
Croatia Fast Facts
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.
Capital City | Zagreb |
Size | 56,594 km² |
Resident | 4,190,669 |
Official Language | Croatian |
Currency | kuna |
Time Zone | CET+1 |
Telephone Area Code | +385 |
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