Horseback riding in Croatia

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Our equestrian tours in Croatia

Horseback riding vacations in Croatia

Rich in culture and history, Croatia is one of Europe's leading travel destinations. Horseback riding in Croatia gives riders the opportunity to explore this majestic and unique landscape from a different point of view. With a variety of terrains available, you can explore the thick tranquil forests or feel the raw strength of a horse beneath you as you gallop across flat fields.

Horse Riding in Croatia
Horseback riding has a long running history in Croatia and many breeds such as the stunning grey Lipizzaners were first bred here. Original uses for rural farm work has since evolved to a variety of disciplines including dressage, cowboy work, trails riding, and more!

Come visit the Cowboy Eco Retreat for luxury travel amenities, world-class cuisine, a full-service, and private and nature conservation driven adventures. Whether a first-timer in the saddle or a seasoned rider, we have the horse for you! Great for families, couples, or singles! We pride ourselves in offering the best cowboy experience imaginable to our guests.

Looking for a bit more adventure and exploration? The Cowboy Wilderness Adventure takes you around the Velebit Mountains in our progressive ride! You'll experience a variety of accommodation types from quality rooms to camping in order to fully take advantage of Croatia's hospitable culture. Ride in a pristine nature, visit a ghost town on horseback and indulge in a tasty cuisine featured in a Michelin guide. Experience frontier life in this heart-changing adventure. You will come as a city-slicker and leave as true and tried cowboy and cowgirl!

Those who want a more rural experience should check out The Dalmatian Hinterland Tour, offering intermediate riders the chance to explore historical ancient old Roman roads as well as cattle paths through beautiful rural parts of Dalmatia. You will be riding next to mountains Svilaj, Moseć and peaks of untouched nature. You will also explore the local culture as you pass through small villages full of friendly and hospitable people.

Croatia Climate & Weather
Croatia has a varied climate, with continental climate conditions inland and Mediterranean influence on the Adriatic coast. Peak season is July- August, with temperatures in the high 20s or in the 30s in places like Split, but you can expect plenty of sunshine from roughly May to October on the coast, and the shoulder seasons (May- June and September) are among he best times to visit Croatia. Inland is also hot in the summer but can be bitterly cold in the winter with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. Winter on the coast is milder but can be quite rainy.

Holidays on horseback in Croatia

See Mini Country Guide

Croatia

At A glance

Capital City: Zagreb

Land size: 55,974 sq km

Population: 4,188,853 (2022 est.)

Official language: Croatian

Currency: Croatian kuna (kn / HRK) – replaced by Euros in 2023 (€ / EUR)

UNESCO properties and sites:

Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Porec
Historic City of Trogir
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
Old City of Dubrovnik
Stari Grad Plain
Stecci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries (Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar)
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/croatia/

Croatia is known for its stunning coastlines, rich history, and warm Mediterranean charm. Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Split, where the impressive Diocletian's Palace stands as a testament to the past. Marvel at the natural beauty of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its cascading waterfalls and emerald-green lakes.
Get ready to be captivated by the charm of Croatia.

Croatia's diverse landscapes, historical treasures, and vibrant culture offer endless opportunities for unforgettable horseback riding experiences. Explore Dalmatia, trotting through rolling hills, and charming towns. Venture into the foothills of the Velebit Mountains, riding amidst lush forests, and old roman roads.
Get ready to uncover the soul of Croatia from the back of a horse, forging unforgettable connections with nature, culture, and the spirit of this captivating country.

Brief History

The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent communist state consisting of six socialist republics under the strong hand of Marshal Josip Broz, aka TITO.
Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Yugoslav forces were mostly cleared from Croatian lands.
The country joined NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013.

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/croatia/

Cultural Insights

The main meal of the day is a late lunch. In the north and inland, the majority of the foods has an Austrian or Hungarian flavor. A typical lunch includes chicken or beef soup, cooked meat (often pork), potatoes, and bread. Greens with vinegar and oil are served in the spring and summer, and pickled vegetables in the winter. Along the coast, a meal usually includes fish and pasta, risotto, or polenta. Lamb is common in the Dalmatian highland region. Breakfast is simple, usually consisting of strong coffee and bread with jam. The traditional dinner typically consists of leftovers from lunch, cold meats, and cheese with bread. People usually eat in their own homes, although they also eat snacks on the streets. Restaurants are usually very formal and expensive. A variety of fast foods are available, including foods typical of ethnic minorities.

People stand close to one another and talk loudly. Strangers stare openly at one another. Strangers nod their heads in passing.

Formality is maintained in language and behavior when people do not know each other well.
In stores, offices, and places of business, people use formal language for greetings and good-byes. Failure to greet someone in a context that requires a greeting and an overly familiar greeting are serious breaches of etiquette. People who are on friendly terms greet each other more informally and usually kiss on both cheeks. Young people are expected to offer the first greeting to older people, and women to men.
The formal "you" is used unless people are age mates, good friends, or coworkers or have reached a stage where the dominant person invites the person of lesser status to address him or her informally.

Source: https://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Croatia.html

Transportation

By Air
The world’s leading airlines and low-cost carriers take visitors to one of Croatia’s nine international airports situated along the coast (Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar), in the continental part of the country (Zagreb, Osijek) and on islands (Mali Lošinj, Brac).

Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport (commonly known as Zagreb Airport) is the main international gateway to Zagreb, the largest and capital city of Croatia.

Dubrovnik Airport is the main airport serving the city of Dubrovnik, on Croatia's Adriatic Coast. The airport has a strong seasonal traffic pattern, with many European LCCs and charter airlines operating seasonal services to the city in the warmer months.

Split Kaštela/Resnik Airport (Split Airport) is served by airlines from across Europe. The airport's traffic has a strong seasonal pattern, with the vast majority of traffic coming in the warmer months.

Pula Airport is served by LCCs and charter airlines from across Europe.

Zadar airport has a strong seasonal traffic pattern, with the vast majority of traffic coming in the summer months.

By Rail
Rail connections offer direct or transfer connections with almost all European countries.
Trains aren’t as popular in Croatia as in certain European countries, but larger city centers, especially Zagreb, are well connected to all parts of the country.

You can find out more about travelling by train in Croatia at the following link: https://www.hzpp.hr/en/f-a-q?p=361&mp=13

By Sea
Although travelling by sea isn’t as important as it used to be, you can definitely arrive in Croatia riding the waves. International ferry lines connect the largest Croatian ports with Italian towns on the opposite side of the Adriatic coast, while a large number of shipping companies, carriers and agencies offers countless possibilities.

International ferry lines
Zadar – Ancona (Jadrolinija - www.jadrolinija.hr)
Split – Stari Grad – Ancona (SNAV - www.snav.it)
Split – Stari Grad – Ancona (Jadrolinija - www.jadrolinija.hr)
Dubrovnik – Bari (Jadrolinija - www.jadrolinija.hr)

Apart from ferry lines, fast ferry lines also operate between Croatia and Italy.

Source: https://croatia.hr/en-gb/getting-to-croatia
https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/airports/zagreb-airport-zag
https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/airports/dubrovnik-airport-dbv

Money

The currency of Croatia was the Croatian Kuna. However, it was replaced by the euro on January 1st 2023.

Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks and hotels. Most ATMs accept standard international credit and debit cards.

Pounds sterling and US dollars are easily exchanged for local currency. Only exchange money at reliable places such as banks and currency exchange bureaux.

In Croatia, there is no special fee for service, so prices listed in cafés, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality or accommodation establishments, are clear and final for the customer. This makes tipping a personal choice for the customer, based on their impression of received services and the engagement of staff. The tip is a bonus on top of income for staff, and it doesn’t form a large part of their salaries.
If you decide to thank someone with a tip, we recommend sticking to the golden unwritten rules when calculating it. These say that, if you are happy with the received service, for smaller amounts in cafés and bars just round the amount up to the closest round amount, and for larger amounts or in restaurants leave a tip of at least 10–15% of the total.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia
https://croatia.hr/en-gb/money/tipping
https://croatia.hr/en-gb/money/currency

Health

Adequate health facilities are available in major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. Public medical clinics may lack advanced resources and specialized medical supplies.

Credit card payment is not always available. Some hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. Private hospitals may require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.

Medical staff may speak little or no English.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 for an English speaking emergency service and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment, you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.
Ambulance services are not widely available, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

If traveling with prescription medication, please check with the government of Croatia and its Customs Administration to make sure the medication is legal in Croatia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Visit the U.S. Embassy’s website for information on bringing medical drugs for personal use when traveling to Croatia. Note that Croatian law prohibits the importation of drugs via postal mail.
Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Croatia.html

Electricity

Croatia operates on a 230V supply voltage and uses type C and F plugs.

The Type C electrical plug (or Europlug) is a two-wire plug that has two round pins. It fits into any socket that accepts 4.0 – 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. They are being replaced by E, F, J, K or N sockets which work perfectly with Type C plugs.

The Type F electrical plug (also known as a Schuko plug) has two 4.8 mm round pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is similar to the Type E plug but has two earth clips on the side rather than a female earth contact. The CEE 7/7 plug was developed to work with sockets E and F and has grounding clips on both sides (to work with Type F sockets) and a female contact (to accept the grounding pin of the type E socket).

Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs

Communication

Time zone in Croatia: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)

International country code – 385

The mobile market is served by three MNOs, supplemented by a number of MVNOs.
5G services are widely available, though the sector will only show its full potential later in 2021 following the award of licenses in several bands.
The broadband sector benefits from effective competition between the DSL and cable platforms, while there are also numerous fiber deployments in urban areas.

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/croatia/

Phrasebook

English Croatian

Hello! Dobar dan

Goodbye Dovidenja

Good morning Dobro jutro

Good evening Dobra vecer

Good night Laku noc

Please Molim Vas

Thank you Hvala

Yes Da

No Ne

Source: https://www.mondly.com/blog/2019/07/18/100-essential-croatian-phrases-youll-need-before-traveling-to-croatia/

Entry Requirements

Croatia is a Member State of the European Union, but it still does not form part of the so-called Schengen Area.

Generally, citizens of European countries, regardless of whether their countries are Member States of the EU or not, do not need a visa to come to Croatia. The only exceptions to this rule are the Russian Federation, Belarus and the Republic of Turkey.

Citizens of most non-European countries will probably need to obtain a visa pursuant to the agreements concluded between Croatia and their country.

You can find more information about Visas at the following link: https://mvep.gov.hr/services-for-citizens/consular-information-22802/visas-22807/visa-requirements-overview-22879/22879

Source: https://croatia.hr/en-gb/getting-to-croatia/passport-and-visa

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy in Zagreb
Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona 2
10010 Zagreb
Croatia
Telephone: 385-1-661-2200

Embassy of Canada in Zagred
Prilaz Gjure Dezelica 4
10000 Zagreb
Croatia
Telephone: 385 1-488-1200 / 385 1-488-1238

Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates

UNESCO Sites

Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Porec
The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and episcopal palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements in an exceptional manner.

Historic City of Trogir
Trogir is a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period and it was embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period.

Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
The ruins of Diocletian's Palace, built between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries A.D., can be found throughout the city. The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. Twelfth- and 13th-century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style make up the rest of the protected area.

Old City of Dubrovnik
The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO.

Stari Grad Plain
Stari Grad Plain on the Adriatic island of Hvar is a cultural landscape that has remained practically intact since it was first colonized by Ionian Greeks from Paros in the 4th century BC. The original agricultural activity of this fertile plain, mainly centring on grapes and olives, has been maintained since Greek times to the present. The site is also a natural reserve. The landscape features ancient stone walls and trims, or small stone shelters, and bears testimony to the ancient geometrical system of land division used by the ancient Greeks, the chora which has remained virtually intact over 24 centuries.

Stecci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
This serial property combines 28 sites, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, western Serbia, western Montenegro and central and southern Croatia, representing these cemeteries and regionally distinctive medieval tombstones, or stecci. The cemeteries, which date from the 12th to 16th centuries CE, are laid out in rows, as was the common custom in Europe from the Middle Ages. The stecci are mostly carved from limestone. They feature a wide range of decorative motifs and inscriptions that represent iconographic continuities within medieval Europe as well as locally distinctive traditions.

The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik (1431-1535), on the Dalmatian coast, bears witness to the considerable exchanges in the field of monumental arts between Northern Italy, Dalmatia and Tuscany in the 15th and 16th centuries. The three architects who succeeded one another in the construction of the Cathedral - Francesco di Giacomo, Georgius Mathei Dalmaticus and Niccolò di Giovanni Fiorentino - developed a structure built entirely from stone and using unique construction techniques for the vaulting and the dome of the Cathedral. The form and the decorative elements of the Cathedral, such as a remarkable frieze decorated with 71 sculptured faces of men, women, and children, also illustrate the successful fusion of Gothic and Renaissance art.

Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar
This property consists of 6 components of defence works in Italy, Croatia and Montenegro, spanning more than 1,000 km between the Lombard region of Italy and the eastern Adriatic Coast. The fortifications throughout the Stato da Terra protected the Republic of Venice from other European powers to the northwest and those of the Stato da Mar protected the sea routes and ports in the Adriatic Sea to the Levant. They were necessary to support the expansion and authority of the Serenissima. The introduction of gunpowder led to significant shifts in military techniques and architecture that are reflected in the design of so-called alla moderna / bastioned, fortifications, which were to spread throughout Europe.

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
This transboundary property stretches over 12 countries. Since the end of the last Ice Age, European Beech spread from a few isolated refuge areas in the Alps, Carpathians, Dinarides, Mediterranean and Pyrenees over a short period of a few thousand years in a process that is still ongoing. The successful expansion across a whole continent is related to the tree’s adaptability and tolerance of different climatic, geographical and physical conditions.

Plitvice Lakes National Park
The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. These geological processes continue today. The forests in the park are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species.

Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/hr