OVERVIEW

Croatia stretches along the Adriatic coast. The country borders Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia & Montenegro and Slovenia. The country’s landscape ranges from small villages in the interior to the dramatic Dalmatian coastline. In the north, the Istria peninsula includes the major coastal resorts of Porec, Pula, Opatija and Rovinj; the Kvarner region has many islands and islets with good beaches. Further south, are the Split and Makarska regions. Zagreb, the economic, cultural and administrative heart of the region, sits prominently on the River Sava. Dubrovnik was once considered to be the most beautiful city in Croatia with its medieval walls and palaces. Split was founded in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The enormous palace he built and the walled town now form part of the old quarter. Concerts, opera and dance all take place within the palace. Plitvice Lakes National Park consists of a string of 16 beautiful blue-green lakes in a valley between high forested mountains. Foodwise, visitors should sample manistra od bobica (beans and fresh maize soup).

Social Conventions
People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport. Photography: Certain restrictions exist.

Tipping
10 per cent is expected in hotels, restaurants and taxis.

International Travel:

Air
Croatia’s national airline is Croatia Airlines (OU) which flies directly from London Heathrow to Zagreb daily. British Airways also operates direct flights three times a week from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik. Other airlines serving Croatia include Aeroflot, Air France, Fly Bosnia, KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airways and Swiss. Croatia Airlines operates direct flights from the UK (London and Manchester) to Dubrovnik, Pula and Split in the summer.

Approximate flight times
From Zagreb to London is two hours 30 minutes, to New York is 10 hours 35 minutes.

International airports
Zagreb (ZAG) (Pleso International) is 17km (10 miles) southeast of the city. An airport bus runs 0700-2000 to the city center (travel time – 25 minutes); taxis are also available (travel time – 20 minutes). Airport facilities include left luggage, banks/bureaux de change, restaurants, snack bars, bars, business lounge, duty-free shops, post office, tourist information, first aid and car hire (including Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National).
Dubrovnik (DBV) is 18km (11 miles) southeast of the city. An airport bus runs to the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change, a post office, bars, duty-free shop, shops and car hire.
Split (SPU) is 25km (16 miles) northwest of the city. An airport bus runs to the city (travel time – 40 minutes). Airport facilities include banks/bureau de change, post office, car hire, duty-free shops and bar/restaurant.
Pula (PUY) is 8km (5 miles) northwest of the city. An airport bus runs to the city (travel time – 15 minutes). Airport facilities include bureau de change, car hire, duty-free shop and snack bar/restaurant.

Departure tax
None.

Sea
Passenger and car ferry services run to Italy. The main routes are: Split–Ancona, Zadar–Ancona, Split–Pescara and Dubrovnik–Bari. Fast hydrofoil services operate on some routes. The main ferry lines are Adriatica, Jadrolinija and SEM Marina.

Rail
Direct trains run from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Serbia & Montenegro, Slovenia and Switzerland. Express services run from Zagreb to major cities including Berlin, Budapest, Munich, Venice and Vienna.

Road
There are routes from all neighboring countries. The National Autoclub of the Republic of Croatia can provide information. Bus: There are regular international buses connecting Croatia with Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Germany, Hungary, Italy and the Slovak Republic. Eurolines, departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves destinations in Croatia. For further information, contact Eurolines (tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694;).

The following goods may be taken into Croatia without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of wine and 1l of spirits; 250ml of eau de cologne and one bottle of perfume.

Note
(a) Valuable professional and technical equipment must be declared on arrival. (b) Articles of archaeological, historical, ethnographic, artistic and other scientific or cultural value require an export license issued by the Croatian authorities. (c) Passengers carrying firearms (for hunting and sporting purposes) or radios for communication (CB, walkie-talkie) must hold a valid passport.

Internal Travel:

Air
The main domestic airports are located at Rijeka (RJK), 27km from the Island of Krk (travel time – 35 minutes by bus) and at Split (SPU), 25km from Split (travel time – 30 minutes by bus). Split also receives international flights. There are others at Pula (PUY), 10km from Pula (travel time – 15 minutes by bus) and Dubrovnik (DBV), 22km from Dubrovnik (travel time – 30 minutes by bus).

Sea
There are regular connections between the main ports and the offshore islands. Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik are linked by passenger and car ferries.

Rail
The network connects all major cities except Dubrovnik. However, it is often quicker to travel by bus.

Road
In 1996, there were 27,247km of roads in Croatia, including 495km of motorways. A 10-year road-building program was announced in that year. Unexploded ordinance may remain in Eastern Slavonia and the former Krajina; motorists should avoid these areas. A toll is payable on motorways. Unleaded petrol is available. Regulations: Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) on motorways, 100kph (62mph) on dual carriageways, 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) outside built-up areas. Heavy fines are imposed for speeding. Documentation: National or International Driving Permit. All motorists should also carry a valid passport as proof of identity at all times. A Green Card should be carried by visitors (except EU nationals) taking their own car into Croatia. Without it, insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover; the Green Card augments this to the level of cover provided by the car owner’s domestic policy. National registration in country of origin is required for all foreign vehicles. Bus: There are regular services to destinations all over Croatia. Timetable information is available from Zagreb Central Bus Station.

Geography
Croatia stretches along the Adriatic coast (narrowing north–south; the major ports being Rijeka, Pula, Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik) with a larger inland area (running west–east from Zagreb to the border with Serbia & Montenegro). The northern two-thirds of this border are formed by the River Danube. The country borders Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia & Montenegro to the east and Bosnia & Herzegovina (southeast from Zagreb; northeast from the Adriatic coastline).