Croatia, Dubrovnik

Grand Hotel Park 4^*

Split, located between the sea and the mountains along the Dalmatian coast in southern Croatia, is a vibrant city with a rich history. Bordered by the Adriatic, the city is home to a rich historic centre, where Roman remains can be admired. The city's unique buildings, including Diocletian's palace and St Domnius' cathedral, have earned Split a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Split invites you to enjoy a change of scenery, with its strolls, walks and discoveries.

Customs and traditions

Croatia is a country rich in tradition and culture. Croatians are known for their warm hospitality and closeness to family. When visiting Croatia, it's common to greet people with a simple "Dobar dan" (good morning) or "Dobra večer" (good evening). Croatians place great importance on food and family meals, and it's very common to share delicious local dishes such as 'cevapi' and 'pasticada'.

The family is at the heart of Croatian society and family ties are very strong. Religious traditions also play an important role in Croatian life, especially the majority religion, Catholicism.

In terms of customs, it's important to respect places of worship and to dress appropriately when visiting churches or religious sites. It is also customary to say "hvala" (thank you) to express gratitude.

In Croatia, you are encouraged to take an interest in the local culture, whether it's visiting museums, taking part in traditional festivals or discovering local crafts. Croatians are proud of their cultural heritage and are generally happy to share it with tourists.

Time difference

The time difference in Croatia is generally either UTC+1 (Central European Standard Time) or UTC+2 (Central European Summer Time).

Electricity and internet access 

The electric current in Croatia is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. Sockets are European type with two round pins. An adapter is recommended if your appliances use different plugs.

Croatia has a good infrastructure in terms of connectivity and telecommunications. Internet access is generally available in most hotels, restaurants, cafes and public areas. What's more, many establishments offer free Wi-Fi to visitors. Mobile networks are also well developed throughout the country, providing reliable connectivity for communications.

Safety

Croatia is generally considered to be a safe country for travellers. Local authorities ensure the safety of residents and visitors throughout the country. However, as with any tourist destination, it is advisable to take some basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.

We advise you to remain vigilant and take care of your personal belongings, especially in busy tourist areas where pickpockets may be present. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and keep an eye on your identity documents.

In general, Croatia is a welcoming and safe country and the locals are generally friendly towards tourists. As with any destination, use common sense, respect local laws and follow recommended safety precautions to get the most out of your stay.

Currency

The currency in Croatia is the Euro, with banknotes and coins in circulation.

Weather

Croatia's climate varies from region to region due to its diverse geographical location. In general, the Adriatic coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The islands and coastal regions enjoy sunny summers, ideal for swimming and summer activities.

Inland, the climate becomes more continental, with hot summers and colder winters, sometimes with snow. Mountainous regions, such as Plitvice National Park, can be cooler even in summer.

It is advisable to check the weather forecast for the region you're visiting so that you can prepare for the seasons accordingly.

Languages

The language spoken in Croatia is Croatian.

Accommodation quality

Croatia offers a wide range of quality tourist accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences. You'll find options ranging from luxury hotels to holiday apartments, B&Bs, villas, campsites and even homestays.

Coastal towns such as Dubrovnik, Split and Rovinj offer many first-class hotels and charming establishments with sea views. Croatia's islands also offer unique accommodation options, from charming hotels to traditional holiday homes.

In general, the quality of tourist accommodation in Croatia is very good, with most facilities meeting international standards. It is advisable to book well in advance, especially during the high summer season.

Food quality

Croatian cuisine is renowned for its variety, freshness and unique flavours. Traditional Croatian dishes often feature local ingredients such as fresh Adriatic fish, seafood, lamb, pork, locally grown vegetables and artisan cheeses.

On the Adriatic coast you can enjoy freshly caught seafood, exceptional olive oils and dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Specialities such as "peka" (traditional dish cooked under a bell-shaped lid), "crni rižot" (black risotto with cuttlefish ink) and "buzara" (seafood in tomato sauce) are a must-try.

In the hinterland, Hungarian, Turkish and Austrian influences can be found in hearty, tasty dishes such as "Čevapi" (spicy minced-meat sausages), "goulash" and "Štrukli" (stuffed pasta).

In Croatia you'll find a wide variety of restaurants, from local taverns ("konobas") to high-end gourmet restaurants, offering a rich and authentic culinary experience for all tastes.