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VISAS
British, Australian & New Zealand passport holders don’t require a visa for a stay of less than 90 days in Croatia. RSA and other passport holders REQUIRE a visa (issued before departure). For all other nationalities refer to the visa section of our website.
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voltage
220 Volts. Sockets are of the European, 2 pronged variety. If taking a camera, mobile phone or hairdryer, be sure to pack a power adaptor.
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health advice
You should contact your GP or a health clinic for up to date information prior to travelling however, generally Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A booster vaccinations are recommended. No malarial risk exists. It is recommended you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio, if you haven’t had a booster in the last ten years. The risk of food and waterborne diseases is low, but vaccinations for Typhoid and Hepatitis A are still recommended. Remember a healthy traveller is a happy traveller!
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climate
Croatia is a northern hemisphere destination with Mediterranean and continental climatic conditions. The continental climate is predominant with hot summers and cold winters. Along the Adriatic coast, dry summers are experienced with mild winters. Our cruises operate during the Croatian summer, when temperatures are generally high (particularly from June through September), so pack sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong.
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time
As with most of Europe, Croatia is 1 hour ahead of GMT.
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money
GBP £1 = 9.06 Kuna USD $1 = 4.51 Kuna EUR 1 = 7.21 Kuna. Exchange rate (July 2008)
Croatian Kuna (Kuna (HRK). 1 Kuna = 100 Lipas. (subject to fluctuation).
Notes are in denominations of HRK1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of HRK25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Lipa.
Bring GBP or USD for exchange, and an internationally recognized debit/credit card for teller machine withdrawals (available in all bigger towns).
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food glorious food
The Adriatic coast is renowned for its variety of seafood dishes including freshly caught line and net fish and shellfish. We include breakfast and lunch, leaving you the opportunity to make your own independent arrangements for dinner. If you’re a seafood lover, you should reserve your appetite for dinner in port at one of the various local restaurants.
Typical ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and cheese are readily used for pizza, pasta, meat and fish dishes, but don’t forget to try the local specialities. The Dubrovnik area is famed for its fish from the River Neretva, hard sheep milk cheese and oysters from Ston are outstanding. Further along in Split, the best types of Adriatic fish from dory to red mullet once enjoyed by the Roman emperor Diocletian are still enjoyed today. The Kvarner region, specifically the islands of Cres, Krk and Rab are famed for succulent, sweet-tasting lamb.
Small goods such as cured cheeses and meats are popular in Croatia. Beyond seasoned meats, fresh fish and other fruits de mer, cheeses, small goods, delectable olives, capers and freshly baked breads, fruit and vegetables are also big. Inland, Zagreb grows the best strawberries, small fruits such as plums and exotic mushrooms, whilst fig and almond trees persevere in the south. Istria is famed for its spring asparagus. Lastly, if you have a sweet tooth, try Rozata (crème caramel) a traditional desert of Dubrovnik!
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shopping
Traditional handicrafts such as embroidery, woodcarvings and ceramics make good souvenirs, as does Croatian-produced wine, olives oils and preserves. Olives have been growing in Croatia since Roman times, and many stuffed and bottled varieties can be purchased including olives stuffed with dried figs, almonds, fennel, capers, anchovy and of course, regular pimiento. Avjar, a tasty relish made from grilled red pepper, aubergine (eggplant), garlic, olive oil and chili is available in jars and offers a tasty reminder with bread and cheese of that wonderful holiday you’ve just enjoyed in Croatia!
Another consideration is a necktie with a traditional Croat design, of course. Why a necktie? Well the Croatians stake claim to having invented them! Croatian soldiers in Napoleon’s army wore a kind of scarf. The name for this scarf evolved in the word cravat over time in reference to the ‘Croat’s that wore them'.
Presently tourists can reclaim VAT on expenditure of more than HRK500. Visitors should ensure that they retain all receipts.
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