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CROATIA - TRAVEL GUIDE

With this travel guide I try to gather in one place the main information you need to travel more and better.

It aims to prepare you to arrive at this new destination, knowing everything you need to have a smooth, safe trip and avoid the vast majority of problems that every traveler faces.

With this information you will be able to make the best decisions, transforming your view as if it were a place.

Here you will find the main places to visit, what the costs are, a great way to save money, recommendations on places to stay, restaurants, transport tips and safety advice.

Even with different ways of traveling, from backpacking, or on a family vacation, cruise, two week vacation, around the world trip.

Here you will find everything you need to travel more, better, longer and cheaper.

If you do not find any information, do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer.

Croatia is known for its stunning natural beauty, with numerous islands, pristine beaches and picturesque mountains. The Croatian coastline is one of the country’s main attractions, with popular destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Hvar attracting many tourists every year.

In addition to its incredible landscapes, Croatia also has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Dubrovnik, for example, is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls, and Split’s old town is home to Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many other interesting historical and architectural sites to explore across the country.

Croatia also has a rich gastronomic tradition, with delicious dishes that combine Mediterranean, Central European and Balkan influences. Fresh seafood, lamb, ham, cheeses and wines are just some of the highlights of Croatian cuisine.

About Croatia

Where it is?

Croatia is a country located in southeastern Europe.

It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro and has an extensive coastline along the Adriatic Sea.

Its capital and largest city is Zagreb.

Climate.

Normally, the country is divided into three climatic zones: Mediterranean along the coast, continental in the central region, and alpine in the mountainous areas.

Along the coast, the climate is predominantly Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Main cities Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik

The months of July and August are the hottest, with average temperatures that can reach 30°C. The period between May and September is ideal to enjoy the beaches and the Adriatic Sea.

In the central region, the climate is more continental, with cold, snowy winters and hot summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer temperatures average around 25°C. This region is also more prone to climatic variations, with rainfall distributed throughout the year. Main cities Zagreb, Karlovac, Koprivnica, etc.

In mountainous areas, such as the Dinaric Alps, the climate is alpine. Winters are harsh, with abundant snow, and summers are cool. Temperatures can dip below freezing for much of the year, especially in higher areas. Cities in Northern Croatia with Rijeka.

Time zone.

Croatia is in Central European Time (CET) UTC +1:00 during Standard Time and Central European Summer Time (CEST) UTC +2:00 during Standard Time of summer. Here are the specific details:

The switch to daylight saving time usually occurs on the last Sunday in March, when clocks are set forward one hour.

The switch back to standard time occurs on the last Sunday in October, when clocks are turned back one hour.

Money.

The official currency of Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). The Kuna is divided into 100 clean ones. Notes in circulation are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 kuna, while coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 clean, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25 kuna.

Most transactions are done in Croatian kunas. While some places may accept another currency, most notably the EURO, it is more common to use the local currency.

Currencies with Euro or Dollar are easily converted in banks, exchange offices, etc.

ATM boxes.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available in cities and tourist areas.

Value restrictions.

There are no restrictions on the amounts that can be carried when entering Croatia.

However, as it is part of the European Union, it is best to follow the rules and declare cash amounts greater than 10,000 euros (or its equivalent in another currency).

In addition, it is important to remember that when traveling with large amounts of cash, you must take appropriate measures to ensure your safety.

A little of history

Croatia’s formation history goes back to ancient times, with traces of human settlements in the territory and thousands of years ago.

In antiquity, the region of Croatia was inhabited by millenary tribes. In the 2nd century BC, the area was conquered by the Romans and became part of the Roman Empire. The Roman presence left a significant legacy in Croatian culture and architecture.

In the Middle Ages, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the region of Croatia went through different influences and disputes. As early as the 7th century, Slavic tribes settled in the region, and the Croats reached an agreement with the Byzantines to establish an independent Croatian state in the early 9th century. During this period, Croatia established ties with the Roman Catholic Church.

At the end of the 11th century, Croatia entered into a union with the Kingdom of Hungary, retaining its own autonomy, laws and institutions. This union lasted several centuries, although Croatia faced periods of conflict and attempts at Hungarian domination.

The Ottoman Empire and Habsburg rule: During the 15th and 16th centuries, the region of Croatia faced threats from the Ottoman Empire, which invaded and occupied part of the territory. To protect itself from the Ottomans, Croatia sought protection from the Habsburgs, Austria, who gradually took over in the 18th century.

After World War I, Croatia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which later became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During the period of the Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945), Croatia was ruled by a pro-Nazi regime, but after World War II, it became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, under the socialist regime of Josip Broz Tito.

In 1991, after the collapse of Yugoslavia, Croatia declared its independence and became a sovereign nation. However, the country faced a war of independence against Yugoslav and Serbian forces. The conflict ended in 1995, with Croatia consolidating its independence and establishing its borders.

Since then, Croatia has become a member of the European Union (since 2013) and continues to develop its economy, tourism and democracy.

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Culture

Croatia’s culture is rich and diverse, influenced by its geographic location, history, traditions, and interactions with neighboring cultures.

Croatia has an artistic tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. Croatian architecture includes Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical influences. Cities such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb feature fine examples of historic architecture.

Spoken language.

The official and predominant language spoken in Croatia is Croatian which is a South Slavic language and uses the Latin alphabet.

Croatian and other Balkan languages are mutually understandable although there are differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Due to the past of great commerce and today of tourism, English and mainly Italian are spoken by many Croatians.

Religion.

Christianity (85%) is the largest religion in the country. Catholic influence is deeply rooted in Croatian culture, with many Catholic religious traditions being observed throughout the year, such as the celebration of Easter and Christmas.

The Orthodox Church (4.0 %) also has a significant presence in Croatia, mainly among the Serbian population and in the eastern areas of the country.

A minority of the Croatian population is Muslim (1.5%), mainly in the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which borders Croatia. Most Croatian Muslims are of Bosnian origin and practice Islam following the Sunni tradition.

Gastronomy.

Croatia’s cuisine is diverse and rich in flavors, combining Mediterranean, Central European, and Ottoman influences. Each region of the country has its distinct culinary specialties.

Main dishes:

Seafood:

With its extensive coastline along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is known for its fresh seafood. Fish such as sea bass, bream, and tuna are prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilled, roasted, or in stews. Shellfish, shrimp, and squid are also popular.

Pršut and Pašticada:

Pršut is a smoked and cured ham, similar to Spanish or Italian ham, often served as part of a cold cuts board.

Cevapi:

Cevapi is a popular meat dish in Croatia. It consists of small rolls of ground meat (usually a mixture of beef and lamb) seasoned with herbs and spices. It is commonly served on a flatbread called lepinja, accompanied by onions and ajvar sauce.

Pag Cheese:

Pag cheese is a sheep’s cheese produced on the island of Pag, known for its distinctive taste. It is a salty, cured and aromatic cheese, appreciated both as a main ingredient in dishes and as an accompaniment to cheese boards.

Strukli:

Strukli is a traditional dish from the central Croatian region, made from puff pastry stuffed with cottage cheese and sometimes also with nuts, apples or spinach. It can be served as a main course or dessert and is often au gratin with cream and cheese.

Peka:

Peka is a traditional cooking method used in Croatia, especially in the Dalmatian region. It consists of cooking meat, such as lamb, veal or chicken, with vegetables and seasonings in a container covered with an iron lid and placed under hot embers.

What to do

Due to its history and relief, Croatia offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors.

Explore historic cities:

Stroll through the streets of Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, and explore its ancient walls and cobbled streets.

Visit Split to discover Diocletian’s Palace, an impressive Roman structure that became a city within a city.

And in Zagreb, the capital, you can explore the upper town, with its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Enjoy the coast:

Croatia has a stunning coastline, with its crystal-clear waters and pebble beaches. Visit the famous beach of Zlatni Rat in Bol on the island of Brač, or explore the islands of Hvar, Vis, and Korčula, which offer beautiful scenery and lively nightlife.

National Parks:

Croatia is home to several stunning national parks. Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular, with its crystal-clear waterfalls and scenic trails.

Krka National Park, with its waterfalls and natural pools, is also a must. Other notable national parks include Paklenica National Park and Brijuni Lakes National Park.

When to go

The best time to visit Croatia depends on your goals and preferences.

Summer (from June to August):

Summer is the high season in Croatia, especially in coastal areas and on islands. The climate is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The beaches are full, and the coastal towns have a vibrant atmosphere, with many events, festivals, and lively nightlife. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy the sea, swim, practice water sports, and explore the islands.

Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October):

Spring and autumn are considered transition periods, with milder temperatures and fewer tourists compared to summer.

I prefer late summer and early fall as it’s still warm and not as crowded as summer.

These seasons offer pleasant weather for exploring cities, visiting national parks, and taking nature walks. The landscapes are full of flowers in the spring, while the autumn presents vibrant colors in the leaves of the trees.

Winter (November to March):

Winter in Croatia is mild in the coastal region and colder in the mountainous areas. In coastal areas, you can enjoy a quiet atmosphere, less crowded cities, and lower prices. In mountainous regions, such as Plitvice National Park or Risnjak National Park, it is possible to practice skiing and enjoy snow-covered landscapes.

How to get

Due to the distance, the best way is to go by plane, but Brazil does not have direct flights to Croatia.

However, Europe’s main hubs have flights to Croatia’s main cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.

I went through Venice because I went trekking on Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites.

My return was through Rome, see the trip through Croatia here.

Costs

Costs in Croatia are similar to those in Europe, but accommodation is cheaper and if you save on meals you can have good savings.

The tourist attractions that are paid, have the same level of value as Europe.

3 styles and their costs.

Backpacker:

Staying in hostels (hostels) using shared dorms, doing your own food and/or local and cheap restaurants, using local transport, exploring the city on foot, and taking tours for free or cheaper.

Daily Expenses: From $50.00 to $100.00 per day

Intermediary:

Stay in hostels, economical hotels in private rooms, have meals in an average restaurant, go to the main paid attractions, use some taxis and Uber.

Daily spending from USD 100.00 to USD 200.00 per day.

See if Uber is available in the city you are visiting

Luxurious:

Staying in the best hotels, going to all the attractions, hiring more sophisticated packages such as using a helicopter, etc.

Daily Expenses: $200.00 and above per day.

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getting around

There are several transport options to get around Croatia, and the choice depends on your preferences, travel itinerary, and budget.

Bus:

Buses are a popular and cost-effective option for getting around Croatia. The country has a good bus network that connects the main cities and tourist destinations. Companies like Croatia Bus and FlixBus offer regular and comfortable routes. Tickets can be purchased online, at the bus stations, or directly from the driver.

But if your itinerary includes a less touristic city, it will possibly be more difficult

Trains:

Croatia has a rail network that connects major cities such as Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka.

However, the train service is more limited compared to the bus service.

Trains can be a scenic and comfortable option for longer journeys, especially if you are traveling to nearby destinations such as Ljubljana (Slovenia) or Budapest (Hungary).

Ferries:

Croatia has many islands along the Adriatic coast, and ferries are a popular option for getting between the islands and the mainland. Companies such as Jadrolinija operate regular ferry routes linking coastal towns and islands.

I made the crossing from Dubrovnik (Croatia) to Bali (Italy) with Jadrolinija.

Car rental:

My preferred style is to explore Croatia with flexibility and independence.

This allows you to visit more remote areas, stop at scenic spots and have more control over your itinerary.

In Croatia you need an international driving permit, the roads are very good and signposted.

See my trip to Croatia here.

Security

Croatia is considered a safe destination for tourists. The country has low crime rates in general, and visitors can enjoy a peaceful and safe stay.

It is a safe country in terms of violent crime. However, as with any tourist destination, visitors should be mindful of their pockets and belongings, especially in busy, touristy areas, to avoid theft and theft.

Avoid ostentatiously displaying valuables and be on the lookout for potential scams or fraud, as with any popular tourist destination.

Public transport in Croatia is generally safe and reliable. However, be aware of possible thefts or pickpockets in very touristy areas, such as bus, train or tram stations. Keep your personal belongings safe and keep an eye on them at all times.

Coastal areas and islands: Croatia’s coastal areas and islands are popular and generally safe tourist destinations. However, when swimming in the sea, be aware of current conditions, such as currents or warning flags, and follow the advice of lifeguards.

Documents and Vaccine

As Croatia belongs to Europe but is not in the zone of…. It has some rules of its own.

Brazilians do not need a visa to enter the country, with permission to stay 90 days in a 180-day period without the need for a visa.

Passport valid for at least 6 months is required.

Although it is not a mandatory requirement, it is highly recommended that travelers have health insurance that covers medical and emergency expenses during their stay in Croatia and as they pass through one of the countries of ……..

There is no vaccination requirement for Brazilians.

Have proof of round-trip flights

Have proof of accommodation

For more information, see the Croatian embassy in Brazil.

Planing your Travel? Tips and Tricks

Here are tips and tools to make the journey more enjoyable.

If you still have doubt.

Check the blog area with the materials that will help you on your trip as:

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Book your flight.

Finding cheap air tickets can be difficult and stressful, but with my blog’s tips and using Skyscanner or Momondo the task can be even fun. Today are the most complete tools on the market . In my experience I have seen that even using others these two end up having the best prices.

Book your accommodation.

If you prefer Hostel a great tool is Hostelwold, If you want besides hostels, other options use the Booking.com. I have used both very often and always find the best prices.

Travel insurance.

Insurance is what we never want to use, but it is traumatic if we need and not have it.
It will cover the costs of any eventuality of illness, injury, theft and / or ticket cancellations, etc. It is extremely important to have as you never know what can happen.
I have used the WorldNomads, which always have the insurance coverage that travelers need, in addition to having coverage worldwide.