TRAVEL TIPS
CROATIA
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW To visit Croatia, in the Balkan region, is to take
the country is one of the most desired
a trip to a surprising past. Castles, medieval
destinations for people who want to enjoy the
towns and much history. From thousands
European Summer in the best style.
of years ago to the recent separation from Yugoslavia (in 1991), the country of 4.5 millions
Added to that, there are beautiful national
of people keeps architectural treasures and an
parks, such as the Plitvice Lakes National
amazing cultural heritage.
Park, a natural phenomenon with waterfalls, cascades and caves, forming a beautiful mosaic
Either walking the streets of the capital Zagreb
of colors which is known in the entire world.
and the streets of Split, or among impressive palaces of Dubrovnik, the feeling is that you
Croatia can be divided in four regions. Two of
are in a movie set.
them are on the North and the other two are on the coast. The most famous one is Dalmatia,
But visiting the Republic of Croatia (its official
which has the main touristic destinations, since
name) also is to be enchanted by one of the
it is located on the coast. However, regions
most beautiful coasts in the world. Surrounded
such as Slovenia can also surprise the visitors
by the Adriatic Sea and having 1,244 islands,
with amazing attractions.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS CROATIA
The language spoken in the country is the Croatian language, a Slavonic language, which
TRANSPORT
is also spoken in Bosnia and in other regions of nearby countries. However, many people can speak English, specially young people, followed by the Italian language, due to the proximity with the country. And the best thing is that Croatia is increasingly developing tourism with a great infrastructure: good restaurants, extensive hotel chain, and the easy movement among cities are among
Moving through Croatia can be complicated, and it requires a careful planning due to its uncommon geography. However, there are several good-quality options: ferries are reliable, buses are reliable and efficient, trains connect big cities and flights usually have fair prices. And if the option is driving a car, the country offers modern and well preserved highways.
great conquests. This is also due to the
CAR
fact that, nowadays, Croatia has one of the
From Zagreb (capital), a motorway in great
strongest economies of the former Yugoslav
conditions will take you to Split (coast) in four
republics. It is the second biggest one in the
hours. On the other side, the roads along the
entire Balkan region, behind only Greece.
coast are full of curves. Thus, you should pay
WEATHER
to Dubrovnik. During the high season (July
There are three climate zones in Croatia: in the
and August) and sunny weekends, the traffic
interior of the country, the predominant climate
can be congested in cities of the coast. In the
is moderately continental. The mountain climate predominates at 1,200m above ocean level. The areas along the coast of the Adriatic Sea have a Mediterranean climate, that is, a mild climate. The days are frequently sunny; the Summers are hot and dry and the Winters are mild and wet. Average temperatures in the interior vary from -2ºC to 0ºC, in January, and from 20ºC to 22ºC, in July. In the mountains, they are a little lower than that. However, in the coast, they vary from 5ºC to 9ºC in January and from 23ºC to 26ºC in July.
attention to the part of the road which goes
islands, the best idea is to rent a car. Besides the freedom it will give to you, buses usually are slow and not much frequent.
PLANE
FERRY-BOAT
Croatia has 68 airports, but only five of them
It is highly probable that you will use
are international airports. The main airport is
ferryboats as a mean of transportation in
the International Airport of Zagreb, located
Croatia. It is by them that you will be able
at 10km from the center of the capital. From
to go to most islands of the Adriatic Sea.
there, flights depart and arrive from main
The main company providing this kind of
European cities, and also from the Middle East.
transportation is Jadrolinija, although there is
Another option to go to Croatia by plane is the
also the possibility for taking private vessels.
Airport of Split, the second most important
In the route Split-Hvar, for example, one of the
airport of the country. Among local airlines,
most bustling routes, it can take you 1hr05, in
the most famous one is Croatia Airlines (www.
several schedules during the day. You must
croatiaairlines.com).
pay attention since many routes only are in
TRAIN
operation during Summer months.
The railway transportation is developed, with
International sea transport also is very used
high-speed trains in some routes, and it usually
to go to Croatia from Italy. From Venice and
is cheaper, if compared to other European
Ancona, for example, you can board to go to
countries. The central station, called Kolodvor
the cities of Pula and Porec. Usually, ferries
Glavni, is located in Zagreb. From there, you
are not luxurious nor fast, but they can be
can go to cities such as Split. On the other
a great option if you have time and want
side, there are very few routes on the coast. In
to save a hotel night, if you chose the trip
Dubrovnik, for example, one of the main cities,
during the night.
there is not even a train station.
BUS Traveling by bus through Croatia is a cheap and convenient alternative, specially in the continent and along the coast, since there are not many railway lines. However, to explore the islands, this type of transportation is not very recommended. Buses also are a good option to go to the country if you are coming from Italy or Slovenia, since there are few flights and trains coming from both countries.
BICYCLE Bicycles are excellent options for adventures in the islands. They are the perfect transportation to enjoy the local atmosphere and to reach places automobiles cannot go.
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ATTRACTIONS Croatia offers attractions that please the most varied types of tourists. Beaches, historical cities and natural parks ensure several days of fun in all regions of the country.
ZAGREB Croatia’s capital and the biggest city of the country, Zagreb’s population has 800 thousand inhabitants. It is a place for contrasts. It is dedicated to workers during the day but it has a fun and relaxed atmosphere during the night. It is the typical European metropolis in many aspects, but, at the same time, it is known as being a welcoming and very hospitable place. The history of Zagreb dates back to 1094, when its diocese was created. The facades of the buildings of its historical center show the high spirit of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but it can also be noticed influences from the city of Prague, in Czech Republic. Almost all main points of interest are located in the Center. Lovely coffeehouses, restaurants, parks and gardens, as the ones from the neighborhood Ribnjak, affectionately cared, create the scenario along with the walls of Kaptol. We also highlight the Cathedral of Zagreb, with its Gothic art, andZrinjevac, a park located a few steps away from the main square TRG Bana Josipa Jelacica.
PLITVICE LAKES Located between the mountains of Mala Kapela and Plješivica, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is an invaluable natural
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phenomenon. There are 16 big lakes with
is full of historical and cultural monuments.
crystalline water connected by other small and
The most remarkable one is the Franciscan
medium lakes, creating waterfalls and cascades
monastery in the small island of Visovac,
in a breathtaking path. The caves and rocks in
located in the middle of the lake. Inside the
the pathway contribute to an unique spectacle
monastery, a photo gallery and a church tells
of mosaic of colors, shapes and sounds.
us about the origins, which date back to the 14th century. However, the main attraction of
In the 300 thousand km² park, electrical trains
the park are its seven waterfalls. The biggest
and boats transport the visitors to several
of them is Roski Tapa, although Skradinski Buk
destinations. Then, the tour is by foot through
has the biggest and most famous fall.
narrow paths, trails and wooden bridges over the surface of the water. The park receives visitors
SPLIT
during the entire year, but it is more pleasant to
The center of Split, in Dalmatia, is in the
visit it during Summer months. On the other side,
UNESCO World Heritage List. Its history
during Winter, the scenario can be rewarding
started in the year 305, with the foundation
with its frozen waterfalls. For people who prefer
of the summer village of the Roman emperor
to spend the night inside the National Park, there
Diocletian. Over 17 centuries later, it still
are several options of hotels and restaurants,
is possible to pass by places such as the
including family’s houses.
emperor’s mausoleum, which later was
KRKA
incorporated to the Cathedral of Saint Duje, besides the Diocletian’s Palace, considered the
Krka National Park is astonishing for several
real symbol of the city. Split also is the starting
reasons. Besides its natural phenomenons, it
point for several islands of the Adriatic Sea.
ISLANDS
or course, enjoy parties in high sea and in the
The formation of the Croatian coast, with its
main marine islands of the region.
1,244 islands, islets, reefs and cliffs, happened after a significant increase in the level of the
DUBROVNIK
Adriatic Sea, around 13 thousand years before
Dubrovnik is a walled city, located in the South
Christ. The tranquility of the waters that
extreme of the region of Dalmatia, in the coast
receive boaters and adventurous people is
of the Adriatic Sea. Although it is small city
contrasted by the liveliness of the cities, which
(with a population of 40 thousand people),
become scenario for the most famous parties
it is one of the main touristic stances of the
of the European Summer.
Mediterranean, and it is listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1979.
Out of the total of islands, only 50 of them are inhabited. Among the most visited
In the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik rivaled in
ones by tourists, there are the ones from
commercial shipping with Venice, in Italy. It
the archipelago of Split. The Island of Brac,
made the city to reach a remarkable level of
the biggest one of the Adriatic Sea, with its
development during the 15th and 16th centuries,
beautiful white stone and carving workshop
and it was an important center of development
tradition, and the sunny and fun Hvarreceive
of the Croatian language and literature.
people from several origins, specially in the months of July and August. A very common
Among its main attractions, there are Roland’s
option, specially among young people, is the
Column and the Bell Tower, in which bronze
eventYacht Week, in which people from the
statues play a huge bell every hour of the
entire world rent luxurious boats to go to and,
day. However, it is the walls, 2km long and surrounding the Old City, that made the city famous in the entire world. Dubrovnik became even more famous after being a scenario for the television series Game of Thrones.
ZADAR The region of Zadar is in the North of Dalmatia; thus, it is the entry door for all who travel from the North of the Adriatic Sea. Full of contrasts, this region is rich in historical heritages and has incredible nature. The combination of the blue of the ocean and the dark green of the pine trees makes it a memorable setting. The Old City has Roman ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan coffees and great museums.
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SLOVENIA
However, you can also find a wide choice of
The region of Slovenia, in the oriental part of
places which offer fair prices, specially when they
Croatia, reserves some treasures for people
are guest-houses and hostels for backpackers,
who want to see more of the country. Molded
and the famous B&B (bed and breakfast).
by the strength of the rivers Drava, Danube, Sava and Ilova, the region has unmissable programs. Going to the Old City of Osijek, visiting traditional villages of Baranja and getting amazed by the Kopacki Rit Natural Parkare just some of them. All of that with the warm welcoming and friendship that are so typical from the region.
B&B This type of lodging is very common in the entire country, and it is a good option for people who only want a place to sleep, without much luxury or comfort.
CAMPING There are several areas for camping in Croatia, including some nudist camps. It is important
WHERE TO STAY
to stay only in authorized places, since it is forbidden to go camping without permission in national parks and in some islands. You can learn more on Croatian Camping Union’s
The price of lodgings in Croatia varies
website (http://www.camping.hr/).
depending on the time of the year. During the months of Summer, the prices increase
Other lodgings: there is a big offer of private
proportionally to the temperatures, specially in
houses in Croatia, which can be reserved
coastal towns and islands.
through local travel agencies. During high
season, several places request a minimum of
leguminosas are common. Chicken and veal are
three nights for lodging, or they charge extra
two of the most popular offers, and usually they
fees for short stays. The most common option
are accompanied by a pasta, such as gnocchi. A
for lodging, specially in the coast, are SoBes
dish that is authentically Croatian and that has
(private room), which, usually, have much
a name which is almost unpronounceable is
better prices than hotels. They can be reserved
Zagorski Ĺ trukli. Prepared with local cheese, it is
through local travel agencies and tourist offices.
cooked with cream and butter.
HOSTELS
But the coastal region is characterized by
through Youth Hostel Association (www.hfhs.
influences of the Greeks, Romans and the
hr), you can find several options of hostels, in
Mediterranean cuisine in general, such as
bigger cities and also in islands.
Italian and French cuisines. Specialties, of
If the idea is to lodge in a more comfortable place with higher prices, the hotels are the best option. Lately, a continuous investment in the entire hotel chain of the country with great options of 4 and 5 stars has been being made along the coast and in the interior of the country. There is also the alternative of sophisticated boutique hotels in main cities. Inside the country, rural tourism has been growing, as well as new rustic accommodations along with it.
DINING OUT Croatian cuisine is diversified and known as being a cuisine of different regions and influences. The selection of ingredients and methods for preparation can be geographically divided between coast and continental regions. The continental cuisine has roots in Hungarian, Viennese and Turkish gastronomic schools. Dishes with meat, freshwater fish and
course, are always fresh seafood, such as squid, octopus, shrimp and lobster.
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They can be prepared in different ways, and can be accompanied by local olive oil, ham, vegetables, wines and liquor. In the small town of Ston Mali, close to Dubrovnik, the attractions are oysters and mussels. Wines are also part of the rich Croatian gastronomy, and they are very popular. Their production dates back to ancient Greek colonists, who already produced such drinks in the islands of Dalmatia around 2,500 years ago. Nowadays, there are over 300 wineries regions and a strict classification system to ensure the quality and the origin. Frequently, the wine is diluted so a drink known as gemist (a combination of white wine and carbonated water) can be made.
symbolizing fertility. Look for tablecloths, tissues and aprons decorated with traditional
SHOPPING
Croatian drawings. Close to Zagreb, the city of Samobor produces one of the most famous crystals in the
Croatia has a great tradition in handicrafts. Thus,
entire world. There, craftsmen of all ages, for
leaving a space in the luggage is essential to
centuries, have been passing on their abilities
bring home different and original gifts.
from one generation to the next.
Produced only in the Island of Pag, the pag lace
The biggest supermarket chain you will find
is a type of squared or rounded lace. Although
in Croatia is Konzum, with stores in the entire
it is simple, since it is made of only white
country. It is a great option to try wines, breads
thread, this famous handicraft, which can be
and cheeses of the regions, besides, of course,
found in any store, has already been used to
personal-use objects.
adorn clothes of empresses and princesses of the entire Europe.
Another option are the open air markets, which are present in almost all of the main cities. In
Embroideries are also part of the history
most of them, typical food and products are
of Croatia. With Ottoman and Venetian
sold by local farmers. It is a great opportunity
influences, the predominant color is red,
to taste homemade cheeses, wines and other
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
+385 93 92 112 9155
IDD CODE OF THE COUNTRY FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICE MEDICAL EMERGENCY MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF ZAGREB
01 4562 222 AIRPORT OF SPLIT
drinks, plus getting to know and chatting with
02 1203 555
their producers. JADROLINIJA
Often, in train, buses and ferries stations, you can find newspapers, pens, sun glasses, candy, chocolate, phone cards, batteries, recharging for mobile phones and even tickets for local buses being sold in small stands. They are known as Tisaks. Most of them are closed during the entire or part of Sundays.
CURRENCY The official currency of Croatia is Kuna. Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks, currency exchange offices, post offices and in most tourist information offices and hotels. Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are accepted in almost all commercial establishments.
51 666 111 TOURIST INFORMATION
62 999 999