Croatia is geographically situated on the cross-roads between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. The total land area of Croatia is 56,538 sq.km., and the area of the coastal sea about 31,900 sq.km., with a population of approximately 4.9 million. The uniqueness of Croatia lies in its diversity. Situated between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Croatia provides visitors with the opportunity to ski in the winter and swim during the summer months, all within driving distance. With its 1.185 islands, islets and reefs, it is the most divorced coast on the Mediterranean. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb, a charming medieval city of exceptional beauty known for its spirit and architecture.
There are seven national parks in Croatia, three being in the mountainous regions (Risnjak, Paklenica and Plitvička Jezera), and four in the coastal regions (Kornati, Brijuni, Krka and Mljet). Croatia is also home to the Old City of Dubrovnik, Diocletian's Palace in Split, Euphrasies Basilica in Poreč, the lakes Plitvička Jezera and many others. Croatia boasts the largest number of developed settlements in southeast Europe, in addition, many of which date back to Roman and medieval times.
USEFUL INFO:
Culture:
Croatia belongs to the Middle-European and Mediterranean cultural and civilization circle and tradition.
Money:
The official currency of the Republic of Croatia is the Kuna. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, exchange offices and post offices in accordance with the valid exchange rate. All major credit cards (American Express, Diners, Visa, Euro card/ MasterCard) and Euro-cheques (after being changed in banks) are accepted.
Climate:
North Croatia has a continental climate. Central and mountains region, as well as the entire Adriatic coast, have a Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn are mild along the coast, while winter can be cold and snowy in central and northern regions.
Time zone:
Croatia is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 6 hours ahead of New York and Montreal, 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles, 4 hours ahead of Sao Paulo, 2 hours behind Moscow, and 8 hours behind Tokyo. Daylight saving time is observed from late march to late September, during which time the clocks are advanced one hour.
Health service:
Foreign tourists do not have to pay for medical service if there is a signed health insurance convention between Croatia and their country of origin. Health care costs for tourists from a country that does not have a signed convention with Croatia are paid directly by the user in accordance with listed prices.
Important telephone numbers:
International dialing prefix for Croatia: +385
Ambulance: 94
Fire service: 93
Police: 92
General information: 981
Information about local and district telephone numbers: 988
Information about international telephone numbers: 902
Weather forecast and road conditions: 060 520 520
Croatian auto club (HAK): 014640800
Assistance on the roads: 987; 987@hak.hr
(If you are calling form the outside of the Croatia or using a mobile phone dial: +3851987)
Croatian Airlines: information service: 062 999 999
Working hours:
Shops and department stores are open between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or to 3:00 p.m. A smaller number of stores close between noon and 4:00 p. m.
Public services and companies usually work form 8:30 to 4.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Major patrol stations are open from 7:00 a.m-10:00 p.m. There is always one patrol station in a town open 24 hours a day.
Banks are generally open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and from 8:00a.m.-12:00 noon on Saturday.
Post offices are generally open Monday-Saturday 7:00 a.m.-9:00p.m.
TRANSPORTATION:
By Car
Traveling by car is a great way to visit Croatia, because it gives you the freedom to explore. There are numerous places and towns to be seen and a variety of things to be done.
By Sea
There are international and coastal ferry lines. Jadrolinija is the main Croatian passenger ferry company, with the highest number of regular international and domestic lines. The other Croatian shipping and freight agency is Jadroagent Ltd. Other agencies operate along the Croatian coast during summer.
By Air
Traveling by plane is a convenient and comfortable way to visit Croatia. Many European companies have regular flights to Zagreb Airport and from there the Croatian national carrier, Croatia Airlines, provides regular flights to other Croatian cities. Dubrovnik airport is called Čilipi Airport and it is located about 18 km from the city center. If you are arriving on a regular flight, there are regular buses departing from the airport to Dubrovnik. Travel time is around 20 minutes.
By Rail
The rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except Dubrovnik. There are direct lines to Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina and other countries. Indirect lines also exist, connecting Croatia to almost all other European countries. Find more info on Croatian national railways site.
