Everything you need to know for a perfect trip to Croatia

Croatia has used the euro (€) since 1 January 2023, when it became a member of the eurozone. The old kuna is no longer in official use.

Card payments are widely accepted — from restaurants and accommodation to shops and petrol stations. ATMs are available in all tourist destinations, and Apple Pay and Google Pay also work in more modern establishments.

Croatia has been a member of the Schengen Area since 2023, which means EU citizens can travel with just an ID card. Travellers from other Schengen countries are also not subject to border controls.

For travellers from outside Schengen, such as the USA, UK, Canada and Australia, standard Schengen rules apply — up to 90 days of stay within a 180-day period, with a valid passport.

The ideal period is May–June and September–October: pleasant temperatures of 20-27°C, the sea warm enough for swimming (21-25°C), and significantly fewer crowds than in July and August.

July and August are the peak season — the hottest, but also the most expensive and busiest months. September is often called the “golden month” thanks to the ideal combination of warm sea and fewer crowds.

For a first visit, a minimum of 7 days is recommended — enough to focus on one region such as Dalmatia or Istria. For a true experience combining the coast and national parks, you need 10-14 days.

Ideally, 2 weeks allow for a complete road trip from Istria to Dubrovnik, with stops at Plitvice Lakes, Split and at least one island.

A week per person costs approximately: backpacker around €250-400, mid-range budget €500-900, premium €1,200+. The biggest costs are accommodation (around 40% of the budget) and food (around 25%).

Prices are significantly lower in May and October compared with July-August — savings can reach 30-50%. Travel costs to Croatia are not included.

The best value for money can be found in Slavonia in the continental part of the country, central Dalmatia outside the main tourist centres (Omiš, Makarska Riviera), Kvarner in the pre-season and post-season, and smaller islands such as Pag and Cres.

Dubrovnik and Hvar are the most expensive destinations, especially in July and August.

By car: around 1,100-1,400 km from Warsaw to Split via Czechia and Slovenia, with a journey time of 13-15 hours.
By train: a direct summer Adriaticum Krakow-Split connection (seasonal).
By plane: regular and seasonal low-cost routes from Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw to Split, Pula, Zadar and Dubrovnik.

All beaches in Croatia are public and free to access, even those in front of hotels. You only pay to hire sun loungers and parasols on organised beaches (€10-25 per day).

Most beaches also have completely free areas alongside those with paid services. Under Croatian law, the entire coastline is a public good and cannot be privatised.

For a first visit, the recommended combination is: Dubrovnik with its UNESCO city walls, Split with Diocletian’s Palace, Plitvice Lakes as the best-known national park, and one island such as Hvar or Brač.

For continental Croatia: Zagreb and Hrvatsko zagorje. For Istria: Rovinj and Pula.

English is widely understood in all tourist destinations — in restaurants, accommodation and at attractions. Younger people generally speak English well, and many also speak German or Italian.

Basic Croatian phrases (hvala, molim, dobar dan) are appreciated but not necessary for a successful trip. In Istria and Kvarner you will often hear Italian as well.

Croatia is one of the safest European destinations according to EU statistics. The crime rate is low, and cities are safe even late at night.

The main recommendations concern petty theft in tourist crowds (keep valuables safe, carry your bag in front of you) and safety in nature when hiking and swimming. The emergency number for all services is 112.

Must-try recommendations include: fresh fish and seafood on the coast, peka (lamb or octopus cooked under the bell), pršut from Drniš or Istria, Pag cheese, truffles in Istria and Slavonian kulen.

Wines: Plavac Mali (Dalmatia), Pošip (Korčula), Malvazija (Istria). Olive oil from Istria is world-class.