gecko tours croatia

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Gastro Tour with Dalmatian Peka and Zinfandel Wine

Krka Waterfalls Group Tour with Fantastic Lunch and Liqueur Tasting

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GECKO TOURS (Split) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Exploring the Gems of Croatia: The Ultimate Travel Guide

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Discover Destinations When to Travel How to get around Visa Food Other Tips

Discover Croatia

Croatia is a glorious crescent-shaped country that bridges the central European and Mediterranean worlds . Sat alongside neighbours like Hungary and Slovenia, you’ll find that Croatia’s borders are very different and less distinguishable compared to only 20 years ago.

Across its deep and dramatic history, the country has been occupied by the Illyrians, Romans, Slavs, Austro-Hungarians and Venetians, to mention a few. As a result, its history is now a melting pot of brilliant culture, cuisines and rich architecture.

Croatia’s distinctive orange-tiled roof cities start to tell this story as you wander through the maze of streets.

We’ve created this ultimate guide to Croatia to share with you everything that this stunning country has to offer. Decided that Croatia is somewhere you HAVE to visit? 

Check out our ten in-depth guides to learn about the best things to do and see in Mexico.

Is Croatia worth visiting?

Beyond its history, Croatia has so much to offer. There are thousands of miles of glimmering coastline , gateways to the vast number of islands scattered in the Adriatic Sea just waiting to be hopped.

Alternatively, you can head inland to one of Croatia’s 8 national parks . These parks are filled with adventure, whether it be hiking 1,528m to Risnjak Peak or exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park . Considered THE National Park of Croatia, hours can be spent admiring its 16 inter-connecting lakes, numerous waterfalls, gorgeous nature and thriving wildlife.

Is Croatia safe?

Croatia is regarded as an extremely safe country . In fact, it ranked the 12th safest out of 142 countries on the Crime Index 2023. 

As with every country, it’s always good to practise common sense and keep an eye on your belongings.

Best destinations in Croatia

Top 3 places to visit in Croatia

It’s no wonder Croatia has become such a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. This is especially true for the 3 places below that have been firmly put on the map:

Dubrovnik — famous for red rooftops, Game of Thrones and rich history

Dubrovnik is the famous destination in Croatia where Game of Thrones was filmed . Once you visit this city it will become very clear why they choose Dubrovnik as the perfect film setting.

The well-preserved Medieval city walls, churches, monasteries and palaces are just beyond stunning. A walking tour here is a must to appreciate Dubrovnik’s beauty, as well as its history.

Check out this page to find out how to travel from Split to Dubrovnik .

Hvar — Croatia’s most popular island

With an average of 7.7 hours of sunshine a day, holidaymakers flock to the island of Hvar and the surrounding islands, making it a world-famous destination for sailing boats to dock at the harbour of Hvar.

Besides the gorgeous harbour filled with luxury yachts, you’ll find delicious seafood restaurants , cocktail bars and clubs that go on until sunrise.

Taking the ferry from Split to Hvar only takes about 1 hour.

Split — a city rich with history and culture on the Adriatic Sea

Split is the most popular gateway to many of Croatia’s islands, but that’s not all the city has to offer. It’s the largest city on the Dalmatian coast and boasts the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its history-rich Old Town.

Aside from enjoying the city itself, Split is perfect for day trips , whether it’s exploring national parks or heading to the open sea on a boat trip.

Find out how to get from Dubrovnik to Split .

When is the best time to travel to Croatia?

Instinctively you’re probably thinking the best time to travel to Croatia is when the weather is at its best. The sun shining, not a cloud in the sky, making that dip in the sea that bit more refreshing.

Well, you along with millions of other tourists have both had the same thought.

The saying ‘packed like sardines’ comes to mind when we think of Croatia in July/August. Okay, it’s not that bad, but it is busy! The streets are packed, the beaches rammed and prices are hiked up too.

Visit in the shoulder months

If you have the chance, we recommend travelling in the shoulder months instead – May (~21°C), June (~25°C), September (~23°C), October (~18°C). These months may not be as hot, but your experience of Croatia will be so much better! Also for those on a tight budget, with lower prices during these months, it should make travelling a bit easier on your wallet.

Croatia in the winter

Winter-time in Croatia offers a very different experience. For most people, Croatia is a flurry of waterfalls and dips in the glorious sea, but at temperatures between 5 and 10°C, it’s unlikely you’ll be doing either of those.

With fewer tourists, a lot of businesses decide to close up for the winter, limiting your choice of restaurants, bars and things to do. Also if you’re a solo traveller, it may make meeting new people slightly harder.

The plus side? You get to experience a Croatia that most tourists miss, a Croatia that is usually just reserved for locals.

How to get around in Croatia

Your budget, the number of people you’re travelling with, and whether you have a driver’s license or not, are all factors that will influence how you decide to travel around Croatia.

Here are the best ways to get around Croatia:

Hiring a car offers you ultimate convenience, comfort and privacy. It means you can explore wherever you like in Croatia, whenever you like.

In the low season, you can rent a car for very affordable prices. Check Skyscanner Car Rental to find the best rental prices.

The Croatian bus network is extensive and should be your go-to public transport when travelling around the country. FlixBus and Croatia Bus are two of the most popular bus companies operating in Croatia. The neon green Flixbuses are hard to miss!

Bus tickets are fairly cheap and can be bought either online via Bookaway or directly at the bus station.

If you buy a return ticket, the price can be discounted by up to 60% – a good tip to know!

If one of Croatia’s islands is on your list, then the only way to reach them is by ferry. You can find ferries running from most major coastal cities, such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar which provide access to picturesque islands like Hvar, Korčula, and Brač. Jadrolinija is the main ferry company in Croatia.

The price of ferries varies depending on your destination but is guaranteed to be a lot more expensive if you’re bringing your car with you.

If you’re travelling during the high season in Croatia, we recommend booking online via Bookaway in advance.

Taxis are a pretty expensive form of transport in Croatia and most of the taxis are metered.

If you’re more of a fan of Uber, you’ll find that it operates in most of the major cities , but only between June and October in Dubrovnik.

A lot of the larger cities including Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Split have airports. If you’re short on time and want to get from one end of the country to the other, you may consider flying.

However, flights aren’t cheap, especially during peak season. Do keep in mind that taking a short-haul flight can be up to ten times more polluting than taking a more environmentally-friendly option like the bus.

Entry requirements and visa for Croatia

All EU citizens are granted freedom of movement for tourism in Croatia. Around 95 countries are able to visit Croatia visa-free but for a maximum of 90 days.

All visa-exempt citizens need to make sure that their passport is valid for at least three months from the date of arrival in Croatia.

If you want to check whether you can enter Croatia visa-free, check out Handy Visas .

Must-try food in Croatia

The best way to truly get to know a country is through its food so here’s a list of foods you must try:

• Strukli – you’ll find strukli mainly in the northern regions of Croatia, particularly in the capital city of Zagreb. It’s a pastry filled with cottage cheese and sour cream that has been either boiled or baked.
• Black risotto – you’ll find black risotto in other countries around the world, especially those around the Mediterranean Sea, but it’s a particularly popular dish in Croatia. It’s risotto made with squid or cuttlefish ink, hence the black colour.
• Burek – goes by many names depending on the country that you’re in. You can find different variations of this dish throughout the Balkans, Middle East and Central Asia. Burek is a flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese or vegetables. A perfect snack to keep you going for the day!

Essential travel tips for Croatia

Here’s a selection of the best tips and pieces of information that may make your trip to Croatia that little bit easier:

Paying with Euros in Croatia

As of January 2023, Croatia has stopped using its old currency, Croatian Kuna, and now uses the Euro .

Most places in Croatia allow you to pay with a card, but it’s good to always have some cash on you just in case. If you’re in one of the big cities, you won’t have to walk far to find the next ATM.

ATMs in Croatia like to charge you a significant amount to withdraw money. For example, the Raiffeisen Group ATMs will charge you just under €5 in fees. Also, make sure to avoid Euronet Banks, not just in Croatia, but all over Europe. They also charge extortionate fees.

When I was in Croatia September 2021, OTP Banks offered free withdrawals. I’m unable to confirm if this is still the case now, so if you’ve used an OTP Bank recently, please let us know.

Buying a sim card in Croatia

Great news! If you already have a sim card from another European country, you should be able to use your calls and data like you would at home . We recommend double-checking with your service provider, but you should be all good. 

If you don’t have a sim card from a European country, then we suggest buying a local sim card. It’s a lot cheaper than paying roaming charges or adding bundles. Plus, the data is usually faster. 

There are a number of mobile providers in Croatia to pick from — T-Mobile (Hrvatski Telekom), A1, Telemach. We recommend buying your sim from T-Mobile. They have some great deals such as unlimited data for 10 days for €10. It’s also the fastest network in Croatia. 

Croatia’s language cheat sheet

Croatian is the official language that is spoken by around 95% of the population.

It’s always good to know a few essential words before travelling to a place, so here are a few to get you started:

• Hello – Bok
• Thank you – Hvala
• Please – Molim
• Sorry – Oprosti
• Beer – Pivo

The perfect packing list for Croatia

If you’re visiting Croatia during the summer, it’s going to be hot. Make sure to bring loose-fitting clothes and of course your swimwear. The shoulder months can start to get a bit colder during the evenings, so it’s a good shout to bring a light jacket or jumper.

Aside from the essential travel gear, here are some that have become permanent fixtures on our packing list:

• Reusable water bottle – they’re better for the environment and can save you money on water.
• A portable charger – there’s probably going to be a time when your phone’s battery is on red, at a time that you desperately need it.
• An adaptor – Croatia uses the same plugs as most of Europe (C&F). A universal travel adaptor is a great buy if you’re travelling between different continents.
• Suncream – The sun in Croatia can be extremely strong. Especially when spending a lot of time in or near the water, you won’t notice the burning sun until you arrive back at your hotel. Better take care of your skin and pack enough sun cream!

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Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.

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Gecko Tours

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Gastro Tour with Dalmatian Peka and Zinfandel Wine

Krka Waterfalls Group Tour with Fantastic Lunch and Liqueur Tasting

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Gecko Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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11-Hour trip to Krka National Park from Split

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8-Hour Tour to Roman City of Salona, Klis Fortress and Trogir

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2-hour Split City Walking Tour

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Gecko Tours

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Gastro Tour with Dalmatian Peka and Zinfandel Wine

Krka Waterfalls Group Tour with Fantastic Lunch and Liqueur Tasting

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Gecko Tours

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Gastro Tour with Dalmatian Peka and Zinfandel Wine

Krka Waterfalls Group Tour with Fantastic Lunch and Liqueur Tasting

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Gecko Tours - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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Fun, two great guides! - Gecko's Island Adventures

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• Gecko's Island Adventures

It was such a fun experience- the tour guide Nick was so amazing. They explain everything so well... read more

Highly recommend this tour. We found it on our own, and. Had the best time. The tour guides were... read more

Fun, two great guides!

Great guides, fun ride, a bit short on time, the only thing that would have been better is if they let you go on your own for either a day or half a day rate. The two guides we had were great guys and did a nice job!

i have never been on an ATV before.. and certainly never have driven one... this was perfect. Tt was totally hand stuff (all the gas/ brake), automatic and well just a wonderful and patient tour guide. i loved the views and going up trails and just the whole thing was a big check mark for me in wanting to do something for a long time that i had not had the opportunity to do.

Loved the 2-fer package with Gecko Tours. Great ATV tour through the rain forest- got to stop and see beautiful vies of St. Croix. Then had a jet ski for half an hour at Rainbow beach, complete with beach chairs and umbrella. Great set up. Lots of fun! Kids enjoyed it!

Overall we (my wife, 11 y,o. nephew, and myself) had a great experience on this excursion. It was more challenging than I expected, but that's a good thing. The staff was very friendly and the tour guides were knowledgeable. I would recommend this to anyone wanting something different over your typical cruise line excursion. Bring a camera there are some breath taking views from the top of the island. Also, expect to get mud on your shoes and socks.

Our two guides were awesome. They had great stories of the history of St Croix and made the ride that much more enjoyable.

We booked the 2-Fer after searching TripAdvisor for Tours. Correspondence was quick & easy. Office location is just a couple of minutes walk from the Ship. An air-conditioned Van took us from the office to meet up w/ the ATV guides - about 5-10 min. drive - who took us on a safe & fun (muddy) trek up the mountains to the 2nd highest peak of the Island. Be sure to take some water - it gets warm! (your belongings will be locked in their storage unit) They took us right back to our starting point - which is at the Beach for the Sea Doo Adventure (different company). Beautiful spot to play - but, not for snorkeling. 2-Fer gets you chairs & umbrellas - which is a must here - no shade. There's also a restaurant - but, they were packed & we were told it takes a very long time to get your food - so, be sure to have snacks! So excited we got to do this & can't wait for a repeat at our next Vacay destination!

Singapore on a Budget: Your Guide to the Lion City with Tiny Pockets

Hey globetrotters! Gecko Greg here, your resident travel buddy with a serious case of wanderlust. Let’s face it, Singapore can get a reputation for being pricey. But fear not, fellow budget adventurers! This tiny island packs a mighty punch when it comes to affordable experiences. So, ditch the limousine and the luxury hotels – we’re about to explore the Lion City like a gecko on a shoestring adventure!

Accommodation on a Shoestring:

• Hostels and Budget Hotels:  Singapore boasts a vibrant hostel scene, perfect for meeting fellow travelers. For the most budget-friendly options, especially if you’re looking for a social atmosphere, check out the affordable hostels in Little India or Kampong Glam. Budget hotels, particularly outside the city center, offer clean and comfortable stays without breaking the bank. For a shortlist of recommended hostels and budget hotels, check out this post: Crash Pads for Tiny Budgets: Top 10 Hostels & Budget Hotels in Singapore.
• Service Apartments:  Consider a service apartment if you plan a longer stay. These often come with kitchen facilities, allowing you to save on meals by cooking occasionally.
• Couchsurfing:  For the truly adventurous (and budget-conscious), consider couchsurfing with a local. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture and get insider tips. (Just be sure to choose a reputable host and prioritize safety.)

Fueling Your Adventures (Without Burning a Hole in Your Wallet):

• Hawker Centers: The Holy Grail of Budget Eats:  Singapore’s hawker centers are a national treasure. These open-air food courts offer a mind-boggling variety of delicious and affordable local dishes. From satay to chili crab,your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you. Pro tip: Look for centers with long queues – that’s usually a sign of good, cheap eats! Fill your belly on a budget. Check out this post: Hawker Heaven: 10 Must-Try Stalls in Singapore’s Culinary Courts.
• Wet Markets:  Dive headfirst into the local scene by exploring a wet market. Here you can find fresh produce, local snacks, and even grab a quick and delicious breakfast at a fraction of restaurant prices.
• Copycat Cafes:  Craving a caffeine fix but don’t want the hefty price tag? Singapore has a thriving “copycat cafe” scene where you can find delicious coffee and snacks at a fraction of the price of major chains. Are you ready for cafe hopping? Check out this list to dive in to the cafes in Singapore: Caffeinated Capers: Singapore’s Copycat Cafes for Budget-Savvy Travellers (This Gecko Says YUM!).

Exploring Singapore for Free:

• Gardens by the Bay (Partially Free):  While the Supertree Grove requires a ticketed entry, you can still enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding these futuristic structures for free. Explore the Flower Dome or Cloud Forest for a small fee, or simply wander the waterfront promenade and soak in the city skyline. For a complete guide and tips to plan your visit, Check out our latest blog: Exploring the Futuristic Wonder of Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
• Haw Par Villa:  This quirky theme park is a free and fascinating glimpse into Chinese mythology and folklore. Prepare to be awestruck by ten courts of hell depicting the consequences of vice, marvel at statues of mythological creatures, and wander through landscapes straight out of a legend. Don’t forget your camera to capture the vibrant murals and unique scenes! For a deeper dive into the fascinating history and hidden gems of Haw Par Villa, check out my post:  Haw Par Villa: Singapore’s Quirky Gateway to Myths & Legends (Free!) .
• Sentosa Island (Free Entry):  Yes, you heard that right! While some attractions on Sentosa Island require admission, entrance to the island itself is free. Explore the beaches, watch the mesmerizing Sentosa Merlion show,or stroll through the Imbiah Lookout for panoramic views. Unleash your inner explorer! Check out our guide to free activities on Sentosa Island.
• Heritage Trails:  Uncover Singapore’s rich history by following one of the free heritage trails offered by the National Heritage Board. Explore Chinatown’s vibrant streets, delve into the Kampong Glam heritage area, or wander through the colonial district for a fascinating glimpse into the past. Unlock Singapore’s past with these Top 5 Free Heritage Trails.
• East Coast Park:  Escape the city bustle and head to East Coast Park for a day of free fun! Rent a bike, have a picnic on the beach, or try your hand at water sports like kayaking (rentals available).

Bonus Budget Tips:

• Singapore Tourist Pass:  Consider purchasing a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel on public buses and trains. This is a lifesaver if you plan on doing a lot of exploring. Find out more by checking out our Gecko‘s Guide to Singapore Tourist Pass.
• Free Walking Tours:  Several companies offer free walking tours of various neighborhoods. These are a great way to get oriented, learn interesting facts, and discover hidden gems. Just remember to tip your guide if you enjoyed the tour!
• Free Museums:  While some museums have admission fees, several offer free entry on specific days or during certain hours. Do your research and plan your museum visits accordingly. Stretch your travel dollars further! Explore Singapore’s top free museums here: Gecko’s Guide to Gratuitous Galleries: Free .

Remember, Singapore is a city that rewards exploration. With a little planning and these budget-friendly tips, you can experience the magic of the Lion City without breaking the bank. So, pack your tiny backpack (like me!), embrace your inner adventurer, and get ready for an unforgettable Singapore adventure!

Do you have any favorite budget-friendly spots in Singapore? Share your tips in the comments below!

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2 responses to “singapore on a budget: your guide to the lion city with tiny pockets”.

Thanks for the post, Singapore is an interesting place to visit. Included it in my post of 3 best cities in the world 🙂

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Hello. Yes. Singapore is a real treasure trove for explorers, and I’m so glad my post reached you and to include Singapore in your post of best 3 cities in the world. If you’re looking for more hidden gems or budget-friendly adventures in the Lion City, be sure to check out my other posts. Happy travels! ️

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