Attractions
Zadar
Zadar is the capital and the most important port of northern Dalmatia (Internet: www.tzzadar.hr ). The historic center of the town consists of narrow, cobbled streets, remains of Roman times such as a Roman forum and some interesting churches, including the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Anastasia. There are several national parks in the vicinity of the city, including Krka National Park, Kornati National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Volosko
The pretty fishing village of Volovsko near the popular tourist resort of Opatija (website: www.opatija-tourism.hr ) is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in all of Croatia. The Lungomare, Opatija’s waterfront, starts here and invites you to take a stroll along the coast.
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Korčula
The island of Korčula, with the superbly preserved town of Korčula (website: www.korcula.net ), a marvel of medieval urban planning, has been enchanting foreign visitors since the 1920s. In summer there are regular performances of the colorful Moreaka sword dance. In the city you can visit the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, although the actual place of his birth cannot be proven with certainty.
Elaphites
Secluded beaches and simple tourist facilities can be found on the islands of the Elaphiti archipelago off the southern Dalmatian coast. Many of the islands are uninhabited, only Koločep, Lopud and Šipan are touristic. Koločep and Lopud are as good as car-free. There are very nice hiking trails on all three islands. The sandy beach in Šunj Bay on Lopud is considered one of the most beautiful bathing beaches in the archipelago, while Koločep is a popular holiday destination for divers.
Trogir
The medieval town of Trogir (Internet: www.tztrogir.hr ), founded in the 3rd century BC. Founded by the Greeks, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site best known for its magnificent Venetian Gothic-style stone buildings. Must- sees are the St. Lawrence Cathedral and the Kamerlengo Fortress. In 1965 the place served as a backdrop for the third part of the well-known cinema film Winnetou.
Shopping
Overview
Traditional handicrafts such as embroidery, woodcarving and pottery, crystal, leather goods and porcelain. Visitors will be refunded the VAT within one year if the value of the purchased goods exceeds 500 kn. Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-19:00, Sat 08:00-14:00.
Nightlife
Introduction
Especially in the holiday areas in Istria there is a rich entertainment offer. Discotheques, casinos, but also traditional folklore events provide variety. Many hotels have their own entertainment programs.
events
National events
Culinary
Overview
The Adriatic coast is famous for its rich variety of seafood, including crabs, prstaci (mussels) and brodet (various fish stew with rice). Inland, try Manistra od Bobica (beans with corn soup). Drinks: The local wines are good. Italian espresso is popular and inexpensive.
Accommodation
Hotels
The best hotels are on the Adriatic coast. Especially on the Istrian Peninsula (Rijeka-Pula) and on the Kvarner Bay there are modern hotel complexes with good facilities. So far, luxury hotels are only available in Zagreb and the Plitvice tourist areas on the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina. More information from the Croatian National Tourist Board. Categories: Hotels are divided into four categories by the Ministry of Tourism: 4-Star L: Luxury. 4-star A: Deluxe. 3-Star B: First class. 2-Star C: Basic/Budget. A hotel directory can be requested from the Croatian National Tourist Board. A tourist tax is payable per night and per person.
Camping
There is a dense network of campsites in Croatia, mostly located on the Adriatic coast and islands, especially in Istria and the Kvarner Bay. Some campsites also offer sailing docks. Tourist tax must be paid on campsites per night and per person. More information is available from the Croatian Camping Union. Overnight stays outside of marked campsites are prohibited.
Other accommodation options
A particularly original type of accommodation in Croatia is staying in lighthouses. Holiday apartments can be rented in a total of 11 lighthouses, which are located on various islands and on the coast. More information is available from the Croatian Tourist Board (see addresses).
Culture
Religion
86% of the population is Roman Catholic; 4.4% Orthodox; Muslim, Protestant and Jewish minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
Approach: When greeting and saying goodbye, people shake hands. Even if most Croatians speak a little English, it is appreciated if the guest knows a few words of Croatian. Smoking: There is an absolute smoking ban in all public buildings. Some restaurants and pubs have separate smoking rooms. Tipping: It is customary to tip 10% in hotels, restaurants and taxis. Safety: In the border areas with Serbia and Bosnia, it is advised not to leave the paths and roads. There is still a risk of encountering isolated land mines.
Climate
Best travel time
Regionally different. Continental climate in the north and northeast, Mediterranean climate on the Adriatic coast. The best travel time is from May to September.
Country data
Phone prefix
+385
Area (sq km)
56542
Population
4,089,400 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
79
Population statistics year
2018
Member of the EU
yes
Main emergency number
112
