FACTS

Croatia is a modern country with a strong tradition in tourism and is now one of the most sought after destinations in Europe. Standards are high, people take pride in their work and resorts are kept clean and well preserved. Almost everyone working in tourism speaks English (and Italian, and German and more). People from all over the world are discovering Croatia and there will be guests of different nationalities staying at your hotel. Visitors from the UK do not make up the largest number of visitors from Europe to Croatia so be prepared sometimes to be in the minority. Croatia is one hour ahead of the UK..

MONEY

The Croatian currency is the Kuna divided into 100 lipa and is readily available at most UK airports. However, the rate of exchange is often better in Croatia. Therefore, we suggest obtaining a small amount of currency this way. Once in Croatia you can use cash machines (most airports and in town centres), local exchange offices, banks and at hotel receptions. Sterling and Euros are easily exchanged. Credit cards are accepted widely in larger establishments and at hotels.

DRIVING AND CAR HIRE

There’s absolutely no need to be nervous about driving in Croatia. This is a small country (from Dubrovnik in the south to Zagreb in the north is 242 miles) and there are just 4.4 million inhabitants. New toll motorways are excellent and connect Zagreb to Istria and Kvarner regions and onward south into the Dalmatia region to midway between Split and Dubrovnik. Roads are well signposted and traffic police usually speak English.

The Adriatic coast road and some of the roads on the islands twist here and there. Hiring a car, even for a few days of your stay, will allow you to see more of the country off the beaten track and self-drive from your arrival airport is sometimes quicker than a transfer.

EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

There are boat trips from almost everywhere on the coast and from the islands and a day out on a fish picnic will allow you to enjoy the Adriatic, relax and explore small coves and ports. We offer a full excursion programme to historic places, national parks, famous cities and islands – details will be sent with your documents so that you have time to consider what is on offer from the comfort of your own home. If you are staying in the Istria or Kvarner regions then a day trip to neighbouring Italy (Venice) or Slovenia is easy and if in the Dubrovnik region, a day trip to Montenegro, Croatia’s southern neighbour, is worth doing.

Croatia has eight national parks, three of them are easily reached from Zadar alone. Our representatives in Croatia will be happy to book excursions and our prices compare very favourably with others that may be on sale in resort. Alternatively you can pre-book them direct with us before you leave for your holiday and pay for them in Croatia. With a coastline like Croatia’s a lot happens in the sea including watersports, diving and kayaking. Boat hire (from dinghies upwards) is usually available for a few hours or for a whole day.

In Istria there are some great horse-riding trails including the chance to swim in the sea with horses (stays in Pula, Banjole & Medulin), plus the country’s newest 18 hole golf course at Savudrija. Tennis is a top sport in Croatia and most resorts have tennis courts in addition to hotels’ private facilities.

EATING OUT 

On the coast and islands, fish and seafood feature heavily. Risotto and pasta dishes are divine (often with seafood) and every region produces its own dried ham in a slightly different way (if you know the Parma ham of Italy then you’ll like Dalmatian and Istrian prsut). Blitva is an interesting mix of potato and mangold (a kind of spinach) often served with grilled fish. The best scampi (like a giant langoustine) come from the Kvarner Bay.

Oysters and mussels from Lim Fjord and almost everywhere in Dalmatia serves shellfish from Ston. The Peljesac peninsula is a famous wine growing area from where the full bodied Dingac red comes. Croatian olive oil is high quality and used widely in cooking. Konobas are smaller, often family run restaurants and offer good value for money. Daily dishes and specials are usually a great choice.

CULTURE, HERITAGE, FESTIVALS

Croatia is predominantly a Catholic country with many celebrations and religious festivals. In addition, there are often music, film, drama, sporting and festivals of gastronomy. If you are in Istria during truffle season (mid September to late October) you’ll see how this ‘Istrian gold’ is celebrated!

The Split Summer Festival and the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (both July to August) are probably the best known events where Croatian and international artistes perform. Tickets are reasonably priced.

The Festival Kvarner is a new festival that started last year and is the dream come true of a young Austrian conductor. Our clients staying in Opatija, Lovran or Moscenicka Draga on the concert dates in May, June & September, will receive complimentary tickets. Guests staying in Valamar hotels in Porec during the Valamar Jazz Festival in July will receive a complimentary ticket and those staying in Rovinj in June at the Eden, Istra or Park hotels will receive a complimentary ticket to an event at the Croatian Salsa Festival. If you are in your 20’s/30’s or have teenage children, then think Zadar and the famous Garden festival. Most resorts (even the smallest) have a summer festival of some kind celebrating music and tradition so look out for posters and details.

Croatia has seven UNESCO World Heritage sites: Split and the Palace of Diocletian, the old city of Dubrovnik, the complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, the historic city of Trogir, Cathedral of St James in Sibenik, the Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar and the Plitvice Lakes National Park.