Croatian Gastronomy

Water is life

Water is the most important ingredient for the survival and quality of life wherever you are. The human body consists of 60-70 percent of water, which is the basic, indispensable and necessary daily dietary component. Water is the most important component of the cuisine; with a safe tap water we can also choose one that has the characteristics suitable to our needs (acids, alkalines, minerals).

Fortunately, Croatia abounds with water. The public water supply system supplies 75 percent of the population, and about 90 percent of the water in Croatia comes from the supplies of high quality groundwater. Water is renewable, and the data show that Croatia uses between 140 and 150 litres per capita per day, corresponding to the EU average. In addition, 20 manufacturers offer high-quality water from water sources, natural water and mineralized water from deeppumping stations.

The human body and Croatia, according to information about water, it seems, are in a statistical coincidence and it is clear that the quantity, type and water quality are huge benefits that we gladly share with our guests.

Water has always been prized for its value and it was always managed wisely. Supporting this thought there is data on the existence of some form of water systems far in the past. For example, the remains of water pipes on Kupa River prove the existence of water systems in the area of Sisak probably dating from the Roman period. Pools and tanks for organized water supply of the population from ancient times are found on the Briuni islands too and above Bol on the isle of Brač. It is believed that parts of ancient Pula’s water system originate from the 2nd century. At that time water was largely passed via clay pipes, and at the very end were found the remains of lead pipes.

A similar ancient water supply system exists also in the area west of Knin and a water supply system was buit in Zadar on

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the order of the Emperor Trajan. From the time of Venetian rule the remains of stone pipes were found in Ston and Gradac and wells in which water was collected were found on the island of Hvar and other islands. Novalja on the island of Pag was supplied by a water supply system that passed through a Roman ditch and it operated on wind power.

Diocletian’s water system is one of the few which from the beginning until now remained partly functional so that even after almost two thousand years it is used to supply water to inhabitants of Split. The water supply which goes from the source of the Jadro river is extremely rich in high-quality water of maximum purity and is more than nine kilometres long. That the old masters certainly knew their job even without having measuring instruments that we have today is proved by the fact that they managed to build the system of water freefall. The slope has perfect channels towards Split. Relying on the flawless performance of gravity, the slope is constant (2.43 ‰), which has ensured the delivery of water to any desired point in the city. Plumbing pipes partially go through the tunnels and aqueduct, which is part of today’s cultural monument

– the socalled Dry Bridge.

The most perfect water scenery awaits visitors in natural parks. Whether you enjoy the waterfalls of Krka, Plitvice lakes or rivers, you will witness the wonders of nature that are impeccably maintained and their waters are pure. For those who seek health benefits from water, Croatia abounds in numerous thermal and curative waters containing components whose benefits have been confirmed by epidemiological studies.

The Adriatic Sea is the largest water resource in Croatia. The length of the Croatian coast is 1.880 km + 4.398 km surrounding the 1.244 islands, islets, reefs and rocks totaling 6.278 km. The waters of the Adriatic are of the optimal temperatures for our enjoyment and for the many animal species living in the sea.

The Republic of Croatia is a European parliamentary state and part of European political and cultural history. It belongs to a group of medium to large sized European

countries such as Denmark, Ireland, Slovakia and Switzerland.

Croatia is a country of open borders, easy customs formalities, a land of peace and respect for its guests. We strive to make Our Beautiful One to be just like that to all those who visit and take away with them the best memories from it.

Travel documents

A valid passport or other document recognized by international agreement; for certain countries a personal identity card (documents proving identity and citizenship of the bearer). Information: Diplomatic missions and consular offices of the Republic of Croatia abroad and Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

(T: +385 1 4569 964, E-mail: stranci@mvep.hr, vize@mvep.hr, Web: www.mvep.hr).

customs regulations

The Croatian customs regulations are almost completely harmonized with the regulations and standards of the European Union, but in terms of bringing in objects of a non-commercial nature for personal use it is not required to

pay duty and VAT for items worth up to HRK 1,000.00.

The movement of domestic and foreign cash and cheques is free of charge for international visitors and Croatian nationals residing abroad, but transfer of amounts greater than 10,000 euros must be declared to a customs official. More expensive professional equipment and technical devices are also required to be reported to a customs official at the border crossing.

Individuals who do not have permanent or temporary residence in Croatia are entitled to a refund of value added tax (VAT) on goods purchased in Croatia, if the value of goods per invoice exceeds HRK 740.00, based on a VAT form or Tax cheque form that must be verified by the Customs Service upon presenting purchased goods which must be taken abroad within 3 months from the date of purchase ie the date stated on the invoice for the delivered goods.

A request for a refund must be filed within six months from the date of the invoice.

For further information please contact the Customs Administration (www.carina.hr). For information on the conditions of entry of products of animal origin in the personal

luggage of travellers, please contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development

– Veterinary Directorate (T: +385 1 6109 749, 6106 and 6106 703 669), www.mps.hr.

currency

Kuna HRK (1 kuna = 100 lipa). Currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices, travel agencies and hotels.

POST OFFICES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Post offices are open on weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm. Some post offices in major towns are open on weekdays from 7 am to 8 pm and

Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. A night-time post office is located in Branimirova 4, 10000 Zagreb and is open every day 24 hours a day.

Public telephones use phone cards which are sold in post offices and newstands. Foreign countries can be directly called from any phone. T: 0800 303 304

Web: www.posta.hr E-mail: info@posta.hr

OPENING HOURS OF MAJOR STORES AND PUBLIC SERVICES

During the tourist season, most shops are open weekdays form 8 am to 8 pm and many of them are open at weekends too. Public services and companies usually work from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.

MEDICAL SERVICE

Hospitals and clinics exist in all major cities with clinics and pharmacies in small towns.

Foreign tourists who have compulsory health insurance in countries with which Croatia has an agreement on Social Security, during a private visit to the Republic of Croatia do not pay for emergency health care services, provided that they have provided confirmation of the treaty direct to health care. Medical care (including transport) is used for emergency cases in the manner and according to regulations valid for Croatian citizens covered by Social Security, with identical contibution in health care

costs (participation). People who come from countries with which no contract or agreement for provision of medical services exists have to cover the care costs by themselves. For further information please contact the Croatian Health Insurance Institute (T: +385 1 4806 333,

Web: www.hzzo-net.hr).

Power supply: 220 V, frequency 50 Hz.

Tap water is used as drinking water in all parts of Croatia.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1 January – New Year’s Day; 6 January – Epiphany; Easter and Easter Monday; 1 May

– Labour Day; Corpus Christi; 22 June – Day of Antifascism; 25 June – National Day; 5 August – Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day; 15 August – Assumption Day; 8 October – Independence Day; 1 November – All Saints; 25 and 26 December – Christmas Holidays.

PETROL STATIONS

Petrol stations in major cities and along the highways are open 0-24 hours.

Petrol stations sell Eurosuper 95, Super 95, Super 98, Super plus 98, Euro Diesel and Diesel, and those in larger cities and on highways also supply gas.

For information on fuel prices and a list of petrol stations: www.ina.hr, www.omv.hr, www. hak.hr, www.tifon.hr

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

International dialing prefix for Croatia: 385 Ambulance: 194

Firefighters: 193 Police: 192

National Centre for Coordinating Search and Rescue at Sea: 9155

National Administration for Protection and Rescue (single European emergency number): 112

General Information: 18 981

Information on local and intercity numbers: 11 880 and 11 888

Information on international telephone numbers: 11 802

Weather and road conditions: 060 520 520 (voice prompt)

Emergency Meterologist at Meterological and Hydrological Service (from 8 am to 6 pm): 060 616 666

Croatian Automobile Club (HAK)

Road assistance: 1987 (If you are calling from abroad or by phone, call +385 1 1987). Road conditions (062 777 777)

Customer Service (0800 9987) +385 1 4640 800 E-mail: info@hak.hr

Web: www.hak.hr

Kroatische Zentrale für Tourismus

8004 Zürich, Badenerstr. 332, Switzerland

T: +41 43 336 2030 +41 43 336 2031 +41 43 336 2032 +41 43 336 2034

F: +41 43 336 2039,

E-mail: info@visitkroatien.ch Web: ch.croatia.hr

Oficina Nacional de Turismo de Croacia

28001 Madrid, Calle Claudio Coello 22, esc.B,1°C, España T: +3491 781 5514

F: +3491 431 8443

E: info@visitacroacia.es Web: visitacroacia.es

Ark Hills Executive Tower N613, Akasaka 1-14-5, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052

T: +81 03 6234 0711

F: +81 03 6234 0712 E-mail: info@visitcroatia.jp Web: visitcroatia.jp