Europe

Welcome to Croatia

Dobro Došli u Hrvatsku

With almost 2000 kilometres of coastline and more than 1100 islands, Croatia is a Mediterranean paradise of untouched beaches, idyllic coves and dramatic rocky cliffs while inland beautiful mountains, rushing waterfalls and green, fertile valleys entice. Croatia has come a long way since gaining independence in 1991 and today is the playground of the rich and the famous and a melting pot of European cultures.

At a glance

Visa & passport

Visa conditions change regularly so it is best to contact your local consulate or embassy for visa and passport information.

Distances

Dubrovnik – Split: 216km

Split – Zagreb: 365km

Dubrovnik – Zagreb: 572km

Languages

Croatian is the official language of Croatia, although English is spoken in large cities.

Currency

Kuna (HRK)

Electricity

230V 50Hz

Travellers’ Secrets

Walk the walls

One of the best ways to tour Dubrovnik is to head out on foot and walk the city walls. 25 metres high and two kilometres in length, the walls completely surround the Old Town and afford fabulous rooftop views. You’ll pass the Pile and Ploče Gates and can explore the fortresses guarding each corner of the town. Most of the original construction of the walls took place in the 12th and 13th centuries with reinforcements and reconstruction taking place for hundreds of years to come. Leave your backpack at home in high summer though – the wall is narrow in parts and bulky bags are not allowed!

Cafe culture in Zagreb

On warm spring or summer evenings, the centre of Zagreb comes alive with a proliferation of pavement cafes, open-air bars and terraced dining areas. The pretty street of Tkalčićeva is one of the most popular areas and is also home to many boutique shops and art galleries. It is a great place to stroll, window-shop or just sit and people-watch. The pedestrianised areas of Bogovićeva and Preradovićev are also full of al fresco cafe-bars, often open from first thing in the morning until midnight.

Split your time between culture and the beach

As well as being the coast’s most exciting city and gateway to idyllic beaches and sparkling islands, Split is also renowned

for its culture and museums. Along with numerous art galleries exhibiting, among other things, the works of Croatia’s greatest sculptor Ivan Meštrović, the town is home to many fascinating exhibitions. History buffs should not go past the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, which contains medieval pieces from the 9th to 12th century, while those interested in the city’s seafaring past should make a beeline for the informative Maritime Museum. Be sure to save some time to laze about on the magnificent beaches though.