It has been a while since we all travelled properly, right? Well, for now travel will not happen as it used to. But this does not mean we should avoid travelling. I say we all adapt and continue to enjoy and explore the world! It is already early spring and many of us are probably daydreaming of the perfect (and safe) vacation.
This blog post gives all the info and links for planning a safe trip in Croatia in 2021, including what 2020 was like in Croatia and some extra tips for your vacation.
Safe stay in Croatia – the project
Safe stay in Croatia is a national designation of security protocols in tourism and hospitality that is awarded to stakeholders in the tourism sector by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The Safe stay in Croatia sign will allow you to easily identify whether your accommodation or transport follows the required safety standards. If the sign is present, the facility has adopted the global standards recommended by the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Croatian Institute of Public Health.
You can follow all the updates on travel and restrictions at staysafeincroatia.hr. This website provides the latest and most relevant information on everything related to travel and Covid-19 in nine European languages.
Koronavirus.hr shows the active cases of Covid-19 in all regions of Croatia.
Here you can find the official recommendations and instructions for crossing the state border and entering Croatia.
The Stay safe sign
source: safestayincroatia.hr
How was visiting Croatia in 2020
My family resides in Croatia since June 2020 and we haven’t travelled to other countries for the past nine months. We stay at the seaside, namely in the Sibenik-Knin County in the north-central part of Dalmatia.
The summer of 2020 did not feel very different from previous years. The cafes, restaurants and bars were working as usual with the personnel wearing masks at most places. There was no tension, no panic.
The only difference probably was the fewer tourists, less crowded cities and less traffic. Still, the top destinations, beaches and attractions were pretty much busy. Still, Croatia reported a 54% fall in tourist nights in Jan-Sept 2020 compared to 2019.
Happy us at Camp Tomas in August 2020
Additional tips for visiting Croatia in 2021
Little-known places
Croatia and especially the Croatian coast are full of little charming villages and cities that offer enough accommodation opportunities, as well as proper beaches and fun. Despite Covid-19 many visitors will head to the hit destinations such as Dubrovnik. Consider visiting a little-known city or county to further avoid crowds.
These are all villas for rent in Zaboric, Croatia – a small village near Sibenik
Villas, camping sites and mobile homes
Croatia offers more private host accommodation options than hotels. You’ll easily book yourself a fine place in any city in the country. Choosing a private villa or apartment seems a better choice compared to staying at a hotel with many visitors. Wouldn’t you agree?
In addition to private apartments and villas, there are plenty of camping resorts at the Croatian coast where you can stay book a parcel or stay in a mobile home. Mobile homes are usually around 35-40 sq. meters or more and are equipped with one, two, three bedrooms and one or two bathrooms. These are very popular and perfect for a safe stay in the beautiful Croatia.
A typical mobile home in Solaris Camp resort in Dalmatia
Visit off season
This one is probably obvious but worth sharing. Visiting off season is always a good way to avoid the crowds. When it comes to summer, why not booking your vacation in late June-early July, or late August-early September? The summer in Croatia starts early and visitors usually enjoy swimming and beach fun until the end of September.
When you come to Croatia this year, don’t forget to bring these things with you ; )
Here are some more safe travel ideas for 2021!