Croatia Travel Guide
One of Europe's most underrated destinations, Croatia offers visitors a tremendous variety of options. Those who love mountains, the seashore, shopping, history, food, and more will find Croatia travel a rich and fulfilling experience.
Check out our Croatia travel guide for information and tips on how to get the most out of your stay.
Plan Your Itinerary First
Croatia may not rank as one of Europe's largest nations, but it offers places of interest and excitement to rival most of its more sizeable neighbours. Its Adriatic islands offer some of the most beautiful coastlines and beaches in Europe while the interior boasts soaring mountains and yawning valleys dotted with quaint towns, featuring a variety of influences ranging from the Italian and German to the Slavic.
Make sure to plan your trip based on what you want to experience, then build you itinerary around this. Experienced travellers often put buffer time between each stop for extra flexibility, in case they wish to visit an unexpected spot.
Travel Documents
Australians travelling to Croatia for tourism or business need not apply for a visa if they plan to stay in the country for 90 days or less in a six month timeframe. Those going to Croatia for work or study, or for a trip extending beyond 90 days, need to procure a visa.
Discover Croatia’s Rich History and Heritage
Croatia may be one of Europe’s youngest countries, but it boasts one of the continent's longest histories. Travellers can see traces of settlement and related agriculture that dates back over 5,000 years.
The Roman Republic extended its power into the region in the 200s BC, gradually displacing both the Greeks and Illyrians. During the time of the Roman Empire, many spectacular buildings, including one of Rome's largest stadiums, were built here. It remains surprisingly well preserved.
One of the province’s most important sons during the period, the Emperor Diocletian, constructed a vast palace at Split, still in an amazing state of preservation. Not just a historical site, the classical palace still houses a living community of shops, hotels, and other businesses catering to those enjoying Croatian holidays.
Croatia's position as a cultural crossroads continued from the Middle Ages right through to modern times. It allowed the region to experience an exciting blend of cultures; something which is still visible today. Visitors can experience the Italian influence in architecture and food. Centuries of rule by the Austrian Habsburgs provided a wealth of settlements and architecture inspired by their empire, which governed Croatia until the end of World War I.
A Few Ideas on What to See When You Visit Croatia
Croatia offers Roman ruins, crystal blue beaches, and awe-inspiring cliffs, mountains and valleys. Its coastal towns and cities feature seemingly endless terracotta tiled roofs gracing bright white homes and businesses. When searching for things to do in Croatia, make scenic stops a priority.
- Dubrovnik's Old Town combines modern shopping and food attractions with idyllic Adriatic views. Use your Europe Sim Card to peruse reviews for possible stops in this region.
- The Pula Amphitheatre offers visitors a chance to see one of Rome's largest stadiums where gladiators fought life and death battles. Your Europe Sim Card can help you to learn more about Pula and other fascinating historical sites, another perk when you travel connected
- Motovun is an incredible destination in the mountains, having served as a stronghold fortress for centuries.
- The Vis Islands are highly regarded as a centre of Croatia's food scene, blending Slavic, Italian, and German influences. Your Europe Sim Card powered mobile device can help you choose from many impressive offerings here.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park provides amazing views of pristine turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and caves.
- Any trip to Croatia should include a stay in the national capital of Zagreb. The country's history shines through here, with Hapsburg-era architecture that graces the entire city. Visitors can enjoy the twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral, among other sites. Make sure to use your Europe Sim Card to stay on course when finding places of interest in this amazing city.
These six ideas are not even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring Croatia. Those who travel connected will have the best opportunity to see not only famous sites but also the hidden treasures that every tourist loves to find. This is what Croatia travel is all about.
How to Get Around When Enjoying Croatia's Sightseeing Opportunities
Situated in the northern approaches to the Baltic Mountains and also along the rocky, island-strewn Adriatic coast, Croatia presents different travel challenges to many of Europe's more heavily visited.
Croatia lacks the extensive conventional and high speed rail service that spiderwebs across most of Europe. Travelling outside of the capital requires more planning than it would in other countries.
The national airline connects most of Croatia’s cities. Operating costs, however, keep tickets too high for most to afford.
Buses provide the least expensive way to get around in Croatia. The modern coaches provide charging ports and fast wifi to ensure that riders have the opportunity to travel connected.
Most decide to rent cars while in the country, to gain access Croatia’s myriad scenic vistas, historical sites, and interesting towns. This provides more freedom and flexibility to explore.
Visiting the scores of islands off the Croatian coast, and enjoying the Greek, Roman, Slavic, and Italian history found there, may require the use of a ferry if there is no direct highway access by bridge. Some of Croatia’s most famous sites, such as the tourist business district located within the walls of Diocletian’s palace, are on these rocky islands, and boast incredible views.
When using a car to explore Croatia, or any other country, make sure that you travel connected. Having a Europe Sim Card gives you and your phone vital online access. It enhances convenience by helping you find food, lodging, shopping, and other options. Having a connected phone also allows access to instant translation from Croatian into English, which is especially important during emergencies.
Rules of the Road in Croatia
Here are some essential laws and rules to remember when driving in Croatia:
- Speed limits of 50 kph in cities, 90 kph in suburbs, 110 kph on important roads, 130 kph on major highways
- Hands free devices only while operating a vehicle
- Seat belt use is mandatory
- Make sure to fill out the European Damage report located in the glove compartment in case of an accident in your rental car
Tips on How to Stretch Your Dollar
Experts suggest that finding inexpensive accommodations in Croatia is relatively easy, as long as you follow certain techniques.
First when using your Europe Sim Card to browse for rooms, use incognito mode. This blocks the dynamic pricing feature used by hotels to charge higher prices to foreigners. Most hotels also provide substantial discounts for early bookings. Finally, like in most places, lodging at the city periphery costs less than in the centre of town.
Croatia's peak season for visits and prices ranges from July through August. The off season, with its lower prices, occurs in spring and autumn. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy more popular sites without the crowds. Also, you can still swim comfortably in the Adriatic right through to the end of September in most years.
