Croatia Getaway: Dalmatian Coast

Turquoise water. Sunshine. Wildlife. Good food and wine.

With Karen's expertise, you will be painting under Mediterranean pines, in national parks or on the balmy terrace of a cafe! Croatia is known for its gorgeous sunny beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, breathtaking scenery and some serious old-world charm that are just some of the highlights that await you in this historically rich Eastern European nation, we are spoilt for sketching inspiration! 

With kilometres of seafront and more than a thousand islands blanketed in lush vegetation, Croatia's coastline is often referred to as Eastern Europe's Riviera. Even during the busy season, there are still enough off-the-beaten-track islands, secluded coves, and stone fishing villages to peacefully enjoy. Nature lovers will be right at home here as we're surrounded by butterflies, birds, diverse habitats and maybe the odd wolf or bear sighting! 

With its gorgeous historic walled cities full of fairytale castles and its rural areas blessed with impressive national parks, it is no surprise that Croatia is emerging as one of Europe’s premier seaside destinations. Make sure to bring your camera for this Art Safari as we will be spoilt with views of rolling green mountains, wide blue skies and picturesque terracotta rooftops.

For those travelling on a ‘full British passport’ from the UK, please follow the advice on entry requirements to Croatia.

Passport:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Croatia

Visa Requirements:

You can travel to Croatia without a visa, for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. This applies if you are a tourist, visiting family or friends or attending business meetings, sports or cultural events.

At Croatian border control, you may also need to: 

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

*Your accommodation provider must register your arrival in Croatia with the police within 48 hours. Your hotel will normally register you. 

Currency 

Local currency: Euro

Symbol: €

ISO code: EUR

Subunit: Cent Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500

Coins: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1, €2

The current exchange rate is as follows: 1 Euro = 0.83 GBP

You will be able to change currency in the airport, which we advise you to do upon arrival into Split. It is also very useful to have smaller denomination notes and coins for smaller purchases such as drinks or tips.

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 

Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM 
Weekends: Limited 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Tipping:

Tipping is always at your discretion and is completely up to you whether you would like to tip your tour guide. We advise between $5-$10 per day for your guide and approximately $3-5 per day for your driver if you choose to do so. Please remember our advice is only a guideline and you may wish to tip less or more, completely at your own discretion. 

It is common practice to leave a small tip if you are happy with the service you have received in cafes and restaurants (between 10% & 15%), as well as in hotels. You will often find a tip box in reception of the hotels and the contents will be distributed amongst the staff. 

For this tour, our point of arrival is Split International Airport. Our lovely guide and supplier, Milan, will greet us in the arrivals hall, ready to transfer us to our hotel in Zadar. The transfer journey time from Split to Zadar is approximately 1.5 hours by car. 

Air: 

Main airlines: Croatia Airlines 
International Airports: Zagreb Airport, Split Airport, Dubrovnik Airport 
Domestic Airports: Zadar Airport, Pula Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Fit for Travel

For detailed and/or definitive medical advice, please consult your physician. Your medical requirements are your responsibility. We advise all our guests to check the latest vaccine requirements, at least 8 weeks before travel.

Please note that for your own safety you should inform us about any intolerances or allergies against any medications that you may have and also of any medical conditions, for example high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, etc.

If you are taking any prescribed medication with you for the tour please also take a copy of the prescription, you may be asked to present it at Customs. It is advised to read through the rules of travelling with medications, as the legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Emergency Help Number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance 

Travel Insurance and Medical Cover 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, emergency evacuation and repatriation.  We cannot stress enough the importance of having the appropriate travel insurance.  Other insurance such as for luggage theft or loss should also be taken into consideration as well as insurance for travel cancellation.

Check for any exclusions and ensure that your policy covers you for all activities, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance. 

You are required to forward Art Safari the name of your insurance provider with contact details and your policy number before departure.

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Croatia, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. In Croatia there is always a charge for treatment, which can be up to 530 euros. You may have other costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including: 

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

SUNBURN

Pack Protection:  Sunburn can spoil your trip and cause lasting damage

Take your hat and sunglasses and apply the sun protection (very high factor/waterproof) cream, lip cream with sun protection and insect repellent, even on a cloudy day.  Try to minimise your exposure to the sun between 12.00 - 15.00h

UPSET STOMACHS

For us tourists, it is common to experience diarrhoea at some stage especially when it’s hot or when you are over tired. It can be your body reacting to different water or food which carries bacteria that your body has had no previous contact with and to which it has not developed an immune response. In most cases, it is not severe (but if you are worried, please speak to Roger).  You can help prevent this experience by following these simple guidelines:

• Stay out of the sun
• Do not drink tap water
• Eat no raw meat, fish that has not been kept chilled or food from establishments that appear unkempt
• Do not eat unwashed fruit and vegetables, it’s better to peel before eating.

Most visits to Croatia are trouble-free, but theft of wallets and handbags are common in crowded tourist places. Leave valuables in a safe place at your hotel or apartment.  As with travel to anywhere in the world, it’s always sensible to be cautious. Be observant and avoid displaying expensive cameras or cash.

Carry a copy of your passport or other photographic ID which confirms British nationality at all times.

Travel with a photocopy of your passport, and the lost or stolen telephone numbers for any cards you are carrying. These copies should be packed separately from the originals.

Terrorism and Crime

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Croatia, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. 

Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare. 

Pickpockets operate in tourist areas. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, do not leave valuables unattended and use hotel safes if possible. 

There have been reports of sexual assaults in taxis in Croatia. To reduce risk and help prevent potential assaults:

• take a photo of the inside, where the number of the taxi is visible, and send it to a friend or someone else
• share your ride status on the taxi app
• make a call while in the taxi telling someone which taxi it is and where you are going

Hiking and mountaineering 

If you’re hiking in the mountains, get expert advice from local guides, however tame the mountain might seem. Weather in the Croatian mountains can change quickly, even in summer. Temperatures can get very low overnight. There is a risk of getting lost in the mountains when out hiking alone and using unmarked paths, so please always stick with the group and tour guide.

Wildfires

Wildfires are common during Croatia’s hot and dry summers. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland and forest areas. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112. If you’re affected, follow the advice of local authorities. 

Earthquakes 

Earthquakes in Croatia can be strong and cause deaths and damage to infrastructure. Small tremors also happen several times a month throughout the year. Most pass without consequence. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake!

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Croatian cuisine is diverse and influenced by Mediterranean, Italian, Hungarian, and Turkish cuisines. Highlights include dishes like Ćevapi (grilled minced meat), Peka (baked meat and vegetables), and Soparnik (Swiss chard pie). Notable local drinks include Rakija (fruit brandy), Croatian wine, and craft beers. 
 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 12-26°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25-30°C 
Average lows: 15-20°C 

Winter: '

Average highs: 5-10°C 

Average lows: -5-5°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Croatia is from May to September when the weather is warm and suitable for outdoor activities. The coastal areas are especially vibrant during this time. 

Please remember to bring sun cream, a hat and sunglasses! 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

We recommend durable and comfortable sandals or walking shoes! 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Time Zone

Croatia is 1 hour ahead of the United Kingdom. It uses the Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) in the summer months. 

Language

Croatian is the official spoken language of Croatia, with English being widely spoken across the country. It is always helpful to know a few phrases in the spoken language, especially in more rural areas. 

Hello = Bok

Please = Molim

Thank you = Hvala

Goodbye = Dovidenja

How much is it? = Koliko ovo kosta?

Excuse me = Oprostite

Yes = Da

No = Ne

Religion

Croatia is primarily a Catholic country, with 79% of the population following Catholicism,  3.3% of the population are Serbian Orthodox and 1.3% are Muslim.