Palinski Islands south of Hvar, Croatia in the Adriatic Sea
Unspoiled and vibrant, Croatia has an antique charm, embellished by the surrounding grandeur of nature, with cafe terraces and historic ruins. The beauty of the Adriatic will come to life along the coast and on the islands, while the wonders of the landscape emerge from rolling hills and thundering waterfalls.
Whether in a contemporary museum or sampling the fare in a historic winery, you can enjoy Croatia’s cuisine, culture, and fabulous history. The following information offers insight into the most common questions travelers ask when planning a trip to this country.
Is Croatia open to travelers?
Last reviewed: September 15, 2021
Croatia is open to American travelers. Travelers are welcome if they have a certificate of vaccination, a negative viral test result, or proof of recovery. Covid-19 PCR tests must be taken at least 72 hours in advance, while a rapid antigen test must be taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. A certificate of vaccination is valid for up to 270 days from the date of the second dose. All tourists must arrive with evidence of accommodations, paid in advance.
Entry requirements are subject to change, but your Zicasso travel specialist can provide updated information at the time of your inquiry.
Related: What it’s Like to Travel Now in Croatia: Q&A with Zicasso’s Founders | Why 2021 is the Time to Go to Croatia | Countries Open to American Travelers
How far in advance should I plan a Croatia vacation?
The success of your Croatia trip depends on planning ahead. The country may have increased demand from international travelers throughout 2021 and into 2022.
We generally recommend you book your trip approximately three months in advance, but with potential limited availability, you should book five to six months in advance to give yourself a better chance of securing the types of accommodations you prefer and the itinerary you would like for your trip.
Last-minute trips are possible and your Zicasso travel specialist can ensure a spectacular vacation.
Related: Best Time to Visit Croatia
How can a travel specialist help me plan?
You can book your next trip through Zicasso for travel this summer 2021 or into 2022. Any visit to a new country raises plenty of questions, but the circumstances around traveling after Covid-19 may have changed how we travel.
“Are the ferries running on time?” “Is the Diocletian’s Palace open?” “Will I be able to visit the islands?” “How will I travel from Zagreb to Dubrovnik?” “Are the beaches open?” “Is Plitvice Lakes National Park open?” “Do I need a negative Covid-19 test before returning home and how can I get one?” Your travel specialist can answer these questions and more before you book your trip. A travel expert can also help handle any emergency that may arise during your trip, from an accommodation change to an excursion adjustment.
Related: How to Plan Your Trip in 3 Easy Steps | How to Plan Your Trip Budget
What should I do on my trip to Croatia?
Zicasso has worked alongside our travel specialists to organize our recommendations for the destinations everyone should experience while in Croatia. A custom Zicasso tour considers your time and goals when visiting the country and our sample tours are available for inspiration.
How and where you travel depends on your goals in Croatia. We suggest the following for the first-time Croatia traveler, depending on the length of your trip.
Zagreb | Split | Dubrovnik | Rovinj | Sibenik | Korcula | Vis | Zadar
- Discover the intimate secrets and remarkable stories of Croatia’s most famous cities
- Delight in Zagreb’s reputation as host to the largest number of museums per square meter
- Explore the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park
- Wander the grounds of Diocletian’s Palace
- Experience the true beauty of the Adriatic
- Embrace the nautical paradise of Kornati National Park
- Uncover local culture and life at the Pazar Market
- Explore the living history of Dubrovnik’s historic ramparts, city walls, cobbled lanes, and ports
- Discover where fairytale and history converge when visiting the film locations for hit shows like Game of Thrones
- Delight in the flavors in and around Dubrovnik with a wine tour
- Enjoy the pedestrianized lane of Tkalciceva to find vibrant cafes and welcoming restaurants
- Indulge in the ambiance of the Dolac Market
Related: Top 10 Must-See Places in Croatia | Top 8 Things to Do in Croatia
What is the best time to visit Croatia?
The best time to visit Croatia is between May and early June, and again from the end of September to October. These months are the shoulder season, with warm weather along the Adriatic Sea and smaller crowds in the inland regions.
Summer months like July and August are hot and crowded, but offer the highest probability of great weather for water activities. However, there is a chance of active tours, such as cycling and hiking, being canceled as temperatures can climb over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Related: Best Time to Visit Croatia
Is Croatia safe for travel?
Croatia is very safe for travelers. Popular tourist areas see petty theft such as pickpocketing, but this is rare. Your overall safety will not be jeopardized and if you keep a diligent eye on your belongings, they will remain safe. The majority of locals speak English, especially in larger cities, which makes it easy for travelers from North America to communicate, feel safe and get around.
Which airports should I look at?
The most convenient route for most travelers is to fly into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik, or vice versa. Arriving in one city and departing from another takes away the need to return to the city of your arrival and spend valuable time backtracking instead of enjoying your trip. The busiest airports in Croatia are:
- Zagreb (ZAG)
- Dubrovnik (DBV)
- Split (SPU)
Can Zicasso help me with flights?
Zicasso Flights is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation. By employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso, our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 service and support, and complimentary consultation of routing versus pricing with an expert flight specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Does Zicasso assist with travel insurance?
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
Ready for Your Croatia Trip?
Croatia is a wonder of the Mediterranean that can take you from the natural splendor of waterfalls to the opulence of a preserved Roman palace, the illustrious flavors of truffle to the quiet ambiance of a seaside town. You can find inspiration for your trip with sample itineraries from our Croatia Tours & Vacations or use Zicasso’s Croatia Travel Guide for more helpful tips and information on how you can have your perfect trip. You can connect with a Croatia travel expert by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.
