Croatia holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

For Croatia, pack a mix of beachwear and smart-casual clothing. Bring swimsuits, sun cream, and sandals for coastal areas. Include comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic towns, and a light jacket for evenings. Pack modest clothing for visiting religious sites, and quick-dry towels for pebble beaches.

Tipping in Croatia is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, it's common to round up the bill or leave 10-15% for good service. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, rounding up or giving a small amount is welcomed if you're satisfied with the service.

For local food in Croatia, visit konobas, traditional taverns, for peka, slow-cooked meat and vegetables, and fresh Adriatic seafood. Coastal areas serve black risotto, grilled fish and octopus salad. Inland regions offer hearty stews, cured meats and truffles, with local bakeries serving burek and fritule throughout the country.

Croatia features Zlatni Rat Beach on Brac Island with its distinctive golden pebble spit and watersports. Banje Beach in Dubrovnik offers views of the Old Town with clear waters. Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok provides white sand and shallow turquoise waters ideal for families.

Croatia's nightlife ranges from relaxed beachfront bars to lively clubs and live music venues. Coastal towns like Split and Dubrovnik offer waterfront bars and open-air nightclubs, while Zagreb features cocktail bars and concert halls. Many hotels also host evening entertainment and poolside bars.

When visiting Croatia, locals generally appreciate politeness and respect for local customs. Greet people with a friendly 'dobar dan' for good day. When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees. It's polite to ask before taking photos of people. In restaurants, wait to be seated unless it's a very casual setting.

Croatia offers diverse shopping experiences. In Zagreb, you'll find modern malls and boutiques on Ilica Street. Split's Riva promenade and Diocletian's Palace area are great for souvenirs and local products. Many coastal towns have markets where you can buy local specialties, while resorts often have convenient shops for essentials.

When visiting Croatia, you'll need a European-style plug adapter. The standard outlets use two-pin plugs, known as Type C and Type F. We recommend bringing at least one adapter for your devices, as UK-style plugs are not commonly found in Croatian hotels.