Croatia Compared to the UK: A Personal Take

The Basics:

• The time difference between the UK and Croatia is 1h, where Croatia is 1h ahead of GMT.
• Croatian prices are around 30% lower compared to UK prices, depending on the product/service.
• How big is Croatia compared to the UK? The UK is roughly 4,3 times bigger than Croatia

Life in Croatia vs. the UK

Every country and culture has its own way of doing things—unique habits, customs, and everyday quirks that can sometimes seem unusual or surprising compared to what you're used to back home. After spending many years at our holiday home in Croatia, we've grown accustomed to the differences between life here and in the UK. But whenever friends or family visit, we're reminded of those little things as they notice and ask questions about the local way of life—often with curiosity, amusement, or surprise.

Traditional Croatian-Style Barbecue

Croatians truly embrace outdoor living, and it shows—almost every home, big or small, has a barbecue in the garden. But we’re not talking about the small, store-bought grills you'd grab from B&Q or Homebase in the UK. No, these are proper, built-in barbecues—big, solid, and often impressive enough to rival what you'd usually only see in a restaurant back home.

The Heart of Croatian Summers: The Outdoor "Summer Kitchen"

These barbecues are often part of what's known as a "summer kitchen"—an outdoor space next to the house where families cook, grill, and enjoy long summer days and evenings together. When the heat makes it too warm to stay inside, life naturally flows outdoors.

No Rain Checks Needed: Authentic Croatian Grilled Meals Right on the Deck of Your Yacht

Unlike in the UK, where planning a weekend barbecue is a gamble thanks to unpredictable weather, Croatia offers reliable sunshine, making grilled meals a regular joy, not a rare occasion. And the best part? When you charter a private yacht in Croatia, you can experience this authentic tradition, with freshly grilled Croatian meats prepared just for you—right on deck.

Exchanging Your Travel Money in Croatia: What to Expect

Although Croatia is now part of the EU, the official currency is the Euro (as of January 2023). However, before that, the local currency was the Kuna, and many people still refer to prices in Kuna out of habit—so don’t be surprised if you hear both mentioned.

One small but important cultural tip:

When you visit a local bank in Croatia, things work a little differently from the UK. Instead of queuing in a straight line, you’ll need to grab a numbered ticket from a dispenser near the entrance. Your number will pop up on a screen above the counters when it’s your turn. It’s an efficient system, especially when it's busy—but make sure not to step outside while you wait! If you miss your number, you'll lose your place, and returning with the same ticket might earn you a few disapproving glances from the locals.

No teatime in Croatia

Croatia is a nation of coffee drinkers! Forget about finding a cup of tea. If you love your cuppa in the mornings whilst you are on holiday in Croatia, bring some teabags with you. You won’t regret it! We’ve been told that Croatians only drink tea ”when they are sick in bed with fever”. So be warned, if you are a coffee person, you’ll be fine, but lovers of Earl Grey or PG tips should remember to pack their favorite tea bags in their suitcase.

Olive oil vs Butter

You’ve probably heard that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world—and olive oil is a big reason why. In Croatia, olive oil isn’t just a cooking ingredient, it’s a way of life. You’ll spot olive trees everywhere—from family gardens to rolling countryside, even lining the roads near Split Airport. With so many olives comes an abundance of rich, extra-virgin olive oil, a staple in Croatian cuisine and a delicious (and healthy!) alternative to butter.

And forget about the butter on bread, this is not the thing to do in Croatia. Once we asked for butter in a restaurant, the waitress did not speak much English, so we mimicked spreading virtual butter on our bread, she went back to the kitchen and brought back to the table a whole 250-gram stick of butter, on a plate. Well, we did ask for butter, didn’t we?

How expensive is Croatia compared to the UK?

We were blown away by how much more affordable everything felt compared to back home in the UK. Eating out was a treat—not just because the food was amazing, but because it didn’t cost a fortune. A coffee by the sea for under £2? Yes, please. Even groceries, local wine, and transport were noticeably cheaper. It’s the kind of place where your money goes further, and you still get top-notch experiences.

About the author:

Ms. E and Mr. C describe themselves as a ”fifty-something couple” from the UK, looking for their very own ”place in the Sun”. A few years ago, they bought an old house in Croatia, which they lovingly restored and plan on renting next year.

They also write a lifestyle and travel blog, portraying their adventure in renovating their summer home in Croatia, and their experience of traveling and living in Croatia.