Planning your trip to Croatia

If you go

THE BEST WAY TO DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

From LAX, Lufthansa, British, KLM, United, Delta and Air France offer connecting service (change of planes) to Dubrovnik. Restricted round-trip fares range from $1,089 to $1,671, including taxes and fees.

There are passenger and car ferries (www.jadrolinija.hr) from Split to many of the Croatian islands. In mid-June, the price from Split to Hvar is about $84 one way for two adults, a child and a car. Plan to arrive 1-1½ hours before your ferry departure; Split’s port is well run but busy.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 385 (country code for Croatia) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

The area surrounding Plitvice Lakes National Park has many small villages with affordable apartment rentals; https://www.plitvice-lakes-apartments.com and https://www.booking.com.

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens, 1 Na Moru, Dubrovnik; 20-361-500, https://www.radissonblu.com/resort-dubrovnik. Six miles from Old Town, this luxury seaside resort has a private beach, two outdoor pools, spa, tennis, several restaurants and children’s program. Rooms and suites start at $362 (summer rates), breakfast included. Numerous hotel options exist closer to or in Old Town. Dubrovnik is expensive, particularly in the summer, so scout around.

We found our one-bedroom, two-bathroom rental apartment on Hvar for about $117 on https://www.vrbo.com. It was a 15- to 20-minute walk to Hvar Town and a five-minute walk to a popular beach.

Hotel Ambasador, 51410 Feliksa Persica, Opatija; 51-710-444, https://www.remisens.com/en/hotel-ambasador. High-rise hotel with a wellness center and large indoor and outdoor pools. Spectacular views of the Kvarner Gulf and encircling hills. Summer rates starting at $255.

WHERE TO EAT

Orsan, 43 Stikovica, Zaton Mali; 20-891-267, https://www.gverovic-orsan.hr, Five miles north of Old Town Dubrovnik, this small house features a lovely waterside stone patio. Fresh fish and pasta served by attentive, friendly staff. Be forewarned: Fish is priced per gram, so know how much you’re ordering—it adds up quickly.

Luna, 1 Petra Hektorovica, Hvar; 21-741-400. One block off St. Stephen’s Square, this rustic yet sophisticated restaurant features rooftop dining. Classic Dalmatian dishes such as grilled calamari, fish and steak, predominate.

TO LEARN MORE

Croatian National Tourism Board, https://www.croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage

The euro has been in place for a while in some of the heavily touristed parts of the country. In more rural areas, the Croatian kuna is still the only currency accepted. Having some kuna on hand for purchases at roadside stops or small local stores is helpful.