BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi,

We have just changed our 6 month European itinerary to include a couple of months, mid-August through mid-October in Croatia - we are leaving the US next Saturday, and while I will am taking a laptop, would like to do some research this week. We would like to avoid the August tourist crowds, and are interested in something away from the coast, perhaps near Plitvice National Park or any other pretty place. We really like self-catering apartments (hopefully not more than $400 USD/week) and will have a car, so have flexibility in location. Any ideas? We will move towards the coast in September.

Are there farms anywhere in Croatia, similar to the agritourismos in Italy that rent apartments? We love fresh food, wine, etc.

We speak nothing but English :-(. I read that Italian is a second language, and we at least have an Italian dictionary and menu translator. Should we also buy those for the Croatian language? Are the menus in the smaller towns just Croatian, or are they in Italian as well? Do many of the people outside of the larger towns speak English?

We want to see some of the islands, but it sounds as though they are quite a distance from the mainland. Do the ferries carry cars as well? Should we plan to find a rental on an island or two rather than try to do day trips? We are stuck with the car as it is a long term lease with Puegot. Insurance is fine in Croatia, but not Montenegro or Bosnia. I am thinking of bus or train daytrips into those countries.

I am open to all suggestions - we are not big art museum folks, but do like to learn about the places and people that we visit. We also like to bike and hike (not killer type of either, but that appropriate for reasonably fit people in their 60s). We are full-time RVers in the US, so are used to traveling. We love regional type food and wine and like to go where the locals eat.

I am reading the other threads on Croatia...will think of a lot more questions as soon as I hit "Post Now".

Thanks for your help...

Carole

Hey.
I would assume that there are farms in Croatia similar to what you are looking for, my first guess would be to look in the Istria region. The country has wonderful organic agriculture and beautiful nature. It is common to rent apartment in Croatia. Sometimes you will share these with an elderly person/couple and sometime you will not. Look for the word "rooms" in any number of languages, or look for greeters at bus and train stations, or the airports. Renting a room in an apartment where Croatians are living is normally should cost around $30 night. Things may vary by area/location/length of stay/quality and time of day that you make the deal. You can also ask around at the tourist information office.

English in Croatia is pretty easy. Most Croatians (especailly the young ones) speak English. They tend to speak American English. Even in small town there are many people who speak English because it is the #1 language on the TV there (this is also true in the neighboring countries). Most museums now offer English, at least on the coast. Inland there may be some that do not, but you should still be able to find someone to assist with at least a little English.

IMHO Montenegro and Bosnia are definitely worth at least a week each. They are cheaper than Croatia and are less touristy, they are both amazing and beautiful in there own unique way. Consider finding a safe place to leave your car and going away for a few days.

Some ferries take cars to the islands, check though first. In general there are lots of buses and enough ferries but they are not always fast. On some of the islands a car will not do you much good since most distances are walkable and streets and good parking places are limited and narrow.

Be sure to note that Croatia is zero tolerance on driving. You will notice the signs informing you (Croatia and English) that it is illegal to drink (even one beer) and drive or talk on your phone and that you must keep your lights on and wear a seat belt. These are good tips given the windy mountain roads. Luckily there is also a new interstate-type highway across the entire country, if you want to get around faster with a more settled stomach.

Riding bikes is not very common on the coast because of the hills and rough roads with large buses and trucks. Inland this may be an option though. Hiking is very doable, especailly in the national parks.

Thanks so much for the very complete answer....sounds very doable...and very fun.

Carole