Croatia Travel Guide

by | November 16, 2020

The EU country Croatia (Republika Hravatska) attracts with its 1,177 kilometers of coast, which stretches from Istria to Dalmatia. The parallel Dinaric Mountains form the boundary between the coastal region and the flat eastern Croatian inland.

Within the Dinarides, the Velebit stretches over a distance of 145 km from north to south. This mountain range, around which there are many myths, is the habitat of wolf, brown bear and lynx. The Karst Mountains are criss-crossed by extensive cave systems and are home to two of the eight Croatian national parks. In general, Croatia is blessed with unique landscapes, including the Plitvica Lakes and the Kornati islands. Check Countryaah to find more countries that begin with letter C.

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Entry

Croatia is an EU country, but not a member of the Schengen Agreement. Citizens from the EU and Switzerland need a valid passport or identity card to enter the country.

Climate

The climate is divided into two parts: On the Adriatic coast it is Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters, in the interior there is a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Food and drink

Typical Balkan dishes such as Ćevapčići, Ražnjici and Burek are widespread, and the Ajvar paprika paste is a must. Fish and seafood are not far on the coast. In addition to Pivo (beer) and Slivovic, Croatian wine is also becoming increasingly popular. In general, the quality of Croatian gastronomy has increased significantly in recent years. Gourmets appreciate the truffles from Istria, among other things.

Cultural characteristics

The national coat of arms of the Republika Hravatska with the red and white checkerboard pattern always stands out. Croatia is proud of its history and culture. Among other things, the country gave the world the tie and the breed of dogs, the Dalmatian. Sport is very important. At the latest since the World Cup success in 2018, the Croatians have been in football fever. Traditionally, handball, tennis, water polo and basketball are among the national sports. Anyone who is in the country on Catholic holidays will find that church festivals are also very important.

Medical advice

Medical care in the big cities and tourist regions is very good. But bringing your own first-aid kit with you never hurts. If you have any doubts or questions, please ask your family doctor. The German Foreign Office recommends vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A. Vaccination against tick-borne meningoencephalitis (TBE) can also be considered.

Security

The security situation in Croatia is rated as very good, and street crime is very low. The greatest danger comes from relics of the Balkan Wars of the 1990s: As before, not all landmines in the hinterland have been cleared. Therefore, one should never leave the marked trails when hiking in former war zones.

Climate and travel time

The coastal regions are characterized by a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry and sunny summers and mild and humid winters. On the Adriatic, the average air temperature in August is 21 to 27 degrees, the water warms up to around 25 degrees in the hot summer month.

The main travel season begins in April and lasts until October. The density of holidaymakers is highest in July and August. Active travelers usually come in April and May as well as September and October, when the climate is mild and the vacation spots are not overcrowded.

During the spring months, visitors experience the country in full bloom, in autumn the bathing temperatures are pleasantly warm – the grape harvest as well as the olive and mandarine harvest are pending.

All about money

The Croatian currency is called Kuna (currency abbreviation HRK). 1 euro is the equivalent of around 7 KUNA

Cash can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, travel agencies, post offices, but also in tourist information offices and hotels with little different conditions. The exchange fee is usually 1 to 1.5 percent. On the other hand, vacationers have to go to a bank to exchange kuna back into euros. There are ATMs all over the country where tourists can withdraw cash with the EC Maestro card or credit card. Foreign credit cards are accepted in most gas stations, restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Other essential information

Time difference

Time difference to CET: Same in Croatia as here

Electrical current

The voltage in Croatia is 220 volts. The sockets are the same as ours, you don’t need a travel plug.

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