Croatia travel guide
Meet CroatiaCroatia weather reportGetting into CroatiaFrom the Croatian kitchen From the Croatian barCurrency in Croatia Major airports in CroatiaExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in CroatiaDid you know?
Meet Croatia
Located in the Balkans on the east side of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is found between Slovenia, Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Italy, Aistria and Montenegro are also nearby. Croatia is a mix of highlands, seashore and fertile lowlands. Croatia has over 1000 islands, the largest ones being Brack, Krk and Cress. The highest peak in Croatia is found at Dinara, with a hight of 1830m.
Croatia's architecture and landscape reflects its textured war history. While there is little physical evidence of these wars, evidence of national memory are scattered around the country, and its social history far overshadows any cosmopolitan influence. Most towns have an architectural focal point, fostering attractive and interesting cities, most of which have hidden wine cellars which can be toured.
The Croats make good use of their coast, with sailing being a popular way to visit the islands. Several chartered voyages leave every day. The country also caters to niche tourists, such as health tourism (dental services are very cheap here) and naturism (Croatia was one of the first EU countries to make it available). Lighthouse holidays allow visitors to cut themselves off from the outside world on a deserted stretch of coastline, making for the ultimate getaway.
Foreign influence is evident in the Croatian language. Most Croats have English as their second language, but German and Italian are popular too, due to the country's location and the yearly influx of tourists. The locals do appreciate a few words spoken in Croat nonetheless. The best time to visit the country is undoubtedly during the summer, when stunning beaches and picturesque landscapes can be appreciated at their best.
Croatia weather report
Croatia has a temperate climate similar to most of Europe, with the exception of the mountainous regions which have a typically colder climate. The Adriatic coast has the most pleasant climate, thanks to the benefits of being on the Mediterranean sea. Spring and Autumn are mild here, while winters can get bitterly cold and snowy in the centre. Temperatures range from -10c in January to 39c in the summer.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Croatia
Americans and Australians can enter the country on a valid passport only. EU nationals can even enter on the strenght of a valid ID card. This applies to residents of Bosnia and Herzegovia also. All forms of ID must be valid for at least three months longer than the intended stay in Croatia.
From the Croatian kitchen
The diversity of Croatian food makes it hard to pin down exactly what is typically Croatian.
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Towards the East, spicy sausages such as kulen and kulenova seka are popular. Cobanac or shepherd's stew, is a mixture of several kinds of meat with spicy paprika.
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Central Croatia has a delicacy called strukli, which is a pasta filled with cheese. Purica s mlincima (baked turkey with pastry) is also a signature dish of this area.
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Sir I vrhnje is a sour cream and cottage cheese dish that is sold fresh in the markets of Zagreb.
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In Lika, you will find baked potatoes covered in bacon, referred to as police, and several kinds of cheese.
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Of course, the coastal areas are famed for their seafood dishes. Most places serve dishes delivered by local fishermen.
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Try some olives while in Croatia – some say they are the best in the world
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Croatia is not big on fast food, but it does have a huge variety of desserts. From cream cakes (kremsnite) to Paprenjaci (pepper biscuits) there is something for every kind of sweet tooth.
From the Croatian bar
Sample some of the delicious wines on offer in Croatia. Over 700 types of wine are available, and like their olives, Croat grapes are particularly flavoursome thanks to the Mediterranean influence.
A couple of local liqueurs are rakija - a brandy made from plum, grape, or figs – and Pelinkovac – a herbal liquor resembling cough syrup. Maraschino (the famous cherry drink) is also from here.
The most popular beers are Karlovacko and Ozujsko. Velebitsko and Tomislav pivo, however, have reached cult status, so if you see them on the menu, take the opportunity to try them over the more common brands.
Currency in Croatia
Croatia's currency is the Kuna, although prices will also be displayed in Euros in most tourist places. There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Lipa coins, 1, 2, 5 and 25 Kuna coins and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Kuna banknotes. For the latest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.
Cash points and bureau de changes are readily available. Most cards care accepted, although read the machine's labels before use.
Major airports in Croatia
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Dubrovnik (DBV)
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Rijeka (RJK)
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Losinj (LSZ)
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Pula (PUY)
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Split (SPU)
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Zadar (ZAD)
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Zagreb (ZAG)
Examples of food and drink spend
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Three course dinner - HRK 120
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Fast food meal - HRK 30
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Cup of coffee – HRK 8
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Beer – HRK 15
Things to have at hand in Croatia
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Phrasebook
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Camera (be aware that certain places have restrictions)
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Details of a guide if planning to travel into rural areas – there are still some unexploded mines in some parts!
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Passport/ID must be carried at all times
Did you know?
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Dubrovnik is a UNESCO world heritage site
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The tie is a Croat invention. The word “cravat” comes from the name Croat
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Marco Polo was born in Croatia
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Zadar is home to the world's first sea organ
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Croatia has topped several travel polls in recent years, and is a hotly desired travel destination as a result
