Croatia - Travel Guide
Description
With a population of only 5 million in an area of over 56,000 sq. km, Croatia is quite sparsely populated. This little country lies on the Adriatic Sea, directly opposite Italy. The climate here is dependant upon the area. The coastal area has very hot, dry summers and mild, moist winters and the inland areas often have bitterly cold winters.
Bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina it is surprising that only Serbian and Croatian are the official languages spoken here.
Croatia's location and the fact that it has about 5,000kms of coastline, mean that is is rapidly becoming a popular holiday destination. Tourism is now a major area of the country's economy.
Geographically, Croatia is very diverse, from the flat plains along its Hungarian border, to mountains at over 1,000 metres and more than a hundred beautiful islands off the pretty coast. Vegetation matches the geography in its diversity. Grape vines and olive trees flourish on the fertile plains; oak forests provide a habitat for a wealth of animals and birds, with the sea life plentiful in the Adriatic Basin.
There are a few concerns when holidaying in Croatia; four years of conflict in the early 1990's caused major damage to the infrastructure here and, although progress is good, parts of Croatia lack the facilities you would expect to find while on holiday; travellers are advised not to stray from designated paths or paved roads as there is a risk of landmines remaining undetected since the conflict. To avoid problems, always check travel advice before you go.
Croatia, a small, yet highly diverse, crescent-shaped country, has all the scenic requirements of an excellent place to holiday in. The infrastructure, facilities and amenities to attract visitors are improving and will continue to improve (the capital Zagreb is testament to this recovery) and the cost is a big lure, as it is one of the cheapest new destinations in which to soak up the diverse culture, interesting cuisine and, of course, the sun.
Driving Guide
To enter Croatia, you need a valid driving licence, vehicle registration document and green card (certificate of insurance). There are some motorways connecting major inland cities, but normal roads are usually single-carriageway and are only of satisfactory standard. The roads tend to be very overcrowded in summer, especially along the Adriatic coast road (Jadranska Magistrala). Tolls are charged on the E59 and the E70 out of Zagreb. Speed limits are slightly higher than most European countries: expressways 130km/h; other roads 90km/h; built-up areas 60km/h. Police do collect on-the-spot fines. Petrol stations open from 6am to 8pm, although some stations on major roads are 24-hour.Please note that school buses and public transport have the right of way when pulling away from a stop. You must not pass a bus when passengers are getting on and off. Do not drive on the tram lines. Do NOT drink and drive. Be warned - random tests are legal in Croatia.
Croatia - Key Facts
Timezone: UK+1.Languages spoken: Croatian.
Capital City: Zagreb.
Major Cities: Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Split.
Mojor Airports: Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Pula, Split.
Population: 4.5 million
Area: 56,540 sq km - 21,830 sq miles.
Climate Guide: Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot sunny summers. Fine weather during summer sometimes interrupted by thunderstorms, which increase in frequency from S to N. Autumn and winter rainfall can be quite heavy. Inland more mountainous regions have a cooler climate.
Currency: Kuna (HRK 1 = 100 lipa).
Notes: HRK: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000.
Coins: HRK: 1, 2, 5. Lipa: 1, 2, 4, 10, 20, 50.
Telephone Code: 385
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz.
UK Tourist Information: Croatian National Tourism Office
2 The Lanchesters
162/164 Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 9ER
Tel: 020 8563 7979 Fax: 020 8563 2616
E-mail: info@cnto.freeserve.co.uk
Website: www.croatia.hr
Hotel Class: Croatia uses the standard 1-star up to 5-star grading system. This officially replaced their former system _ L (de luxe) through A, B, C and D _ at the end of 2000.