A sense of the Croatia
Croatia is a great destination in itself or as a good start to a road trip around Europe. Croatia is a hugely popular tourist destination on the the Adriatic coast. It is brimming with heavenly landscapes, dazzling, turquoise waters, ancient Roman ruins, friendly locals, and exquisite local cuisine. Croatia provides visitor experiences, scenery, people and food that are synonymous with a coastal Mediterranean county on the eastern edge of Europe. Sailors, thrill-seekers, beach lovers and fitness enthusiasts can all find what they’re looking for here. When planning a visit to Croatia, here are a few tips and suggestions that we recommend to ensure that you’re well prepared for visiting this stunningly beautiful country.
Our observations and tips from our trips to Croatia
You will feel safe while travelling in Croatia. By European standards, the crime rate is low. However, pickpocketing (similar to other parts of Europe) is common in larger cities like Split or Dubrovnik. Always take the necessary cautions with your possessions.
Croatian is the main language spoken by those living in Croatia, however, the majority of Croatians speak excellent English.
White, sandy beaches are not common in Croatia and most beaches consist of, hard to walk on, white stones. So pack some water shoes.
Croatia doesn’t have much of a tipping culture but restaurants will usually add a service charge to your bill. Tips are not expected, but are seen simply as a kind gesture to acknowledge your server.
Croatia is a member of the EU but it is not part of the Schengen Agreement. European Union citizens along with citizens of a number of countries including the USA, Canada and Australia can visit Croatia for up to 90 days without a visa.
No vaccinations are required when entering Croatia and tap water is safe to drink everywhere.
The currency in Croatia is the Kuna and not the Euro. If you need to exchange money, the best place to do so is at the bank.
Wi-Fi is quite common in lots of hotels, hostels and restaurants and there are also plenty of internet cafes in the larger cities.
They use the standard continental European type electric plug, which is the two round pin plug/socket using 220V-240V. Do not forget to bring along plenty of electrical adapters.
Purchase a Croatian SIM card for your smartphone once you arrive. With the new local SIM card inserted your phone will be recognised as Croatian, and you will much-improved Wifi and faster cell service.
If you can, avoid planning a trip to Croatia during the peak season, June until August, the country is literally bursting with tourists during this time.
In the larger metropolitan areas, such as Dubrovnik and Zagreb, credit cards are the preferred form of payment. As you move out of the major cities and into the smaller villages, Croatian currency (the Kuna) may be the only form of payment used.
Photographic opportunities are ubiquitous, provide by the mix of Baroque, Romanesque, and Renaissance architectural styles in the buildings, along with the red-tiled roofs on the traditional stone houses.
We recommend that you hire a car during your stay. The bus network in Croatia is extensive, it can also be quite time consuming.
We spent 7 days in Croatia at different times attending weddings and as part of a Cruise destination.
Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Croatia Video:-
To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/437k6_SUbAI
Croatia 2012, 2013, 2016
We have visited Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia for 7 day holiday periods over the years, generally in the months of June to August, the actual date depends on how poor the Irish summer turns out to be. The climate in Croatia is always temperate and ideal for a beach style summer break from Ireland as its position on the North East side of the Mediterranean, all but, guarantees pleasant weather to escape a poor Irish summer.
These trips to Croatia would be regarded as a rest and relaxation type holiday with relatively, very little activity required.
Located in the Balkans, Croatia has become one of Europe’s top tourist destination again since its War of Independence in the late 1990s. Like much of Europe, Croatia boasts its share of medieval cities and historic ruins, but what makes this country exceptional is its wealth of stunning natural attractions such as its spectacular Adriatic coastlines and multitude of islands.
Dubrovnik and Split are interesting cities and relatively new destinations for tourists. Both are steeped in history with a real sense of a troubled past. It is hard to believe that it is over twenty years since the Croatian War of Independence. Our guide around Dubrovnik showed us the remaining evidence of that brutal war and reminded us of the hardship suffered. Croatia achieved independence from Yugoslavia in 1995, but paid a high price. Approximately 21-25% of Croatia’s economy was ruined, with an estimated US$37 billion in damaged infrastructure, lost output, and refugee-related costs. Over 20,000 people were killed in the war, with refugees displaced on both sides.
Take the Mt Srđ cable car trip up to the to of the 412m high mountain overlooking Dubrovnik and also get some great views along the Dalmatian coastline
In contrast, Paklenica National Park north east of Zadar, covers 95 sq km of the Velebit Range that divides continental Croatia from the Adriatic coast. The park contains some of the country’s finest mountain scenery, giving you the opportunity to trek up gorges, climb walls of stone and meander along shady paths next to rushing streams. The best time to visit the park is in April, May, June or September. In late spring the park is at its greenest and the streams become torrents. In July and August many of the streams dry up and it can be too hot to hike comfortably.
A sense of Croatia
The official currency of Croatia is the Kuna (KN). Each kuna is divided into 100 lipa. You will get about 7 - 8 KN for €1.
If you get an opportunity during your travels in Croatia to take to the water by boat, do so, as it is a unique experience in its beautiful sapphire Mediterranean waters.
Our general experience of the people from Croatia is that they are very friendly and they all seem to have a particular liking for small children. The taxies are very reasonable and frequent. The shops and the restaurants are all clean, up to date and very inviting. The street sellers were non pushy and in no way intimidating. We could not fault Croatia for service and the general excellence of its visitor experience.
Recommendations for Croatia
There is no language barrier, if you speak only English. The vast majority of both young and old Croatians speak English.
So it lends itself to undertaking trips that can be self directed. The hire cost of a car is very cheap in comparison to Irish prices.
A week long sailing boat charter in Croatia starting in Zadar, Split or Dubrovnik cannot be recommended enough. Croatia has practically no tidal differences to worry about and only occasional strong currents, in channels or at river mouths. The best sailing weather in Croatia is from June to September. With over a 1000 offshore islands, you will only get a short taste of Croatia in a seven day charter, but what an experience!
Our must see recommendation for a trip to Croatia:-
(1) Our visit to the old town of Dubrovnik, with its multitude of excellent restaurants and a walk along the city walls, was the highlight of our trips there.
(2) Our second choice would a boat hire self-directed tour of the islands and beautiful coastline of Southern Croatia.
“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”
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