Croatia has it all.
Croatia is famed for its stunning coastlines, breathtaking waterfalls and forests, and captivating history.
Sunny, coastal destinations like Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik are dotted with magnificent ancient Roman ruins. Explore the old towns, and then relax on one of the pebble beaches with crystal clear waters.
From Split, catch a ferry to the island of Hvar to tour the lavender fields and watch the stars at night. But don't forget to take an organized tour of Croatia's smaller islands, many of which are only accessible with a professional guide. The Blue Cave, The Blue Lagoon, and the small fishing village of Komiza are unmissable.
Nature lovers will enjoy Croatia's unspoiled National Parks. Head north to Plitvice Lakes to walk among gushing waterfalls, or visit Krka National Park and swim among them.
THE ESSENTIALS
Language
English is wildly spoken in Croatia, and I noticed that almost everyone under 40 speaks exceptional English. It's amazing. That said, the official language is Croatian which is mostly what you'll hear.
Currency
Croatia recently converted to Euros at the beginning of 2023. Say goodbye to the Kuna!
Plugs
Croatia has two plug types: Type C and Type F. Like the rest of Europe, Croatia's outlets run on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. I recommend purchasing a universal adapter (with surge protection) and a converter for larger electronics like hairdryers.
Safety
I was pleasantly surprised at how safe I felt visiting Croatia. From bus terminals at off hours, to hiking deep in a National Park, to busy cities, I never once felt unsafe. Violent crime is really rare in Croatia!
European Travel Notice
Starting sometime in 2025, US travelers ages 17-70 will need to complete an ETIAS registration form and pay a €7 fee prior to their trip or risk being denied entry to any of the European countries in the Schengen Area. It’s not a visa; it's a quick form that you will likely be granted instant approval once completed, but it still needs to be done in advance. The form is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Visas
US citizens can travel in Europe for up to 90 days out of every 180 days without needing a visa.
Best Time to Visit
From roughly October to April much of the Dalmatian coast and the beach resort towns are closed. Instead, you can visit destinations like Zagreb, Pula, or Dubrovnik when prices have dropped to their lowest.
The shoulder seasons are the best times to explore Croatia's natural wonders like Plitvice Lakes, which is too busy to be enjoyed in the summer. Alternatively, go in late winter to see the spectacular sight of the frozen over waterfalls.
If you do decide to visit in the summer, you're trading crowds for long, lazy days by the water. Could be worse!
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