From arriving to settling in, health assistance and useful numbers. Small tips and suggestions to spend a serene vacation.
Welcome to the Croatian land of magic, also known as Istria.
This miniature heart-shaped world and the largest peninsula of the Adriatic Sea lies on the 45th parallel emphasizing its idyllic geographical position with perfectly arranged seasons - lush greenery springs, colorful autumns, pleasant summers and mild winters .
The peninsula is located at the head of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf. It is shared by three countries: Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, with 90% of surface area being part of Croatia. Croatia encapsulates most of the Istrian peninsula within Istria County.
General informations about Istria
Let's move on to suggestions and providing additional advice and information about Istrian hospitality and its diversities or similarities and more information to improve your overall stay experience.
Important phone numbers
+385 International telephone code for Croatia
For all emergency situations - 112
Police - 192
Fire brigade - 193
Ambulance - 194
HAK – Road assistance - 1987 (When calling from abroad or by mobile phone, call +385 1 1987)
Search and rescue at the sea - +385 1 195
Protect children from the heat!
CAUTION!
Leaving a child unattended in a closed vehicle is a criminal offense under the Violation against Children's Rights. Parents, do not leave children unattended!
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE IN A VEHICLE!
THE CONSEQUENCES MAY BE THE DEATH OF THE CHILD OR A SERIOUS INJURY TO HEALTH!
Tourist health care
In all major cities, there are hospitals and clinics, as well as pharmacies and ambulances in all towns. EU citizens visiting Croatia with health insurance from an EU member country can avail of immediate health services with copayments using the European Health Insurance Card.
Private physicians and dentists charge the full price for their services to tourists.
Registration
When checking into a hotel, hostel, campsite, or apartment, it is mandatory by law to register with the police. If staying with friends, please register yourself. If you are from an EU country, within 24 hours, check with the nearest police station or tourist board and bring your passport. ybrYYou will be requested to fill out paperwork for your safety and to assist with addressing any potential inconveniences during your stay.
Visas
Generally, citizens of European countries, regardless of whether their countries are Member States of the EU or not, do not need a visa to come to Croatia. The only exceptions to this rule are the Russian Federation, Belarus and the Republic of Turkey. Citizens of most non-European countries will probably need to obtain a visa pursuant to the agreements concluded between Croatia and their country.
Curency
The Republic of Croatia is a member of the eurozone since January 1, 2023, which means that the euro (€) is the new official currency and legal tender in Croatia (instead of kunas before (HRK)).
Religious and National holidays in Croatia
01.01. - New Year’s Day
06.01. - Epiphany
09.04. - Easter, celebrated on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon [variable date]
10.04. - Easter Monday, the second day of Easter
01.05. - Labour Day
30.05. - Statehood Day
08.06. - Corpus Domini / Corpus Christi - The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, 60 days or ninth Thursday after Easter [variable date]
22.06. - Anti-Fascist Resistance Day
05.08. - Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Homeland War Veteran's Day
15.08. - Assumption
01.11. - All Saints’ Day
18.11. - Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Homeland War and Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja
25.12. - Christmas Day
26.12. - St. Stephen's Day
During the national holidays all public institutions are closed