Croatia is the new frontier of Mediterranean tourism together with the “new entry” Albania. This land which offers a wonderful sea, fascinating woods, cities rich in history, has become the new destination for those who love sea and beaches. But it would be a mistake to limit oneself to the coast, to the splendid islands and fjords that dot the western part of the nation… Whoever has the opportunity and desire to go further will be able to discover the mountains, the great eastern plain, the monasteries, the villages and the enchanting towns that form the immense network of Croatian itineraries. Thanks to this guide of ours, you too will be able to build your own holiday itinerary, following this or that perspective. And obviously moving around easily thanks to Transfeero’s private transfer services!
When to go to Croatia
The best time to explore Croatia and its beauties is from May to September, even reaching mid-October. These are the months in which the sweet Adriatic summer makes the temperatures mild enough to enjoy the sea, but also to effortlessly go in search of works of art and trekking routes, without discomfort. These are the busiest months, of course, because all European tourism chooses them for the same purpose. But it will be enough to direct your choice to a specific period… beginning of September, end of May… to find your corner of private happiness.
Travel documents
In order to enter Crotatia most part of tourists need to show their passport and/or their ID paper. In 2023 Croatia became part of the Schengen Agreement nations, so if you belong to one of these countries you will only need ID paper to enter. If you come from a “non-Schengen” nation, you must show a valid passport – valid up to three months after the date of your arrival.
What to pack for your trip to Croatia
First things first: pack your cell phone and camera chargers! Croatia is so beautiful that it would be a shame not to be able to take photos due to running out of battery! Don’t do this damage to yourself! Regarding clothing, never forget: comfortable shoes (there is a lot of walking in Croatia), shoes for rocks (many beaches are rocky or cliffs), bathing suits of all kinds, sun creams, hats. Bring light sporty clothes but don’t leave any sweaters or jackets at home, because the temperature drops in the evening. If you plan a mountain itinerary, also bring warmer clothes and waterproof jackets because the inland climate is much more autumnal, even in the height of summer.
How to get to Croatia
From Italy, Croatia can be easily reached by car, train and also by ferry with simple crossings along the Adriatic. Land travel is easy even coming from Austria and Slovenia.
For those arriving from further afield, the main landing points for Croatia are the airports of Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV), Pula and Krk-Rijeka (RJK). The reference railway stations are those of Zagreb, Osijek, Rijeka, Pula, Split, Šibenik, Zadar, Dubrovnik from which the regional lines then branch off.
To get to Croatia by motorway, take the E70 (which from Italy is identified with the A57) and also crosses Slovenia. Remember that for the Slovenian section you need to have a “vignette”, a sort of pass necessary for this territory. Coming from the south, i.e. from Serbia and Bosnia, take the M20 to Dubrovnik.
How to move through Croatia
Croatia has numerous transport networks, consisting of regional and interregional buses and trains. Unfortunately, local trains are unreliable, but bus lines are efficient and cover a large part of the national territory. Another widely used means of traveling in Croatia are ferries, which quickly reach many points on the coast and islands.
The best way to explore this land, however, is by rental vehicle. Be it car, shuttle, motorbike or even bicycle, having your own vehicle allows you to freely choose the itinerary and time. If you want absolute comfort you can choose a private means of transport. Companies like Transfeero allow you to choose in advance the best way for you to travel and the rhythm to do so. And as you move around you will really see a lot in Croatia… .
What to see
All major Croatian cities deserve a special holiday attention. The architecture, museums, monuments that you will admire in Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Dubrovnik, Osijek, Pula, Šibenik, Zadar … but also in the provincial capital cities … are universes of incredible beauty that are certainly worth it.
The most beautiful beaches in Croatia are on the islands, splendid pearls of the Adriatic, among which Lesina, Rab, Hvar, Vis, Pag, Cres, Ugljan, Szolta, Korzula, Shipan, Lastovo, to name just a few, stand out! If you want to stay on the “mainland” without giving up the beauty of the Croatian beaches, your destinations will be Istria and Dalmatia, mainly. But you can also find beautiful beaches around Dubrovnik (Banje, Kupari, Orebich).
Those who want to go in search of the wild and beautiful nature of Croatia can explore the national parks among rocky walls, rivers, lakes, woods and high altitude pastures. You will discover wonderful worlds and particular fauna by going to the parks of Plitvice, Krka, Paklenica, famous above all for their spectacular waterfalls.
What to do and NOT to do in Croatia
What should (and want ) you do in Croatia? Relax and learn. Relax by the sea, in the woods, on the sunny islands…learning about the ancient glories of the past of every city and town in the area. Excursions are the first activity those arriving in Croatia ask for … be it trekking, horseback or bike expeditions, cultural explorations or boat trips. The second most requested activity is scuba diving, which finds inspiration along the entire coastal and island strip. Tasting typical Croatian cuisine – Skardin risotto, Chewapcich meat, lamb stew, stuffed cabbage leaves, soups, but also desserts such as Zlevanka – perhaps enjoying the always sober and cheerful nightlife of the main cities, is also a ” must”.
What YOU MUST NEVER DO in Croatia: ignore the laws on alcohol and drugs, even light ones!
- It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol if you are under 18;
- it is forbidden to use drugs of any kind and smoking is also allowed only outside public places – the fees are really heavy if you are caught violating one of these rules. Even if you go partying in the evening, keep within limits.
- avoid talking about politics with the locals, who don’t like petty opinions, especially from foreigners;
- in general, avoid heavy discussions with the locals, who are very prone to tantrums and can briefly come to blows.
- Never go around without documents in your pocket.