Good to know before your trip — Croatia

In coastal cities, parking is divided into color-coded zones, where the zone closest to the center is the most expensive and time-limited, while zones farther away are cheaper. The ticket is paid at a machine, through an app, or by SMS, but SMS payment only works with a Croatian SIM card — with a foreign number the message usually does not go through, so use the app or a machine instead. Always check the signage in the zone, as the permitted time and price vary from city to city.

Many historic centers, such as Dubrovnik, Korčula, and Hvar, are largely closed to cars — only vehicles with special permits, delivery vehicles, and emergency services are allowed inside, and cars must be left in a parking lot outside the walls or at the entrance to the town. Dubrovnik has a special traffic management system monitored by cameras, where entering the zone without a permit carries a hefty fine, especially for rental vehicles. Rules vary from town to town, so do not blindly follow your navigation all the way to a point inside the old town — instead, check where entry and parking are permitted.

Croatia introduced the euro at the beginning of 2023 and the kuna is no longer in use — you don't need any currency exchange or bureau de change if you're arriving from the eurozone. At some tourist spots, prices seem higher than before, partly due to rounding during the switch to the euro, so it's worth comparing prices away from the main tourist strips.

Most Croatian beaches are made of gravel, pebbles, or flat rocks, with sandy beaches being rare — entering the sea can be slippery and uneven. Rubber water sandals protect feet from sharp rocks and sea urchin spines that hide in rocky entry points. They are cheap to buy on the spot and make swimming significantly easier, especially for children.