Frequently asked
Croatia, answered.
The questions our editors get most often, in plain language. Last updated for the 2026 season.
When is the best time to visit Croatia?
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Late May to mid-June and the whole of September are the sweet spots: warm sea, long evenings, and a coast that still belongs to the people who live on it. July and August are hot and crowded; October on the south coast is gloriously empty.
Do I need a visa to visit Croatia?
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Croatia joined the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023. EU/EEA citizens enter freely. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese and most other passports get 90 days visa-free in any 180-day period. Check the Croatian MFA site for your country.
What currency does Croatia use?
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The Euro (€) since 1 January 2023. The kuna is no longer legal tender. Cards are accepted everywhere except the smallest village konobas, carry €30, €50 cash for islands and rural areas.
Is Croatia expensive?
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Less than Italy, more than it was. A mid-range traveller spends €90, €140 a day in 2026 (room, three meals, one activity). Coastal cities in August can double that; inland and shoulder season halve it.
What's the best way to get around?
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Long-distance buses are excellent and connect almost everything. Ferries (Jadrolinija, Krilo) link the islands. Rent a car for Istria, Plitvice, and inland Dalmatia. Skip the train for the coast, there isn't really one.
Is Croatia safe for tourists?
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Very. Violent crime is rare, petty theft is uncommon outside busy tourist hotspots, and the Foreign Office of every major Western country lists Croatia as low risk. Standard travel sense applies.
What language do they speak in Croatia?
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Croatian, a South Slavic language. English is widely spoken in tourism and by anyone under 50. German and Italian are common on the coast. Learning hvala (thank you) and dobar dan (good day) goes a long way.
Can I drink the tap water?
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Yes, Croatian tap water is excellent and meets EU standards. Carry a refillable bottle.
What should I pack for Croatia?
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Comfortable walking shoes (Old Town stones are slippery), water shoes for pebble beaches, a light layer for sea breezes after sunset, reef-safe sunscreen, and a swimsuit you can wear under everything because you'll want to swim more than you planned.
How is Convoo different from other travel sites?
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We're independent, locally edited, and don't take affiliate commissions. Every recommendation is paid-for and visited in person, every page is dated, and our writers sign their work. The aim is the guide we wished we'd had on our first trip.