Basic information about Croatia

About Croatia

The Republic of Croatia is regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world that deserves to its geographical position. Croatia occupies the largest part of the eastern coast of the Adriatic sea which, as a part of the Mediterranean sea, penetrates deepest into European soil. Croatia’s shoreline and numerous islands enjoy the majority of the Adriatic coastline. The narrow Dinara mountain range separates the country’s Mediterranean region from its central European continental part, which spans from the easterly edges of the Alps in the North-West to the shores of the Danube in the East, encompassing the southern part of the fertile Pannonian lowlands.

Adriatic sea

Intensively blue Adriatic Sea is 783 km long, of which the total coastline including the islands is 7868 km long, and the Croatian part of which belongs as much as 74%, or 5,835 km, is the true embodiment of the finest quality of Mediterranean. If you want accurate figures: the transparency and clarity on the high seas ranging up to 56 m, and along the coast going up to 5 m depth. The sea depth in the north along the shoreline of Istra is up to 50 m deep, while at island of Palagruža going up to 250 m deep and near the farthest island of Jabuka going up to 1300 in depth. Average sea temperature in summer ranges between 22-27 °C and the lowest winter temperature about 7 °C, and in the spring pleasant 18 °C.

Climate

Croatia has three climate zones. Interior is moderately warm and rainy, while Croatia’s highest peaks have a mountain climate which includes snowfall. The areas along the Adriatic coast have a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate with a large number of sunny days, summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and wet. Average temperatures in the continental interior are: January -2 to 0 °C, with somewhat lower temperatures at the highest altitudes; August approximately 20 °C, with around 12 °C at the highest altitudes. Average temperatures in the Littoral (Adriatic Coast) are: January -5 to 9 °C, August -22 to 25 °C. The sea temperature in winter is 12 °C and approximately 25 °C in summer.

Culture and History

If you are interested in the days of antiquity, you should start from the Roman amphitheatre in Pula, through Zadar and its forum - the largest excavated forum on the eastern shores of the Adriatic - and then to the magnificent palace of Emperor Diocletian in Split. Walk through time, from the pre-Romanesque Church of St. Domnius in Zadar dating from the 9th century, to the world of the Romanesque that is the magical monument city of Trogir, or the islands of Krk and Rab. Follow the Gothic period in Zagreb, Pazin, or, for instance, the town of Ston on the Pelješac peninsula. Discover the Renaissance in Osor on the island of Cres, Šibenik cathedral, the islands of Hvar and Korčula, and finally, the one and only Dubrovnik. The towns of Varaždin, Bjelovar and Vukovar glow with the splendour of the Baroque, while the heritage of the 19th century is at its best in Rijeka, Osijek and, of course, in downtown Zagreb.

Currency

The official currency in Croatia is the kuna (1 kuna = 100 lipa). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices and in the majority of tourist information offices, hotels and campsites. Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are accepted in almost all hotels, marinas, restaurants, shops and cash machines.

We invite you to discover and enjoy the beauty of Croatia, its mild climate, crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches and unspoilt nature combined with a rich history and cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and good wines, but above all, its warm and friendly residents.

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