Croatia Holiday

Fragrant pine groves, flowering herb bushes and the Azure sea - Croatia has so much to offer. In addition to the beauty of its nature, the country attracts many with a lively history and charming Old Town districts. You can expect warm evenings in a tranquil atmosphere with wellness that uses the treasures of the land to relax both body and mind.

Facts & Figures

Official name: Republika Hrvatska (Republic of Croatia)
Location: Southeastern Europe, located between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia on the Adriatic
Area: 56.538 km²
Capital: Zagreb
Population: 4.3 million
Religious and Ethnic groups: 86% Roman Catholic, 4% Serbian Orthodox, 1% Muslims / 90% Croats, 4% Serbs
Language: Croatian (official language), Serbian, Hungarian, Bosnian
Geography: Lowland along the Hungarian border, on the coast hilly to mountainous. Highest point: Dinara (1831m)
Time zone: Central European Time (UTC + 01:00)
Political and Economic: Parliamentary democracy, GDP: 45.8 billion Euros (2016)
Currency: Croatian Kuna (please search the web for the current exchange rate)

Arrival and departure

Vaccinations: In general, a vaccination for hepatitis B is recommended and for longer stays- tick-borne encephalitis and rabies.
Upon arrival: The road network has been renewed in recent years and is generally in satisfactory condition. The rail network is good, but not very extensive, whereas the ferry network is very strong.
By car:  In Croatia the following speed limits apply: Motorway: 130 km / h Highway: 80 km / h.
Towns: 60 km / h. A toll will be charged on the highways.

Climate and best time to travel

Croatia's climate is Mediterranean on the coast with mild winters and dry summers. Inland temperatures are continental with hot summers and cold winters.
Winter average temperature: 8 ° C (lows around 5 ° C in February)
Summer average temperature: 25 ° C (maximum temperatures around 19 ° C in July)
Water temperature: Maximum 24 ° C in August
The best travel time for Croatia is between May and September, but during the other seasons the country is well worth a visit.

The most beautiful holiday regions

Istria - Coastlines and limestone mountains
Kvarner Bay / Adriatic Sea - Green hills and lakes
Northern Croatia - Untouched nature

Public holidays and celebrations

New Year (January 1), Magi (January 6), Easter Sunday (the first Sunday after the Passover), Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1), Corpus Christi (falls on Thursday 10 days after Pentecost), Day Anti-Fascist Resistance (June 22), State Day (June 25), Victory Day and Homeland Gratitude (August 5), Assumption Day (August 15) Independence Day (October 8), All Saints Day (November 1), Christmas (December 25) St. Stephen's Day (December 26)

DOs and DON'Ts

DOs
• Wear swimming shoes. Since many beaches in Croatia are not sandy beaches, swimming with shoes is much more pleasant.
• Take the ferry. In Croatia, there are many smaller and larger islands that must be seen, but are only accessible over water.

DON‘Ts
• Don't call it Yugoslavia. Do not say that Croatia is Yugoslavia; Croatia has long fought for its independence.
• Don't go topless. This is not a problem on marked beaches and most parts of the North, but the farther south you go, the less likely you are to see topless vacationers.

Holiday tips

Can you drink the tap water? The tap water in Croatia is generally of good quality. However, since the pipes and fixtures are often not in good condition, you should boil your drinking water or drink bottled water.
Do I need an adapter? In Croatia the same sockets are used as in Europe; an adapter is therefore not needed.
What about medical care? Medical care is generally satisfactory in the cities. Since this is usually not the case on the countryside, it is recommended to purchase a travel health insurance with medical evacuation transport.

Top tips and discoveries

Dubrovnik
The city is considered the pearl of the Adriatic. Since its birth as a trading city state during the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik has been known as a vibrant cultural center and a lively residential city. The old town and its walls, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have been brilliantly preserved. Today, Dubrovnik is an impressive living and interactive historical city, as well as a modern and full of entertainment offerings with a colorful nightlife. Nothing can compare to the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Dugi Otok
Dugi Otok is an island off the coast of Dalmatia, which impresses with its variety of landscapes. While on the west, inaccessible rock formations dominate the coastline while the east coast impresses with its small fishing villages and picturesque beaches. The lighthouses on the north of the island are surrounded by forests. The south hosts a natural park with olive groves and fig trees and offers beautiful sights and countless exploration opportunities.

Regions in Croatia

• Kvarner Gulf