About Croatia and the Adriatic Sea
Geographical position
The parliamentary republic of Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the north-west to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the east. Its central region is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and its southern parts extend to the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Climate in Croatia
There are two climate zones: a continental (and locally mountainous) climate inland, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate along the Adriatic coast, with countless sunny days, hot dry summers and mild humid winters.
The best time to visit Croatia is May–June and September. The beaches are beautiful, prices reasonable, and tourist numbers moderate. July–August are the most expensive and busiest months.
Currency and money
Currency exchange is available at banks, exchange offices, hotels and travel agencies. ATMs are ubiquitous. Bank opening hours are generally 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm on Saturday.
Credit cards: widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
- VAT (PDV) in Croatia: standard rate 25%, reduced rate 13% (accommodation, catering), 5% (essential products)
- VAT refund for non-EU residents: purchases above 99.99 EUR ("Tax Free" form to be presented to customs)
Documents, customs and regulations
Travel documents: citizens of the European Union may enter with a valid ID card. A passport is recommended for other nationalities. Tourists may stay up to 3 months.
Customs regulations: Croatia is an EU member and applies European customs rules. Foreign currency can be brought in and taken out freely; amounts over 10,000 EUR in cash must be declared.
Speed limits:
- 50 km/h in built-up areas
- 90 km/h on national and regional roads
- 110 km/h on expressways
- 130 km/h on motorways
Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰ for regular drivers; 0.0‰ for professional drivers and drivers under 24 years of age.
Pets: dogs and cats must be accompanied by an international veterinary certificate confirming rabies vaccination (between 21 days and 12 months before entry) and an identification microchip.
A cultural heritage
Croatia is unique, not only for its crystal clear, clean seas, but also for millennia of cultural mixing. The east coast of the Adriatic has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Many civilisations — Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian — have left their traces in Croatian towns and islands.
Croatia has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic centre of Dubrovnik, the old centres of Split, Trogir and Šibenik, and the Plitvice Lakes.
Croatian cuisine
Croatian cuisine is heterogeneous, known as "cuisine of regions". Continental cuisine is influenced by Hungarian, Viennese and Turkish traditions, while coastal cuisine bears Greek, Roman and Mediterranean influences — especially Italian.
On the coast, dishes based on fish, seafood, olive oil and grilled vegetables dominate. Inland, you will find grilled meats, stews and local cheeses. Croatian wine (Plavac Mali, Malvazija, Graševina) is of excellent quality.