A Travel Guide to Schengen Countries: Captivating Croatia

Seize the day... every day in Croatia! From the best wines to the finest olives, the enchantingly beautiful 1200-plus islands of Croatia are enough to keep your aesthetic senses captivated.

The country's typical architecture and cultural setup is a reflection of Europe's impressive history almost frozen in time.

Croatia welcomes tourists throughout the year, and although summer is the festival season, there is plenty to do all year round.

Why Visit Croatia

Croatia offers a unique combination of breathtaking natural beauty, interesting architecture, incredible wine, delicious seafood and vibrant nightlife.

Croatia is a treasure chest for art and architecture lovers and history buffs. Visit Croatia to feast your eyes on its beautiful gothic architecture. You can also find churches, cathedrals, and medieval art well preserved, displayed at its many arts and crafts museums and monasteries.

When to Visit

• June to September is usually marked with regional festivals, and Croatia attracts tourists from all over the globe during these months. Although the festivals are organized on a small scale, they provide a unique and more intimate experience.
• October to May is considered off-season as winter sets in, and many hotels and tourist attractions may shut shop. Snow is common inland, providing picturesque sceneries, even though transportation facilities are frequently disrupted.

If you like to spend your daytime on the beaches and enjoy the buzz of cafes in the evenings, July and August are the peak seasons on the Adriatic coast.

Autumn months of September and October are a good time to visit the inlands and park areas like the Plitvice Lakes and the River Krka.

Schengen Visa for Croatia

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Croatia. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual Visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control. The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common Visa, called as the Schengen Visa.

Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India.

Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. In addition, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a Visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

• To Croatia from around the Globe:
  Croatia can be reached by flights from across the globe. Almost all European countries are connected with Croatia by indirect railway lines.
• Within the Country:
  Within Croatia, the rail network connects all major cities except Dubrovnik, which can be reached by bus or ferry.
  One can choose either the bus or the ferry, both of which are cheap and frequent, when travelling within the country. Although slow, ferries provide excellent sights of the beautiful Croatian islands from the clear Adriatic Sea. Kayak cruises are also very popular along the coast.

Where to Stay

• Budget your stay: You can choose from budget to top end accommodations, which include campgrounds, hostels and some guesthouses. Private accommodation is a lot more affordable in Croatia, and is often of great value.
• Compare hotel prices: Based on your budget and choice of climate a large number of options are available. Here is a comparison between hotels, to highlight, the approximate costs.

Things to do

With a range of activities to offer, Croatia is sure to keep you on your toes. Here are a few experiences you must not miss during your visit:

• Island hopping
  Every island in Croatia has its unique geographical attraction. The regions have their unique traditions and festivals. While in Croatia, it is best to cruise the islands and explore the uniqueness of their location, culture, society and climate.
• A thrilling summer holiday
  If you plan to visit during summer, July-August, it is best to enjoy the Adriatic waters along the Banje beach. Or, you could take a walk in the warm sun of inland Zagreb's Dolac market or the famous Gunduliceva Poljana market along the coastal Dubrovnik.
• Winter vacation
  If you are dropping by in winter, December-March, you can enjoy a romantic New Year's Eve with beautiful Croatian music in Dubrovnik or watch the forests turn over colorful leaves in a background of white snow in the Croatian National Park of Plitvice Lakes.
• World Heritage Sites
  Croatia is treasure trove of historic architecture, and gothic, medieval European arts and crafts. Here is a list of World Heritage Sites in Croatia:
  • Museum Mimara
  • Zagreb- Arts and crafts museum
  • Temple of Jupiter
  • Mestrovic gallery
  • Zagreb's archeological museum
  • Split's archeological museum
  • The Mirogoj cemetery
  • The Trg Josipa Jelacica monuments
  • Religious monuments like St Mark's church in Zagreb
  • The Euphrasian Basilica
  • The Cathedral of St Domnius
• Stunning Forests and Dreamy landscapes
  Be bewitched by:
  • Jarun Lake
  • Zlatni Rat beach
  • The forests of Paklenica National Park
  • Brijuni National Park on the lesser-known island off the Istrian peninsula
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Popular hangouts
  Experience a fast-paced city atmosphere along with the ambiance of a relaxed coastal town. Be it the Carpe Diem cafe in Hvar town or the Restauracija Primorka in Dalmatia, the Arsenal in Hvar or the Moj Kutak in Karlovac, you will witness Croatia's modern outlook and enjoy its laid-back nature at all times.
• Quirky festivals
  Enjoy Buzet's famed truffles at its Subotina festival or take part in the various musical festivals throughout Croatia. From pop music to contemporary classics, you can enjoy good music and live performances at some of the music festivals.

Do's & Don'ts in Croatia

Here is a list of do's and don'ts you must look carefully in order to avoid an awkward situation while in Croatia:

• Stick to marked roads and areas known to be safe and mine-free as far as possible. In case you decide to take a hike on your own, consult locals and look out for mine warning signs.
• During summers, don't forget your SPF lotions to avoid sunburn and beware of ticks whilst camping on the continent.
• Stay hydrated while on the move; although tap water is safe on the islands, it is better to carry packaged drinking water especially while travelling.
• Keep enough local currency (Croatian Kuna) on you, as most businesses do not accept credit cards. Many places do not even accept the Euro.
• While on the Adriatic coastline, wear protective footwear to be safe from sharp rocks and spiky sea urchins.

Most importantly, keep in mind the multi-purpose emergency number, 112, in case of fires, police or medical emergency and mountain rescue. Learn how you can financially secure your trip to Croatia with a comprehensive travel plan.

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