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Why choose Croatia? | About Croatia | Where in Croatia | Dubrovnik | Hvar | Split | Zagreb
Why choose Croatia?
Croatia is a European country which has, in the past couple of years, been rediscovered as the unspoiled gem of the Mediterranean. This is due to the fact that Croatia has more than a 1000 magnificent islands with beautiful and unspoiled nature, awe striking ancient cities like Dubrovnik, castles, roman ruins, amphitheatres, and a history that surpasses most in its diversity, depth and colour. Croatia is truly an unspoiled destination and has in the recent years undergone a tremendous transformation when it comes to newly erected and restored hotel and conference facilities, and can now boast of being at a truly international level with regards to these items. The Croatians are Mediterranean in the best meaning of the word. They are friendly, hospitable and welcoming making your journey to Croatia one to be remembered.
Getting to Croatia
With more flight routes every season from major cities, and some of the newest highways in Europe; getting in and around this country is easier than ever. Croatia’s pending entry to the European Union in 2009 has spurred on development of the infrastructure in the country. The three key destinations in Croatia are each serviced by their own airport:
Zagreb Airport – Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is as such easily accessible from most of the world and constantly expanding capacity to bring in more long-range carrier flights. It can also be used as a hub to Dubrovnik or Split/Hvar.
Split Airport – The 2nd biggest airport services the Split region and the two major destinations in this region: Split city and the beautiful island of Hvar. The airport is 15km from Split where you go by boat to Hvar (1 hour). The airport is easily reachable from most major European cities.
Dubrovnik Airport – Only 20km away from Dubrovnik this airport is well serviced with direct flights from many major European cities. including London, Birmingham, Manchester Valencia, Marseille, Madrid, Paris, Tel Aviv, Stockholm, Oslo, Prague, Vienna, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich, Brussels, Barcelona, Bratislava, Bordeaux, Krakow, Dublin, Rome, Zagreb, Split, Pula, Budapest, Tallinn, Malmoe. This list is constantly expanding.
Ease of arrival
If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein you only need valid passport. If you are from any of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Korea, Romania, San Marino, the Holy See, Singapore, Uruguay, and Venezuela you would need a valid passport to enter Croatia, where you can stay for a maximum of 90 days. If you are from any other country, according to the criteria of the EU, you must request a visa at the Croatian Consulate of your country of residence.
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About Croatia
Facts
Official Name: Republic of Croatia
Capital: Zagreb
System of Government: Parliamentary Republic
Area: 56,542 Sq Km
Estimated Population: 4.555.000
Landscapes
Croatia is located on Balkan Peninsula in the west, and includes over a 1000 islands of which only 60 are inhabited. It is bordered by Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro, and sits behind the Italian “boot”. Croatia is one long stretch of coastline with the beautiful Mediterranean Sea lapping at its shores. The country is mountainous which provides a stunning backdrop to many of the coastal regions.
The Climate
Croatia is one of the warmest countries in Europe. The predominant climate is Mediterranean-temperate, with warm dry summers, and constant mild temperatures during the winter. One testament to this is that the Island of Hvar is the sunniest island in the whole of the Mediterranean.
Currency
The currency in Croatia is Kuna (Kn), approximately 7.4kn to a Euro.
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VAT and Tax Refunds
Croatia is not part of the European Union so you may request a sales-tax refund for your purchases. You need to request a form for your sales-tax refund at the shop. The paperwork is simple: to obtain the refund, you request a tax-free receipt of purchase, for which you need to show a valid proof of foreign residency (passport). Ask for the refund at the authorized refund-processing company. You can get your refund in cash.
Opening Hours
Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 9.00pm. Many supermarkets and smaller shops will also open on Sundays.
Electrical Current
The electrical current in Croatia is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Plugs are of the continental type, with two round prongs. American appliances require a transformer and a plug adapter for use in Croatia.
Food & Wines
Croatian cuisine is heterogeneous, and is therefore known as "the cuisine of regions".
Its modern roots date back to Proto-Slavic and ancient periods and the differences in the selection of foodstuffs and forms of cooking are most notable between those on the mainland and those in coastal regions. Mainland cuisine is characterized by the earlier Proto-Slavic and the more recent contacts with the more famous gastronomic orders of today - Hungarian, Viennese and Turkish - while the coastal region bears the influences of the Greek, Roman and Illyrian, as well as of the later Mediterranean cuisine - Italian and French.
Croatia has some great red wines among them Kastelet (especially 1996 and 1997), Plavac and Babic. All of these are from Dalmatia and are especially good with fish and meat dishes, best served at room temp. But if you are travelling to Croatia, you will be able to taste some great locally produced wines in ‘konobas’, guest houses and bars which are generally not available in shops. For a sweeter, liqueur like dessert wine try Prosek, very smooth, light wine drank after dinner or sometimes as an aperitif. Some of the better known white wines are Posip, Kastelet and Pljesivica and Daruvarski Rizling, a reizling white wine. You might also wish to try some Croatia liqueurs, such as Maraschino (made from Maraska cherries in Zadar region), Kruskovac (from pears), Orahovac (walnut), Sljivovica (plum brandy) etc. which vary from region to region.
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