heading away from the beach.

In some towns it goes beyond just a social expectation. You can actually be fined for walking around in swimwear, or even shirtless, outside of designated areas.

Dubrovnik is one of the more well known examples of a city that issues a fine for improper dress, but it applies in other coastal towns, cities, and island towns, including Hvar Town.

So be sure to throw on regular clothes before heading into town.

5. Being Loud or Rowdy in Residential Areas at Night

Since we’re already on the topic of party atmospheres, that brings us to the next thing to keep in mind.

Being loud in residential areas late at night is definitely a no-no.

Croatia has plenty of bars in and around its main tourist areas, including most Old Towns, so it’s not unusual for visitors to stay out bar-hopping into all hours of the night.

But try not to forget that people actually live in these neighborhoods, and excessive noise late at night usually won’t be appreciated.

Enjoy the nightlife, but try to leave the rowdy behavior at the bar rather than bringing it back through the streets.

6. Drinking Alcohol on the Streets in Residential Areas

In addition to not being loud in residential areas at night, you also shouldn’t drink while walking through the streets.

Enjoying a glass of wine with dinner or grabbing drinks at a bar is a normal part of the social scene in Croatia, especially during the summer months. However, openly drinking alcohol while wandering through residential streets late at night is also frowned upon.

If you’re planning a night out, it’s best to keep the drinking to bars, restaurants, and designated outdoor spaces rather than treating the streets like an extension of the party.

7. Not Learning a Few Basic Croatian Words

You definitely don’t need to be fluent in Croatian to visit the country, and in many tourist areas you’ll find that plenty of people speak English. However, learning a few basic Croatian words and phrases is always a good idea.

It’s always a good idea to learn simple greetings like “hello,” “please,” and “thank you”. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, most people will appreciate the effort.

It can also help, especially in smaller towns, family-run restaurants, local shops, or less touristy areas where English may not be as widely spoken.

8. Leaving Litter on Beaches, or Anywhere Really

This one should go without saying, but Croatia takes the cleanliness of its beaches and historic towns pretty seriously.

I have to say, Croatia’s cities and towns are some of the cleanest I’ve ever seen, so much so that we commented on it several times.

So, whether you’re spending the day at the beach, exploring a national park, or wandering through an Old Town, make sure to clean up after yourself.

It’s also worth noting that many Croatian beaches are more natural and undeveloped than what some travelers may be used to. This means you won’t always find large numbers of trash bins or maintenance crews.

If you bring snacks, drinks, or beach gear with you, make sure everything leaves with you too.

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9. Not Knowing What FKK Beaches Are

If you’re driving along the coast, you may spot signs near beaches or campsites marked with FKK. It stands for “Freikörperkultur”, a German term for naturism or “free body culture”. In other words, these are nude or clothing optional locations.

Croatia has a long history of naturist tourism and FKK beaches and campsites are perfectly legal and common. Just make sure you’re not wandering into one by accident if that’s not what you’re looking for.

10. Climbing on Historic Sites for Photos

We know, the views in Dubrovnik are basically begging to be photographed!

Take all the photos and videos you want, just keep it safe and respectful by staying off the historic structures.

Many of them sit on clifftops, so it’s as much about your safety as it is about preserving these beautiful sites for future visitors.

If visiting Dubrovnik’s historic sites is on your itinerary, you may also want to read our guide to walking the city walls.
→ Walking The Dubrovnik City Walls – A Traveler’s Guide 2026

11. Taking Pictures at Nude Beaches

Croatia has quite a few nude and clothing-optional beaches, particularly along the coast and on some of the islands.

Whatever you do, please don’t take pictures. Even if you’re simply trying to capture the scenery, many people at nude beaches value privacy and may not be comfortable being photographed, even accidentally.

If you do want photos of the landscape, try to visit earlier in the morning or find a quieter section of the beach.

12. Expecting to Split Bills Everywhere

Splitting the bill is common in many countries, but not in Croatia, especially in smaller restaurants, cafés, or family-run spots.

If you’re dining in a group, it’s often easier to decide ahead of time whether you’ll pay together or ask for separate bills when you order. Otherwise, one person paying and settling up afterwards is the best way to go.

Looking for memorable places to eat while visiting Dubrovnik?
→ 11 Best Dubrovnik Restaurants with a View

Planning your trip to Croatia? You may also find our Croatia travel tips guide helpful.
→ 19 Essential Croatia Travel Tips for Planning Your Visit

Answering Your Questions About Croatia

Is it rude not to tip in Croatia?

Tipping is generally expected and appreciated in Croatia, especially in restaurants, bars, and for tour services. While service charges are not usually included, leaving around 10–15% for good service is common.

Can you walk around shirtless in Croatia?

In many Croatian coastal towns and cities, walking around shirtless or in swimwear away from the beach is frowned upon and can even result in fines in some destinations.

Is Croatia friendly to tourists?

Yes, Croatia is generally very welcoming toward tourists. Most locals are friendly and helpful, especially when visitors are respectful of local customs and etiquette.

Do people speak English in Croatia?

English is widely spoken in most tourist areas of Croatia, especially in hotels, restaurants, and along the coast. However, learning a few basic Croatian phrases is always appreciated.

Is Croatia strict about tourist behavior?

Croatia is generally relaxed, but some destinations, especially historic towns like Dubrovnik, are becoming stricter about behavior that disrupts local residents or damages historic areas.

Our Final Take: What Not to Do in Croatia

There you have it, our complete list of etiquette tips for Croatia. Many of these things may never cross your mind to do, but it’s always helpful to be aware anyway.

At the end of the day, most of these things are fairly minor and aren’t meant to make anyone nervous about visiting Croatia. A lot of what it really comes down to is simple awareness and consideration.

Hopefully this guide helps you feel a little more prepared before your trip so you can spend less time worrying about what not to do in Croatia and more time enjoying what you should do in Croatia.

Talk soon!

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