Republic of Croatia

 

croatia-be-in-balkan

Be in Croatia – Republic of Croatia

Balkans – where every mile gives you a smile! Balkans, the Crossroad of Civilisation

Welcome to Croatia – A Mediterranean Dream with a Balkan Soul

A country where ancient walled cities meet the turquoise Adriatic, and medieval castles rise from forested hills, Croatia is as dazzling as it is diverse. From the terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik to the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, and the vineyards of Istria to the nightlife of Zagreb, visit Croatia and step into a living postcard.

To Be in Croatia is to swim in sapphire coves, sail across island-dotted horizons, hike through pristine national parks, and dine in coastal konobas by candlelight. With its rich cultural heritage and friendly spirit, Croatia is a proud jewel of the Balkans – where every mile gives you a smile.

Croatia is incredibly well-connected. Major airports include Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV), Zadar (ZAD), and Pula (PUY), offering regular flights from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can also arrive by ferry from Italy, or by road and rail from Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The modern highway system makes exploring by car seamless. When you Be in Croatia, every journey feels like a scenic adventure.

As a Schengen Area member, Croatia follows EU visa regulations. Many travelers from Europe, North America, Australia, and several Asian countries may enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

Always check entry requirements with your nearest Croatian embassy or consulate. Be in Balkan recommends verifying your documents if visiting multiple countries in the region. Visit Croatia fully prepared for a smooth travel experience.

Croatian cuisine is a vibrant mix of Mediterranean freshness and Central European heartiness. Along the coast, savor seafood risottos, black cuttlefish ink dishes, grilled octopus, and Dalmatian prosciutto with local olive oil and wine.

Inland, comfort foods like stews, sausages, truffles, and slow-cooked meat dishes reflect Austro-Hungarian and Slavic influences. Don’t miss Istrian truffles, Slavonian kulen, or a traditional peka meal cooked under the bell. When you Be in Croatia, every bite is a taste of its cultural crossroads.

Croatia has a modern healthcare system with high standards in public and private facilities. Hospitals and clinics in cities like Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka are equipped for emergencies and traveler needs.

Pharmacies (ljekarna) are widespread and reliable. Many staff speak English, and over – the-counter as well as prescription medicines are available. Be in Balkan ensures you have access to health support wherever your trip to Croatia takes you.

The official language is Croatian, a South Slavic language written in the Latin script. It shares similarities with Bosnian, Serbian, and Montenegrin, though it has distinct pronunciation and vocabulary.

English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist zones. Learning greetings like “dobar dan” (good day) or “hvala” (thank you) adds warmth to your journey. Be in Croatia, and you’ll find language a bridge, not a barrier.

Croatia’s restaurant scene is as varied as its geography. Coastal towns feature seafood-heavy menus in rustic konobas and chic waterfront terraces, while inland eateries serve hearty, meat-based fare with local wines.

Zagreb is a gastronomic hub with creative fusion cuisine, street food, and elegant dining. Istria offers gourmet experiences with truffles and boutique wineries. When you visit Croatia, dining is an immersive celebration of culture, season, and sea.

Croatia caters to all travel styles – from luxury seaside resorts and boutique heritage hotels to cozy guesthouses and countryside agrotourism.

Dubrovnik and Split offer iconic old-town stays, Zagreb balances comfort with convenience, and the islands bring relaxation in stunning natural settings. Be in Balkan helps arrange authentic, trusted accommodations throughout your trip to Croatia.

From ancient artifacts to quirky modern exhibits, Croatia’s museums tell stories of empire, resistance, and imagination. Zagreb’s Museum of Broken Relationships is globally renowned. The Archaeological Museum, Mimara Museum, and Croatian Museum of Naïve Art offer deeper cultural insights.

In Split, the Diocletian’s Palace blends architecture and living history. Dubrovnik’s Cultural History Museum and Rijeka’s Maritime Museum also stand out. Be in Croatia and walk through millennia of art, culture, and identity.

Zagreb pulses with youthful energy – craft breweries, jazz clubs, art-house cinemas, and outdoor festivals fill the calendar. The bar scene thrives in Tkalčićeva Street and surrounding neighborhoods.

Split offers beach bars, live music, and old-town energy that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Dubrovnik, though elegant, brings open-air clubs and cocktail lounges beneath the stars.

Island destinations like Hvar and Pag (home to Zrće Beach’s world-famous parties) transform into nightlife hotspots in summer. Whether it’s casual wine tastings or full-scale beach raves, when you Be in Croatia, the night is yours to define.

Croatia operates on 230V electricity (plug types C & F). Mobile and internet coverage are excellent. Major providers include A1, Hrvatski Telekom, and Telemach.

Tourist SIM cards are easily purchased. Digital infrastructure is robust, especially in cities and tourist zones. Be in Balkan helps keep you connected and supported across your trip to Croatia.

Croatia adopted the euro (EUR) in 2023, making travel more seamless within the EU. ATMs are widely available, and card payments are standard in cities, towns, and even many rural spots.

Major banks include Privredna banka Zagreb (PBZ), Zagrebačka banka, Erste & Steiermärkische Bank, OTP Banka, and Raiffeisenbank. For ease and security, Be in Croatia and enjoy modern banking with regional charm.

Essential contacts for your trip to Croatia:

  • Emergency (All Services): 112
  • Police: 192
  • Ambulance: 194
  • Fire Brigade: 193
  • Tourist Info (Zagreb): +385 1 4814 051

Be in Balkan ensures you’re safe, informed, and connected across your journey.

Croatia follows Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and observes Daylight Saving Time (CEST, UTC+2) from March to October.

This aligns perfectly with most neighboring countries and European schedules, making travel efficient and time-friendly. Wherever you are, when you Be in Croatia, your itinerary flows with ease.

Public Holidays (2025)

Date Holiday
Jan 1 (Wed) New Year’s Day
Jan 6 (Mon) Epiphany
Apr 20 (Sun) Easter Sunday
Apr 21 (Mon) Easter Monday
May 1 (Thu) Labour Day
May 30 (Fri) Statehood Day
Jun 19 (Thu) Corpus Christi
Aug 5 (Tue) Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day
Aug 15 (Fri) Assumption Day
Nov 1 (Sat) All Saints’ Day
Nov 18 (Tue) Remembrance Day
Dec 25-26 (Thu-Fri) Christmas & St. Stephen’s Day