Customs and Etiquette of Croatia

Most foreigners visiting another country dread being labelled with that ultimate derogatory term of the travel world: the ‘tourist’. While technically most of them are tourists – in the literal sense of ‘someone who is touring’ another country – what they take issue with is the mental image most locals in any part of the world get when that term is uttered. Many do not wish to be associated with the thronging, camera-wielding, noisy, over-excitable, culturally clueless and often pompous sort of traveller that gave the term a bad name to begin with.

This is why more and more people setting out for different countries nowadays take added pains to ensure they learn about the customs and culture of the nations they are about to visit. For hiking enthusiasts this is even more important, as a large portion of their holiday is likely to be spent interacting with locals.

Culture and customs of Croatia

As such, it is important that foreigners embarking on a holiday walking in Croatia, for example, familiarise themselves with some of the basic customs and habits of social interaction in that country. Even something insignificant and perfectly acceptable in one’s country of origin can be misinterpreted abroad, with a perfect example being the hand signal for ‘two’, which is considered to have a rude meaning in the British Isles.

Travellers on a holiday walking in Croatia will therefore like to know that, while relatively easy-going, the inhabitants of this country do have a few rules of everyday etiquette, which are specific to their culture. One of them is the old ‘don’t mention the war’ prerogative – in this case, don’t compare Serbians to Croats (or Bosnians to Croats). Similarly, when conversing with a Croat local, try to be expansive and expressive, as being soft-spoken may get you labelled as an easily exploitable weakling. So, if you are one of those people who are mortified to offend and always speaks in a quiet voice, perhaps you need to review your ways prior to going on a holiday walking in Croatia!

And since we brought up the example of the hand gesture for ‘two’ above, British travellers should know that the gesture they typically use to indicate ‘three’ – using the thumb and first two fingers – is linked to Serbian nationalism in that country, and should be avoided at all costs. Similarly – although less serious – a pointing finger can be construed as rude; when indicating someone or making a point, it is better to nod or use the entire hand for your gesture.

These are, then, some important social rules to observe when on a holiday walking in Croatia. Other than these specific quirks, the Balkanic country is rather similar to other places in Europe, and most of the rules of etiquette applied in those countries also apply here.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday walking in Croatia to the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.