Return to Europe
Return Home

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.
 

Click on any of the following below for information about Croatia General Information on Croatia Getting To and Around Croatia Cities And Towns In Croatia Accommodations In Croatia Books, Maps and Other Resources Things To See And Do In Croatia Tours in Croatia Dining In Croatia Favorites In Croatia Posters and Famed Art for Croatia Interesting Links For Croatia World Wide Travel Related Links! Getting Away Travel Store - Travel Items and Accessories Discounts and Deals - Save Money, Buy on Line Croatia - Order FREE Travel Brochure!

Window in Old Town, Istria, Croatia Photographic Print Buy at AllPosters.com

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.

Click on the following for additional information. Passports and Visas Best Time to Visit Money Matters Language Electricity Travel Insurance Travel Warnings

Looking for Culture & Sightseeing ? Browse thousands of cultural tours and experiences around the globe and book online with isango!

(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.
 

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.

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.

British Airways (ba.com) flies between Dubrovnik and London.

 

At Travelocity, not only can you find the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also find Great Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on Hotel Deals, hundreds of Cruise Deals, some of the Top Vacation Deals on the Internet and much more. You can click on the Weather Center to see what the weather will be like at your destination, and even use their Currency Converter So you will be ready to go as soon as your arrive. At Travelocity, you can find it all.

 

Elegant and simple! Touch the screen and hear turn-by-turn directions with street names as you enjoy your driving experience throughout Europe. Customize your navigation method or route, to travel safely and stress-free. The Garmin Nuvii 370 contains premium detailed maps for all of Europe, including highways, regional freeways and local roads with attributes such as turn restrictions, one way streets and other navigation features. It contains general map detail for most cities and towns throughout Europe. Metro areas listed are covered in the greatest detail. The Nuvii 370 also displays points of interest such as: food and drink, lodging, golf courses, theatres and cinemas, gas stations, hospitals and more. Full Coverage available for: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain and Switzerland. Full detailed coverage in major cities of: Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway and Sweden. Coverage in Eastern Europe includes: Estonia (Tallinn), Latvia (Riga), Lithuania (Vilnius), Slovakia (Bratislava and Kosice), Hungary (Budapest, Balaton, Debrecen, Miskolc, Eger and Tokaj), Slovenia (Ljubljana and Maribor), Croatia (Zagreb, Rijeka and Pula, Split, Selin, Zadar, Dubrovnik and the Island of Krk), Bulgaria (Sofija), Romania (Buburesti (Bucharest) and Timisoara).

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

If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Cities and Towns In Croatia

Croatia has some wonderful cities and towns and other nice areas to visit. Here are just a few of them. Dubrovnik Korcula Mljet Island Rab Island Rovinj Solin Split Zagreb Dubrovnik One of the best things about Dubrovnik is the old town of Stari Grad, with its marble-paved squares and  steep cobbled streets. Walking through the area you will see tall houses, convents, churches, palaces, fountains and museums, all cut from the same light-colored stone. Although Dubrovnik was heavily shelled in 1991, this area has been largely restored. I love walled cities and Dubrovnik's city walls were built between the 13th and 16th centuries, and are still intact today. These must arguably the finest city walls in the world. They are a bit over 80 feet high with 16 towers. You will probably remember your walk along the walls the highlight of your visit to Dubrovnik. British Airways (ba.com) flies between Dubrovnik and London. Korcula Korcula Island is rich in vineyards and olive trees. The southern coast of the island is dotted with quiet coves and small beaches making this a great place to explore. The town of Korcula is a typical medieval Dalmatian town, with its round defensive towers and cluster of red-roofed houses. You will probably notice the strong Venetian influence of Korcula when you see Korcula's Cathedral Square. It even has its own St Mark's Cathedral, with two paintings by Tintoretto. Next to the cathedral is the 14th century Abbey Palace, which houses the town's treasury. Just opposite is the 16th century Gabriellis Palace.

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.

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

Tours 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.
 

At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips on InfoHub.com, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make Infohub.com "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip.

Croatia - Order FREE Travel Brochure!

►Over 5000 partners in 120 countries ►Over 700 retail travel agencies partners ►Over 300 publisher affiliates ►Clients from Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and Middle East ►Largest special interest travel website on the internet ►Over 20000 truly unique vacations in 150 destinations around the world ►Over 100 special interest activities ►Vacations include adventure, outdoor, sport, culture, learning, wildlife & ecotourism, spiritual, hobby, affinity, etc.

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

Great hotel deals in Croatia

 

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.
 

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

Shop Amazon for Travel Books and Maps!

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