Croatia Holidays

What can I experience in Croatia?

Croatia is probably best known for its extensive coastline, which stretches to just under 2,500 miles in total. The alluring aquamarine waters, hidden coves and pristine sand make it the perfect choice if your idea of holiday heaven is soaking up the sun, particularly as it’s relatively quiet in comparison to some more well-known destinations. If you prefer a more active holiday, you can rent a kayak or snorkelling kit and discover the magic of the more remote islands for yourself.

History buffs will also enjoy exploring the UNESCO listed cities of Dubrovnik and Split, where Roman, Byzantine, European and Mediterranean influences all come together to create a fascinating history. Break up a day of exploring with a meal in an authentic, local restaurant that’s full of charm and enjoy Croatia’s culinary scene before resuming your adventures.

Where are the best beaches in Croatia?

There are so many amazing beaches across Croatia, so it’s hard to go wrong. However, if you want some that are in reach of a major city, base yourself in Dubrovnik. Firm favourites such as Copacabana Beach, Sveti Jakov, Lapad Beach and Sunj Beach are all easily accessible from the city, meaning you don’t have to choose between a sun lounger holiday or seeing something cultural.

Or, if you want to go somewhere quieter, try Kraljicina Plaža (Queen’s Beach) at Nin, Stiniva Cove on the island of Vis, or Rajska Plaža on the island of Rab. Whilst these beaches might take a bit more planning to get to, they’re well worth the effort.

What food is Croatia known for?

The extensive coastline of Croatia naturally lends itself to fresh, delicious seafood. Popular dishes include crni rižot (black risotto, made of squid ink), brodetto (fisherman’s stew), buzara (mussel stew), which are best sampled in small restaurants where the fish will have been caught that morning.

It’s not all about the sea, either; boškarin is a type of oxen that is considered a delicacy in Croatia, while pršut is a type of Istrian ham. The meat is air cured, then aged for at least 12 months.

Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will enjoy the traditional hearty flavours of goulash, štrukli (stuffed pastries) and grilled vegetables, seasoned with local olive oil and herbs.

When is the best time to visit Croatia?

The best time to visit Croatia tends to be between May and September, as the weather is warm and dry. The busiest time is July and August, so if you’re able to, it can be worth travelling before or after this time to avoid most of the crowds.

How many days should I spend in Croatia?

Seven to ten days will allow you to see plenty of what Croatia has to offer, without feeling rushed. However, in a week, you’ll still have a great experience – you just may need to focus your holiday on a particular area.

For short trips, it’s best to visit Dubrovnik or Split, where you’ll have a quick transfer from the airport and maximum time to soak up the sun. You can enjoy a wonderful long weekend, but you’ll almost certainly want to come back for more in the future.

Is Croatia expensive for holidays?

Croatia is in the mid-range when it comes to cost for holidays – comparable to other destinations around the Mediterranean such as Italy and Greece. Areas that are popular with tourists have seen an increase in prices, but you can easily reduce costs by travelling in the off-peak months. In comparison to Dubrovnik and Split, Zagreb is considered a more affordable option.

What is the time difference between the UK and Croatia?

Croatia uses Central European Time (CET), meaning that it is one hour ahead of the UK.

What language is spoken in Croatia?

Around 90% of people in Croatia speak Croatian as their first language, with others speaking Serbian, Bosnian, Italian, Hungarian and Albanian. English is widely spoken by younger Croatians.

What plugs are used in Croatia?

Plug types C and F are used in Croatia, meaning that you’ll need to pack an adapter for UK appliances. The voltage is the same as the UK, at 230v.

What currency does Croatia use?

Historically, Croatia used the kuna as their currency, but in 2023, this was replaced by the Euro. Kuna can still be exchanged at the Croatia National Bank in Zagreb, but is no longer accepted as legitimate spending currency in shops and restaurants.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Croatia?

The latest travel advice for Croatia can be found on the government website travel pages.

How long does it take to fly to Croatia from the UK?

There are several airports in Croatia. Average flight times from London are:

• 2 hours 40 minutes to Dubrovnik
• 2 hours 25 minutes to Split
• 2 hours 10 minutes to Pula
• 2 hours 10 minutes to Zagreb
• 2 hours 20 minutes to Zadar

Do I need a visa to visit Croatia?

Holidaymakers can travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You’ll need to get your passport stamped on entry and on exit, to prove that you have not overstayed.

What are the passport requirements for Croatia?

Your passport must have an issue date of less than 10 years before the date that you arrive. Make sure you check your passport carefully, as in some cases, you may have a ten-year passport that is seemingly valid for 11 years. For example, the date of issue may be 20th September 2015, but the expiry date is 20th September 2026. Post Brexit, this is no longer correct – your passport will only be valid until 2025.

Additionally, the expiry date must be longer than three months after the date you will leave Croatia.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Croatia?

There are no compulsory vaccine requirements for Croatia, but the recommendation is for travellers to be up-to-date with standard UK vaccinations. These include measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-polio.