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Attractions in Croatia, Discover Croatia, General Info

UNESCO Heritage

Croatia is known for its beautiful nature, crystal-clear sea, delicious food and rich culture. With only 56,594 square kilometers or 21,851 square miles, this small country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean has it all.

It’s full of important monuments of cultural and historic heritage. This was also recognized by UNESCO so by this day there are seven protected locations because of their exceptional value.

Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian and the Old City of Dubrovnik were the first two sites recognized by UNESCO along with Plitvice Lakes in 1979. Since then, the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Centre of Poreč, Historic City of Trogir, Stari Grad Plain and St. James Cathedral in Šibenik were added to the list.

Sixteen other properties across the country have been submitted to UNESCO and are currently waiting evaluation on the tentative list. Interestingly enough, one of the most recognizable and best preserved ancient monuments of the country – the Amphitheater in Pula, is still not on the list but it stays one of the most amazing examples of the country’s riches.

But the list doesn’t stop only on protected monuments and sites. St.Blaise Celebration Day, lace-making in Lepoglava, Hvar and Pag, bellmen from the area of Kastav, the cross procession, overtone (two-part) singing and playing in the Istrian scale, spring procession of Ljelje (Queens), traditional manufacturing of wooden toys from Hrvatsko zagorje, gingerbread craft from northern Croatia – Licitar, ojkanje singing, knights’ tournament in Sinj – Sinjska alka, Bećarac singing and playing from Eastern Croatia, silent circle dance of the Dalmatian hinterland – Nijemo Kolo are all on the UNESCO Intangible cultural heritage list. Most recent addition is Klapa group singing.

All that makes Croatia a country with one of the biggest number of protected non-material cultural phenomena in Europe.

General Info

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency contacts:

  • Unique European number for emergency cases: 112
  • Emergency: 194
  • Fire department: 193
  • Police: 192
  • Road Assistance: 1987
  • National center for search and rescue at sea: 155

General information:

  • Info about local and district telephone numbers: 18981
  • Info about international phone numbers: 11888
  • Weather forecast and road conditions: 11802
  • Croatian automobile club (HAK): 060 520 520

International country calling code for Croatia is 385.

 

General Info

Currency

Kuna became Croatian official currency on National day, 30.05.1994. It replaced the use of former Croatian Dinar.

Kuna ( eng. – musteline) was selected because of the significant role of its fur through Croatian history. From the use as a means of naturalized payments, in time it takes on a function of money.

Kuna is divided into 100 lipa, and its abbreviation in the payment system is KN, while for the lipa is LP. It is issued on paper money in amounts of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 and in coins of 1, 2, 5, kuna and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 lipa.

Bills are portrayed with important historical figures and buildings, coins of lipa with drawings of plants, and coins of kuna with drawings of animals.

Commemorative coins are issued depending on the occasion with a variety of designs on the reverse. There are coins of 25 kuna, but they are in seldom use.

Where to exchange currency

Currency exchange office is situated within airports, railway stations, bus stations and ferry ports that receive international arrivals. Of course, currency exchange office is also located outside this establishments as independent outlets.

Apart from them, currency can be exchanged in banks, at post offices, in Offices of Financial Agency (FINA), and at the reception of a hotel.

Credit Cards

Mastercard is the widely accepted credit card in the world, and the same holds true for Croatia. With it you can purchase almost everywhere, and it is followed by Visa, Diners and American Express.

Amount of cash with which you can travel

If you are traveling with cash amount up to 10.000,00 euros, your entry or departure from Croatia is free and without any restriction. Any larger amount you have to declare to customs official.

Tax refund for foreigners

You are entitled to a tax refund if you are buying in Croatia retail items for your personal use, with the need to fulfill certain requirements, such as the purchase of up to a certain amount – 740.00 KN, the period in which the items were brought out of the land – 3 months, filling TAX – FREE form and its verification by the border customs office.

In addition, the retailer is obliged to fulfill your request and deliver the form Request for refund of value added tax. Trader enters your name, address, country, and passport number, account number and amount, and the amount of value added tax contained in the relevant account in the form. You present purchased goods to customs office, which verifies the form and enter the date of crossing the border. In this way you can, within six months from the date of issue form, request and receive a refund of paid PDV (VAT).

Croatian Cities, Destinations

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is the city known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, and it is situated at the south of the Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the center of Dubrovnik-Neretva county.

According to the last people census it has 43.770,00 inhabitants. It was an important Maritime Republic during the Middle Ages and soon became the only eastern city-state to rival Venice.

Climate

Dubrovnik has more than 250 sunny days per year. Average annual temperature is 16. 4°C (61.5 °F) , and in the summer is 25.8 °C (78.4 °F). It has hot, moderately dry summers and mild, wet winters. The coldest month of the year is January, and the warmest is August.

Sightseeing

Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration programme coordinated by UNESCO.

The patron saint of the city is Saint Blaise, whose statues are seen around the city. Probably the most popular feature of Dubrovnik is its walls that run almost 2 km around the city. The system of turrets and towers were intended to protect the vulnerable city.

Not only does the remarkable beauty of the town leave tourists breathless, but it also makes it an interesting filming location. The popular HBO series “Game of Thrones” was shoot in Dubrovnik and the island Lokrum that is situated 600 meters from the city.

Activities

Festival Dubrovačke ljetne igre or Dubrovnik summer games was founded in 1949. Every year in the period from 10th of July till 25th of August a numerous musical, drama and dance performances are held in the beautiful setting of indoor and outdoor venues. The foundation of the Festival are masterpieces of Marin Držić, Ivan Gundulić, William Shakespeare, Carlo Goldoni and many others. Musical part of the program represents the best local composers, soloists and orchestras together with their foreign guests. Operas, especially those with comic character are also performed at the Festival.

Day of the patron of Dubrovnik, Sveti Vlaho, or Saint Blaise is celebrated on the 3rd of February. The celebration of this day goes back in the past when people rushed to the city to celebrate. So that everyone could participate in the celebration, a Sloboština svetog Vlaha or Freedom of Saint Blaise was introduced. It was a day when every offender, convicts and exile could freely come in the city, two days before and two days after the holiday.

Even two film festivals are held in Dubrovnik, Libertas film festival and International Dubrovnik film festival. Libertas film festival takes place during the summer. Films and documentaries of indepedent productions that are dedicated to promotion of freedom in countries all over the world are shown. In the competitive part of the festival, selected films are trying to win the prize, Dubravka. Dubrovnik International film festival has also the competitive character. Jury of experts awards films in the categories of documentary and short films.

Besides many cultural activities, Dubrovnik is also known as a city of water polo. Several players of water polo from Dubrovnik and swimmers won the Olympic medals.

As the swimming season lasts a long time, Dubrovnik offers all kinds of water sports and spending quality time outdoors in a pleasant walking along the promenade.

Must see

The Dubrovnik city walls are one of the best preserved fortification complexes in Europe. Walls encompass five forts and sixteen towers and bastions. Within the complex there is an attractive museum out in the open. There is also the Stradun, the widest and the most beautiful street. Stradun is the favorite promenade and meeting place, the venue of all great manifestations.

Baroque church of St. Blaise is the proud of the city and its inhabitants. Island of Lokrum is famous for its legend. According to the legend, even the King Richard of the Lionheart found his rescue at the island. Lokrum is a nature park with the beautiful lake, Dead sea.

Tourist Board

Dubrovačko-Neretvanska

Vukovarska 24
20000 Dubrovnik
+385 (0) 20 324 999
info@visitdubrovnik.hr
www.visitdubrovnik.hr

Dubrovnik

Od sv. Dominika 7
20000 Dubrovnik
+385 (0) 20 312 011
info@tzdubrovnik.hr
www.tzdubrovnik.hr

General Info

EU Member

With the first day of July 2013, Croatia became the 28th member state of the European Union. Both, Europe and Croatia, were eagerly waiting for this moment, so they could start with building a common future.

Negotiation Progress

Croatia’s EU accession process began by the end of the 90’s. In 1997 the Council of the EU laid down the political and economic preconditions for developing bilateral relations with Croatia and in 1999, at the proposal of the European Commission, with Croatia included, the Stabilization and Association Process for the five countries of Southeast Europe began.

Croatia submitted its application to join the European Union on 21 February 2003. After getting the European Commission’s positive opinion in April 2004, Croatia was granted the status of candidate country in June of that same year. This opened the way for starting accession negotiations, officially launched on 3 October 2005.

At the referendum held on 22 January 2012 the citizens of Croatia supported Croatia’s membership of the European Union with 66.27% votes.

By coming into force of the Treaty of Accession, on 1 July 2013 Croatia became 28th member state of the European Union.

Accession Criteria

Croatia, like all the other members had to meet certain criteria in order to become a full member of the European Union. At the session of the European Council held in Copenhagen in June 1993, these three criteria were established to be met by all future candidates prior to their accession into full membership of the European Union: political, which implies stability of institutions which ensure democracy, the rule of law, respect for human and minority rights as well as adoption of political goals of the Union; economic, which relates to existence of an efficient market economy and ability of market factors to cope with competition pressures and market laws within the European Union; and legal criterion, which implies adoption of the complete acquis communautaire of the European Union.

Therefore, at the session of the European Council held in Madrid in December 1995, the fourth, administrative criterion for membership was established. This criterion implies adaptation of corresponding administrative structures with the aim of providing conditions for gradual and harmonized integration.

In addition to these criteria, Croatia had to meet specific political criteria for countries included in the Stabilization and Association Process.

Croatia in EU

By joining the EU, Croatian citizens will easily go across the borders of the European Union and for that they will only need ID card.

From now on, the labor market of the European Union is open for Croatian workers, but it should be noted that some countries temporarily restrict its labor markets for Croatian citizens, so in these countries free employment will be available after the transitional period, which can last up to seven years.

As a member of the European Union, Croatia will have 12 representatives in the European Parliament, seven votes in the Council of the EU, one Commissioner in the European Commission, one judge at the European Court of Justice, the General Court and the Court of Auditors.

Membership, of course, implies the occurrence of numerous products on the market, and thus more competition to domestic producers and farmers. In the first seven years in the EU foreigners can’t buy agricultural land in Croatia, there will be the possibility of extending that term for another three years. In the EU Croatia will maintain the current level of direct payments in agriculture of 373 million Euros. Funds for rural development will be available and Croatia will be given additional financial envelopes for areas affected by land mines and for the wine sector.

The zero rate of VAT is going to be annulled on bread, books, medicines, newspapers and scientific journals and a rate of at least 5 percent will be introduced .

Good news are coming for Croatian students, now they have the opportunity to study in any EU country under the same conditions as citizens of that state.

Activities in Croatia

Club Papaya

Famous croatian beach Zrće is located at the island of Pag and every year it attracts many tourists. Everyone wishful of good entertainment visits this beach also known as Croatian Ibiza. A spectacular Club Papaya also found its place on the Zrće beach. Papaya is often described as one of the best and biggest clubs in the open in entire Europe. Club can host even 5.000 people, and opens every day in the morning from 10 am and runs until 7 am the next day. The renowned DJ Magazine recently placed Papaya at the high 32nd place in the ranking of the top 100 clubs in the world.

Since its opening in 2002, Club Papaya hosted world–famous performers in club music. For this year, Papaya also prepared an impressive list of artists. Already famous Papaya Day and Night Festival will be held from 15th to the 19th of July this summer. Some of the artists who will perform at the festival are Basto, Thomas Gold, Nicky Romero, Wonderland Marine, Michael Poliak. With the Papaya Day and Night Festival, there is also a Beach Odyssey, Hideout festival with the performances of many other artists that will provide fun and quality music for all visitors.

Every year, Club Papaya organizes a well known Boat party. Boat with various sorts off entertaining activities is departing at noon and at 17 pm. On the boat you can expect special guests, quality DJs, dancers, animation and fantastic cocktails. Every week there are new and exciting events on the boat. The boat is sailing around the islands, and stops at the open sea for the contest of water jumps or just swimming. Boat can host up to 250 people and its full every time. Because of that, an early arrival in the port of Novalja is recommended.

Prepare your bathing suits, sunglasses, sunscreen and your friends and get ready for Club Papaya, where the party never ends.

Contact

Club Papaya

info@papaya.com.hr
www.papaya.com.hr

Destinations, Islands

Mljet

The island of Mljet is situated in the very south of Croatia, and it is a part of Dubrovnik‘s archipelago. Mljet is considered to be the greenest Croatian island, and with its sweet salty lakes, diversity of flora and fauna it secured his status as one of the most beautiful islands. Mljet is also the natural habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal, nearly extinct mammal.

Climate

Mediterranean climate prevails in Mljet. Summers are long and dry, while winters are rainy and mild. In the summer the most common wind breeze is Maestral, while the autumn and winter periods are rather fresh because of the strong wind – bura. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and a chance for snowflakes is reduced to minimum.

Sights

From the nations who lived on the island, Romans are the most important ones. They left behind several valuable buildings. Antic palace in the village Polača was built by the Emperor Augustus. Palace is consisted out of baths, two basilicas, warehouses for galleys and it is one of the best preserved monuments as it is the third largest Roman monument on the coast.

Benedictine built Sotnica which served as the judicial-administrative and farm building. During the Dubrovnik Republic, Knežev dvor or the Prince’s Palace was built. Knežev dvor is a Renaissance building with a large courtyard and a terrace.

Church of St. Mary and Benedictine monastery is located on the island of St. Mary in the middle of the Great Lake. Shady trees, turquoise lake and amazing calm, made that this island within the island became a trademark of Mljet.

Activities

Mljet is the perfect island for various sports. Arranged mountaineering trails with several phases for the hikers, numerous caves and pits that are perfect for the speleologists as well as a variety of bike paths. You can paddle in a kayak and canoe on Little and Great Lake or feel the wind in your hair enjoying on a yacht.

Must see

The western part of the island is a national park, which is also the oldest national park in the country. National Park Mljet is home to many rare plant and animal species which testifies of quality living conditions, whether on the land or in the sea.

Odisejeva špilja, or the Odysseus cave, was not named after the celebrated hero by accident. According to a legend, Ulysses had shipwreck nearby Mljet and there he met Calypso. The bottom of the cave is filled with water, so it can be reached by swimming or in a small boat.

Cave Rikavica is partially flooded, and it is ideal for diving. During the storm, you can hear terrifying screams and there are various stories about the existence of the mythical monster.

Tourist Board

Dubrovačko-Neretvanska

Vukovarska 24
20000 Dubrovnik
+385 (0) 20 324 999
info@visitdubrovnik.hr
www.visitdubrovnik.hr

Destinations, Islands

Ugljan

The island of Ugljan is located in the Zadar’s archipelago and it is one of the largest Croatian islands. Zadar Canal divides the city of Zadar and Ugljan, but a ferry which drives even in the night, connects them. The island is connected to the sea, sailing and fishing and for many years it is traditionally associated with olive growing. Thousands of olive trees that produce high quality oil of exceptional flavor grows on the Ugljan.

Climate

The island of Ugljan has Mediterranean climate with very dry summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is above 15 ° C, the average temperature of the warmest month, July is 24 ° C and the coldest, January is 12 ° C. Bura usually blows in the winter, jugo prevails in spring and autumn, and in the summer from the west blowes Maestral, the pleasant breeze. Stable and good weather with sunny, often bright and warm days prevails in summer and early autumn.

Sights

Numerous summer manors of famous noble families from Zadar that adorn Ugljan were built during the reanissance and baroque. In the center of Ugljan, on the beautiful sandy beach is the monastery of St.. Jeronim with a gothic church. The island is full of small and large churches with the characteristics of various styles. Church of St. Hipolit dates from the 11th century, and is characterized by late baroque altar. Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located on a hill with a beautiful view of the entire island. Cape of the island was named after the church of St. Peter which was built in the Romanesque building style.

Activities

Enthusiasts of active vacation Ugljan certainly will not disappoint. Among the recreations on the solid ground, there is cycling, tennis and soccer. If you spend your time by walking, decorated Lungomare tracks follow the coast and pass through the centuries old pine trees. The tracks are suitable for hiking, and may include steeper parts. If you wish to enjoy in the water sports, you can learn scuba diving, rent a boat or kayak. Swimmers will love the numerous sandy beaches, of which the most beautiful one is in the Muline bay.

Must see

Ugljan is a popular tourist destination, adorned by blue sea, tranquility and shade of pine trees. With the sights that the island offers, various excursions to nearby islands and national parks are also unavoidable. Memorable experiences in nature, the scent of lavender, beautiful vineyards and rich cuisine waits for you in the national parks Krka, Telašćica, Kornati.

Etnoland Dalmati is the first theme park of this kind in the country. Its visitors learn about the the past way of life of the Dalmatian zagora through the customs, tradition and socializing which also makes this park unique.

Tourist Board

Zadarska

Sv. Leopolda B. Mandića 1
23000 Zadar
+385 (0) 23 315 316
tz-zd-zup@zd.t-com.hr
www.zadar.hr

Croatian Cities, Destinations

Bjelovar

In the very centre of Bjelovar – Bilogora County, you’ll find its cultural capital – the city of Bjelovar. It was founded in the 1756 by empress Maria Theresia, who saw it as a New Varaždin, a strong military fort which was to stop the ongoing mutinies. Every year in June there is a festival Terezijana which honors her.

The empress Maria Theresia made the city official, but there is some evidence from the year 1413 dating the existence of the city. However, in 15th and 16th century this area was known as „no-mans land“ because of the constant advance of the Turkish empire.

The count Ivan Mažuranić made Bjelovar a free city. At that time the cote of arms was made for the city. The border guard from the time of the advance of the Turkish empire and three cut down oaks are the symbol of the city which are on its coat of arms to this day.

Climate

This part has the characteristics of the climate of the Central region of Croatia. The winters are moderatly cold, and the summers are warm. In spring moths the wind from East, a cold wind blows at aperiod of few days in a row. The annual temperature is around 12°C (53,6°F), in the coldest month of January -0.4°C (31.28°F), and during the warmest month of July it goes arround 20,6°C (69°F).

Culture through history

Near the city of Bjelovar in the place called Ždralovi, there are historical finding sites dating from the early Stone age. These finding sites go by the name of Ždralovi facies. There is some evidence the findings are linked to Vučedol culture.

The folk costumes of the area are the simplest ones from all the Croatian folk costumes. The reason was a lot of work that had to be done in the fields, so there was no time left for decorating the costumes. They wore white costumes with black vests, all made out of linen. The same outfit was for everyday work and for special occasions. The children were dressed the same as grown-ups. The man wore black hats, and women white scarves on their heads. In the Bjelovar city museum there is the oldest costume of Bilogora folk costume.

Sight-seeing

The whole city was made by a plan and it has a square shape placed streets in which it is impossible to get lost in. The houses in the very center of the city was built in art-deco style.

The Bjelovar city museum was founded in 1949. It is on the central square of Eugen Kvaternik. It has a remarkable culture and historical collection, the detailed archeological and ethnological collection, and the educational nature and science collection. With the collections, you can take a look at the Restauration work shop in the basement of the museum. The Bjelovar city library is also a part of the museum.

In the central Park of the city of Bjelovar there is the biggest pavilion in whole of Europe dating from the year of1943. The pavilion is made entirely out of the white stone from Island of Brač, the same stone that the White house was made of. Four statues from baroque period are the decoration to the park as well: the statue of the Saint Theresa of Jesus, The statue of Saint George, fighting a dragon, Saint Helena and the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk.

The church of Saint Theresa of Jesus is built in style of late baroque. It is placed on the central square of Eugen Kvaternik and it is a must-see stop after the walk through the central park, the home of the biggest stone pavilion in Europe. Walking further, through the Ban Jelačić street, you will see the beautifull Cemetery of Saint Andrew.

Memorial domain of Barutana is a place commemorating the killed soldiers from the war. It is placed in the suburb of Hrgovljani. In the late June there is a Commemorial named the March past of victorious.

Activities

There is lots of activities that can pass your time in a creative manner. The long and flat ountain of Bilogora is perfect for hiking and mountaineering, with not to steep slopes and marked paths. On little rivers of Bjelnička i Plavnička you can relax and go fishing. The Alley with Platanus trees on the Ivša Lebović promenade is a beautiful sight in summer time. The trees have different „hair-cuts“ every year. The platanus trees were planted in 1828 on the northern bastions of the fort that was once there.

On the last weekend in the month of January begins the International percussions week. It is really something to experience in the city of Bjelovar. The percussionists from all over the globe are there to give you an amazing concert experience. The event is held in the School for musical education “Vatroslav Lisinski” , and during that week you can participate on workshops held by international music teachers.

The cheese days is a festival of dairy products which are characteristic for this Area. It is held in the city of Bjelovar, because it is known by ist name the City of cheese. In the time of the festival you can try the various brands of cheese made by local producers and the big Dairy factories of the area. The Bilogorac, smoked cheese Dimsi and salty Podravac are the brands of cheeses that are already recognized in the world, while the Graničar and Kvagrl are to be given a golden medal. Have an amazing experience at the cheese festival.

Terezijana is a tourist event which is held on the second weekend in the month of June. It is a festival honoring empress Maria Theresia. The event begins with the coming of the empress carriage to the central square of Eugen Kvaternik where there is a čardak. Čardak is a wooden house that was built in 15 century, and this Čardak is guarded by the Husar formation. The Husar formation is a historical army formation dating from the advance of the Turkish empire. During the festival the photo exhibition “Forest through ranger’s eyes” by the local ranger is held on the spot. You can enjoy concerts of ethno and jazz music, and enjoy the sounds of the local instrument Tamburica.

March past of the victorious is a procession commemorating the killed soldiers in the incident of the explosion of the munition storage during the war. It is held on the 29th of June beginning at the Eugen Kvaternik square, and finishing at the Memorial domain of Barutana.

The international agricultural and livestock fair in Bjelovar is the biggest fair of the sort in the whole Europe. It is held in the suburbs of Gudovac, once in the spring time, and once in the fall time. The people of Bjelovar are very proud of their fairs, which are held from the 14th century in this area.

Tourist Board

Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska

Trg Eugena Kvaternika 2
43000 Bjelovar
+385 (0) 43 243 944
info@tzbbz.hr
www.tzbbz.hr

Bjelovar

Trg Eugena Kvaternika 4
43000 Bjelovar
+385 (0) 43 243 944
tz.grada-bjelovar@bj.htnet.hr
www.tzbbz.hr

Discover Croatia

Wine Regions in Croatia

Well known for its quality wines, Croatia has a lot to offer even for the most keen enthusiasts. Wines are typically divided into three regions in Croatia, each one with its own unique taste and wine-making process.

Istria

Istria is the largest Croatian and Adriatic peninsula. Thanks to the quality of geographical location, since ancient times Istria was able to keep ideal conditions for continuous cultivation of the vine. Istrian beauty is hard to describe, so the best way to get a picture of it is to visit and explore this area on your own.

Dalmatia

Central and South Dalmatia is a historical region with rich offer which will satisfy every visitor and wine lover. With 12 vineyards, this region is proud of the fact that it has the largest number of producers of wines with protected origin.

Slavonia

Slavonia is a region of good food and quality wines. Position, tradition and perseverance of the people are the main reasons why this region is now producing large quantities of high quality wines.
ine producers.