The crime rate in Croatia is low by European standards. Croatian police ( policija ) are generally helpful when dealing with holidaymakers, although they can be slow when filling out reports. Police often make routine checks on identity cards and other documents; always carry your passport .

Hospital treatment is free to EU citizens. Pharmacies ( ljekarna ) tend to follow normal shopping hours, and a rota system covers night-time and weekend opening; details are posted in the window of each pharmacy.

You're unlikely to see too many reminders of the war during your travels round Croatia. Apart from Dubrovnik, which was heavily shelled by Serb and Montenegrin troops in 1991 and 1992, none of the places featured here were part of a war zone. Most of the fighting took place in areas well away from the tourist spots - and at the time of writing it is safe to travel anywhere in the country.