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CROATIA

DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Croatia in a way like no other. Croatia packages up all that you crave in a European holiday. Moving effortlessly from historic sites to idyllic islands and forest villages to rousing cities, our tours here don't miss a thing. Devour black risotto and Roman heritage in the capital of Zagreb and stroll the 12-kilometre promenade of Opatija. Further inland, uncover the layers of Croatia too often missed through the teal cascades of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Out to sea, a Croatia sailing tour will showcase the immense appeal of the Adriatic. In every pocket of Croatia we take you to, the lifestyle will have you hooked. Not least of all the culture of a sunset apéritif. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.

"In Croatia, we enjoy an amazing lunch in a village on Hvar island, where guests sit on the terrace of a medieval stone house that's surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Our hosts use local cooking techniques for octopus, lamb and veal, while everything is accompanied by a regional red wine"

 

 

Gasper,

Travel Director

Croatia at a

glance

Currency

Croatian Kuna

Winter avg temp

9°C

Summer avg temp

25°C

Time Zone

GMT +2

Capital City

Zagreb

Language

Croatian

Good Morning

Dobro jutro

Good evening

Dobra večer

Image by Annie Spratt
Image by Sergii Gulenok
Image by Camilla Plener

A country blessed with pristine beaches, fortified towns and more than a thousand tiny islands to explore, there's no wonder Croatia has fast become one of Europe's hottest holiday destinations. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director to get under the surface of the 'Jewel of the Adriatic'.

Image by Niels Bosman
Image by June Liu

Our top 3 things to do in Croatia

Whatever your travel style, Trafalgar's Croatian trips will delight you. Find slow island days by the shores of Hvar and endless history within the walls of Dubrovnik, before exploring the lesser-known beauty of Plitvice National Park.

Explore the capital city of Zagreb

Find the Croatian capital in a picturesque natural setting by the edges of Medvednica Mountain and the Sava River. With the history of Roman times in its foundations, Zagreb will gift you simple days spent exploring forgotten monuments. Don’t miss the artworks of MSU gallery and the daily farmer’s markets of Kaptol.

Take in the natural beauty of Plitvice

Be awed by the beauty of Plitvice National Park as we move away from the coastline. Here, wooden walking tracks curl past waterfalls and teal ponds covering 295 square kilometers of forest reserve. Nature's beauty is on full display at Plitvice’s 16 lakes.

Take a romantic stroll on the promenade in Opatija

Somewhere between the Habsburg-era villas and the Adriatic Sea, lies Opatija and its scenic promenade. Follow the path, known locally as the Lungomare, for 12-kilometers from Preluka to Lovran, stopping to rest and admire the outlook along the way.

Best museums in Croatia

Prepare for the unexpected in Croatia’s collection of museums. From obscure bronze sculptures to time-pieces of days gone by, our trips will delight the curious traveller with plenty of Croatian culture.

Museum of Arts and Crafts

Zareb’s Museum of Arts and Crafts sits wrapped in an ornate yellow building, presenting over 160,000 objects dating from the 4th-20th century. From watches to musical instruments and fashion accessories to photography, the breadth of objects is beyond impressive.

Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

Found in an unassuming building in the heart of Zagreb, the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art impresses with the talents of many local and international artists. Showcasing works that span into the late 1980’s, you will do more than just observe antiquities and distant eras in this Croatian museum.

Ivan Meštrović Gallery

Standing in honour of the late multi-disciplinary creative, Ivan Meštrović, this gallery is a pride of Croatia. Though the artist was best known for his sculpture work, you will find furniture, drawings and various design works, with majestic pieces spanning bronze, marble and wood.

Best food in Croatia

Austrians are known for their love affair with meat and nostalgia-inducing desserts. Take a culinary adventure with Trafalgar, and we’ll delight you with the country’s very best gastronomical experiences.

Ispod Peke

Translating literally to ‘under the lid’, ispod peke is a cooking technique involving an open wood fire and an oversized pot. Various meats, vegetables and flavours boil beneath the terracotta lid at extreme heats. Devour this heart-warming dish to appreciate slow cooking methods of days gone by.

Pašticada

Served alongside pasta or gnocchi, the beef stew of pašticada will satisfy your hunger after a long day of exploring. Dating back to the 15th century and playing an important role in special occasions, sampling this meal is a Croatian history lesson in every mouthful.

Crni Rižot

Despite its simple, tar-like appearance, crni rižot is a delicious dish with an abundance of flavor. Written in English as black risotto, the ink of cuttlefish and squid are the highlights of crni rižot, often finished with a generous serving of parmesan cheese.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

The colossal tale of ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ by George R.R. Martin inspired the HBO mega-series Game of Thrones. With many scenes from this show filmed in the Croatian towns of Dubrovnik, Trsteno and Split, you can feel a deeper connection to Croatia by flipping through the pages of the book.

Good tea

Whilst Croatians love a morning herbal tea, other tea varieties are not so common. If a certain cup of tea is part of your daily routine, consider packing some from home rather than hunting them down.

Sun protection

At an average of 2715 hours of sunlight per year, Croatia is sunnier than most Australian cities. A hat, many swimsuits and sunblock will all prove essential when visiting the pearl of the Adriatic.

A hunger for seafood

Fresh seafood is offered in abundance by Croatian restaurants, usually caught fresh that day from the cool depths of the fringing coast. From fried squid stew with polenta to clams, mussels and lobster, a hearty appetite for seafood will be well satisfied in Croatia.

Ginger tablets

Though the Adriatic usually offers a pleasant, mellow time at sea, occasionally Croatia sailing tours are bothered by rough waters. Rather than dosing up on medication, come prepared with ginger tablets. This natural alternative often stops sea-sickness before it even begins.

What to pack for Croatia

Image by Alice Donovan Rouse

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Road Trip Adventures

Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!

Guide to Croatia Visa Application

Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Croatia and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.

  This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.

Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience! 

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