Croatia Holidays

What can I experience in Croatia?

Croatia is best known for its spectacular coastline which is almost 2,500 miles long. Its alluring aquamarine waters, hidden coves and pristine beaches make it the perfect choice for sun seekers – plus, it’s easy to seek out corners away from the crowds. Or, if you prefer a more active holiday, you can rent a kayak or snorkelling gear and discover Croatia’s idyllic islands for yourself.

History buffs are also well catered for. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the UNESCO-listed cities of Dubrovnik and Split, where Roman, Byzantine, European and Mediterranean influences combine to create a fascinating history. Break up a day of exploring and sample Croatia’s delicious cuisine in an authentic restaurant (you’ll be spoilt for choice).

Where are the best beaches in Croatia?

There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in Croatia, but if you want some within reach of a major city, base yourself in Dubrovnik. Some of our favourites stretches of sand are: Copacabana Beach, Sveti Jakov, Lapad Beach and Sunj Beach. They’re all easily accessible from the city, so you don’t have to choose between sun lounging and sightseeing – you can do both.

For somewhere quieter, try Kraljicina Plaza (Queen’s Beach) in Nin; Stiniva Cove on the island of Vis; or Rajska Plaza on Rab. While getting to these beaches might take a little more planning, they’re well worth the effort.

What food is Croatia known for?

Croatia extensive coastline naturally lends itself to fresh, delicious seafood. Popular dishes include crni rizot (black risotto made of squid ink), brodetto (fisherman’s stew), and buzara (mussel stew) – all best enjoyed in small restaurants serving up the catch of the day.

When is the best time to visit Croatia?

The best time to visit Croatia is between May and September, when the weather is warm and dry. July and August are the busiest months, so if you fancy a quieter holiday, we recommend travelling before or after this time to avoid the worst of the crowds.

How many days should I spend in Croatia?

Seven to ten days will allow you to see Croatia’s main sites without feeling rushed. However, a week is still long enough for a great experience. We recommend focusing on a particular area to make the most of your time.

For short trips, Dubrovnik or Split are your best bets. With quick transfers from the airport, you’ll have maximum time to soak up the sun. You can enjoy a wonderful long weekend, but you’ll almost certainly want to return for more in the future (trust us).

Is Croatia expensive for holidays?

Croatia is in the mid-range when it comes to holiday costs – comparable to other destinations around the Mediterranean, such as Italy and Greece. Areas popular with tourists have seen an increase in prices, but you can easily reduce costs by travelling in the off-peak and shoulder season months. Compared 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’s 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 (both with two round pins) 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's 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:

• Two hours and 40 minutes to Dubrovnik
• Two hours and 25 minutes to Split
• Two hours and ten minutes to Pula
• Two hours and ten minutes to Zagreb
• Two hours and 20 minutes to Zadar

Do I need a visa to visit Croatia?

Travellers can visit without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You’ll need to make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit to prove that you’ve not overstayed.

What are the passport requirements for Croatia?

Your passport must have an issue date of less than ten 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 issue date 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.

The expiry date must also 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.