ULTIMATE CROATIA TRAVEL PACKING LIST: HOW TO PACK FOR CROATIA

Wondering what to include in your Croatia travel packing list? Here’s a detailed guide from a local Croatian girl!

What you pack for Croatia will depend on when you’re coming, where exactly you’re going, and how long you’ll be staying. I spend each summer on the coast, so I’ve done my fair share of packing for exploring Croatia. This guide will help you pack absolutely everything you need for your Croatia holiday!

YOUR ESSENTIALS

These are the items you absolutely must have with you, so double-check before traveling to make sure you’ve packed them!

Passport/ID + copies 

You will need your passport or ID to enter the country. Make sure they’re with you at all times, and keep photocopies in case of loss. Even if you don’t have photocopies, at least take photos of all your important documents. Also, check whether you need a visa to enter Croatia. If you do, make sure your visa is stored with your passport.

Travel insurance details 

Travel insurance is really important in Croatia. Croatia has many water and outdoor activities, and people tend to be quite adventurous when visiting. If you’re from an EU/EEA country, you can get the European Health Card, which is free, and any emergency care in Croatia will cost the same as it does for locals (usually nothing or very little). If you’re not from the EU/EEA, definitely get regular travel insurance. Better safe than sorry!

International Driving Permit

You need an IDP only if your driver’s license isn’t from the EU or isn’t in the Latin alphabet. If it is, you do not need one. If your license is in Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, or another non-Latin script, you will need an IDP. However, if you’re renting a car, it’s best to check with your rental company to see if they require one, just to be sure.

Credit/debit cards and some cash 

Cards are widely accepted, so you can count on paying for the majority of things by card. However, some smaller shops, markets, and ferries may prefer cash. If you’re on a less developed island, you’ll need more cash than usual. Tipping is also mostly still done in cash, so always have some on you if you’re going for a meal (though it’s not mandatory!).

Phone, charger, and power bank 

Obviously, you’re not going to come without your phone, but make sure you always have a charger or power bank with you. You’ll be taking lots of pictures, using Google Maps, and most ferry or bus tickets are digital with a QR code, so you really don’t want to be caught without battery at an inconvenient time. This Samsung one is great. You can get at least four full charges for your phone with it and it’s super fast!

European plug adapter (Type C/F)

Croatian outlets use round two-pin plugs, so if you’re coming from the US, the UK, or any other country that uses different outlet types, bring at least one adapter. If you’re staying in more modern accommodation, the hotel room will probably have USB-C plugs, so you might not need an adapter, but check with your hotel in advance if you plan on relying on that. Here’s a 3-pack of European adapters for a really great price!

eSIM

If you’re from the EU, you already know you can normally use your own data in Croatia. However, if you’re not from the EU, an eSIM is a must. While hotels and most restaurants and bars have Wi-Fi, having your own eSIM will make your travels much simpler and allow you to use your phone anytime. My recommendation is Sim Local. They’re very reliable and really affordable, and you can use my code KARLATYPES for an additional discount at checkout!

CLOTHES

Depending on how long you’re coming for, you can bring as much or as little clothing as you want. However, unless you’re visiting just 1–2 coastal destinations, keep in mind that not all of Croatia is the same, so you’ll need different things!

Light, breathable clothes 

You’ll need a lot of breathable clothes, trust me. Croatia gets really hot in summer and quite humid, especially along the coast. You’ll want clothes that won’t stick to you or make you uncomfortable. Bring linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking fabrics. That means tank tops, T-shirts, shorts, dresses, and skirts in comfortable materials!

Light jacket or sweater 

If you’re coming in summer, evenings by the water can get breezy, so you might want to bring something light with long sleeves. However, if you’re visiting in spring or autumn, you may need an actual jacket, like a jean or leather jacket, a blazer, or even a raincoat. If you’re coming in the shoulder season, pack a mix of light clothes along with some warmer layers.

Comfortable walking shoes 

Listen, we’d all love to just look beautiful, but some streets and places just aren’t made for uncomfortable or unsafe shoe choices. Cities like Dubrovnik and Split have uneven cobblestone streets, so you’ll feel much more comfortable walking around in a pair of trainers than in flip-flops. Also, if you’re planning on exploring national parks, trainers are a must!

Sandals or flip-flops 

There’s still a place for sandals and flip-flops in Croatia. They’re perfect for the beach, boat tours, and easy strolls to a restaurant and back in the evening. However, do not go climbing or walking around nature in flip-flops, and definitely don’t try doing 20,000 steps a day in them.

Going out clothes

While Croatians love dressing up, it’s not something that’s overly expected if you’re planning a night out. If you’re going to a very fancy restaurant, feel free to dress to the nines. However, if you’re planning on bar hopping or visiting some of Croatia’s nightclubs, don’t feel pressured to be extremely dressed up. Most Croatians and tourists wear a nice shirt and shorts (men) or a nice dress, skirt, or going-out top (women). Don’t bother with stilettos at all. If you really want something elevated, bring a block heel. Everything else is torture to walk around in!

Swimsuits and cover-ups

If you’re visiting the coast, you’ll likely be swimming often. Bring a few swimsuits you can enjoy throughout your trip. Equally important is having a cover-up you can use when walking between beaches, cafés, and promenades. Keep in mind that places like Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split issue huge fines for walking around the old town in swimsuits, so you don’t want to do that. You also won’t be welcomed in bars, restaurants, or stores if you’re not covered up.

Hat and sunglasses 

The sun in Croatia can be really strong, so please don’t come without proper sun protection. Hats and sunglasses are absolutely necessary, especially while exploring during the day (like Dubrovnik’s city walls!) and on boat tours.

BEACH ACCESSORIES

Microfiber towel 

A nice big towel is a priority unless you plan on renting sun loungers on every beach. It’s a plus if you bring a microfiber one, since they’re quick-drying and lightweight, so you won’t have to deal with a heavy, wet towel after enjoying the beach or a boat tour.

Sunscreen 

You really can’t be out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. without sunscreen in Croatia. The sun will literally burn your skin. You can bring your own or buy some here, since there’s plenty available. However, sunscreen prices in Croatia during summer are often outrageous (over €20), so if you don’t want to pay that much, bring your own.

Snorkel mask

Croatia’s sea is insanely clear, so if you like to snorkel, you can bring your snorkel mask. Don’t expect anything too crazy, Croatia doesn’t have coral reefs or anything similar. However, the views can still be quite nice, especially around small bays and rocky beaches. If you don’t feel like bringing your own, you can buy one here if you decide you need it. They’re usually €10–15.

Water shoes 

This is a polarizing topic in Croatia, since many Croatians think you should just power through when entering the sea and start swimming. However, I love my water shoes. The Croatian coast is mostly rocky and pebbly, with only a few sandy beaches. That means entering the sea can be quite challenging, especially for someone who has never been on a similar coast. Get yourself some water shoes and enjoy yourself.

TOILETRIES

I won’t give too many suggestions here since everyone knows what they can’t live without. I will say that most of these things can be easily bought in any town in Croatia, so if you forget something, it’s really not the end of the world.

Bring: toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant (!!), razor, hairbrush, makeup, and makeup remover. I’d also add that you should bring your medications and a small first aid kit with pain relievers, stomach aids, blister pads, and any prescription medication. Definitely bring motion-sickness pills if you know you get seasick and plan on doing a boat tour. Croatian pharmacies are great and have plenty of options, but if you know something works well for you, just bring it from home.

EXTRAS YOU MIGHT NEED OR ENJOY HAVING

Camera or GoPro

Croatia is incredibly photogenic, so you’ll be taking tons of photos. While phones today have amazing cameras, if you really love photography you might want to bring a camera with you. We love our Fuji x-m5. The same goes for a GoPro. If you love underwater photos, it can be really useful to have one in Croatia.

Reusable water bottle 

A reusable water bottle can be a lifesaver in Croatia, since it gets so hot. Tap water is safe to drink, so you can fill your bottle at your hotel or apartment and avoid paying for water. Dubrovnik also has plenty of public fountains in the Old Town where you can refill your bottle, so you can save some money, too!

Small daypack or a reusable shopping bag

These can be really helpful if you plan to cook for yourself and need to do some shopping, or for the beach to carry sunscreen, water, and snacks. They can also be useful on day trips or island excursions.

Book/Kindle 

If you’re a reader, you can get plenty of reading time on the beach, ferry, or in the car if you’re road-tripping. Having a Kindle is a lifesaver for me, I love it to death. If you get the Kindle Paperwhite version, it’s also waterproof! If you want to relax with your book, bring either your physical book or your e-reader!

Waterproof phone pouch

Croatia is generally really safe, so you shouldn’t have any problems leaving your things on the beach (just cover them with a towel, as any Croatian would). That means you don’t have to take your phone into the sea, but the pouch is great for kayaking and boat tours if you don’t want your phone to get wet!

Small cooler bag (collapsible)

If you want to be extra on the beach, you can bring your own cooler bag that will keep your drinks cold and store your snacks. It can also be helpful on long drives if you plan on doing some!

CONCLUSION: CROATIA TRAVEL PACKING LIST

To sum it up, packing for Croatia is all about keeping things simple and practical. Bring light, easy-to-wear clothes, comfortable shoes, and just the essentials. Don’t forget your medications, documents, and phone or camera. Anything else you can easily buy here if needed, so there’s no need to overpack. You’ll be spending most of your time by the sea anyway!