Overview
Often regraded as one of the most beautiful and intriguing areas of Europe, with multitudes of immaculate beaches, captivating villages and a fascinating history, a trip to Croatia is bound to be truly memorable.
Weather
Croatia has a varied climate. The Adriatic Coast boasts a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Northern, more inland areas have a Continental climate with warm, sunny summers and cooler winters. Rain is to be expected throughout the year.
Holidays
The Croatian people observe a number of holidays throughout the year including:
New Year
6 January: Epiphany
Easter
1 May: Labour Day
May/June: Corpus Christi
22 June: Anti-Fascist Resistance Day
25 June: Croatian National Day
5 August: Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day
8 October: Independence Day
1 November: All Saints Day
Christmas
Transport
By Air:
Croatia has a number of international airports. The main ones are Zagreb (Pleso) International Airport, Dubrovnik International Airport and Split International Airport, each operating both international and domestic flights.
By Train:
Direct trains run from a number of nearby European countries namely Austria, France, Germany, Hungary and Italy. Express trains run between Zagreb and other major European cities including Berlin, Budapest, Munich, Venice and Vienna.
Within Croatia all major cities are connected by train routes. It is often considered to be quicker to travel internally by bus.
By Car:
Routes lead in to Croatia from all neighbouring countries. Motorway connections are continually improving and roads are generally in good condition.
Traffic drives on the right. The minimum driving age is 18. Speed restrictions are as follows: 130kph (81mph) on motorways, 100kph (62mph) on highways, 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) outside built-up areas. Heavy fines are imposed for speeding. It is compulsory for passengers in both the front and rear of a vehicle to wear seatbelts. It is illegal to use hand held mobile phones whilst driving and headlights must be turned on at all times.
Coach and bus services operate throughout Croatia.
By Water:
Passenger and car ferry services operate regularly between Italy and various Croatian ports. Ferry and catamaran services run between the main ports and smaller islands and along the coast from Rijeka in the north to Dubrovnik in the south.
Language
Croatian is the official language but Serbian, Italian, Slovene, Slovak and German are spoken in some areas. English is widely spoken by younger generations and in tourist areas such as Istria, Dubrovnik and Zagreb. Here are a few useful phrases in Croatian:
Hello: Dobar dan
Goodbye: Dovioenja
Please: Molim
Thank you: Hvala
Do you speak English?: Govorite li engleski?
Important Information
The currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK)which divides into 100 Lipa.
The domestic electricity voltage is 220v, 50hz. Standard European plugs are used. Adaptors are widely available.
The dialling code for Croatia is 385.
In an emergency dial the following numbers:
Police - 92
Fire - 93
Ambulance - 94
Traveller's Tips
Travellers must carry their passports at all times as travellers must be able to produce some ID if requested.
Smoking is generally acceptable but restrictions apply in public building and on public transport.