Croatia is a travel destination that is often underestimated, with beautiful nature and impressive national parks. Croatia borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Italy. Once part of Yugoslavia, it has rightly become the focus of many travelers in recent years. See ANDYEDUCATION for education in Croatia.

Fast facts to know

• Many Croatians also speak German.
• Hospitality is very important.
• Relatively inexpensive travel destination.
• Known for good wines and excellent olive oil.
• Almost 10 percent of Croatian territory is natural beauties – 11 nature parks, 8 national parks and 2 nature reserves.
• Has very good beaches.
• Naturism is very popular in Croatia.
• More than 1200 islands belong to Croatia.
• 86% of the population is Catholic.
• Croatia has the most intangible treasures under UNESCO protection in Europe.
• Croatia is home to celebrities like Marco Polo and Nikola Tesla.
• “Game of Thrones” was filmed in parts in Croatia.
• The tie was invented in Croatia.

Exciting cities in Croatia

• Dubrovnik
• Korcula
• Split
• Rovinj
• Trogir

History of Croatia

• First proven settlements 130,000 years ago.
• 550–1270 Eastern Roman/Byzantine Empire.
• 925–1102 Croatian Kingdom.
• 1102–1526 Croatia in personal union with Hungary.
• 1451–1699 Ottoman Empire.
• 1527-1918 Habsburg Empire.
• 1918–1941 Creation of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
• 1941 Surrender of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia to the Axis powers in World War II. Croatia becomes a German vassal state.
• 1945-1991 Croatia as part of Yugoslavia.
• 1991 Croatian declaration of independence.
• 1995 End of the War of Independence.

Climate & travel weather in Croatia

• Dalmatia:
  • North-Mediterranean climate (mild, rainy winters and hot summers).
  • One of the wettest regions in Europe.
• Pannonian Plain:
  • Temperate continental climate (very hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters).
• Dinaric Alps:
  • West: Mediterranean climate.
  • East: continental climate.
• Recommended travel time:
  • Suitable as a travel destination all year round.
  • Beach holiday: May – Aug.
  • Round trips: spring & autumn.
  • Mountain tours: summer.
  • Winter sports: Dec-Feb

Ideas for trips in Croatia

• Baredine Cave
• Amphitheater Pula
• Castle in Pazin
• Sculpture Park Vrsar
• Knin Fortress
• Ruined city of Salona
• Diocletian Palace Split
• Paradise beach Lopar
• Biserujka Cave
• Blue Cave Bisevo
• Zlatni Rat beach

Eating & drinking in Croatia

• Diverse and regionally varied cuisine.
• Turkish, Italian and Greek influences can also be felt.
• Sheep cheese, Dalmatian ham but also typical stews are very popular.
• White bread is often served with the food.
• There are very good Croatian wines.
• Dalmatian cuisine:
  • Like steamed and grilled.
  • Fish, vegetables, Mediterranean herbs.
  • Simple, uncomplicated kitchen.
• Cuisine of Istria and Kvarner:
  • Mixture of continental and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Fish and seafood very popular.
  • Known for excellent olive oil and tasty pasta dishes.
  • Truffles from Istria are a true delicacy.
• Continental cuisine:
  • Much meat based.
  • Potatoes, dried or green beans, cabbage, onions and pickled peppers are often used.
  • Known for good fruit and delicious fruit liqueurs (e.g. Sljivovic).
• Typical dishes:
  • Black risotto
  • Brodet od riba (fish stew)
  • Fritule (baked yeast pastry)
  • Cevapcici (well seasoned ground beef)
  • Koštradina (boiled lamb)
  • Pašticada (marinated beef studded with bacon cooked in red wine).
  • Pljeskavica (grilled mince steak)
  • Orahnjaca (nut roll)

Particularly scenic

• Impressive national parks:
  • Kornati National Park
  • Krka National Park
  • Brijuni National Park
  • Paklenica National Park
• Many beautiful islands, eg Krk, Rab, Cres, Losinj and the Kornati islands
• Coastal road Jadranska Magistrala
• Kvarner Bay
• Lim channel
• Zrmanja Gorge
• Plitvice Lakes