Country info

CROATIA is a Central European country situated on the Adriatic coast and covering an area of 56,538km2 and with a population of more than 4.7 mil. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb. With a more rapid development of tourism which started in the '50s, Croatia was soon able to compete with other tourist countries of the Mediterranean region. As early as 1960's Croatia became popular destination for naturist tourists from all over Europe.

ISTRIA is the largest tourist region in Croatia with an area of 2,820 km2 and it has a population of more than 200,000. Of the total 30 mil plus overnights in Europe, Istria accounts for two thirds of the total booking figure for Croatia. The peninsula lies on the Adriatic, but it stretches far into the inland reaching the Central Europe. Therefore, it is the nearest warm sea for this part of Europe. The region enjoys Mediterranean climate with mild winters and long, hot summers. Characteristically for the region, the flora includes almost endless lines of evergreen forests of tall pine, cypress, hornbeam, and elm trees. In summer, the air temperature is about 30°C, while the temperature of the sea is about 25°C. The region has an average number of more than 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. The bright blue sky over Istria may last for several months (from April to October).

Useful information

BORDER FORMALITIES: Travel documents: to enter Croatia foreign tourists must produce either a valid passaport or some other document confirmed valid for such purposses by international agreement. The citizens of the Republic of Slovenia, Hungary and all EU countries may enter provided with a valid identity card only. Foreign citizens without a valid passaport (from other countries whose citizens do not need visa for Republic of Croatia), coming to Croatia on holidays or for business, will be issued free border passes (permits) on the basis of their identification documents by the border police. The border pass is valid three months. For Visa information please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia.

CUSTOMS: There are no Customs charges for personal belongings. Foreign currency can be imported and exported freely. Domestic currency up to the value of 2,000 Kuna can be exported. Professional and technical equipment of significant value should be reported when entering the country. Pets must have valid international veterinary certificates.

MONEY MATTERS: The official currency in Croatia is Hrvatska Kuna (HRK). Kuna (1 Kuna = 100 Lipa). There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Lipa coins, 1, 2, 5 and 25 Kuna coins and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Kuna banknotes.
Besides payment in cash, kunas, foreign visitors can use credit cards (Eurocard/Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Visa and Sport Card International), travelers cheques and Eurocheques (can be exchanged into kunas in exchange offices ); banker's cheques and private cheques that can be exchanged into kunas in Croatian banks. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and at most tourist agencies, hotels and camping grounds. ATM's are ubiquitous and accept all major credit and debit cards.