Croatia Travel Guide: Things You Must Know Before Travelling

Croatia is a charming southern European country known for its beautiful coastline, islands, historic towns, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. If a holiday filled with natural wonders, ancient sights, and relaxing beach days sounds appealing, then Croatia should be at the top of your list. As a holidaymaker planning a trip to Croatia, there are some key things you’ll want to know before you go. Read on for your complete Croatia Travel Guide and don’t forget to get Croatia Tourist Visa Appointment for a hassle-free trip!

The Only Croatia Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need!

With its stunning Adriatic coastline dotted with ancient walled towns and over a thousand islands to explore, Croatia dazzles visitors with natural and cultural riches. This Croatia travel blog covers all the essential information on how to get there, what to pack, the top destinations and more.

Where is Croatia?

Croatia is situated in southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea. It shares borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Croatia has over 1,200 islands along its Adriatic Coast – the area most visited by tourists. Major cities like Split, Dubrovnik and the capital Zagreb are also top destinations.

Do You Need a Croatia Visa?

Citizens and residents of countries that don’t have visa-free agreements with Croatia will need to apply for a Croatia tourist visa before travel. So, fill your Croatia Visa application in advance for a hassle-free trip. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond the length of your planned stay.

How is The Weather in Croatia?

The climate in Croatia is predominantly Mediterranean along the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Inland areas have more of a continental climate. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures between 27°C to 35°C. The warmest coastal waters are 21°C to 27 °C during summer.

Winters are fairly cold with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C in January and February. There can be snow in mountainous regions which is perfect for skiing. Coastal areas rarely see snowfall. Check out this travel advice on weather before planning your Croatia travel!

What is The Best Time To Visit Croatia?

The best time to visit Croatia is during the shoulder seasons – late April to June and September to October. The weather is pleasant, attractions and beaches aren’t packed with tourists, and prices for flights and hotels are more affordable.

July and August make up the peak tourist season with perfect beach weather but also the largest crowds and prices. Winters offer the least expensive travel costs combined with beautiful holiday markets in cities like Zagreb. However, many hotels, restaurants and attractions in coastal towns may be closed until spring. So, plan your Croatia travel itinerary accordingly!

Peak Tourist Season in Croatia

Croatia’s peak tourist season runs from June through August. This is when the weather is sunniest and warmest, the sea temperatures are ideal for swimming and watersports, and all the sights, hotels and restaurants are open for visitors.

While the summer is undoubtedly gorgeous in Croatia, the major downside is the crowds. Streets, ferries, beaches and famous attractions all see high traffic. Prices also rise significantly for flights, hotels and dining. If you plan to travel in the summer, book well in advance. Be prepared for crowds and higher costs, but enjoy the energy and fun vacation atmosphere too!

What To Pack When Visiting Croatia?

When packing for your Croatia trip, focus on lightweight layers and clothes that dry quickly. Key items to bring include:

• Beachwear – swimsuit, cover-up, sandals, hat
• Light layers – shorts, tanks, lightweight pants, sweaters, jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
• Dresses/skirts if visiting churches
• Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated!
• Sunglasses and sun protection – hat, sunscreen, etc.
• Bathing suit cover-up and sandals for beaches
• Light rain jacket – for occasional showers
• Small backpack for carrying essentials
• Universal adapter/converter for electronics

Packing layers and quick-drying fabrics will allow you to adjust to Croatia’s varied coastal weather and destinations. Making sure to adhere to these Croatia travel requirements will help you enjoy a worry-free trip!

Traveling To Croatia – Flights, Ferries & More!

There are regular flights to Croatia from major UK airports, with carriers like British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair offering routes to destinations like Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split and more.

You can also consider taking a ferry or boat from Italy to Croatia. There are frequent connections from Italian port cities like Venice, Ancona, Bari and Pescara to Croatian ports including Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Rijeka. These ferry crossings generally take 2 to 6 hours.

When entering Croatia, UK citizens & residents must show a valid passport at immigration. You should also have proof of travel medical insurance coverage and enough funds to cover your planned trip.

Getting Around Croatia – Croatia Travel Tips

Croatia offers various transportation options for getting around:

• Bus – An affordable network of public and private buses connect most cities and towns.
• Train – Rail travel links Zagreb with major coastal cities, though not all routes have high-speed trains.
• Ride-sharing – BlaBlaCar is popular for trips between destinations.
• Ferries – Passenger ferries and catamarans provide service between coastal towns and islands.
• Rental Car –Ideal for exploring at your own pace, especially scenic routes. Be aware it can be expensive to drop off in a different city.
• Taxis – Readily available, though costs add up quickly. Agree on a fare estimate beforehand.

Top Croatia Holiday Destinations

Some of the most popular places to visit in Croatia include:

Dubrovnik

With its old walled city and stunning coastal views, the UNESCO site of Dubrovnik is iconic. Walk the ancient walls, explore marble streets, enjoy sunsets over the Adriatic, and take a boat trip to lush Lokrum Island.

Hvar Island

The glamorous island getaway of Hvar boasts beautiful beaches, picturesque ports, lush botanical gardens, Venetian architecture in Hvar Town, and a happening nightlife scene.

Split

Croatia’s second largest city, Split has a gorgeous seaside promenade and historic Diocletian’s Palace – a UNESCO site dating to the Roman era that still houses shops, restaurants and residents amid old marble halls and squares.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

See Croatia’s awe-inspiring natural beauty at this lush park with a series of lakes and waterfalls connected by boardwalks and hiking trails.

Zagreb

Croatia’s capital city Zagreb juxtaposes medieval towers, Austro-Hungarian architecture and Communist-era blocks with trendy cafes, fantastic museums and a vibrant urban culture.

Best Hotels in Croatia

Croatia boasts world-class hotels ranging from luxury coastal resorts to stylish boutique hotels to budget hostel stays. Top options include:

• Villa Dubrovnik – 5-star clifftop resort with stunning views
• Villa Sheherezade – Historic boutique hotel in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
• Hotel Bellevue – Elegant Split hotel on the Adriatic Sea
• Tuškanac Zagreb – Chic contemporary hotel with city views
• Pomegranate Hostel – Fun budget hostel on Hvar Island

Book hotels well in advance for summer visits. For better rates plus resort amenities, consider staying at a hotel just outside city centers.

Unique Activities in Croatia You Shouldn’t Miss

Beyond Croatia’s beautiful beaches and historic towns, try these one-of-a-kind activities:

• Sea kayaking and snorkeling around Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls
• Sailing into secluded island coves on a chartered yacht
• Catching an epic sunset view paragliding over the Dalmatian Coast
• Exploring the stunning lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice by boat
• Embarking on a cycle tour through Croatia’s idyllic Istrian wine country
• Joining in the festive fun at crazy summer events like Sinjska Alka
• Sampling oysters, mussels and top Croatian wines on a gourmet tour

With so much natural beauty and adventures to be had, Croatia offers limitless chances to create amazing travel memories!

Popular Foods in Croatia

Seafood lovers will thrive on Croatia’s fresh, simple cuisine spotlighting catches from the Adriatic like branzino, sea bass, octopus and shrimp. Signature dishes include:

• Crni rižot – Black risotto cooked in squid ink
• Pašticada – Beef stewed in wine sauce with gnocchi
• Brodet – Seafood stew with shrimp, whitefish and shellfish
• Rožata – Custard pudding spiced with rose liqueur
• Local sheep’s milk cheese like Paški sir from the Island of Pag

Try authentic homestyle cooking at family-run konobas (taverns) for dishes like:

• Braised meats
• Seafood risottos and 
• Mixed grill platters ideal for sharing

Complete any meal with a glass of smooth Croatian red or crisp white wine!

Drinks & Wines in Croatia

Famous for its vineyards and wines, Croatia produces a variety of high quality vintages. Top wine regions include:

• Istria – Known for fine Malvazija white and earthy Teran red
• Dalmatian Coast – Home to rich red Plavac Mali and Pošip white
• Slavonia – Try oak-aged Graševina whites and Kutjevo red blends

Popular Croatian spirits range from sweet honey fruit brandy called rakija to herb-infused digestifs including Pelinkovac. Sip them neat, mixed in cocktails or paired with dessert!

Croatia also brews excellent artisan beer. Sample unique flavors like sour wild ales or distinct dark stouts alongside a plate of local cheese and pršut ham.

Shopping in Croatia

While global brands have cropped up, the most interesting Croatian shopping spots feature authentic local goods. What to buy:

• Lavender products – Brightly bottled aromatic oils and soaps
• Wine and spirits – Bring home unique Croatian vintages
• Olive oil – Stock up on green gold from Korčula, Brač or Istria
• Cheese – Try sheep or goat’s milk varieties
• Pršut – Air-dried ham similar to Italian prosciutto
• Jewelry – Look for delicate silver filigree pieces
• Crystal glasses – Elegant engravable drinkware
• Ceramics – Painted plates, mugs and decorative items

Many crafts, gourmet foods and household goods make great souvenirs or gifts from your Croatian holiday!

Croatia Travel Advice For Driving

Driving around Croatia allows you to fully experience the dramatic coastal scenery and quaint villages at your own pace. Here are some key driving tips:

• An international driving permit or valid UK license is required.
• Rent a car with adequate insurance coverage. Check if your travel credit card provides rental car coverage.
• Be ready to show important documents like license and rental agreement if stopped.
• Observe all posted speed limits – fines for violations are steep.
• Practice extra caution navigating narrow, winding mountain roads along the coast and islands.
• Be aware of pedestrians and vehicles coming from side streets in towns and cities.

While driving isn’t for everyone, if planned properly a Croatia road trip can be an epic adventure!

We hope this thorough Croatia travel guide has covered everything you need to know for planning your amazing trip. With Croatia’s sweeping coastal vistas, tranquil islands, gourmet cuisine and centuries of culture there’s no better place for your next holiday abroad. So, why wait? Apply for Croatia Visa London today to get started!

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