Croatia Packing List (23 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

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Packing for Croatia means being prepared for many scenarios. You might be heading there specifically for Yacht Week, or maybe you’re more interested in the wine regions, historical cities, stunning nature, or bumpin’ nightlife.

Whatever your flavor of things to do in Croatia, I’m here to help you pack for it. I visited Croatia for around a month and have been singing its praises ever since (seriously, it’s one of my fave countries).

In this article, I’ll list out the essential items you need no matter what your plan is for Croatia.

Travel Essentials for Croatia

🖨️ Get a free printable version of this packing list here

Travel Adapter

In Croatia, Type C and Type F power plugs and sockets are used, which is generally standard in much of Europe.

However, if you’re coming from North America or elsewhere without these types, you will need a Universal Travel Adapter. I like the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter because you can easily switch the plug, charge up to 6 devices with the USB-A and USB-C ports, and you can take it around the world to more destinations.

Water Sandals

Fun fact: most of Croatia’s beaches are rocky, not sandy. And second fun fact, there are a lot of spiky sea urchins. I definitely didn’t know this when I showed up in Croatia, and had a painful time hurting my feet on the rocks and dodging the urchins before I bought a pair of water shoes.

These REEF Women’s Water Vista Sandals are a stylish option. Or, if you plan on being more active, I recommend a closed-toe option such as these SEEKWAY Water Shoes.

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Chances are you’re traveling to Croatia to bask in the sunshine, but I’d caution you before you start slathering any old sunscreen on your skin. Because Croatia has protected marine life, you’ll need a reef-safe sunscreen before you go swimming. Regular sunscreens can actually harm the fishies and bleach corals, so they’re generally best avoided in natural settings.

I like All Good Reef Safe Sunscreen. It’s good for the environment and your skin.

Motion Sickness Tablets

If you get at all queasy on boats, then I highly suggest bringing some motion sickness tablets to Croatia with you. 

I like the stronger Dramamine tablets (the motion sickness struggle is real), but if you want a lighter option then ginger chews are always a good bet.

Clip-On Sun Umbrella

Planning to spend time on Croatia’s beaches? Then I have a fun hack for you: bring your own beach umbrella!

This Beach Chair Umbrella with Clamp packs down small, clips to any beach lounger or chair, and even doubles as a regular travel umbrella.

Water Bottle

The water is largely safe to drink in Croatia, and you’ll find many public taps in the major cities to re-fill on the go. 

The Dopper Water Bottle is an environmentally-friendly option that’s BPA free. Plus, you can use it as a carafe or a cup.

Waterproof Dry Bag

Getting out on the water or beach in Croatia is a must, and I highly recommend using a dry bag to keep your stuff dry. The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is a highly rated waterproof bag that includes a waterproof phone case.

Day Bag

Whether you’re exploring a city, taking a national park day trip, or touring a winery, the Osprey Daylite Daypack is a trusted day bag no matter your Croatia destination. It’s expandable as a carry-on, has a ton of pockets, and looks good to boot.

Backpack not quite your style? No worries. Osprey has a whole Daylite collection that includes crossbody bags, totes, and more.

Air Tags

I kid you not, my friend Cailee’s luggage was lost enroute to Croatia, so when she got there, we shared what was in my bag until she located hers. Safe to say, we wish we’d thought of luggage tracking devices sooner.

Apple AirTags make the process easy. Just pair one to your phone and then pop it in your luggage before check-in. Then, you’ll always know where your luggage is.

Fan

Depending on when you visit Croatia, having a small fan on hand could be a really good idea.

I mean, visiting Croatia in the summer is pretty dreamy. Having gelato in old towns, yachting on the Adriatic Sea, and… sweating your booty off. Okay, so that last one isn’t exactly “dreamy,” but JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fans are a great solution for staying cool in that hot, hot heat.

Scarf

While you can dress fairly casually in Croatia, I do recommend bringing along a scarf or pashmina for entering churches or other modest-dress places. 

The maamgic Pashmina Shawl for Women is a great neutral piece that goes with everything and can double as a blanket on a plane. 

Packable Sunhat

Croatia is undoubtedly a sunny destination, and so I recommend a stylish sunhat to keep your face shaded from the rays.

This FURTALK Womens Beach Sun Straw Hat is large enough to keep you shaded at the beach, and small enough to not look ridiculous in the city.

Foldable Tote

Croatia is largely a plastic bag-free country, with plastic shopping bags being effectively banned. So, for when you get a case of the shoppies and need a vessel, I recommend bringing a reusable tote.

The Nanobag Ultra-Lightweight Standard Tote Bag is super lightweight and folds up super small so you can always have it at the ready.

Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs

If you’re at all a light sleeper like me, I very much recommend a sleep mask and ear plugs in Croatia. Especially if you’re staying close to old towns, you’ll find that nightlife abounds and church bells ring early in the AM.

The ALASKA BEAR Sleep Mask comes with ear plugs and has contoured eye cups for comfort.

Portable Power Bank

In this day and age, running out of phone juice is a huge bummer while traveling. I mean, goodbye maps, Uber, and photos.

This Portable Charger Power Bank is perfect for keeping your phone (and other gadgets) charged on the go. It won’t take up much space in your day bag and has two USB outputs.

Toiletry Bag

As a frequent traveler, I’m always on the lookout for making my packing more efficient. And I have to say, this Toiletry Bag Kit Set is an awesome find.

It has a removable clear portion for going through airport security, has a ton of pouches for organization, and even hangs up in the shower.

Mosquito Repellent

Although it’s a small risk, there are mosquitos in parts of Croatia that carry West Nile Virus. You’re not likely to get in contact with these, but making sure you always have a line of defense is still a smart idea.

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm is an all-natural and highly-rated option. It works by masking your scent with botanicals.

First Aid Kit

No matter what’s on your Croatia itinerary, having a first aid kit at the ready is a good idea. This Band-Aid Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit has 80+ pieces of bandages, gauze, ointments, and more. It’s perfect for minor cuts and scrapes.

Compression Packing Cubes

These days, I never travel without compression packing cubes, and a trip to Croatia is no different. These cubes not only organize your clothes, but they save space in your bag by compressing everything down.

So, give yourself the gift of souvenir space and try these Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes. I’ve been using them for 3+ years and they’re still in excellent condition.

Small Camera

Smartphones are pretty good for taking photos these days, but Croatia has just too many adventure activities that you won’t want your phone for. From snorkeling in the Adriatic Sea to hiking in Krka National Park, I recommend a waterproof action cam to capture your escapades.

I’ve used GoPros for years, and the GoPro Hero 13 Black is the latest model. It’s highly rated and will last you forever.

Checklist of Other Croatia Essentials to Pack

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Toiletries
• Razors
• Sunglasses
• Phone charger
• Small lock for hostels
• Cable lock for hotels
• Laptop
• Device chargers
• Passport
• Hand sanitizer
• E-reader
• Ibuprofen
• Vaccinations
• Beach Towel
• Contact Lens Solution
• Feminine hygiene products
• Noise-cancelling headphones

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Croatia

Okay, those were my essential items. Now, here are some of my clothing recommendations for Croatia:

Cardigan

Croatia can be pretty hot in the summer, but I still recommend bringing a light cardigan for cooler evenings or the spring and fall. 

This PRETTYGARDEN Women’s Chunky Knit is a great choice. It’ll go with a ton of outfits and is just chunky enough for an extra layer when the temperature dips.

Walking Shoes

Between the cobblestone streets of Split and Dubrovnik, the hiking trails of Krka and Plitvice National Parks, and everywhere in between, plan to walk a lot in Croatia.

These Skechers Women’s Go Walk Arch Fit Unify Sneakers have podiatrist certified arch support and are super comfy. I can attest – I personally have these in my walking-shoe arsenal!

Linen Set

You’ll likely be visiting Croatia in the heat – whether that’s straight-on summer or late spring – and I recommend adding as much linen into your wardrobe as possible.

Linen is great for wicking-away heat and regulating your body temperature, and sets like this Panadila 2 Piece Linen Set fit the Croatia vibe completely.

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Croatia

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Croatia? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Croatia: 

• 1-2 pairs of flowy pants
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 1 pair of active shorts
• 1 sweater or cardigans (seasonal & for inland locations)
• 1 pair of leggings
• 3-5 tops or T-shirts
• 3 sundresses
• 1 dressier outfit
• 1-2 bathing suits 
• 1 swim coverup
• 1 ball cap or sunhat
• 5-7 pairs of socks (1-2 pairs of hiking socks)
• 5-7 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 bras 
• 1 sports bra
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of outdoor sandals
• Headphones

Croatia Packing Tips

Pack Light

Between the cobblestones and inevitable stairs you’ll have to climb, I recommend not bringing too much stuff with you to Croatia. Old Towns in Croatia can be tough to traverse even when you’re not lugging a ton of stuff around so you’ll thank yourself by packing light.

These days, I pretty much always pack carry-on only (these are my favorite carry-on bags, by the way) and I never regret it.

Dress Casual Chic

If you want to blend in to the local fashions while in Croatia, then I recommend aiming for “casual chic”. Dress well and put-together, with matching clothes and well-fitting items, but keep it easy breezy with lots of linens and flowy fabrics.

For women, sundresses and matching sets are a good idea, while men might stick more towards well-fitting t-shirts and long shorts.

(PS – I’m fully aware that I mostly wore black in these photos. Black clothes in hot places will forever be my achilles heel.)

Bring the Toiletries & Medications You Need

When packing for Croatia, I wouldn’t rely too much on “picking stuff up when you get there” such as light medications like ibuprofen and dramamine.

Yes, they have these things in Croatia, but they are likely labeled in Croatian, and the brands may not be what you’re used to at home.

It can be a fun game to go into the pharmacy for an item and see what you end up with, but I recommend packing whatever you know you’ll need when you’re still at home.

Be Beach Smart

Like I mentioned above, most of Croatia’s beaches are rocky, not sandy. Further, there are tons of black, spiky sea urchins in the water. So, when visiting any of Croatia’s beaches or coastal areas, I recommend being prepared. Bring water shoes and something soft to sit on.

Additionally, it can get really really hot in Croatia. Be sun smart with sunscreen, and make sure you have shade nearby – whether it’s the umbrella I suggested or a bar or cafe nearby.

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🖨️ Get a free printable version of this packing list here

Thanks for reading my guide to packing for Croatia! Up next, I highly recommend reading my full list of Croatia travel tips to set you off on the right foot. Have fun in Croatia!