Preparing for your first trip to Croatia and don’t know what to pack? Below you’ll find the ultimate packing list for your first Croatia trip to help you get ready for an unforgettable experience.

First Time in Croatia – What You Need to Know

With more than 6,000 kilometers of coastline, over 1000 islands, sandy beaches, dazzling sapphire waters, lush forests, and magnificent mountains, fortified citadels, and the home to Game of Thrones filming locations, Croatia has climbed the tourist chart over the last few years. It has become one of the most visited countries in Europe and a top destination for summer holidays.

Dubrovnik, also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, is Croatia’s most popular city thanks to its natural beauty offered by the spectacular seafront location mixed with culture, history, and gastronomic traditions.

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and the largest city in the country, is an elegant medieval oasis. Prepare to discover charming buildings, historical architecture, cobbled streets, and a large variety of romantic cafes, boutique shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

Split, the second largest city in Croatia, situated on the Adriatic coast, is the perfect place to spend some relaxing time. You can wander the cobblestone streets, admire the awe-inspiring views from the Marjan Hill, or relax at one of Split’s gorgeous beaches.

Plitvice Lakes National Park should be on your list of must-see places in Croatia. With crystal clear turquoise lakes surrounded by luxuriant forests and echoing waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes National Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Spring and summer are the best times to experience what this beautiful country has to offer. If you want to experience good weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds of tourists, you should visit Croatia in May, June, September, or October. These months are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking or sailing. Summer months, with warm water and lots of blissful sunshine, are busier and pricier; almost every destination is packed with tourists. Winter months in Croatia are magical as well, with multiple skiing slopes, winter festivals, and fairy-tale-like Christmas markets. So, no matter the season, you’ll always find something interesting to do.

Croatia has gained its reputation as an expensive destination. In big coastal cities such as Dubrovnik, or Split, prices for accommodation, food, and transportation are higher compared to those in smaller villages. When deciding the budget for your first Croatia trip, consider the activities you’re planning to do – by the way, some of the best activities, such as relaxing at the beach, swimming, or exploring the Old Town, are free. But, if you’re planning to visit some historical monuments and museums, or you want to embark on a boat trip or day tours, you’ll have to shell out for these types of activities.

Best Travel Backpack for Your First Trip to Croatia

Backpacking Croatia is a wonderful idea if you want to explore more of this fascinating and diverse country. Choosing the right backpack and packing accordingly for the weather, region, season, and the activities will ensure you’ll have a real good time. And considering you’ll visit the beaches, too, you need something that looks stylish, but it is also spacious and water-resistant. For this reason, the Nordace Comino Daypack might be the best piece of luggage for Croatia.

Designed for adventurers and digital nomads, inspired by the relaxed atmosphere characteristic to any island, this backpack can accompany you on every trip to the seaside. It’s elegant enough for the city, too. It’s well-organized, spacious, and crafted from water-resistant materials. Lightweight and super comfortable, it makes navigating the big cities a breeze. Featuring a hidden 1500ml water bottle pocket, it takes hydration seriously (and you should, too), as well as your safety and peace of mind. It boasts RFID-blocking card slots and USB charging port so you can fuel up your devices on the go.

With Nordace Comino Daypack, you’ll be able to organize and carry your essentials, a few changes of clothes, shoes, accessories, and gadgets like a pro.

What To Bring to Croatia

To make the most of your first trip to Croatia, you need to pack accordingly. Here’s what you should always have with you:

Documents

To travel to Croatia, you should hold valid documents – a national ID card if you’re an EU citizen or a passport if you’re a non-EU citizen.

Travel Insurance

Even though it is a safe country, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that can cover medical costs when traveling to Croatia.

Cash & Cards

The currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna. Starting on 1 January 2023, Croatia will be joining the eurozone. Cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops, and there are plenty of ATMs so you can always be prepared with some cash.

Comfortable Shoes

Since Croatia’s old towns’ streets are covered in cobblestones, shoes are important. A pair of comfortable shoes is a must-have. If you plan on exploring the cities and the great outdoors, choose a pair of versatile shoes you can wear in various situations. A pair of Nordace UrbanFlex All-Weather Sneakers is the right choice for a trip to Croatia. They are sleek, breathable, comfortable, and ready for any weather.

Sun Hat

Summer is hot in Croatia. A sun hat is a necessary accessory. As well as sunblock.

Water Shoes

Many beaches in Croatia are rocky so, you might need a pair of water shoes if you’re willing to have some fun in the sun.

Jacket for Cool Evenings

The breeze is blissful but can cause temperatures to drop in the evening in coastal cities, so bring a lightweight jacket or sweater to keep you comfortable. Depending on the region, sometimes it might be cold during the day, too.

Rain jacket

If you’re visiting Croatia during spring or fall, expect rain. Stay prepared with a rain jacket.

Quick-Dry Towel

A multipurpose quick-dry towel might be a fantastic accessory for a trip to Croatia since you’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach or in nature.

Medication

Medicine for motion sickness, especially sea sickness, might be useful if you plan on discovering Croatia’s coastline by boat. Other medicines to include in your first aid kit are painkillers, Imodium, and antihistamines.

Travel Adapter

Croatia operates on the 230V supply voltage so, if your devices are not constructed for this voltage, you might need a travel adapter.

Reusable Water Bottle

Since tap water is 100% safe, you can bring your own reusable bottle.

What to Wear in Croatia

Wondering what to wear in Croatia without looking like a tourist? If you want to blend in with the locals, when preparing you vacation outfits think about relaxed, chic styles for both women and men.

• For the beach and the city, choose relaxed clothes crafted from natural, lightweight fabrics.
• Both women and men in Croatia wear clothes that fit well.
• For evenings out, people in Croatia love to dress up. However, casual attire is also accepted at the restaurants.
• For ladies, dresses are a great option for day activities in the old towns or by the beach and dressing up at night.
• Sandals (or flip-flops for the beach) are a must-have for summer trips
• Casual clothes are ideal for exploring the cities.
• Neutral colors are always a good choice.
• Be ready for unpredictable weather with a lightweight rain jacket that folds down small so can carry it a pocket.
• A scarf is a versatile and chic accessory for Croatia, perfect to cover yourself up when visiting religious sites or to protect your skin from the sun.
• Choose versatile clothes that work in different environments, from exploring the city, to light hiking trails, or relaxing beach days.
• For cooler months, you need to pack warmer clothes.

Croatia Summer Vacation Outfits Checklist for Her

• Tank top
• T-shirt
• Going out top
• Skirt
• Casual dress
• Going-out dress
• Beach dress
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Sun hat
• Scarf
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight jacket/sweater
• Swimsuit
• Beach coverup
• Underwear
• Socks
• Pyjamas

Croatia Summer Vacation Outfits Checklist for Him

• T-shirt
• Casual shirt
• Button-up shirt
• Shorts
• Long pants
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight jacket/sweater
• Beach shorts
• Flip flops
• Underwear
• Socks
• Pyjamas

Toiletry Short Packing List

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent

Now that you know what to pack for your first Croatian trip, there’s no doubt you’re going to have an unforgettable experience.