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Croatia Travel Information


Language: Croatian

Time zone: GMT+2

Currency: Kuna

Population: 4,500,000

Culinary favorite: Lamb peka

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Travel Information

Need to know how warm it will be, what the time zone is and how gratuity is handled. Our handy list will give you a little bit of advance information to travel in Croatia.

Average air temperatures

Temperatures from April to June, range from 15-24°C (59-75°F). In the summer months of July, August and September you can expect temperatures to rise to 28-35°C (82-95°F).

Average water temperatures

Water temperatures are cooler April through June ranging from 14-21°C (57-69°F). In the hotter summer months of July, August and September the surface water reaches perfect swimming temperatures of 22-27°C (72-80°F).

Wind and sea

The Adriatic Sea is generally calm and offers exceptional sailing conditions, however strong night-time Bora winds can develop in the spring or fall. Summer winds are consistent light northerlies from to 10-20mph. Stronger winds over 30mph may occur during July, August and September. A one-meter short chop is the typical wave height in the Adriatic, but two to three meter swells may develop. Tides are minimal in the Mediterranean ranging between 20-60cm.

International airport

The main international airports for Croatia are in Zagreb (also known as Pleso Airport) Split (also known as Resnik Airport) and Dubrovnik (also known as Čilipi Airport).

How to get to Croatia from North America

There are currently no direct flights from North America to Croatia but there are good connections from London, Frankfurt or Munich with Air Croatia. Star Alliance partners fly from North America to Europe and Air Canada and American Airlines have regular scheduled departures.

How to Croatia from within Europe

If you are flying from destinations in Europe then Air Croatia or Easy Jet offer direct flights to Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik from many European destinations.

Travel within Croatia

If flying to Zagreb connecting flights with Air Croatia operate from Zagreb to Split or Dubrovnik and vice versa many times daily.

Crime

The crime rate is very low in Croatia but be aware of pickpockets especially in crowded subway trains or city buses.

Travel visa

There are no travel visas or vaccinations required by North American or European visitors to Croatia. Guests traveling from outside North America or Europe or not holding valid US, Canadian or European passports, must check with their nearest Croatian Embassy/Consulate to find out if they require a visa to enter Croatia.

ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorization System

North American visitors are permitted to access Europe for up to 90 days visa free. Visitors are not allowed to work or study, but can engage in business and tourism activities. To reduce procedures and wait times, as well as address security concerns, the European Commission (EC) has come up with a solution – ETIAS. It is a completely electronic system completed in advance which allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa. The system is expected to be in place by 2021.

Vaccinations, insurance and health

It is advisable to check that your tetanus shot is up to date. All islands have medical clinics but with limited staff and medical equipment, the medical system is quite basic in Croatia. It is advisable to purchase medical and cancellation/interruption insurance when traveling abroad on adventurous holidays.

Time Zone

GMT +1

Currency

The Kuna and €uro are the currencies used in Croatia and it is better to get Kuna and Euro in Croatia than at home. Traveler’s checks are no longer used. The most convenient way to get Kuna funds is by using your debit card at the ATM machines located as you exit the airport, or from exchange offices at the airport and on most islands. Credit cards can be used for shopping at most islands but are not always accepted at restaurants. The most well known are MasterCard (EuroCard) and Visa. American Express is lesser known. Services and goods can be purchased in Euro or Kuna but change will generally be given in Kuna.

Voltage

On shore:220V, 2-pin European plug, so adapters and power converters (110 ~ 220) may be required for North American electronic devices. Be sure to check device compatibility especially for medical equipment such as CPAP machines.

On yacht: Generally, the power supply aboard yachts is 12V DC by cigarette adapter so an AC anywhere cigarette 12 volt inverter device is a handy thing to pack if you wish to charge at all times. Yachts can also offer power from yacht electrical sockets when connected to shore power. The power supply will then be the same as on shore power.

Provisioning

Provisions can be purchased at supermarkets on most all islands. Ice cubes can be found at island supermarkets and ice cream shops. Laundry service is available on some islands – it is done by the kilo and can be expensive. There are nice shore shower /washroom services for yachtsmen at the marinas of ACI Split, ACI Trogir and ACI Dubrovnik.

Telephone and internet services

Croatia’s country code is +385. There is digital phone service on all islands and calling cards are available at cigarette kiosks for between €3-20. These cards allow calling home directly from phone booths by following the prompted instructions. Wi-fi service is available at almost all islands in restaurants and coffee shops.

Restaurants

When eating in Croatia, explore very reasonable priced Italian influenced pasta and pizzeria restaurants. For large groups order the Peka or Under the Bell, these are large tender meats and fish cooked slowly with potatoes and vegetables. Seafood such as Kalamari, octopus and swordfish is inexpensive but larger white meat fish like grouper and snapper is sold by weight and can be pricey. Ask for the exact price/weight of the fish before ordering to avoid surprises. Meals average around Euro 20–40/person but can be more depending on the order and quantity of alcohol!

General gratuity

For restaurants and cafes if the tip is not included a guideline is 10%-15% of the check depending on service quality. Restaurants in Croatia generally include a service charge, but it is common to leave a tip. If good service is delivered then a 10% tip is welcome. For taxis a few Euros is acceptable. It is recommended you book a taxi via your hotel reception and pre-negotiate taxi fares in order to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the journey. Small tips are also given to chamber maids, hairdressers, beauticians etc.

Local expenses guide

There are always additional costs that mount up on any trip so we’ve created a handy list of expenses.

Airport shuttle to/from Split and taxi to yacht (return) €15
Or taxi from/to airport to yacht (return) €60
Croatia cruising tax, 1€ per person per day. To be paid on arrival €14
Diocletian’s Palace site entrance fee €3
Restaurants for evening meal €20-25 per person per day
Krka National Park entrance fee €11
Kornati National Park entrance fee €11
Bisevo Blue Cave entrance fee €5
Lastovo Park fee €4
Mljet National Park ride and entrance €12.50
Dubrovnik bus r/t and audio tour €13
Spanjola Fortress Hvar, entrance fee €4
Korcula Museums €6
Stari Grad museum €3
Trogir Museum and Tower €5
Stari Grad museum €3
Large bottle of beer €3.50
Regular coffee €3.50
Bottle of water €2.50
 
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