Croatia has it all: gorgeous beaches, beautiful lakes and forests, a fascinating history, amazing wine, and delectable sea-to-table cuisine. Are you looking for the perfect sailing vacation? If you’re looking for a food and wine escape or an exciting adventure in nature, Croatia is the perfect destination. Even though it’s excessively crowded during summer, Croatia hasn’t been developed like some other Mediterranean coastlines (such as Spain).For the most-part, everything stays at a comfortable size, with places to stay ranging from smaller boutique hotels and private rooms to backpacker-friendly hostels.
What do you want to see in Croatia?
Croatia quick facts
- Currency:Croatia is not a member of the European Union, though it does use the euro. The Croatian currency is called the kuna (HRK). You can find the most recent conversion rate here.
- Electricity: Before you depart for your journey, check to see whether the voltage in the countries/territories you’ll be visiting is compatible with your devices. The normal voltage in Europe is 230V AC power. The outlets are typically two-prong round sockets (type F that also accepts type C and type E). Bring a universal travel adaptor to use while away from home. If you come from a nation with a standard of 110V, when plugging into any foreign socket, you will need a voltage converter.
- Visa: Citizens of (amongst other countries) the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can visit Croatia without a visa for up to 90 days if they are from the European Union (EU). Although Croatia became part of the EU in 2013, it is not yet a member of the “Schengen” zone.
- Safety: Croatia’s crime rate is relatively low when compared to other European countries. You should exercise caution and avoid flaunting expensive goods as a means of prevention against major theft. In Croatia, routine police stops for ID checks are frequent, so always carry your passport or driver’s license with you. Some of the health risks you might face while on vacation in Croatia include sunburn and hangovers. However, if you’re planning to go hiking in the northern forests, be aware that tick-borne encephalitis is also a risk. In general, medical care here is acceptable in terms of quality; however, you will need to pay for all treatment out-of-pocket. Before leaving home, take some time to review your insurance coverage to make sure it’s adequate. For travel insurance, we recommend checking out SafetyWing or World Nomads as they offer the best coverage for active travelers.
- Language: English is commonly spoken by tourists, locals who work in the tourism industry, and young people. Croatian is the official language, so everybody knows it. Furthermore, Italian is widely spoken and understood throughout Istria—a region with a significant Italian population—and it’s recognized as a co-official language.
Best time to visit Croatia
Croatia is highly seasonal, and the best time to see it is during September. The weather is not as hot as it will be later in August, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming, making it an excellent season to visit. If you arrive in Plitvice Lakes at the right time, you’ll be able to see stunning colors.
In May or June, late spring is the finest time to go. Even early spring can be a wonderful experience in Plitvice Lakes National Park, as the lakes and waterfalls will be swollen with melting winter snow and there will be far fewer tourists. If you come prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, this is an ideal opportunity to see most of Croatia’s amazing national parks.
It’s not often too hot or chilly for a beach getaway in April and October, but it’s still great for outdoor activities like as hiking and cycling. It’s also the ideal time to visit Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes since there are less people than during the summer months. This period of the year is particularly popular with visitors to Croatia’s coast and islands because days are gradually warmer (mid-April to mid-May).By early summer, southern Dalmatia is usually quite warm and while you won’t have the islands to yourself at that point, there’ll be more locals than tourists. Plus, hotel prices haven’t hiked up for peak season yet.
- May & September – The forests and hills of the Black Forest are a delight when the weather is good, but they become even more beautiful in winter, when you need not worry about visitors or hotel bookings. They’re also ideal for jogging.
- June – The ideal time to go is during the beautiful weather, less people, lower costs, and the festival season has begun.
- July & August – Tourist traps galore abound in the summer months, so if you don’t like crowds and inflated prices, avoid traveling then.
June and August are, without a doubt, the most exciting months to visit because the weather is ideal for beach vacations and the festival season is in full swing. The crush of tourists, on the other hand, may make a summertime visit to one of Croatia’s more popular locations less than enjoyable. Croatia no longer holds mystery for people around the world: it has undoubtedly become an established destination. If you want to avoid the lines and crowds when taking your car onto a ferry, book your tickets well in advance. During the peak season, consider staying at one of the more unique destinations like Cres Island, Vis Island, Lastovo Island or Ston on the Peljesac peninsula.
How much will your trip to Croatia cost?
Croatia is no longer a cheap getaway, and the cost of accommodation is comparable to that of Western European nations throughout most of the year; during July and August, it can skyrocket. Eating and drinking, on the other hand, are still reasonably affordable. If you’re staying in hostels or renting apartments, self-catering, and using public transportation, budget at least $85 per person per day. If you’re more interested in saving money while abroad, $120 USD per day should cover your expenses for an apartment, one meal out, and some evening entertainment. If you want to spend a bit more and enjoy nicer accommodations, food, and transportation options throughout the day though, expect to budget at least $220 USD each day.
Naturally, the coast and islands are more expensive than interior destinations (except for Zagreb), with July and August being significantly more pricey than the rest of the year. The cost of accommodation will almost certainly be your most significant expense, so take advantage of off-season and shoulder-season discounts. The most cost-effective lodging choices appear to be private residences, which range from $30-$40 per person. Hostels will set you back about $27 – 35 USD per person if you travel alone, which is a fantastic value.
Croatia travel tips
While getting around Croatia can seem complicated because of its geography, the country actually has a good transport infrastructure. This includes reliable ferries, comfortable and efficient buses, and affordable flights. You can also drive yourself thanks to the modern and well-maintained road network; however, you’ll need to decide if it’s worth renting a car or not. Although trains do connect major Croatian towns, the network isn’t designed for tourists. In fact, it’s usually more expensive to take a train or bus than fly domestically in Croatia—especially if you travel outside of peak season.
It’s possible to go about Croatia by bus and local ferries are quite inexpensive. However, taking the vehicle might be costly. In the summertime, ferry fares are higher, however bus rates remain constant. The major single expenditure while in Croatia is most likely to be renting a automobile. There’s also the issue of gasoline and tolls fees to consider when utilizing a car.
