Croatia Travel Guide

• Visit an unspoilt and exciting corner of Europe that was for many years closed off from the tourist trail
• Go sun-seeking in the Croatian summer months and take a dip in the warm, turquoise seas
• An incredible location for sailing, especially around the idyllic islands along the Adriatic Coast
• Learn about recent history as you discover the legacy of the Yugoslav War in the 1990s and how Croatia has rebuilt itself like a phoenix from the ashes
• A great stop-off on a European tour – head into neighbouring countries such as Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia or hop across to Italy

The capital city of Croatia is Zagreb, a lively and bustling city that boasts elegant architecture, great museums and galleries and a year-round outdoors lifestyle, with plenty of parks and lakes to discover.

• Be dazzled by the beauty of Dubrovnik. This historic walled city is one of the world’s most charming and stunning cities – get lost in its winding streets, soak up the atmosphere and be wowed by the sea views.
• Sail along the amazing Adriatic Coast, island hopping, seeing the sights and being awed by the beauty of the azure Adriatic Sea.
• Visit Croatia’s second-largest city, Spilt and don’t miss the unique Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, which now houses all sorts of shops, restaurants and stalls.
• Have fun in vibrant Hvar Town, on Hvar Island, the sunniest spot in Croatia. Relax on stunning beaches or party in the bars all night!
• Visit the peaceful and unspoilt island of Mljet, with its forests, villages and saltwater lakes and head off the beaten track.
• Stop off at charming Korcula Island, where legend has it the 13th-century epic explorer, Marco Polo, was born.
• Marvel at the natural wonders on offer in Plitvice Lakes National Park, where an abundance of wildlife lives among the sensational scenery, with its waterfalls and 16 idyllic turquoise lakes.
• Head to the traffic-free old town in Zadar and visit the ancient Church of St. Donat, then check out the unusual Sea Organ, an architectural coastal feature, where the sea’s waves create amazing harmonies.

The culinary influences in Croatia are varied, with influences of both the Mediterranean food of countries such as Italy and the heavier food of Eastern Europe. If you visit the Adriatic Coast you are likely to find a wide variety of seafood dishes, as well as Italian-style pizzas. You should try some tasty local cured ham, served alongside a hard parmesan-style cheese called Paški sir, from Pag Island. Pork, lamb and veal are popular meats, and you can stock up on carbs with potatoes, gnocchi and pasta all making regular appearances on Croatian menus. Soup and goulash also feature, as a nod to Eastern European cuisine. Try a štrukli, a cheese and pastry delicacy which makes a tasty snack.

The best time to visit Croatia is between April and September. May, June and September are great months to visit if you want warm weather without the crowds. The Adriatic Coast has a Mediterranean climate, with cold winters and hot summers, with the average summer temperature being 26 to 30°C.

Visa

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Passport

Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip. 

Further Entry Requirements

Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.

The official language in Croatia is Croatian, a Slavic language.

Plug sockets in Croatia use the European 2-pin plug, so travellers from the UK will need to take a universal adaptor for British appliances.

Croatia is predominantly a Catholic country, and you should dress modestly if you are visiting Catholic sites or churches. You should also be sensitive to Croatia’s troubled history and avoid discussing the Yugoslav War.

Health

You should visit your GP at least 8 weeks before travel for health advice.

Safety

The crime levels in Croatia are low and violent crime is rare, although you should take the usual precautions, especially in larger cities, where pickpockets operate.

You should carry your passport with you at all times in Croatia.

Some remote regions of Croatia still have some unexploded mines, a legacy of the Yugoslav Wars. Seek advice if heading far off the tourist trail.