Croatia Travel Tips and Insider Guides
Click a city or region to browse our insider travel tips and guides about Croatia.Read Our Insider's Guide To Croatia
Croatia is situated in the South-eastern part of Europe along the Adriatic Sea. It shares land borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and a maritime border with Italy. The country was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I, and then became a part of Yugoslavia. In 1991, Croatia declared its independence. What followed was... [Read the full story]
Our Insider's Articles about Croatia
The Istrian peninsula, which contains portions of Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy, has loads of wine tasting opportunities,... [Read the full story]
Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is home to some of the most sought-after culinary ingredients in the world and at the top of the... [Read the full story]
When we arrived at the bridge connecting Pag, the island of Cheese to Croatia’s mainland, we got out of our car to feel the... [Read the full story]
My island hopping along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast began in the port town of Split. I had arrived thinking I would stay for... [Read the full story]
Veteran travel writer Bruce Northam has reported (mostly good news) from 125 countries. His book, Globetrotter Dogma: 100 Canons... [Read the full story]
If Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian islands are Croatia’s debutantes, then the Šibenik Riviera is an elegant elder cousin. With... [Read the full story]
I have a confession to make – I love shopping for souvenirs. But, I prefer them to be unique, and not just cheap trinkets. I’ll... [Read the full story]
Planning a trip to Croatia? This foodie guide might just prove handy in deciphering Croatian cuisine. As is the case in many... [Read the full story]
Croatia is blessed with a rich history and great natural beauty, and the state ensures that these treasures are well preserved,... [Read the full story]
Summer is around the corner. It’s time to shrug off the winter heaviness, slip into something pastel and conjure up new holiday... [Read the full story]
The bus driver pulled over on the side of a long road. We hadn’t passed anything that looked alive in the past fifteen minutes.... [Read the full story]
About Croatia
Among travelers, Croatia is one of the most popular Balkan countries, with incredible beaches, Roman ruins, great wine, the dramatic coastal city of Dubrovnik, and literally thousands of islands to explore. In general, Croatia packs a lot of bang for the buck, and even though Croatia’s identity as a tourism destination is on the rise, which has brought higher prices, the beaches and cities just off the beaten track provide private, budget-friendly options.
Here are some tips to guide you on your trip to Croatia. Most of Croatia is coastal, and its popular beaches include Zrce and Zlatni Rat as well as those found at Dubrovnik and on the island of Baska. Naturist beaches are especially prevalent in Croatia.
You can’t really go wrong visiting any of Croatia’s 1200-plus islands, but Hvar, Lokrum, and Korcula are some of the best. Other coastal destinations include Istria county, which is known for its therapeutic thermal spas, and the coastal cities of Split and Pula, which have exceptional Roman ruins (Split is home to the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian).
But by far the most popular destination in Croatia is Dubrovnik, a city with coastal walls that’s filled with Renaissance architecture. The city reveals the importance that Croatia has held in the past and provides traditional cafes and restaurants that exalt traditional cuisine.
The interior of Croatia is well worth visiting for its forests, especially the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which features a series of lakes connected by waterfalls. Remnants of the Croatian War of Independence against Yugoslavia can still be seen throughout Croatia, and some of the beautiful buildings found in Osijek, Vukovar, and the capital of Zagreb still bear bullet holes.
As of May 2011, a visa is not required for U.S. travelers visiting for less than 90 days. The official currency is the Croatian Kuna, and official businesses are not allowed to accept euros. However, businesses outside of the most popular tourist destinations usually accept euros. English is a common second-language and you can expect almost everyone in the tourism industry to speak English. One of the most luxurious and exciting ways to enter Croatia is by ferry. Popular ferries connect Croatia with Venice, southern Italy, and Greece.
Travel Tip: Dubrovnik is a cruise ship destination so escape the crowds by viewing the city early in the morning or in the evening.
Travel Tip: Ever wanted to be a lighthouse keeper? Now is your chance: Lighthouses are a popular accommodation in Croatia!
