Croatia holidays

History Buffs: Split is home to the elegantly ragged ruins of Diocletian’s Palace; widely hailed as the most atmospheric Roman ruins in the world. Unleash your inner Indiana Jones and explore underground passages and ancient temples, and while you might not find the hidden treasure, you can enjoy a nice cool drink in one of the hidden bars.

Honeymooners: Spend your first days as a married couple on one of the fantastic beaches or enjoy a city break in Dubrovnik, a romantic city of beautiful architecture, quiet restaurants and superb sunsets.

Nature lovers: If you’re a fan of the Great Outdoors, Croatia has no less than eight national parks to explore, famous for their unspoilt scenery and an abundance of wildlife.

Language: The language spoken here is Croatian. While the locals have a basic command of English, it’s worth packing a phrasebook or downloading our handy language app, just to show willingness.

Currency: You’ll need to change up your Sterling for Euros before you fly off on your break.

Local time: Croatia is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Pula, Dubrovnik or Split Airports. Transfer times from Split to resorts on the Dalmatian Coast and Brac Island are between 1 hour and 10 minutes, and 2 hours. The Dubrovnik Coast is up to 1 hour and 15 minutes from Dubrovnik Airport. Rovinj is 45 minutes from Pula Airport.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Croatia is 2.5–4 hours.

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found at the offical website for tourism in Croatia.

Visa / health: Before your holiday, visit The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

By bus: Buses are the main form of transport here and, in the larger cities, services run once every 20 minutes. 

By train: Although trains are slightly slower than buses, they are more comfortable. Cost-effective and a great way to meet the locals, trains offer a laid-back way to travel long distances and soak up the spectacular scenery.

By taxi: Taxis are plentiful in here and can be flagged down from the roadside or booked in advance by phone or online. Although they are metered, it’s best to double-check the price with your driver, to ensure you get the best deal.

Easter Regatta: Held in April, the Easter Regatta changes location from year to year. This three-day event attracts sailing fans from across Europe, who come to marvel at the fleets of boats racing across the ocean to claim the coveted first prize in each class. The spectacles are accompanied by live music, plenty of food and drink, and capped off with a fantastic firework display.

IN Music Festival: Head to Zagreb in July and you could find yourself caught up in the heady atmosphere of this outstanding, open-air music festival. Big names from the world of pop and rock wow the crowds over three days.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival: This is the biggest celebration in the Croatian cultural calendar! Musicians, actors and artists come from all over the world to perform at a variety of outdoor venues, over a two-week period.

Passport and Visas

Do I need a passport?

All visitors to Croatia will need a passport. Although your passport will need to be valid for the entire length of your stay, it doesn’t need to be valid for any specific period of time beyond this.

For more information on Croatia passport regulations and details of the country’s entry requirements, head to The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. 

Do I need a visa?

British citizens do not need a visa to enter Croatia as a tourist. It’s not unusual for immigration officials to ask to see evidence of your departure plans such as a return flight or evidence of your financial means to fund your trip.

Should I get travel health insurance?

Travel and health insurance is something you should always have before setting off on holiday, particularly if you’re elderly, have a health condition, or are travelling with young children. Insurance covers you in case you need emergency medical treatment while you’re on holiday.

We always recommend reading through your policy documents carefully before your trip, to ensure you know what is and what isn’t included. It’s also a good idea to check you’ll be covered for any activities you’re planning on taking part in while you’re in Croatia.

Any other tips?

• It’s a good idea to carry your passport with you at all times as it’s the only recognised form of ID for tourists visiting the country.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink in Croatia, but bottled water is also readily available.
• In many towns and cities, it is important to dress modestly. Wearing swimwear or going shirtless is frowned upon in some areas, and in many towns, it is prohibited by law.
• For more information and Croatia travel advice, head to The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.