Short Istrian peninsula history
Istria was part of Austrian Monarchy until 1918, when it became part of Italy. Since 1942 the triangular Adriatic peninsula has been part of the Croatian Republic. The peninsula's population is about 206.000 persons with 40% of the people living in the south-western coastal city of Pula. Geographically Istria has a coastline measuring 445 km (276 miles) in length.
Travelling season and climate
A Mediterranean climate is prevailing the Adriatic coast with warm and dry summers. The average temperatures along the coast range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The winters are mild and pleasant without snow. The summer days have about 10 sunny hours in average. Characteristic winds are "bura" (wind blowing from the north to the south, bringing clear weather), "jugo" (warm wind bringing rain) and "maestral" (summer breeze blowing from the land to the sea). The sea temperatures average around 24 degrees Celsius in summer and it is pleasant for swimming beginning from May up to October. The main travelling season along the coast is from May to September. Sportsmen, culture and nature lovers prefer the spring and the autumn. Especially the autumn is recommendable for tasting the various Istrian vines and the delicious "pr‘ut" (Istrian smoked ham) and truffels.
Croatia / Istria travel information
Documents:
For EC-nationals a valid passport or identity card is required. For journeys by car a driver's license, an automobile registration card and an international insurance card (Green Card) is necessary.
Health:
For medical treatment in Croatia an international health insurance certificate is required. A travelling health insurance is recommended.
Speed limits:
The same regulations as elsewhere in Europe are valid on the roads of Istria. Permitted speeds for cars:
- in towns: 50 km/h
- out of towns: 80 km/h
- on motorways: 130 km/h
Customs duty:
The import and export of foreign currencies is unlimited. High value equipment exceeding the usual luggage has to be declared. In respect to accompanying pets an international certificate issued by an authorised veterinarian, evidencing all vaccinations is required.
Currency:
The national currency is the Croatian Kuna (kn). Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks, official exchange offices or post offices to the current exchange rate. Comfortable alternatives are EC-cashpoints installed in every village.
All major credit cards like Mastercard, Diner's Club, VISA-Card, American Express Card etc. are almost accepted everywhere.
Electricity:
220 V, 50 HzFor further information about Croatia/Istria and excursions please do not hesitate to contact us.