Customer Reviews

The Rough Guide to Croatia 4 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the most comprehensive guide in terms of giving you an overall picture of Croatia, including history, culture, and useful language translations. The information is not misleading as other guidebooks have proven to be. For example, some guidebooks tout Croatia's Istrian coast as an undiscovered paradise, but I can't imagine where that information is coming from, unless it is really old. The western coast has been slathered in concrete and is the epitome of mass tourism. One of the author's most telling statements is that your experience in Croatia depends so much upon when you go. If you go in July or August, you'll probably hate any city, no matter how beautiful because the Istrian coast is a mecca of the bussed-in mass tourists.

Thankfully, this guide prepares you for that and helps you to steer clear of the bad/overtouristed places...mostly. I believe the author to be a bit biased by his interest in art and museums...and some places that he describes as so quaint and lovely, I was left scratching my head about. Porec for example. But for other places, he is dead on....the little piece on Umag might not jump out at you as overly negative but read between the lines...his warnings are subtle. Umag was a horror, a run-down, mass-tourism nightmare and has absolutely nothing to offer other than one desparate street of lungy, grabby restaurant owners and a pathetic rock beach that is under construction. Of course, he can't come right out and say that, but if you really listen to what he writes, you'll see it. I left Umag after one day (and I'm so glad that I did!)

He's also right on about places like Rovinj, which was the loveliest place I have seen in a long, long time, in Croatia or anywhere. He is extremely accurate in recommending restaurants and attractions ... the reviews and recommendations were excellent. Many times you can't trust what guidebooks say ... they are either misleading or just leave out the bad stuff. This is not one of those books. You can depend upon the information. The maps of the towns are accurate, easy to follow.

The author is also a good writer, so the book is interesting to read as well, and I even found myself laughing. He's fair and honest and knowledgeable.

I depended on this book quite a bit in Croatia and was glad to have it. I think you will be too.

I used this book for a week in Croatia, visiting Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and Brac. It was right on for timetables, maps, etc. This is the most important part for me, as I need a guidebook to be accurate in telling me when/how to take a train/bus from one place to another. Also, I liked seeing a few photos before I went, which helped determine what I wanted to see. Everything was written clearly, and organized well. The book is also a good compact size, easy to carry and not too heavy. I especially appreciated the history on cities and sites, as there is much to know about these old towns.

This book provides a lots of sights to see and background history. I think it does a much better job than the Lonely Planet book. That said, I wish it was better at letting readers know what is an absolute must see, since I'm sure that most visitors are on a specific time frame.

This is just what I was looking for. I am planning a trip and wanted to become familiar with Croatia. Even though I will be on a tour we will have free time that I wanted to use in the best way. This book looks like it will be a very big help. Well written.

The book gives a lot of details but the information is not well organised - all piece by piece. I also have Lonely Planet Crtoatia which is much more comprehensive and easier to read / find the information you need. Maps in Lonely planet is also better.

i would prefer a guide that gave a little more guidance as to what is "must-see" vs "good", for those of us who don't have time to see everything

I am retiring at the end of this year after 34 1/2 years in government service. My plans are to spend three weeks in Croatia. This will be an amazing and long awaited gift to myself. This guide book is wonderful!

Great guide. Enjoying reading several sections in preparation for an upcoming trip. Lots of good info and suggestions.

THE BOOK WAS IN GREAT CONDITION. THE PROBLEM WAS IT TOOK A VERY LONG TIME TO GET IT AND THERE WAS NOT AN OPTION TO PAY EXTRA AND HAVE IT SENT PRIORITY. NEXT TIME I WILL HAVE IT SENT FROM BORDERS OR BARNES AND NOBLE.

The book was just OK. We were looking for lots of information on the place we were going for vacation, but there was only a small section devoted to the Island of Brac.