“People in Croatia are like something out of a movie – warm, hospitable, and always ready to help.”
We've heard this phrase countless times from tourists from all over the world. And while we sometimes forget what makes us special, foreigners see it very well and tell it all over again — and with a smile.
But what is it that makes Croatia so irresistible? Is it just the sea, islands and sun? Or is the key in the people?
Although we often hear that "guests are becoming more and more demanding," the truth is that tourists in Croatia feel — like they're at home. Why? Because Croatians have that special warmth that you can't teach, you carry within yourself.
And so it is not surprising that legends and a whole series of stories about Croats are spread among foreigners.
Legends about Croats that are told around the world:
🔹 “In Croatia, your host won’t let you leave until he’s fed you – at least three times.”
The Italians and the French often emphasize this very “food hospitality.” In our country, it is not a question of Are you hungry?, but The dish is served immediately.You will most likely experience this if you are lucky enough to be accommodated in a real family household. Look for private accommodation with a host to see for yourself.
🔹 “You don’t need a tourist guide in Croatia – local people will show you everything, explain it and even take you there themselves.”
Scandinavians in particular are fascinated by how direct and helpful we are. There is no distance here – everything is handled with "come on, sit down, have a drink and take it easy".
🔹 "Croats have a soul – and they know how to live."
This sentence is increasingly coming from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. What they lack in their busy lives, here is a natural rhythm – coffee on the terrace, the smells of home cooking, the sound of the sea and honest conversations. Stories about drinking coffee in Croatia are already widely known.
🔹 "In Croatia, even a waiter has charm and charisma - he's not just helpful, but a stand-up comedian and friend all in one."
We heard this phrase from the British: Service with a smile – but also with character.
///How foreigners see us: Only here the draft kills, and brandy is the cure
The heart of hospitality – our greatest asset
Tourism is not just about the number of nights spent. It is an experience. And Croatia, many guests say, is one of the rare places where you can still feel authenticity — where people are not programmed to be kind, but rather they actually do it jesu.
///Croatia in the eyes of foreign tourists: Why is Croatia so popular and how do foreigners see us?
From grandfathers selling figs in front of their houses, grandmothers offering brandy and fig cake, to apartment owners inviting guests to barbecues – This is what keeps tourists coming back to us..
It is interesting that what Croatians consider everyday life remains as the most beautiful memory for tourists.
– sipping coffee for hours, lunch lasting half a day, small local festivals and togetherness at every turn.
Conclusion? Croatia is not just a destination. Croatia is a feeling.
And while we build new hotels and develop beaches, let's not forget - our strongest and most important tourism brand is neither numbers nor facilities.
These are people.
That's you.
Mi.
Croats.
The secret to success is to be human and to care – be a host, not a real estate agent
