CroatiaTravel guide

Bus

A wide bus network connects all parts of Croatia. Services between major cities and within regions are frequent. Buses are generally faster than trains for travel between cities. Zagreb Bus Station is the country's busiest bus terminal. Its timetable information is available in Croatian and English.

Train

Trains connect major cities except Dubrovnik. For Dubrovnik, take a train to Split and continue by bus. Rail is the cheapest link between inland Croatia and the coast, but services are less frequent. Buy your ticket before boarding when ticket sales are available at the station. Buying on the train usually costs considerably more. Early reservations can bring substantial discounts. Croatian Railways provides timetables and prices in Croatian and English. Station signs use peron for the platform and kol for its side.

Ferry and boat

Ferries are a useful way to explore the coast and islands. Some islands can only be reached by sea. Jadrolinija is the main national ferry company. Check timetables because schedules change with the season. Outside summer, day trips to remote islands can be difficult or impossible. Services often suit island residents travelling to the mainland. Boat transfers run from Split town and airport to nearby islands. Hiring a yacht without a skipper usually requires a recognised sailing certificate or extensive sailing experience.

Car

Drive on the right and wear a seat belt. Using a mobile phone while driving is not allowed. Coastal roads can be narrow and winding, and some roads in Istria become very slippery when wet. Watch for animals, speeding vehicles and risky overtaking. The general limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside them, 110 km/h on major motor routes and 130 km/h on motorways. Motorways charge tolls. Ask for a receipt at the toll booth to check that you have not been overcharged. Most rental cars have manual gears. Car rental starts at around €40, though the source does not state the rental period. Parking near coastal old towns fills quickly in summer and can be expensive. Parking farther away is often easier and may be free. Daytime headlights are required in winter. Slow down in rain and check your mirrors carefully before entering the overtaking lane.

Dubrovnik

A famous historic coastal city with a distinctive appearance shaped by its past as an independent city-state.

Šibenik

A historic coastal town described as a strong example of Dalmatian character.

Rijeka

A northern coastal city with a different character from the towns farther south.

Zagreb

Croatia's capital combines modern city life, cultural venues and an easy-going atmosphere.

Slavonia

This eastern region includes Osijek and Vukovar, along with vineyards and wine cellars.

National parks and nature parks

Croatia has eight national parks, ten nature parks and many other protected areas.

Kulen and čobanac

Kulen is a spicy sausage from eastern Croatia. Čobanac is a stew made with several meats and plenty of spicy red paprika.

Štrukli

Cheese-filled pasta associated with Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia.

Sir i vrhnje

Cottage cheese with sour cream, sold fresh at Zagreb's Dolac market.

Police

Oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon, a typical dish from Lika.

Coastal specialities

Try Istrian truffle dishes, Dalmatian pršut cured ham and paški sir cheese from Pag island.

Fish and seafood

Coastal dishes include fresh fish, squid, octopus, crabs and scampi. Some places serve fish caught by local fishermen the night before.