Essential information for Croatia

When to go

On the whole, peak season in Croatia is July and August, as that’s when the weather is at it’s best. Much of Croatia’s tourism is focused on the stunning western coastline, which is treated to a Mediterranean-like climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Meanwhile, if you’re planning on exploring inland Croatia, it experiences hot summers and winters that have been known to get quite cold. Snow isn’t all that uncommon in the central and northern regions.

As the summers in Croatia are usually quite hot, booking a Croatia beach holiday in the months bordering peak season is possible. That’s when crowds are at their lowest, and the water is still warm enough for a swim. However, once November to April hits the weather is more unreliable and many hotels and restaurants along the coast shut down.

Health and safety

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and your family on your trip. If you’re visiting Croatia specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this.

See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia.

Passports and visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Croatia, but must have a valid passport. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Flights either land at Dubrovnik airport in the south of Croatia, convenient for holidays to Cavtat and the Makarska Riviera, or Pula Airport in the north, closest to Rovinj, Novigrad and other Istrian peninsula resorts. Most tour operators include transfers as part of a holiday package so getting to your resort is easy. If you prefer to arrange your own travel, the airport taxi ranks are located immediately outside of the arrivals lounge door.

On the whole, Croatia is incredibly well-connected for travelling between resorts and cities. There are railway and coach services which connect most major cities, plus taxis for when you reach your final destination. There’s even a comprehensive set of ferries to take you out exploring the Croatian coastline or to visit nearby islands.

The easiest way to see Croatia on your own schedule is, of course, by car hire. Many car hire companies will allow you to rent a car in one Balkan country and drop it off in another, depending on your travel. You should be advised though that the roads in Croatia can be quite old and especially windy.

Advice for travellers with children

Croatia is a cosmopolitan country that warmly welcomes young holidaymakers, with beaches sloping into shallow waters and kid-friendly activities and restaurants. There are a number of pedestrian zones – including much of Dubrovnik‘s Old Town – so kids are often free to roam. As for dining, the restaurant scene in Croatia is so varied, even the most upscale restaurants are equipped to handle little foodies, supplying kid’s dishes and portions.

Because Croatia’s temperatures can soar in the summer, it’s important to keep an eye on little ones and stay hydrated. Similarly, it should also be noted that here, all children under five are required to sit in car seats when travelling by car, so you’ll need to make arrangements in advance if you plan to drive anywhere.

Booking Croatia holidays All Inclusive can take the stress out of travelling with little ones, and there are plenty of options available.

Electricity

Connector type: Generally round two-pin plugs

Voltage info: 220 volts AC, 50Hz

Emergency information

Call 112 for all emergencies and the operator will put you through to the police, fire brigade or ambulance service. The line is operated in five languages including English.

British Embassy

If you’re a victim of crime, affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner, contact the British Embassy in Zagreb. It’s open from Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5pm and Friday 8:30am to 2pm.

Address: Ivana Lucica 4, 10000 Zagreb

Email: british.embassyzagreb@fco.gov.uk

Telephone: +385 (1) 6009 100

Hospitals

The main hospitals for each region are based in Pula and Dubrovnik.

Opca bolnica Pula Address: Zagrebacka 30, Pula Telephone: +385 52 376 000

Opca Bolnica Dubrovnik Address: Dr. Roka Misetica 2, 20000, Dubrovnik Telephone: +385 20 431 777