Croatia
Travel Guide

History of this region is quite complex, which provides for interesting historic city tours and visits to ruins and museums.

Croatian tribes arrived to this area in 7th century AD, however, before their arrival many ethnic groups and rulers had already lived here and left their mark.

The earliest known people inhabiting today’s Croatia and neighboring countries were Illyrians. Then there were Ancient Greeks and later Romans, whose many remains can be seen all over the country.

Capital: Zagreb

Language: Croatian (Slavic)

Script: Latin

Population: 4.2M

Emergency Nr.: 112

Power supply: 230V / 50Hz

Driving: right side

Tap water: drinkable everywhere

Croatian Kuna, HRK; approx. exchange rate 1 EUR= 7.5 HRK

All major currencies can be easily exchanged at banks, post offices, money exchanges, hotels etc. Retailers are not allowed to accept foreign currency, so do make sure you have either kunas or credit/debit cards with you for daily purchases.

Most stores, restaurants, hotels and other establishments catering to tourists accept major credit cards. However, some smaller ones might be cash-only. ATMs are readily available all over the country.

Croatia plans to join the Euro in 2019.

For citizens of most countries a valid passport is enough to enter Croatia. Please, check requirements for your country beforehand and make sure your passport does not expire within 3 months of your entry.

EU citizens can also travel with their national ID card.

All travelers must register with the police within 24 hours of their arrival, however, for anyone staying in a commercial establishment such as hotel, B&B, etc. this is done automatically by the provider of accommodation.

Croatian customs regulations are in line with those of the EU.

Croatia has something to offer to a traveler in any season.

Summer: This is considered peak travel season in Croatia. Summers are hot, everywhere in the country, with temperatures reaching even above 35°C in the hottest month of July. Air humidity can be high at times, but most of the Summer is relatively dry and sunny. Sea temperature of around 24°C in July is ideal for any water activities. Travelers should take precaution in the Summer, always wearing sun protection and hydrating, as well as taking into consideration longer queues and congested traffic at most popular tourist attractions.

Autumn: With milder temperatures and much smaller crowds, September and early October are considered by some to be ideal months to travel in Croatia. September is still warm and sunny enough for all water related activities, although weather can turn quickly to windy or rainy. Evenings are cooler and require warmer clothing. October is cooler and has more chance of rain. It should be noted that many restaurants and other tourist-only establishments tend to close their doors end of September to mid October. Public transportation and similar services reduce their schedules in the off-season.

Winter: Coastal region is all but closed to tourism in the Winter, with only bigger centers such as Dubrovnik and Split offering hotels and some restaurants all year round. Plitvice Lakes is an attraction that is worth visiting in every season. In the Winter it is covered with snow and waterfalls freeze, giving this national park an enchanted look. The capital Zagreb is another must-see attraction in the Winter, with its award-winning Advent Christmas Market, running in the city center from beginning of December until the first week of January.

Spring: Springtime in Croatia, either in the continental or the Mediterranean part, is beautiful and ideal for nature-loving travelers. Although the sea temperature is still too cold for swimming, the sunny but windy months of April and May can be a treat for kite and wind surfers. Hiking through Croatia’s many national parks and other barely-touched nature is ideal in April, May and June. Note that some establishments catering to tourists will not yet open their doors in pre-season, and that public transportation schedules will also be reduced.