Things to Know Before Going to Croatia

Climate

It has a Mediterranean climatewith a warmer period generally from June until August, while the coolest months are from December until March. Summers are hot and dry while winters are cooler and rainy, with some regional variations:

• Northern area: It’s cooler during the summer and has snowy winters.
• Adriatic sea area: warmer climate with rainy winters.
• Interior area: Quite rainy the whole year long.

Here you have some tables with the average maximum and minimum temperature per month in various cities.

Safety and Security

Croatia is considered to be a safe country. However, like anywhere else, you should avoid roaming over some neighborhoods late at night. In addition to this, you shouldn't leave any valuables in your car in remote places.

Travel Insurance

It’s also recommended to get travel insurance as peace of mind while traveling is priceless. You can check this website out https://www.iatiseguros.com/seguros-viaje/ and compare the different types they offer. Some credit cards also include travel insurance in their package such as the Revolut Premium.

Currency

The local currency was the Croatian kuna (HRK) but in January 2023 it was replaced by the euro. We strongly recommend you to have a credit/debit card such as the Revolut one. It’s free and it allows you to pay abroad with a low tax rate, and even get the local currency from an ATM with almost no charges!

Gastronomy

It’s a mixture of Mediterranean flavors with Balkan ingredients and a marked influence of the different nations that historically inhabited the region. Here you have some of the specialties of Croatia that you must try:

• Pršut i sir: It’s a typical starter (ham and cheese). Istrian pršut is made of skinned pork leg, dry-salted with sea salt and seasoned with natural spices such as pepper and garlic.
• Škripavac: It’s a Croatian cheese made from raw cow’s milk.
• Pašticada: It’s the holy grail of Dalmatian Croatian cooking. Beef stew with gnocchi in an exceptional sauce.
• Croatian Lamb Peka: Traditionally it’s cooked under the bell with hot embers. It’s accompanied by potatoes and vegetables, drizzled with olive oil. A peka can also be cooked with Octopus, Chicken, Veal or Fish instead of lamb
• Crni rižot: A black risotto that will turn your mouth and tongue black. It’s made with fresh squid or cuttlefish.
• Istrian truffles: they’re a serious business in Croatia. You will find them in many dishes such as tartufata, istrian fuzi with truffles or in creamy soups.
• Ćevapi: A balkan dish. It’s a meal made of fat little sausages of minced meat. Normally it comes between two pieces of bread with some vegetables and the sauce you choose.
• Seafood: At the coastal areas, seafood is very present on the menus of many restaurants. You have to try sardines, oysters with lemon juice or brodet (fish stew).
• Rakija: It’s a distilled spirit made from fruit. Rakija is part of Croatian culture and a symbol of hospitality.

Transporte Público / Coche:

The public transport network is well developed and you will be able to reach the main cities and villages by bus, in addition to the major attractions such as Krka or Plitvice National Parks. You can check the schedules and lines here:

• Split and surroundings: https://www.promet-split.hr/vozni-red/urbano-podrucje/linijaid/31627
• Zadar and surroundings: https://liburnija-zadar.hr/en/home/
• Global european buses: https://global.flixbus.com/bus/croatia
• Bus seeker: https://getbybus.com/en/

However, if you don’t want to depend on bus schedules and be able to easily acces more remote spots, you should rent a car. Driving is not dangerous at all in Croatia and roads are quite good. You can visit most of the places even with a Fiat Punto. Regarding car suppliers, I recommend you to book it through rentalcars .

Croatia is also a famous destination for “van life road trips”. Legally you should spend the nights in special areas such as campings (there are a lot), however, you will easily find a secluded and quiet area where none will bother you ;).

The islands are also well connected through ferries. You can check the schedules and prices on this website. https://www.jadrolinija.hr/en/

Costs

• Regarding accommodations, you can find double rooms or studios from 65€/night in high season.
• Transport through buses is not expensive: Buses from Split to Zadar cost around 14€, Dubrovnik-Split 22€ and Pula-Zadar 30€ (July 2022). They might charge you 1.5€ for the suitcase. In addition to this, ferry prices are quite acceptable, for instance: Split-Brac: 8€; Zadar-Dugi 5€; Mljet-Prapratno 5€.
• Regarding food, you can find restaurants where you have dinner for 15€/person. Depending on the area, it might be cheaper or more expensive. Anyway, you can always find a Ćevapi for 5€.

Mobile Internet

If you don’t have free international roaming, you might be interested in getting a SIM card to have 4G data on your device. In most of the airports, gas stations and supermarkets you can get one for 3€. The main providers of Croatia are Simpa and Telemach. Simpa  or Telemach.

Bear in mind there is no signal coverage on some isolated islands.