DESTINATIONS europe croatia

What to do in Croatia

So many things to do, so little time… Make sure that when you visit Croatia on holiday, you give yourself enough time to enjoy as much of its magic. This magnificent Eastern European country offers so many delightful experiences. 

You can go behind the scenes of the legendary TV series, Game of Thrones, and visit some of the locations where this popular series was filmed. You can walk on the fortified walls of the ancient city of Dubrovnik, a charming place with museums and historic buildings, just waiting to be discovered. Enjoy coffee in the elegant capital of Zagreb and go shopping for fresh produce in its traditional Dolac Market. Laze on the beach on the Dalmatian Coast with soaring cliffs as your backdrop, explore the living museum that is the town of Split, with its ancient Roman architecture, modern boutiques and charming restaurants. And sample some of the best fresh seafood imaginable.   

Things to do in Croatia 

  • Visit Diocletian’s Palace in the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Split.  
  • Discover Korcula, surrounded by medieval walls and towers.  
  • Enjoy cliff jumping in southern Istria.  
  • Savour the local craft beer in Zagreb.  
  • Explore the Old Town on the island of Hvar.  
  • Hire a car and drive along the magnificent Dalmatian Coast.  
  • Go hiking in the Plitvice Lakes National Park.  
  • See the Roman amphitheater in Pula, one of the largest in the world.  
  • Visit Krka with its 17 scenic waterfalls.  
  • Spend time in the unique Museum of Broken Relationships in the capital, Zagreb. 
  • Rent a yacht and sail the Dalmation Coast to discover its magic at your own pace.

Ancient Roman ruins, Balkan beauty, breathtaking coastlines and ancient towns are just some of the treasures awaiting you on a Croatia holiday. With its al fresco festivals and musical entertainment, vibrant nightlife and water sport options, markets, sailing and numerous attractions, Croatia offers so many exciting holiday experiences. Let Thompsons Holidays take you there, on a trip of a lifetime.

 

Know before you go...

  • The best time to visit Croatia is in the warmer months of May and June or autumn (September and October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. 
  • High season is during the summer months, July and August. The weather can be very hot. 
  • Winter months (November to February) are the low season. 

  • Flight duration from Johannesburg to Dubrovnik or Zagreb, Croatia: 14 hours. 
  • There are regular flights from South Africa to Croatia. You may need to catch a connecting flight from another city or country to reach your final destination.

  • South African passport holders require a visa to enter Croatia. If you have a Schengen visa, you don’t require another visa. 
  • Passports must be valid for 6 months after your trip.  

Time zone – Croatia is on Central European time, one hour behind South Africa during the winter (November to March) and the same time as South Africa in the summer months (last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October). 

  • The official currency is the Croatian Kuna (HRK) and it is preferable to use this currency. 
  • The Euro, US Dollar and British Pound are all accepted in Croatia. 
  • Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are readily available. 
  • Tipping is customary for taxis, restaurants, hotels, bars, etc. Even if the restaurant charges a service fee, it’s customary to tip 10%.  

  • Croatia has 3 official languages – Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian.  
  • English is spoken by 81% of the population. 

  • 86% of the Croatian population is Catholic. 
  • Other religions include Protestantism and Islam. 

  • It is safe to drink tap water in Croatia, but many prefer to drink bottled water.  
  • Many public restrooms charge a small fee for use, so keep change on hand for this. 
  • Check with your travel clinic about required vaccinations. 

What must I pack?

  • Lightweight clothing in summer, warm layers for sailing and cooler weather.  
  • Comfortable walking shoes. 
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses.  
  • Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.  
  • Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.  
  • Camera.  
  • Travel adaptor. Croatia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz, plug and sockets are of type C with two round pins and F which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.

Getting around

  • Croatia's cities have good transport systems as a whole, including taxis, buses & trains.   
  • Towns in outlying areas may have less sophisticated transport infrastructure – it depends where you are going.   

What can I do to be a responsible traveller?

  • Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.  
  • Instead of using plastic bags, take fabric shopping bags with you.  
  • Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.      

Safety tips

  • Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.  
  • Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.  

What can I do in an emergency?

  • If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.  
  • Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist. 

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