Basics

Summer (Jul-Aug) is high season in Croatia, particularly on the coast – the days are hot and sunny, the nights are mild, and the seas are pleasantly warm. This is also when many of the country’s largest festivals take place. As a result, summer is by far the most crowded time, and many of the most popular islands and towns are overrun with tourists. The best time to visit is May or September, when crowds are smaller and the weather is ideal. In late May the Adriatic is warm enough for swimming (especially along the southern Dalmatian coast), while in September the sea is at its warmest. Prices are lower in May-June and tend to drop again in late Sept-early Oct. Be aware that in the off seasons, ferries and other transportation is less frequent or ceases to run.

Early spring and late autumn, though generally rainy, also have their appeal. Mar-Apr brings Easter and Holy Week festivities and spring blossoms, while the fall colors in Oct-Nov are lovely, especially inland, and both seasons are refreshingly free of crowds. Winter is chilly and windy (if often sunny) on the coast, and cold and snowy inland, but the landscapes in places like Plitvice Lakes National Park are magical

Croatia has two distinct climates – a Mediterranean climate on the coast and a continental climate inland. The coast experiences hot, dry, sunny summers and mild (though sometimes wet) winters. A strong, unpredictable wind known as the bura occurs on the Dalmatian coast in wintertime. Inland, summers can be swelteringly hot, and winters cold and snowy. Late spring and early fall are generally pleasant throughout the country.

Zagreb and Surroundings: Zagreb, the capital, is in the north-central part of Croatia. If the country can be described as horseshoe-shaped, Zagreb is near the top of the arch. Surrounding Zagreb are woods and hills ideal for hiking.

Kvarner Region: This region southwest of Zagreb covers the area around the Kvarner Gulf, and includes the port city of Rijeka, the islands of Krk, Cres, Losinj and Rab, and the eastern coast of the Istrian Peninsula.

Zagorje and Slavonia: Though not covered in our pages, these rarely visited areas offer plenty for travelers who venture there. Zagorie, northeast of Zagreb, is mountainous and rustic, dotted with medieval castles and thermal springs. Slavonia, an agrarian region to the east of Zagreb, features quiet, traditional villages, a burgeoning wine region, and the amazing Kopacki Rit ornithological reserve.

Istria: This heart-shaped peninsula at the far west of the country includes the coastal towns of Rovinj and Pula, with Pazin at its center. The interior is green and agricultural, offering gastronomic specialties and charming hill towns like Motovun and Grosnjan.

Northern Dalmatia: Blessed with a striking coastline and some of Croatia’s most astonishing landscapes, this region includes the town of Zadar, Pag Island, Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park.

Central Dalmatia: This region features some of Croatia’s biggest tourist draws, including the town of Split, the Roman ruins at Solin, and the popular islands of Hvar and Brac.

Southern Dalmatia: This beautiful, mainly coastal region is home to Croatia’s crown jewel, Dubrovnik, as well as the island of Korcula and the Peljesac Peninsula, famous for wine and oysters.

Croatia is on Central European Time, one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +1) and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Daylight savings time is observed from the end of March to the end of October.

A passport valid for the length of your stay is required to visit Croatia. A visa is not required for citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia or NZ coming for tourist or business trips of fewer than 90 days within a six-month period. It’s always advisable to make a photocopy of your passport and carry it with you separately.

A 10-15% tip is expected in upscale restaurants and larger cities. In casual restaurants and smaller towns, tipping is not yet the norm, but most patrons leave any spare coins for the waiter. A recent trend in more touristy areas is a couvert (a small cover charge for bread), which is usually listed on the menu and ranges anywhere from 10-70kn. You can avoid the couvert by refusing bread in advance, but as it often comes with riblja pasteta, a delicious fish paté, you might not want to.

While theft and violent crime in Croatia is rare, you should take all normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas such as bus or railroad stations or on public transportation. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear jewelry that would attract the attention of thieves, don’t leave valuables in your car, and always keep a close eye on bags and luggage.

Though Croatia has been working tirelessly to remove land mines left over from the 1991-1995 war, it is a slow process, and mines are still a danger in parts of eastern Slavonia and remote areas north of Zadar. Mined areas are generally clearly marked, but it is still unwise to wander in at-risk regions without the guidance of a local.

Quality health care is readily available in Croatia. EU citizens will be covered for most emergency health care; US citizens should check with their insurance carriers to see if they will be covered and if their provider will pay the cost of care directly. Croatian health care facilities, doctors, and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for health services and generally will not accept credit cards.

The country code for Croatia is 385. To call Croatia from the USA, dial 011 + 385 + area code + phone number.

Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. Croatia uses European 2 point plugs.

Croatians have a very strong sense of national pride, which comes from their long, rich history and culture as well as their legacy of foreign control. The term "Serbo-Croatian" is a very sore point in Croatia and should not be used in reference to their language or heritage. Croatian is the official language of the republic, though most people you will encounter speak at least a little English.

The Roman Catholic Church is very prominent in Croatian society. Under Communist rule, many priests resisted authority, and others played a large role in promoting the Croatian language and culture. Catholicism has resurged again since independence; religious feasts and festivals are large and colorful throughout the country.

Casual dress is fine during the day, and smart casual in the evening – restaurants are not overly formal, but most Croatians tend to dress up a bit for dinner. Women should bring a shawl or scarf for covering your shoulders in churches and other religious buildings. Heels will be a problem on the cobbled streets of the old towns – you’ll want flat, comfortable shoes with good grip. Most likely your trip will involve some beach time, so pack swimwear and a beach cover-up. Whether or not you’ll be on the beach, bring sun protection (hat, glasses, sunblock). Nov-May are the rainiest months, but showers can happen any time of year, so bring a waterproof jacket and umbrella. Summer days on the coast are hot, and evenings mild – a lightweight sweater or shawl is a good idea for evening. Inland, summers can be sweltering (think light, breathable fabrics) and winters cold and snowy (pack sweaters and a warm coat).

New Year’s Day – Jan 1
Epiphany – Jan 6
Easter Monday
Labor Day – May 1
Corpus Christi – June 10
Day of Antifascist Resistance – June 22
Statehood Day – June 25
Homeland Thanksgiving Day – Aug 5
Feast of the Assumption – Aug 15
Independence Day – Oct 8
All Saints’ Day – Nov 1
Christmas – Dec 25 & 26