30 Croatia

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General Tips

Walking the city walls in Dubrovnik offers stunning views with the blue of the Adriatic in the background. Split features Diocletian's Palace where visitors can explore 1,700-year-old arches. Plitvice Lakes has wooden pathways suspended above turquoise water. The islands each have distinct personalities; Hvar blends luxury and tradition. Croatian meals are slow, shared, and filled with laughter - embrace the local dining pace. Croatia sits at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Mediterranean with Austro-Hungarian, Balkan, and Italian influences.

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Currency and Payments

Croatia switched to the Euro (EUR) in January 2023, replacing the Kuna. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Carry cash for small markets, ferries, and rural areas. ATMs are widely available across cities, airports, and islands.

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Getting Around

Buses are the most reliable public transport connecting major cities and coastal towns. Ferries operated by Jadrolinija connect the mainland to islands like Hvar, Korcula, and Brac. Train travel within Croatia is limited. Local bus tickets cost EUR 1-2 and can be bought from the driver or a tisak newsstand.

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Safety

Croatia is very safe, ranked 15th out of 163 countries in the 2024 Global Peace Index with a US State Department Level 1 advisory. Petty theft can occur in tourist hotspots during peak summer season, so watch your belongings in crowded areas.

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Electricity and Plugs

Croatia uses Type C and F plugs with 230V/50Hz, the same as most of continental Europe. Travelers from the US, UK, or Asia will need an adapter.

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Best Time to Visit

May-June and September-October offer warm weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. July-August is peak season with higher prices and heavy crowds, especially in Dubrovnik and Split. Plitvice Lakes is stunning year-round but most accessible from April to October.

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Tipping Culture

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving 10-15% for good service is common. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is standard. Tour guides typically receive EUR 5-10 per person.

1

Zagreb's Upper and Lower Town

📍 Zagreb

Explore Zagreb's Upper Town starting at St. Mark's Church with its colorful tiled roof, then visit the Museum of Broken Relationships for a unique cultural experience. Walk through Dolac Market, the city's open-air farmers' market, and try strukli at a local restaurant. Stroll along Tkalciceva Street in the evening for cafes and nightlife.

2

Plitvice Lakes Waterfalls

📍 Plitvice Lakes

Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 16 interconnected lakes and cascading waterfalls. Walk the wooden boardwalks through the Lower Lakes to see the Great Waterfall, Croatia's tallest at 78 meters, and take a boat across Lake Kozjak. The turquoise and emerald waters surrounded by dense forest make this one of Europe's most stunning natural sites.

3

Split and Diocletian's Palace

📍 Split

Travel to Split and explore Diocletian's Palace, a 1,700-year-old Roman emperor's retirement home that now houses shops, restaurants, and homes within its ancient walls. Climb the Cathedral of St. Domnius bell tower for views over the harbor, then walk along the Riva promenade. Try black risotto made with cuttlefish ink at a restaurant in the old town.

4

Dubrovnik City Walls

📍 Dubrovnik

Arrive in Dubrovnik and walk the complete circuit of the medieval city walls, nearly two kilometers of fortifications offering spectacular views of terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. Explore the Stradun main street, visit the Rector's Palace, and take the cable car to Mount Srd for sunset views. Enjoy fresh seafood and Croatian wine at a restaurant overlooking the old harbor.