Croatia has been one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe for many years — and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning Adriatic coastline, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful pebble beaches, it’s the perfect getaway. Having a solid Croatia packing list will make all the difference. Whether you’re planning to drive, take the bus, or fly to Croatia, proper preparation and packing the right items will help you enjoy a worry-free holiday.
TL;DR
- Most important items: Valid passport or national ID card, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), travel insurance (SafetyWing), bank card, and cash in euros.
- Clothing: Swimwear, light summer clothes, but also a hoodie or jumper for cooler evenings.
- For the beach: Sunscreen, water shoes (to protect against sea urchins), towels, and sunglasses.
- Electronics: Phone with charger, power bank, camera.
- Health: Basic first-aid kit with after-sun lotion, painkillers, and mosquito repellent.
- For a road trip: Documents, enough euros for tolls, reflective vests.
Also read: 10 Tips for Accommodation in Croatia
Where to Go on Holiday in Croatia
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, central Dalmatia is ideal, with towns like Split, Omiš, or Makarska. History lovers will appreciate the northern coast with Zadar or Šibenik. If budget isn’t a concern, head to southern Dalmatia and Dubrovnik.
For those who prefer islands, Brač, Hvar, or Korčula are excellent choices. If you’re drawn to unspoiled nature, visit national parks like Kamenjak or Plitvice Lakes.
For more inspiration, check out our full guide on where to go on holiday in Croatia.
What to Pack for a Holiday in Croatia
If you’ve got a Croatia holiday coming up, here’s what you shouldn’t forget to pack:
Travel Documents and Money
The most important part of your Croatia packing list is travel documents. As a UK citizen, you’ll need a valid passport to enter Croatia (which has been an EU member state since 2013 and a Schengen area member since 2023). Make sure your passport has enough validity — at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Croatia.
Don’t forget your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), and definitely take out travel insurance (we recommend SafetyWing). If you’re driving, make sure you have a valid driving licence and appropriate car insurance.
As for money, Croatia uses the euro, so have enough cash for tolls and smaller expenses. Although you can pay by card almost everywhere (we recommend trying Revolut for great exchange rates), cash comes in handy for toilets on the road or in smaller shops. If you’re driving through Slovenia or Austria, keep some coins ready for motorway tolls there too.
Clothing for All Occasions
Even though you’re heading off on a summer holiday, don’t forget to pack clothes for cooler evenings. The Croatian coast can be surprisingly chilly in the evening, especially on the northern islands or during windy weather.
Your basic wardrobe should include several swimsuits (at least two, so one can dry while you wear the other), light summer clothing such as T-shirts, vests, shorts, and dresses (for example, the Travel or Oslo Summer dresses). However, also pack a hoodie or jumper, long trousers, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Don’t forget a hat or cap to protect you from the intense sun.
As for footwear, pack flip-flops or sandals for everyday wear, sturdier shoes for excursions, and definitely water shoes. Croatian beaches are mostly rocky or pebbly, so water shoes are essential to protect your feet from sharp stones and sea urchins.
Beach Essentials
For your time on the beach, make sure to pack high-SPF sunscreen, as the Croatian sun can be incredibly intense. After-sun lotion will help soothe your skin after a full day of sunbathing. Sunglasses with UV protection are an absolute must.
Bringing your own beach towels is practical, as you can use them anytime and anywhere. A beach mat or lightweight foam pad is also handy on rocky beaches, where sunbed hire can be quite pricey.
If you enjoy snorkelling, bring a mask, snorkel, and fins. The Croatian sea offers an amazing underwater world and it would be a shame to miss it. For families with children, inflatable water toys are always a good idea to pack.
Toiletries and Cosmetics
For toiletries, pack the basics: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and shower gel. If you’re short on space, we recommend waterless cosmetics from NanoSpace. You can easily pick up anything else you need at local shops.
Your first-aid kit should include after-sun cream for sunburn, anti-itch gel for mosquito bites, and basic medication for pain, stomach issues, colds, and coughs. Don’t forget antiseptic, plasters, and a thermometer. If you take any regular medication, bring enough to last the entire trip along with your prescription.
Electronics
In this day and age, keeping your electronics charged is essential. Don’t forget chargers for your phone, camera, or tablet. A power bank will come in handy on long day trips or at the beach where there’s no way to charge your devices.
For leisure time, bring along your favourite books, magazines, cards, or puzzles. If you’re travelling with children, a tablet loaded with films or board games will help pass the time during the long journey and keep the kids entertained.
Driving to Croatia
If you’re driving to Croatia from the UK or elsewhere in Europe, there are a few extra things to keep in mind. Before setting off, thoroughly check your vehicle, top up all fluids, and make sure you have the required safety equipment for each country you’ll be passing through.
When driving through Austria and Slovenia, you’ll need a reflective vest for each passenger. Have enough euros ready for Croatian motorway tolls — guard your toll ticket carefully, as losing it can result in a hefty fine (though these days, many things can be arranged online in advance).
Pack plenty of drinking water, basic toiletries, and snacks that can withstand higher temperatures. If you’re travelling with children, don’t forget window sun shades for the rear windows and entertainment for the long drive.
Travelling with Children
If you’re travelling with children, you’ll need some extra preparation. Every child must have their own valid passport. If only one parent is travelling with the child, it’s a good idea to carry a notarised letter of consent from the other parent, just in case.
For a baby, pack a travel cot, pushchair, nappies, wet wipes, and everything needed for their care. Don’t forget their favourite toys, which will help them settle in a new environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Passport for Croatia?
Yes, as a UK citizen you will need a valid passport to enter Croatia. EU citizens can enter with a valid national ID card. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure.
What Currency Is Used in Croatia?
Since 1 January 2023, Croatia has used the euro. The Croatian kuna is no longer in circulation.
Do I Need a Motorway Vignette for Croatia?
No, Croatia doesn’t use a vignette system — you pay tolls on individual motorway sections. However, if you’re driving through Austria or Slovenia, you will need a motorway vignette for those countries.
Can I Pay by Card in Croatia?
Yes, card payments are accepted in most places in Croatia. However, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash in euros for tolls, toilets, or smaller shops.
Do I Need Vaccinations Before Travelling to Croatia?
No, there are no specific vaccinations required for travelling to Croatia. The country has a similar hygiene standard to the rest of the EU.
Can I Bring My Own Food to Croatia?
Yes, you can bring food for personal consumption. However, avoid perishable items, and keep in mind that if you’re driving through Bosnia and Herzegovina (for example, on the way to Dubrovnik), different import rules may apply.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
