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Travel information and tips on Croatia including passport information, accommodations, transportation
to and in Croatia, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more.
General Information on Croatia
Croatia has long been regarded as one of the
most beautiful parts of Europe. This is mostly because of its sublime stretch of
Adriatic coast. Thankfully, despite the tragedy of war, its charms remain
largely intact and most of the tourist areas have been beautifully rebuilt.
However, reminders of the country's painful history still abound. You will be
enthralled by the aura of medieval Croatia as it continues to endure in the
cobbled streets of Rovinj. The recently restored other-worldliness of
Dubrovnik's Stari Grad is another great visit. The country is also home to some
of Europe's finest Roman ruins, including the immense palace of Diocletian in
Split.
As beautiful as the country is, some of the remote areas of Croatia, even though safe and welcoming, remain uncleared of landmines. These include the Danube region in eastern Slavonia and Krajina. It is unwise to stray into fields or abandoned villages and best to use a good guide in these areas.
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following for additional information. Passports and Visas Best Time to Visit Money Matters Language Electricity Travel Insurance Travel Warnings |
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(The following information was taken from the CIA World Fact
Book)
The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed
a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia
became a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal
TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it
took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Serb
armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands. Under UN supervision, the last
Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998.
Once one of the wealthiest of the Yugoslav republics, Croatia's economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war as output collapsed and the country missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 2000, however, Croatia's economic fortunes have begun to improve slowly, with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6% led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer spending. Inflation over the same period has remained tame and the currency, the kuna, stable. Nevertheless, difficult problems still remain, including a stubbornly high unemployment rate, a growing trade deficit and uneven regional development. The state retains a large role in the economy, as privatization efforts often meet stiff public and political resistance. While macroeconomic stabilization has largely been achieved, structural reforms lag because of deep resistance on the part of the public and lack of strong support from politicians. The EU accession process should accelerate fiscal and structural reform. For additional information, visit https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/hr.html
Passports and visas
You will need a passport to visit Croatia. As for Visas, citizens of Australia,
Canada, Ireland, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, the USA and most
continental European countries can enter Croatia for stays of up to 90 days
without a visa. However, visitors must hold a return/onward ticket, all
documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Best Time to Visit
Weather wise, the best time for a vacation in Croatia
is sometime from May to September. However, you will find that it can be very
busy along the Adriatic Coast though July and August. September would be my
choose as by then the crowds have thinned out a bit and the off-season rates
begin to apply. In April and October it may be too cool for camping, but the
weather is usually fine along the coast and private rooms are plentiful and
inexpensive. Swimming in the sea is enjoyable from mid-June to late September.
Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers
and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast
Language
The language is primarily Croatian with the
following breakdown: Croatian 96.1%, Serbian 1%, other and undesignated 2.9%
(including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German) (2001 census)
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Money Matters
The Kuna is the official currency in Croatia. You will find that the government
deliberately overvalues the kuna to obtain cheap foreign currency. However,
hotel prices are usually quoted in euros and therefore remain fairly constant
and easy to sort through. But, as you actually pay in Croatian kuna calculated
at the daily official rate, you will want to be sure you understand the exchange
rate.
You will find there are numerous places to change money, all offering similar rates. Exchange offices charge commission but some banks do not. You want to remember that Banks are the only place you can change kuna back into hard currency. You can get a cash advance on your credit card at banks (Visa credit cards are not accepted by all banks.) throughout the country.
Although budget accommodation is in pretty short supply, you will
find that transport, food, and concert and theatre tickets are reasonably
priced. You can make it traveling around Croatia on US$35 a day if you stay in
hostels or private rooms - even less if you camp. However, you should plan to
double that if you want to travel in reasonable comfort and triple it if you
want to indulge in a little luxury. Here is about what you might expect to pay
for accommodations.
- Budget: HRK70-250
- Mid-range: HRK250-700
- High: HRK700-1500
- Deluxe: HRK1500+
As for tipping in a restaurant, first check to see if a service charge has already been added to your bill and, if not, and If you're served well at a restaurant, round up the bill. Bar bills and taxi fares should also be rounded up. Tour guides also expect to be tipped. Here is what you might expect to pay for meals.
- Budget: HRK15-40
- Mid-range: HRK40-100
- High: HRK100-150
- Deluxe: HRK150+
Currency
Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports,
railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency
exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and
rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a
nightmare. Order in advance from
All
Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and
money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and
transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate:
Check Today's Exchange Rate
Electricity
Be sure to take your adaptor and converter kit.
Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Warning
Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Getting To and Around Croatia
Flights connect Zagreb to many European cities. Croatia's international airport
is about 11 miles southeast of Zagreb. Buses run between Zagreb and several
cities in Hungary and Germany, as well as to Amsterdam and Brussels. Most
probably arrive by train as trains connect Zagreb to Italy, Germany, Austria,
Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia and Yugoslavia. Ferries link Croatia to
Greece and Italy.
If you plan to drive, either your own vehicle or a rental car, you will find four border crossings between Hungary and Croatia, 29 between Slovenia and Croatia, 23 between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia and seven between Yugoslavia and Croatia.
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If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Getting Around In Croatia
Although the country is quite small, and you may not need to fly,
Croatia Airlines has regular flights from Zagreb to Brac, Dubrovnik, Pula, Split
and Zadar.
One of the best ways to get around is on the country's excellent bus network. This network is quite far-reaching and very reasonably priced. However, you will find that taking the trains is less expensive and a lot more comfortable than the bus, but also a lot slower.
If you plan to drive, you will find the usual car rental chains are represented in Zagreb and Split. Drive on the right side of the road. The spectacular Adriatic highway, which travels from Italy to Albania, runs along the steep slopes of Croatia's coastal range and is one of the most exciting, and beautiful drives in the world.
If you can get where you're going by ferry, then do it - cruising among the islands of the Adriatic is fun and enjoyable and certainly beats sitting on a bus, no matter how cheap or fast it is. Jadrolinja ferries can be found in the waters between Dubrovnik and Rijeka. This is a good way to really see the area for, If you buy a ticket for the whole trip, you can stop off as many times as you want for up to a week each time. Other ferries run between Pula, Mali Losinj and Zadar, and to most of the larger islands
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Want a car, but don't want to rent. If you need a car for at least 17 days, and you are at least 18 years old, Getting Away and Auto Europe can hook you up with a new Peugeot through the exclusive Peugeot Buy Back Program. In Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand and Spain, you can even rent a motor home. |
If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Croatia has some wonderful cities and towns and other nice areas to visit. Here
are just a few of them.
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Mljet
Island
Just off Croatia's southern
Adriatic coast is Mljet Island, a national park. The
park's main attractions are two saltwater lakes, each of which are surrounded by pine-clad slopes.
This is a great day trip for many of the locals (and most of the tourists), so if you stay overnight, you'll
practically have the place
to yourself.
There's a little island in the middle of the larger lake that is perfect for lunch. You can take a boat to this small island and enjoy lunch at the 12th-century Benedictine monastery, which is now the park's hotel. The island is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, or you can rent a bike and ride around the park.
Rab Island
Rab Island is located near the center of
the Kvarner island group off north-western Croatia. This just might be one of
the most enticing
of all the Adriatic island. While the northeastern side of the island is barren and rocky,
you will find that the southwestern side is green with pine forests.
Medieval Rab town, one of the prettiest in the region, is built on a narrow peninsula that encloses a sheltered harbor. There are some wonderful stone buildings that seem to climb from the harbor to a cliff overlooking the sea. As Rab has been ruled by both Venice and Austria, you'll hear as much German as Croatian spoken.
Rovinj
Rovinj is a relaxed picturesque
town of cobbled streets on the coast of Istria, the peninsula in
Croatia's northwest which borders Slovenia. You will find several hotels in the
wooded hills that surround the town. The nearby green islands of the Rovinj archipelago
provide perfect sea vistas.
The largest of the baroque buildings in Istria is the Cathedral of St Euphemia, that dominates the town. It was built with Rovinj was the home to the Venetian fleet. The saint's remains were brought here from Constantinople in 800 AD, and on 16 September every year devotees congregate at her tomb.
Solin
Solin, as it is now known, is the ruins of the ancient city of Salona. You
will find this to be one of the more interesting archaeological sites in
Croatia. It is surrounded by vineyards in the northeast area of Split. Salona was the capital of the
Roman province of Dalmatia from the time of Julius Caesar until AD 614, when it
fell to a marching army of so-called barbarians. On the western end of Salona is
the huge 2nd-century amphitheatre. The amphitheatre was destroyed by the Venetians in the 17th
century so that Turkish raiders would not be able to use it as a refuge.
Split
Split, the heart of the
province of Dalmatia, is located about 100 miles north of Dubrovnik and is the largest
Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. It became a popular retirement destination
in the 4th century for Roman Emperors and continues to be so today.
When the nearby Roman colony of Salona was abandoned to the barbarians, many of its inhabitants fled to Split where they could relax inside the relative safety of its high palace walls. Although it is now an industrial city, the old town area still has an air of exuberance and some great sights making this one of the more fascinating cities in Europe.
Zagreb
Zagreb, the capital since 1557,
is finally coming into its own as an intriguing combination of Eastern and
Western Europe. The sober Austro-Hungarian architecture in the town centre
houses newly opened boutiques displaying the latest fashions from France and
Italy.
The twin neo-Gothic spires of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary were built in 1899, but you can still see the remains of the medieval cathedral that was once on this site. There are some fine 13th century frescos, Renaissance pews, beautiful marble altars and an interesting baroque pulpit. North-west of the city center is the Lotrscak Tower from which you can get a panoramic view of the city. You may also wish to visit the Galerija Klovicevi Dvori, which hosts superb art shows; St Mark's Church, with its colorful painted-tile roof and sculptures by Ivan Mestrovic; and the Natural History Museum, the Historical Museum of Croatia and the City Museum, that is housed in a former convent.
The Lower Town is a wonderful place for walking and exploring. There you will find several museums, although many remain closed, some for, "reinterpretation." The Art Pavilion hosts temporary contemporary art exhibitions, while the Strossmayer Gallery features paintings by the old masters. The Archaeological Museum has exhibitions of prehistoric and medieval artifacts and Egyptian mummies. Be sure to check out the Roman Sculpture Garden behind the museum.
If you are really into museums, be sure to the west of the city where you'll find the Museum Mimara. This is one of the finest art galleries in Europe. Within this neo-Renaissance building is the gallery of the private collection of Ante Topic Mimara, who donated thousands of priceless objects to his home town. The Spanish, Italian and Dutch paintings are the highlight of the museum, but there are also displays of glassware, sculpture and Oriental art. If you have the time, be sure to visit Mirogoj, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. It is located in the north of the city. There are some gorgeous mausoleums here, and the English-style landscaping is enclosed by a long 19th century neo-Renaissance arcade.
| The Regent Esplanade Zagreb
- Dating back to 1925, The Regent Esplanade Zagreb is one of the most
famous and gracious buildings in Zagreb. The hotel has a long and
distinguished history and is famed for its impeccably high standards of
service. The Regent Esplanade Zagreb has been at the heart of Zagreb's
social life since the day it opened and can count presidents, politicians,
film and music stars among its many distinguished guests. The hotel brings together Art Nouveau architecture, 21st-century comforts and flawless highly personalized service. Here in the heart of Zagreb, guests can enjoy a luxurious stay close to all the major sights in this historic city. |
For additional information, or to make a
reservation, click on
Regent Hotel Packages |
If you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Things To See And Do
In Croatia
You will find there are a lot of
activities for the visitor to Croatia. The rugged islands off Croatia's
mountainous coast make this a beautiful place for boating. There are plenty of
deep channels, many quaint and interesting ports, and good steady winds.
It's also a great area for sea kayaking, especially around the Elafiti Islands
and the Kornati Islands. The topography of the coast, being as varied as it is,
is a great place for diving and most of the coastal towns and resorts have a
dive center. The main attractions for divers are shipwrecks and caves (including
the famous Blue Grotto).
If you are into rock climbing, there are excellent opportunities, especially in Paklencia National Park and the rocks surrounding Baska on Krk Island. Hiking and trekking are also very popular with Risnjak and Paklencia National Parks both having excellent areas for hiking.
Croatia has many annual events and festivals.
Normally in late March to early April, Zagreb snaps its fingers and beats to the
tunes of the Spring Time Jazz Fever. For improv, try Zagreb's International Days
of Jazz in mid-October. The popular pop Dalmatian-style at the Split Summer
Festival is always a favorite time to visit. This normally takes place from
mid-July to mid-August, and Zagreb's Summer Festival, from early July to
mid-August. This is when you can hear classical works by Croatian
composers. Dubrovnik's Summer Festival, held in July and August, showcases the
country's dramatic and classical music stars.
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If you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Suggestions For Accommodations In
Croatia
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| The Regent Esplanade Zagreb
- Dating back to 1925, The Regent Esplanade Zagreb is one of the most
famous and gracious buildings in Zagreb. The hotel has a long and
distinguished history and is famed for its impeccably high standards of
service. The Regent Esplanade Zagreb has been at the heart of Zagreb's
social life since the day it opened and can count presidents, politicians,
film and music stars among its many distinguished guests. The hotel brings together Art Nouveau architecture, 21st-century comforts and flawless highly personalized service. Here in the heart of Zagreb, guests can enjoy a luxurious stay close to all the major sights in this historic city.
|
For additional information, or to make a
reservation, click on
Regent Hotel Packages |
Visit Getting Away Accommodations, world-wide reservations available on line. And, if you are looking for a nice resort, check the Getting Away Resort Accommodations page or ResortDiscounts.com where you can find discounts at some of the world's most desirable resort locations
If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Books, Maps and Other Resources
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
Some Suggestions For
Dining In Croatia
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Favorites In Croatia
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Interesting Links For Croatia
Croatian Tourist Guide
Complete tourist guide about Croatia on
www.croatiantouristguide.com
Click here for language
helps, dictionaries,
electronic translators,
language software and other helps for learning
a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the
country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip
more. Jim.
If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
