Despite the tragic civil war that blighted the former Yugoslavia at the close of the 20th Century, Croatia today looks perhaps even more beautiful than it did ten years ago. The fabulous natural landscape, with beautiful beaches and rugged mountains, is as captivating as ever. Many historic cities and monuments have now been subject to extensive restoration, so in many cases they appear even better now than before. A visitor today will encounter a thriving Croatia filled with life and optimism.Find your travel arrangement to Croatia here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Republika Hrvatska
Capital
Zagreb (1,000,000)
Size
56,538 sq. km.
Principal Languages
Croatian
Principal Religion
Roman Catholic
Inhabitants
4,800,000
Government
Republic
Geography
The coast along the Adriatic Sea is very mountainous, especially in the Southern part. Inland the terrain is flatter, but interspersed with smaller mountains.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
The climate in Croatia varies from summer to winter and from North to South. In the South temperatures are largely Mediterranean, while the Northern part of the country is more like Central Europe in terms of climate. Winters can sometimes be quite cold, but generally the temperatures stay just above freezing.
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
Croatia uses the metric system with kilos, metres, and litres.
Photography
It's always good to remember not to photograph people while they are practicing their religion. Also, military installations should be avoided. But other than that there are no special rules.
Drinking water
It is not unsafe to drink the water in Croatia, but it does not always taste so good.
Electricity
220 Volts AC/50 Hz
Behaviour
There is no need to take special precautions concerning behaviour in Croatia.
Business Hours
Shops are open from 8 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday and from 8 am to 2 pm Saturdays.
Banks and offices are open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.
Banks and offices are open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.
Food and drink
Croatian cooking is influenced by many of the surrounding countries' traditions. Among the specialties are Sarma, stuffed cabbage leaves, spicy sausages known as Kulen, and various dishes involving fish and pork. In addition, there are regional specialties unique to different parts of the country. The hearty Croatian meals are complemented by the country's own wines.
Holidays
New Year's Day: January 1
Epiphany: January 6
Labour Day: May 1
Independence Day: May 30
Antifascism Day: June 22
National Thanksgiving Day: August 5
All Saints Day: November 1
Christmas: December 25 and 26
Movable holidays:
Easter: March or April
Epiphany: January 6
Labour Day: May 1
Independence Day: May 30
Antifascism Day: June 22
National Thanksgiving Day: August 5
All Saints Day: November 1
Christmas: December 25 and 26
Movable holidays:
Easter: March or April
Accommodation / Hotel
The Croatian Ministry of Tourism enforces a classification system on the hotels that keeps the price and quality levels in check. The really big hotels are on the Adriatic Coast and in Zagreb, but apart from that all the familiar accommodation facilities - camping, hostels, private board - can be found everywhere.
Book your Hotel in Croatia here
Book your Hotel in Croatia here
Camping
Croatia has more than 200 camping grounds throughout the country - not only in the tourist centres. All camping grounds fulfil certain minimum requirements, and some even rent out camper vans.
hotels in different price ranges can be found in virtually every city in Croatia. At times, the rates can seem unreasonably high, but if you book ahead through a travel agency or shop around it is usually possible to match price with quality.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
Private board is the cheapest form of accommodation in Croatia. Booking is arranged by the local tourist offices, who also grade the rooms to make it easier to choose between them.
Hostels
There are six youth hostels in Croatia affiliated with the international Youth Hostel Association, five in the major cities along the Adriatic Coast and one in Zagreb. Look for more information at http://www.nncomp.com/hfhs
Other Accommodation
Croatia has about 30 motels scattered around the country. These too are graded with one, two, or three stars. The standards are usually good and the prices are reasonable.
Local transport
Buses are by far the best way to get around in Croatia. Most vehicles are new, and the service is speedy. The tickets are a little more expensive than the trains, but speed and flexibility give the buses an edge. Domestic flying exists as well, but is not really an option except for connections with international Flights.
Planes
There are regular Flights between Zagreb and the four largest cities, but due to the compact size of the country, flying isn't very attractive.
Bus
Croatia has an excellent bus system that covers most of the country. The buses are generally in good condition and the prices are relatively low, making them a good alternative to trains and planes.
Trains
Trains are a lot cheaper than buses, but take longer as well. If you are not in a hurry then this is not necessarily a bad thing though: Croatia is a beautiful country, not least when seen flying past it through a train window.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in all major cities. They usually charge according to a meter.
car rental
All the major rental companies are represented in Croatia. Some cities also have locally based rental companies.
Boat or Ferry
A number of ferries run along the Adriatic Coast. This is an excellent way to see the beautiful coastline, and is highly recommended. Some ferry companies offer discounts if you buy tickets for several sections. Ask around at the harbour or tourist office.
Good links
Look for additional information at:
http://www.htz.hr/home.htm
http://www.croatia.hr
http://www.htz.hr/home.htm
http://www.croatia.hr
Special conditions
After the war of independence from Yugoslavia some parts of Croatia - tourist centres no exception - were in a miserable state. In many cases Yugoslav forces had fired shells at centuries-old landmarks in Dubrovnik and elsewhere. But today most, if not all, have been rebuilt to such a high level of quality that some people insist they are even better than before.
