Practical Info

CROATIA

Impressive views and landscapes. A cuisine known for its diverse flavors and aromas. A culture and history that will inspire you. People you will remember fondly. Croatia is much more than just the name.
Our country is one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world. A region with incredible water resources. A treasure chest full of national parks and fresh air. A superpower in terms of lush green spaces and breathtaking sunsets. A collector of beautiful islands and an artist who paints golden plains.

You will never find a place that compares to Croatia. So if you want to escape the monotony of everyday life, this is the place for you. Find adventure in the towering mountains, harmony in quiet bays, inspiration in centuries-old stories, and smiles in the streets of towns and villages.

Explore a history that feels tangible as you wander the majestic walls of Dubrovnik and follow in the footsteps of legends in Split. Discover breathtaking landscapes that will fill your heart with awe, like the sparkling waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, the stone poetry of the Kornati Islands, and the exquisite beauty of the Golden Horn beach. Here the Mediterranean meets vibrant cities and lush forests, mountains alternate with wild rivers, and vibrant city life is in harmony with the nature that surrounds it.

Here people feel the fjaka sublime state of mind, they christen wine, rake salt, search for the most delicious mushrooms in the forests and wear the tie, or rather the cravat, and have been doing so since the 17th century. Taste the most delicious cuisine in the world, learn about traditions and customs you will fall in love with, discover stone as white as snow, and sail through a maze with a thousand islands.

The Croatian territory is 56,594 km2 in total, of which 31,479 km2 are coastal waters for sailing, swimming, and diving.

In the territory of Croatia, there are 8 national parks:

Brijuni
Krka
Paklenica
Plitvička jezera
Kornati
Mljet
Risnjak
Northern Velebit

Dubrovnik

The city of Dubrovnik is located in the far south of the Republic of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, a port city, and the center of Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik was included in the list of World Heritage Sites UNESCO. The prosperity of the city of Dubrovnik was historically based on maritime trade. As the capital of the Republic of Ragusa, a maritime republic, the city reached a high level of development, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries. Dubrovnik became known for its wealth and skillful diplomacy. The beginning of tourism in Dubrovnik is associated with the construction of the Imperial Hotel in Dubrovnik in 1897. According to CNNGo, Dubrovnik is one of the top 10 medieval fortified cities in the world.

If there were several Dubrovniks in the world, only one would be the real one: this true, genuine, and unique Dubrovnik of stone and light. An open palm under the starry sky that opens to the world. A unique stage where the past and the future have a common meaning, and their own creative measures.

Dubrovnik is not only a work of art but has been an artist itself throughout the centuries. It is exposed to the influences and yet always itself. Exposed to the winds, but always steady and firm. On its stone towers and walls watches not the weapon, but the idea and spirit of freedom. Dubrovnik’s glory comes not from the victories of the sword, but from the power of creative thought. Dubrovnik is the city of poets and a city of poets.

A city with a face and countless mirrors that reflect and multiply it. Dubrovnik is the city of miracles. Born on the shores that are the cradle of mankind. Like Aphrodite, it emerged from the rocks of the sea, from the fire of Heraclitus, rhythmically extinguished, and rhythmically rekindled; the Mediterranean is its connection with the continents, other civilizations, and nations. Incomparable Dubrovnik.

Within its walls was born the synthesis of the Dalmatian Renaissance, which set the entire Slavic literature in motion. The joint synthesis of Zadar, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik has not yet received its rightful place in world culture, but this place is undeniable.
Dubrovnik represents more than just the past. It is the space and the measure for new ascents.

As an architectural entity, Dubrovnik is a unique stage in the world, open to the sky, mobile, and suitable for any kind of literary expression.
As an esthetic measure, this space gives the literary word the opportunity to express itself freely in all dimensions, confirming its vitality and authenticity in every encounter and in every moment.
Dubrovnik is an authentic climate of the human spirit. The city of stones and dreams.

George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city, of which he said that “those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik”, famously calling it the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

The city of Dubrovnik is one of the most popular cities in Croatia. It is located in the extreme south of the country and is one of the most visited cities in Croatia. It is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, Mediterranean cuisine, beautiful beaches, palaces, galleries, and museums. The old town of Dubrovnik is located at the foot of Srđ Hill and is protected by UNESCO. Dubrovnik, perhaps best known for its city walls, has always been a place where different nations, cultures, and religions met.

The city has a strong historical background as one of the most important European ports and major maritime trade centers. The city was founded as early as the 7th century and was the only city-state on the entire Croatian coast from the 14th to the 19th century.
The 1940 meters long medieval city walls are one of the biggest attractions of the city and are open to tourists. Dubrovnik is one of the most cultural cities in Croatia, where numerous cultural events and festivals take place throughout the year. Dubrovnik is one of the most famous European cities and a great movie set for many films and historical dramas such as Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Knightfall, and most recently Robin Hood. Just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik is the island of Lokrum, known for its beautiful botanical gardens and Benedictine monastery. One of the most beautiful experiences are the free-roaming peacocks and the enchanting lagoon where you can swim in the warm summer months.

Dubrovnik is not only a popular destination with tourists from all over the world, but is also known for its rich religious heritage. The Church of the Savior, the Franciscan Monastery and Museum and the Dubrovnik Cathedral are just some of the buildings worth seeing.

There are many beautiful places in the world, but the inhabitants of Dubrovnik claim that their city is the most beautiful. The warm climate of the south, the wide blue sky, the emerald and dark blue crystal clear sea that touches the rocky coast and pours into numerous bays, sandy beaches and steep reefs adorned with the most luxuriant Mediterranean and subtropical flora.

The mild Mediterranean climate ensures that Dubrovnik is bathed in a sea of sunshine, blossoms and ripe orange and lemon trees even in the winter months. There are more than 250 days of sunshine a year, and the average annual temperature is around 17 °C, with the average winter and summer temperatures being 10 °C and 26 °C, respectively. The average summer sea temperature is 21 °C. The swimming season in the sea starts as early as April, sometimes even earlier, and lasts until the end of October, while swimming in the indoor swimming pools of the hotels is possible all year round. Dubrovnik and its surroundings form the southernmost region of the Republic of Croatia and its province of Dalmatia, from Neum in the west to Sutorina and Ponte Ostre in the east. The region borders the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the north and the Republic of Montenegro to the east. This long, narrow coastal strip under the Dinaric Mountains and the low mountain peaks spreads out to the east in Konavle Polje (Fields) and includes Mount Sniježnica and its mountainous region, which is the most inland point of the region. On one side it borders with Herzegovina, on the other with Montenegro, with the borderline following the mountain peaks and in some places reaching the sea up to a few hundred meters (e.g. At Duboka Ljuta).

If you’re looking for an excellently preserved mediaeval town in a picturesque setting, you won’t find anything better than Dubrovnik. From one of the massive limestone walls surrounding this ancient port city, the view sweeps over red and tan tiled roofs, around sea-washed bastions and battlements, and out to the blue Adriatic. The city is steeped in history and at the same time full of life.

In the narrow streets, residents go about their business, sweeping or scrubbing front doors, hanging laundry from overhead wires, drying fishing nets in the late morning sun, or simply lingering on a corner to chat and watch the passing tourists, who in turn watch them. Here and there, flowers or vines sprout from pots, window boxes, or moss-covered crevices, stretching up two or three stories from the deep, shadowy street canyon to catch the day’s quick dose of sun.

Dubrovnik led a charming life during the turbulent Middle Ages and beyond, remaining loyal to a succession of empires (Byzantine, Hungarian, Venetian, Ottoman) while remaining virtually independent as a naval power and city-state. Of course, the walls and fortifications helped deter potential invaders. In some places they’re as much as 18 feet thick. Dubrovnik’s history has always been stormy and complicated.

The old town is an inviting place to stroll and explore: Boutiques, bookstores, local craft and jewellery stores, coffee and pastry stores and restaurants on the main street, stores and tiny stone row houses in the narrow cobblestone streets that branch off perpendicularly in both directions.
In recent history, Dubrovnik was badly damaged in the Croatian War of Independence of the 1990s. Today, however, the old town is a tourist hotspot, attracting visitors from all parts of the world. The Renaissance and Baroque palaces have become venues for classical music concerts, and the small alleys are home to cosy little art galleries.

Dubrovnik is beautiful all year round, but to really enjoy its charm, it’s best to come in the off-season when it’s not too busy. March, April or late October are the ideal times to visit Dubrovnik. You’ll be sharing the city with the locals, and there’s no better way to really experience a place than to live there like a local for a while.

What to do

Set out first thing in the morning to explore the city walls. Dating from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the city walls wind around the pedestrian-friendly Old Town for about 2 km, giving you tantalizing glimpses of daily life below. Back on the ground, you’ll find yourself on the Stradun, the Old Town’s marble main street, which runs between the Pile and Ploce gates. Visit the peaceful cloister of the Franciscan monastery near the Pile Gate before strolling past the stores and cafes of the Stradun. Soon you’ll reach the Rector’s Palace, a magnificent Renaissance building that is now a museum and an atmospheric venue for classical concerts.
Take the Dubrovnik cable car up to Mount Srd. From here, you’ll have exceptional views that stretch along the coast and up into the surrounding mountains. If you feel like a 40-minute hike, follow the path that zigzags up the mountain.

Use your ticket from the city walls to climb the stone stairs to Fort Lovrijenac, a massive 16th-century fortress just outside the Pile Gate. Once at the top, you’ll have a magnificent view of the walled Old Town.

Hop on the small boat that crosses from the old harbor to the tiny island of Lokrum, just ten minutes away, and stroll through the island’s monastery and botanical garden.
Cavtat is one of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful neighboring towns and is easily reached by regular shuttle boat or bus. Thanks to the reliable public transport in Dubrovnik, you can explore the beaches around Lapad and Babin Kuk.

If you want to gain a fascinating insight into Croatia’s recent history, don’t miss two of Dubrovnik’s most interesting museums. War Photo Limited in the Old Town features war photographs from around the world and from 1990s Yugoslavia. And in Gruz, the Red History Museum takes you on an entertaining journey through the Yugoslavia* of yesteryear.

Travel information

Travel documents

As Croatia is part of the EU, citizens of other EU member states can enter Croatia without a visa.
Citizens of EU countries can enter with their identity card instead of a passport. Otherwise, a passport is required for entry into Croatia.
In addition, Croatia intends to join the Schengen Agreement soon, so many of the visa requirements and exemptions that apply to Schengen will also apply to Croatia.

Several countries have entered into visa waiver agreements with Croatia, allowing their nationals to visit Croatia for up to 90 days without a visa. However, other countries still require a valid visa to travel to Croatia.
For more details, see the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Getting to Dubrovnik

Regardless of Dubrovnik’s geographical location and its remoteness in the very south of Croatia, near the border with Montenegro, getting to Dubrovnik is not complicated, as there are several ways to reach the city: Flights, buses, ferries, and roads. Note: there are no train connections to Dubrovnik.
For more information, visit the official websites of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board and Croatian Nacional Tourist Board

Airports

Dubrovnik airport is about 30 minutes/20 kilometers away from the conference venue.

Time

Croatia is located in the Central European time zone. Standard time is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).

Language

Croatian is the official language. English is widely spoken. French, Italian, and German are also spoken in the tourist industry.

General Shopping Hours

Most stores are open all year round from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00. In summer, the opening hours of most stores are extended until 21:00, and in the historic center of the old town, stores, especially souvenir stores, are usually open until 22:00.

Most stores are not open on Sundays and holidays, except for the souvenir stores and some other stores in the historic center, which are open on Sundays and holidays during the summer months. Grocery stores in all parts of the city are usually open on Sunday mornings until 14:00.

PHARMACY/DRUGSTORES

Most pharmacies in Dubrovnik are open six days a week from 08:00 to 18:00 in the low season and from 08:00 to 20:00 in the high season.
There are two pharmacies that are open around the clock and they alternate every week. The pharmacies that are open at night are listed in the daily newspapers.

ACCESSIBILITY

All parts of Dubrovnik city are well connected by frequent, regular bus lines.
From the hotel, you can easily take public buses to the city center and back. Bus line 6 will take you to the old town. This is one of the most frequent and popular bus lines in the city, as it connects the Old Town with the Lapad peninsula.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Description / Phone number:

Police and all emergencies 112,192
Dubrovnik Airport: +385 (20) 773 377
Bus station: +385 60 30 50 70
Dubrovnik General Hospital: +385 (20) 431 777
Office city tourism, City of Dubrovnik: +385 (20) 351 047

CLIMATE

In Croatia, as you would expect, there are two climatic zones – one on the coast and one inland.
Climate and weather in Croatia – coast
On the coast, there is a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry, and sunny weather in summer and relatively mild – though sometimes wet – weather in winter.

Average summer temperatures range from the mid to high 20s, although it is more likely to reach into the 30s or high 80s, or low 90s.

Winters are cooler, of course, although temperatures never really drop below 5 °C. Anything colder than that is considered freak weather, although it’s not technically impossible – in the last decade, parts of Dalmatia, such as Zadar and Split, have had occasional snowfall. Some winters have even seen a light blanket of snow in Dubrovnik (one of Croatia’s southernmost points).
It’s not uncommon for summer weather to continue into the fall, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius – which means some hardy souls still head to the beach for a swim.

In general, however, you will still experience some sunny days on the coast even in autumn and winter, although it can get quite rainy at times.
The sunniest island in Croatia is Hvar, where the sun shines over 2700 hours a year. Split, Vela Luka (on the island of Korcula), and Dubrovnik are the next sunniest places in Dalmatia.

Climate & weather in Croatia – Interior

Croatia’s interior has a continental climate, which means that winters can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0 °C. Snow is very likely and can be quite heavy in winter.

Summer, on the other hand, can be very hot, with temperatures often reaching the mid to high 30 °Cor high 80s or low 90s. If there is not a cool sea breeze (or the sea itself), it can sometimes get a little uncomfortable. Officially, average temperatures inland are around 20 °C, but from personal experience, it’s much hotter there.

VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND PLUG/OUTPUT TYPE IN CROATIA ELECTRICITY

The electricity system in Croatia is the same as in the rest of Europe. All installations give alternating current of 220V/50Hz, and the sockets used are type F (so-called “Schuko” sockets). This means that European visitors (with the exception of visitors from the UK and Ireland) do not need adapters, while visitors from countries with a different system or socket standard should use EU standard adapters.

CURRENCY

In January 2023, Croatia will adopt the Euro (€) as its official currency, replacing the Croatian Kuna (HRK) at the irrevocably fixed exchange rate of €1 = HRK 7.53450.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

All banks operating in Croatia offer foreign currency exchange and provide daily exchange rates of the Euro against all major foreign currencies. Foreign currencies can also be exchanged in hotels and exchange offices. The National Bank’s exchange rates can be viewed daily on its website (www.hnb.hr), but you should keep in mind that commercial banks and exchange offices have their own market rates.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Croatia is one of the leading countries in Europe when it comes to accepting card payments or other types of electronic payments in restaurants, hotels, stores, agencies, and any other place where you can shop or pay for a service. The system is secure, complies with all European standards, and is definitely the easiest and cheapest means of payment in Croatia, as you avoid possible additional costs due to exchange rate differences. When paying with a credit card or any other electronic transaction, you should take the same precautions as in any other part of Europe.

All major credit card companies are present in Croatia, and payment by credit or debit cards is possible, while the number of retail stores accepting electronic payment methods such as Google Pay is increasing every month. There are no additional or hidden costs for customers. Do not worry if you stumble across a shop that does not yet accept card payments – ATMs are everywhere, especially in popular tourist destinations.

CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are widely used, but not accepted everywhere. Visa, Mastercard and Diners are most commonly accepted; American Express is accepted less frequently.

All stores and hotels accept credit cards, and they are also increasingly accepted in restaurants – at least in larger restaurants.
Not all restaurants accept credit cards. If you are eating at a small family-run establishment or a konoba off the beaten path, take cash just in case.
You will also need to bring cash for public transportation. On intercity buses, tickets can be purchased in advance and paid for with a card. Local buses only run with the cash.
Parking is only possible with cash.

Remember that most banks charge a 2% fee when using your credit card abroad, over and above the 1% fee charged by Visa, MasterCard, or American Express for currency conversion of credit fees. In addition, foreign transactions are often subject to a service fee. Still, the credit card is the better choice, considering things like the high fees charged by ATMs and the higher exchange rates for travellers checks (and service fees).

TIPPING

Tipping is a sign of respect and gratitude and is considered a nice tradition, but is not “mandatory” as in some other countries. In Croatia, there are no special charges for services, so prices in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and other accommodations and hospitality establishments are clear and definitive for the customer. This makes tipping a personal decision of the customer, based on his impression of the services received and the commitment of the staff. The tip is a bonus to the staff’s income and does not constitute a large portion of their salary.

LOCAL TRANSFERS

PUBLIC BUSES

City bus schedules are posted at all major bus stops, and you can also get them in Dubrovnik Tourist Office information offices, Libertas bus company kiosks, hotel reception desks, and similar places.

Bus tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver (HRK 15.00 / EUR 2.00), at the Tisak kiosk (S-ticket – HRK 13.00 / EUR 1.73), at the kiosks of the Libertas bus company in Pile, at the Central Bus Station, at the Pošta Lapad stop and in Mokošica, at hotel receptions, and in travel agencies.
It is possible to buy a ticket on the bus with exact change of 15 HRK / 2,00 EUR.
The bus ticket is valid for exactly one hour from the time of first use for an unlimited number of trips in the city.
It is also possible to buy a ticket (exclusively at the kiosks of the Libertas bus company), which is valid for 24 hours from the first use. The price is 40,00 HRK / 5,31 EUR.

The local bus lines have the following numbers: 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 17. You can find a map of the bus stations and the city bus network on
following website or in the brochure “Dubrovnik Riviera”, which you can get in the information offices of the Dubrovnik Tourist Office and at the Libertas kiosks.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Upon arrival at Dubrovnik Airport, there is a bus transfer to Dubrovnik 30 minutes after each regular flight, which takes passengers to the Pile at the entrance to the Old Town and then on to the central bus station in Gruž.

On departure, the bus leaves the central bus station in Gruž 1.5 hours before each domestic flight within Croatia, while for international flights it leaves the central bus station 2 hours before the flight. When leaving Dubrovnik, the airport bus stops in front of the Grawe building on Dr. Ante Starčević street and in front of the cable car station in Petra Krešimira street IV.

The exact departure times of the airport bus can be found on the airline’s website (www.platanus.hr) and in tourist information centers and hotel receptions.

You can buy bus tickets at the central bus station or from the bus driver. The one-way ticket costs 65 HRK / 8.63 EUR, and the round-trip ticket costs 90 HRK / 12.00 EUR.

Public cabs are always available at the airport. The cab station is located in front of the passenger terminal of building B (domestic and international arrivals). The service is available daily during airport opening hours.
Notices and prices are available to the public at the cab terminal in the Passenger Terminal, Building B (domestic and international arrivals) or by calling +385 (20) 640100
After the trip, the driver is obliged to issue an invoice at the request of the customer

TAXI SERVICE

Taxi stands are located in the busiest parts of the city and have signs and cab fares in a conspicuous places. The taxi meter must be running from the beginning of the trip; if it is not, the customer is not obligated to pay the fare. A cab usually has room for a maximum of four people.

You may want to take a cab for an unforgettable panoramic tour of the city and its surroundings. Such a tour usually includes a ride to the new bridge, from which you have a view of the Gruž harbor, Lapad, the Dubrovačka of Rijeka, and the islands. You can continue the tour along the Adriatic Highway, overlooking the entire city, and drive to the top of Mount Srdj (415 meters) above the city and enjoy the magnificent view of Dubrovnik and its surroundings. In agreement with the driver, you can also take a full or half-day excursion to the surroundings of Dubrovnik.