Solo Travel in Croatia

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Beach, Festival, Historical, Movie Game of Thrones), Party, Sailing GatG

Croatia is a gorgeous destination to explore. If you are planning to solo travel Croatia, below is our guide on solo female travel Croatia, including the best places to stay in Croatia, where to go in Croatia and the best Croatia tour companies. Find out how to get from the airports, the best way to get around Croatia and things to do in Croatia for solos.

All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers from our solo community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section for your Croatia solo travel or read the full article.

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives. 

 Tip – If you prefer company for your solo travel to Croatia, I recommend one of these G Adventures Croatia tours. They have tours for solo travellers of all ages.

Solo Travel in Croatia

Contents

Dubrovnik - www.girlabouttheglobe.com

View of Dubrovnik from the cable car

Solo Travel in Croatia

Croatia is a popular tourist destination with Old Towns, history and plenty of seafood. This country is so open to tourism that it is easy to solo travel in Croatia; that's why we've given it 4 out of 5 stars. It is a popular tourist destination with great infrastructure, good transport systems and so many places to stay.

No matter which destination you visit, you're likely to meet other travellers too. The country is popular with Australians and New Zealanders who you are guaranteed to meet if you decide to do a sailing trip around the party islands in Croatia. 

Is Croatia safe to travel alone? Yes. Croatians are proud of their country and heritage. The younger people generally speak English if you need any help whilst in the country. The whole country is not only beautiful but has a comfortable vibe for solos.

Just be prepared that the customer service may not be what you're used to, and the beaches aren't sandy. Croatia is a wonderful country to explore independently but you may prefer a group tour for your Croatia travels. 

solo travel in Croatia

Dubrovnik

About Croatia

Croatia was once a destination kept under the radar, but nowadays sees this Mediterranean country rapidly growing as a tourist destination with old towns, diverse islands and a vibrant night scene all adding to its appeal for both older and younger solos.

Sharing borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia is part of former Yugoslavia. The country declared independence in 1991 causing the Croatian conflict which lasted until 1995. Nowadays this peaceful country attracts those who come for the dramatic Dalmatian coastline, Renaissance walled towns and of course, its Croatian charm.

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Croatia.

Solo Travel in Croatia

Game of Thrones used Dubrovnik's Old Town as one of their filming locations

Places To Go in Croatia

Dubrovnik

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic,’ the City of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its timeless beauty makes it a mecca for history lovers. Dubrovnik is the best place to visit in Croatia if you have never been to the country before. 

Once a great trading hub, the city is now one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Mediterranean city with outside cafes and a quaint marina. One of the main draws of Croatia tourism to Dubrovnik are the Game of Thrones locations. Movie GatGs will recognise many of the settings in this city which starred in the popular series. 

This Croatia city has a magical feel about it. Meander through the secret alleyways of this gorgeous old town and get lost in its timeless beauty, or just people watch whilst tucking into some fresh seafood al-fresco style. The city walls are some of the best preserved in Europe and are best seen early in the morning or at sunset where you can walk along the ancient walls for views of the old town and the sea. 

Other things to do in Dubrovnik include learning more about the city’s past with a scenic cable car ride and a visit to the war museum, a must see in Croatia to understand its past. Looking out at one of the most iconic images of Croatia, it’s hard to believe that this was once a town that had been bombed less than thirty years before. 

* Related Post: Solo Travel in Dubrovnik

Lokrum 

Rich in history and easily accessible by boat from Dubrovnik, it’s easy to see why Lokrum, Croatia was chosen as a destination with its rugged cliffs, olive groves, and pine tree forest trails that lead to the beach. The island was once a settlement for the Benedictine monks and the Benedictine monastery is one of greatest importance in the Dubrovnik area.

Solo Travel in Croatia

Can there be a prettier place than Plitvice Lakes?

Plitvice Lakes

For nature GatGs the tranquility of the Plitvice Lakes are hard to beat. Known for its lakes, alpine forests and heavenly waterfalls, Plitvice National Park has some of Europe’s oldest woodlands and was once called “the devil’s gardens,” because of its dense forests. Well sign-posted hiking trails lead you through this stunning landscape and its turquoise-coloured lakes.

As one of the country's most popular tourist attractions you could easily spend a whole day here losing yourself within its natural beauty. It's easy to see why it's one of the best places to visit in Croatia. 

Places To Go in Croatia

The party island of Hvar

Hvar

For festival GatGs, Croatia has made quite a name for itself on the festival scene. You'll find festivals throughout the country and islands. Visit in the summer and you’ll be dancing to world class DJs in your flip flops. Hvar town is a mecca for partygoers and has some of the best nightlife in Croatia.

There is even a tiny party island with an exclusive nightclub that you have to take the ferry to. Head to the northern side of Hvar to Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe where you can sample some of Croatia's best wine.

Places To Go in Croatia

A colouful tram in Zagreb

Zagreb

Although Dubrovnik is one of the most visited places in Croatia, Zagreb is the capital. This is the largest city with plenty of parks and Habsburg architecture to admire. One of the things to do in Zagreb includes trying a local coffee. Zagreb is one of the best cities to visit in Croatia for a vibrant cafe culture.

Even in the winter you’ll find locals sitting al fresco underneath heated lamps sipping their coffee or whiling away their evenings in one of the bohemian bars at Tkalciceva Street. Zagreb is home to the Museum of Broken Relationships. For any of us that has ever had a failed relationship, this museum is sure to bring back some memories. 

Located at the foothills of Mt. Medvednica, Zagreb has an Upper and a Lower Town. The small funicular railway that runs between the two makes it easy to get around. The Lower Town is where you’ll find many of the museums and if you visit in the summer you can take part in one of the cultural festivals too; one of the free things to do in Croatia. 

places to go in Croatia

St Donatus Church in Zadar

Zadar

Zadar is a city rich in heritage with a history that dates back 3000 years. Marble streets gleam back at you as you wander past Roman ruins, ancient monuments and archaeological gems from the Renaissance and Medieval times.

It is also home to the Sea Organ, a unique piece of architecture that plays as the waves come in, and the Monument of the Sun which lights up after dusk. If you're looking to skydive Croatia, Zadar has one of the most panoramic locations and beautiful views of the mountains, making it one of the best places in Croatia to paraglide and skydive

Places To Go in Croatia

Rovinj

Rovinj

Rovinj is a little gem which many people miss off their Croatia itinerary. This charming fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula, has an Italian flair. It was once of the most important towns in Istria under the Republic of Venice and is now a romantic Mediterranean town. But you don’t need a partner to visit this small coastal city and its Croatia sights, just yourself and your sense of adventure will do.

places to go in Croatia

Al Fresco dining in Split

Split

Female solo travel in Split Croatia, for the gateway to the islands. Split is where most of the sailing trips depart from but there is another reason for visiting Croatia’s second-largest city. Diocletian’s Palace is one of the best things to do in Split. It is one of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world and this ancient fortress now forms the Old Town of Split.

Marble was imported from Greece and Italy and even sphinxes were sent from Egypt to build the palace.  Renaissance-style palaces, Gothic palaces and 13th-century Romanesque churches also make up part of the complex. Inside the Old Town, you'll find cafes, shops and bar-hoppers amongst the few thousand residents who live within the UNESCO-protected remains.

For views of the Old Town, climb the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, one of the iconic symbol of the city. If you are hopping on. a sailing trip, seeing the Old Town from above before your trip is a Croatia must see.

To head to the seaside, choose Baska Voda, a day trip from Split and a former fishing village where you can hike or just hang out on the beach. There are villages nearby where you can sample their artisan delicacies then head back to Split for the evening.

If you're looking for a nice beach, head to the island of Brac. Zlatni Rat beach is one of the best beaches in Croatia. It isn't sandy as it's made of pebbles but it is long and golden and referred to as the ‘Golden Horn beach.' Brac Island is the longest island in central Dalmatia and the ferry from Split only takes about an hour. 

Solo Travel in Croatia

Explore the Croatian islands

Croatia's Islands

Other top things to do in Croatia is to take a day trip to the lesser-known destinations. Visit Trogir, a Croatian island which resembles a small Split with a pretty fortress and medieval streets to wander around. Or explore the architectural gems of Sibenik, a coastal destination which is fast-becoming a place to visit.

From here you can Krka National Park, another of the country’s regions of nature and one of the country's beautiful national parks. 

If you choose to go island hopping, Vis is the furthest island from the coast and was once a military base. Mljet is an island to escape the crowds and fall in love with nature. Known as the “Green Island” Mljet National Park is abundant in vegetation with panoramic coastlines and reefs to explore.

Rab is also one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and has a historic town dating back to 360 BC. Then there's Lastovo which remains relatively untouched and is off the beaten path (or sail) with an air of Croatian mystery.

The Brijuni Islands are perfect for the history GatG. These fourteen small islands on the Istrian peninsula make up the Brijuni National Park with geological and archaeological sites. You can also see dinosaur footprints here!

There are so many natural Croatia attractions. If you love medieval history, walled old towns, islands, partying and festivals then you simply have to experience solo travel Croatia. 

Solo Travel in Croatia

Tours in Croatia

G Adventures Croatia 

Travel to Croatia on your own and you'll be able to navigate your way around but if you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your Croatia trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers. Most tours to Croatia have an average of 12 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

Starting from 7 day trips from Zagreb to Dubrovnik you can explore Croatia overland or on a sailing trip. If you are planning to explore the Balkans, they also offer trips to Montenegro and Bosnia. If you have longer than 2 weeks you can travel with them down to Greece or explore 9 countries within a month with their classic tour. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company. 

* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Intrepid Travel Croatia

Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people using their trips are solo travellers. As well as G Adventures, they also offer the best tours of Croatia but tend to have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more costly than G Adventures.

Their Croatia only tours start from an 8 day Croatia Sailing Adventure from Split to Dubrovnik, to a 29 day Vienna to Dubrovnik trip, combining a tour in Croatia with neighbouring countries. With both tour companies you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room. Read our Intrepid Travel Reviews

* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Travel Talk – If you’ve ever wanted to sail around the Mediterranean but have no experience as a sailor, then hop aboard a Travel Talk sailing tour instead. Sail from Dubrovnik to Split in 8 days or Split to Dubrovnik in reverse. Breakfasts and lunch are prepared onboard daily and you get to spend the evenings in a different port. Aimed at 18 to 39-year-olds, the sailing trips are week-long and as a solo, you get paired up in a cabin. 

* Check Croatia sailing tours and prices 

Local Tours

  • Secret Zagreb – Explore the secret side of the city on a Secret Zagreb Walk, join a ghost tour and learn about notorious witch hunts and dark Croatian writers or take their Badass Women of Zagreb day tour and learn about some of Croatia's most remarkable women.
  • Zadar Walking Tour – You can easily do your own walking tour around Zadar especially the Old Town but if you prefer the chance to meet others and learn about what you are seeing join a walking tour like this one. 

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and tours in worldwide destinations including Croatia. Choose from a 2-hour Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik, a visit to Diocletian’s Palace in Split, or a walking tour in Zagreb. Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are plenty to book as a solo including small group full day tours with a tour guide, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online for your solo trip to Croatia. * Check all prices and day tours in Croatia

Best accommodation in Croatia for solos

Accommodation in Croatia

Depending on what type of accommodation in Croatia you are looking for, you can find anything from a bed in one of the youth hostels to studio apartments just outside the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Even universities open up their rooms during the summer months so you can get a private room for a bargain price.

Beach hotels, self-catering villas in Croatia and 5-star resorts cater from the budget-conscious including camping to the more luxurious traveller looking for a more indulgent Croatia vacation. There is also Airbnb where you can stay with locals. 

All of the accommodation below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For more destinations and other Croatia hotels, click here for a list of the best accommodation in Croatia for solos.

Solo travel in Croatia

Dubrovnik – Hostel Angelina Old Town

It may be small but this hostel is only a few hundred yards away from the beach and Pile Gate, and in a really convenient location. There’s a shared kitchen area and fab views from the upper floors. The staff are helpful and on hand to give you any tips about the city and organise some events at the hostel.

There is a large kitchen where you can cook your own meals and eat on the terrace. The beds are comfortable and if you choose a private room you may be in the annex building with some of the dormitories.

  • Prices from £18 per person per night for a bed in a mixed dorm
  • To book, check prices or availability for Hostel Angelina Old Town 

Solo travel in Croatia

Dubrovnik – Hotel Adria

Escape the Old Town and stay in Gruz instead. This 4 star hotel offers views of the bay and the Elafiti Islands and is only a short bus trip from the Old Town. Watch the ferries come into the bay whilst enjoying some local cuisine or the buffet breakfast (which is additional). If you need to unwind after a days’ sightseeing, go for a dip in the swimming pool or relax in the spa.

If you’re hiring a car there are parking spaces at the hotel. They also arrange your airport shuttle if you don't have car rental. The rooms are extremely clean and come with air conditioning, a satellite TV and a hairdryer. Choose from a standard double or twin room. You can also upgrade to a sea view or half board option.

  • Prices from £38 for a double room with a private bathroom
  • To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Adria

Solo travel in Croatia

Split – Downtown Hostel

In a good location with very friendly staff, Downtown Hostel is within the Palace of Diocletian. It’s also close to the beach, just a 10 minute stroll away. There is a shared kitchenette, modern bathrooms, and the hostel offers bike hire so you can explore more of the area.

Because of its location, expect to hear music until the early hours but you can always meet others in the common room for some company in the evenings. The 24 hour reception is ideal if you are arriving late into Split, and the bus station and ferry is nearby making it easy to arrive or depart from. Choose from a bed in a 4 or 8 mixed dorm room, or upgrade to a double room with your own private bathroom.

  • Prices from £14 a night in an 8-bed mixed dorm
  • To book, check prices or availability for Downtown Hostel

Solo travel in Croatia

Zagreb – Main Square Hostel

Aptly named after its location, you’ll find this cool hostel in the main square close to the popular Ban Jelacic Square and bars and restaurants. With bright rooms and high ceilings you’ll have lots of privacy in the boxed-shape beds. The rooms are en suite too.

The hostel has a nice vibe and it’s a great place to relax and chat to other travellers in the lounge area. The staff are accommodating and will help will any advice you need on Zagreb and are on hand 24 hours a day.

They have 4, 6 and 8 bed dorms including a female-only one (6 beds) or you can chose a double room with a balcony if you need more privacy.

  • Prices from £11 for a bed in an 8 bed dorm
  • To book, check prices or availability for Main Square Hostel

Solo travel in Croatia

Zagreb – Swanky Mint Hostel

Located in the centre of Zagreb, this funky hostel is ideally based for those wanting to sightsee. The staff are really friendly and there is a downstairs bar to mingle with others. The lockers aren’t that big though so take a padlock with you to lock your bags. They have different size dorms from 4 beds to 11 beds plus a 6-bed female dorm; or pay extra for a studio or double room.

  • Prices from £20 for a bed in an 8 bed dorm room
  • To book, check prices or availability for Swanky Mint Hostel

Solo Travel in Croatia

Travelling Around Croatia

If you are touring Croatia on your own, hiring a car is easy but the Croatian drivers do drive a bit erratically so take care on your road trips driving in Croatia. There are one-way systems in Split which can be a bit confusing.

The country is beautiful to drive around. The Croatia coast and the road from Split to Dubrovnik is a stunning scenic one which takes you through the border of Bosnia. To hire a car I recommend pre-booking your car hire so you can collect your car when you arrive at the airport. If you are taking it one-way you may encounter a one-way fee. Check prices for renting a car in Croatia here

If you are planning on travelling Croatia without a car, the country is well connected with the Croatia bus network making it easy for travelling to Croatia alone. The bus from Split to Dubrovnik takes approximately 3 hours and costs £17. Be prepared to pay extra for your bags and to not have air-conditioning. Find out more about Croatia buses

Public transport also includes train travel which connect the major Croatia cities. Seat61 has great information about individual train journeys including the Split Zagreb train that takes over 6 hours.

There isn't a Dubrovnik Zagreb train so you have to either take a bus or ferry to Split then a train from there. But if you are short on time then taking a tour or hiring a car for the day is the best way to travel around Croatia to visit places out of the way.

If you’re planning on spending some time on the islands then consider a sailing trip. Not only is this a great way to see more than one island but you also get to sleep onboard a yacht and experience the coastline. Sail Croatia as a solo traveller and you usually have to share a cabin with someone else or you can pay a supplement to have a cabin to yourself. 

How to get around Croatia islands

You'll find many people backpacking through Croatia who choose to go on a sailing trip. These are a great way to see the country and the best way to travel through Croatia stopping off at islands, sunbathing on the yachts and sharing lunch and dinner with like-minded others.

But if you are on a budget then the cheapest way to see the islands are by the Croatia ferries. Taxi boats can take you anywhere you want to go. You can reach Dubrovnik from Split by taking a 4.5 hour ferry ride. The ferry costs approx £30. There are also car ferries from Split to Vis. 

One of our favourite travel tips is to use Use Rome2Rio to check your journeys

Croatia Itinerary

There are so many lovely places to see that you should definitely spend a week here. Even Dubrovnik itself is worth 2 days in Croatia at the very minimum but it isn't one of the cheapest places in Croatia so you may prefer to move on after a few nights.

If you live in Europe you can visit one of the cities for a 3 night break. Whether you are planning a 10 day trip to Croatia or looking for a 2 week Croatia itinerary, here are examples of a Croatia solo itinerary to help:

Croatia itinerary 8 days (7 nights):

  • Stay in Split and do day trips to the islands from there.
  • Zadar (3 nights), Sibenik (2 nights), Split (2 nights)
  • Dubrovnik (4 nights), Split (3 nights)

10 day Croatia itinerary:

  • Zagreb (3 nights), Dubrovnik (4 nights), Split (3 nights)
  • Split (3 nights), Hvar (3 nights), Dubrovnik (4 nights)
  • Dubrovnik (3 nights), Tisno (1 night), Zadar (2 nights), Pula (2 nights), Zagreb (2 nights)

Croatia itinerary 14 days:

  • Dubrovnik (3 nights), Split (3 nights), Zadar (3 nights), Pltivice Lakes (2 nights), Zagreb (3 nights)
  • Zagreb (3 nights), Plitvice Lakes National Park (1 night), Zadar (3 nights), Split (3 nights), Trogis (1 night), Dubrovnik (3 nights).

Croatia Guide Book

If you need a guide book for your travels, our Girl about the Globe Guide to Croatia is written by solo females for solo females. We have chosen the best destinations in Croatia for women travelling solo, included all of our favourite must-sees, restaurants, bars, and recommended accommodation for you to stay in, and added a few solo and local tips too.

We know that not every woman travels the same so we’ve split this guide into different types of solos. Find out how to escape the crowds, the best places to interact with the locals, where to go for the best view and what to do in the evenings. Follow our 7-14 day itinerary for a recommended route and discover the best of Croatia, one solo footprint at a time. * Find out more about our Croatia guide book here

What To Pack For Croatia

Now you know what to do in Croatia, what do you pack? We have created a guide of our favourite travel products to help you decide what to take. One of our favourite travel products for Croatia is P20 suntan lotion. This is perfect if you are planning a sailing trip around the Croatian islands. Find out why we love this below and click on the link to discover all of our favourite travel products:

Click here for all of our recommended travel accessories for solos

Riemann P20 Suntan Lotion

P20 is great for Croatia. Whether you’re sailing or just sunbathing, you apply it to your body before you go out and it lasts all day. It comes in factor 15 to factor 50, and covers all skin types for up to 10 hours. You still get a great tan if you’re in the sun all day and you only need to apply it once. It’s water resistant too.

* Buy P20 from Amazon 

Best Time To Visit Croatia

Your budget may determine when you can visit Croatia. The most expensive time to go is during the school holidays in July and August. If you don't like crowds or the heat then avoid these two months and travel before or after instead.

The best time to solo female travel in Croatia is May and June or September. October is still a great time to go here if you’re not planning to sunbathe as the weather is slightly cooler for sightseeing.

The best cities in Croatia to visit in the winter months are Dubrovnik and Zagreb where there are still activities in the low season. Seeing the frozen Plitvice Lakes is stunning.

Croatia is popular with cruise ships so you will find that Dubrovnik’s Old Town gets busy with passengers disembarking ships between March to October, the peak season. Plan your trip and Croatia sightseeing around the cruise ships for a quieter holiday.

This chart shows the average maximum day temperatures for Split (from January to December).

Solo travel in Croatia

Travel insurance for Croatia

Travel Insurance For Croatia

Croatia is a safe country to explore but travel insurance is always recommended especially if your Croatia travel itinerary involves a rental car or sailing trip.

True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Croatia. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover.

* Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Airports in Croatia

There are nine airports in Croatia of which seven operate as international airports. Low cost airlines such as Easyjet, Vueling, Wizz Air and Germanwings fly into Croatia.

If you are looking for a cheap flight to Croatia, low cost airlines also fly into Zagreb. Below are 5 of the main airports and how to get to and from each one. For all other airports check Rome 2 Rio.

From Dubrovnik Airport – From the airport it takes 25 minutes in a taxi into Dubrovnik and will cost you approx £40. Save your pounds by taking an airport shuttle instead which stops at Pile Gate (easy to access the old town) and also the Gruz Port bus station. The bus takes 30 minutes and costs £6. It departs hourly. 

From Pula Airport – Taxis cost £16 and take 8 minutes or there is a shuttle for £11 which only takes 15 minutes. You need to pre-book the shuttle. Check here for details 

From Split Airport – Line 37 bus operates from the airport to the city. They depart every 30 minutes and cost £3 for the 40 minute journey. Click here for timetables. Taxis are quicker and will cost you £40 for the 25 minute journey.

From Zadar Airport – Zadar has its own airport but it’s easy to get here from Split or Zagreb. A taxi costs £20 for the 12 minute journey. There are airport buses from Zadar which run from the airport terminal to the Old Town and bus/train station. These cost £3 and take approx 20 minutes. Check bus schedules here 

From Zagreb Airport – Buses run from the airport to Zagreb’s main bus station. Bus company Pleso Prijevoz leaves 30 minutes from early morning until 8pm and takes 30 minutes costing £5. From the main station you can take tram 6 to the city centre.

Taxis cost approximately £29 for the 20 minute journey. You can also book a bus shuttle on demand. The prices differ depending on your destination. Click here for details 

* Feel more confident when you solo travel in Croatia with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa,

Travelling Onwards

Croatia borders Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro. Being on the border of so many countries means that you have a wide choice of places to travel to next. You can even travel across the water to Italy.

If you are exploring more of Europe, the best way to travel to Croatia is by bus from these countries. When you are traveling around Croatia and driving to Dubrovnik you do cross the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina so you'll need to have your passport ready. 

To Italy – You can reach Italy by ferry from either Hvar which goes to Pescara, Zadar to Ancona, or Rovinj to Venice. Direct Ferries have timetables.  

To other European countries

Buses – International buses run from Zagreb to other European countries such as Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Slovenia. Travel from Dubrovnik to the Bay of Kotor (a stunning place).

Train – You can also take a train which although may be a bit slower, can be a good way of seeing the scenery. Trains go to Germany, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia, Hungary and Austria. The main train station in Zagreb takes credit cards and the staff speak good English.

Where can I go from here?

  • Bosnia – 50 mins
  • Austria – 1 hr 10 mins
  • Serbia – 1 hour

Conscious Travel in Croatia

Social Impact Programs

Batana Eco-MuseumWhat started as an effort to preserve local traditions has ended in the construction and opening of a wonderful museum dedicated to keeping the community’s heritage alive. Not only does the museum do an amazing job in raising awareness of the batana boat’s history, but also strive towards innovating cultural tourism and through programs implement sustainable development within the local community. 

Invisible ZagrebSimilarly, to Invisible Ljubljana, this tour through Zagreb’s many streets is led by current or former homeless people. Discover the city through their personal stories of living on its streets and learn about extreme poverty and life on the streets. The tours are free but do not forget to tip your guide afterwards! 

Stay Eco in Croatia

Hotel Slavija 

I have stayed at this hotel in Split multiple times ever since I was a child. Not only is it the oldest operating hotel of the city, but it is located in the center of the Diocletian Palace. When you wake up, go outside onto your balcony and look down. Winding streets, grand Roman temples, and the sound of distant church bells will greet you! The hotel caters organic and local food, recovers and reuses rainwater and have installed solar thermal panels. Furthermore, they offer discounts to anyone who is a member of associations connected to nature and culture. – Sara Schmidt.

Crna Punta Lighthouse 

If a standard hotel sounds a bit boring to you, why not sleep in a lighthouse? This beautiful lighthouse turned accommodation, is surrounded by forests and the ocean and nothing else! True isolation and true bliss! Enjoy the private beach, pick fruits and mushrooms along the forest path, and appreciate the little green touches such as solar thermal panels and water flow reducers that make this place special and sustainable! 

* Check prices, dates and availability: Crna Punta Lighthouse

Issues affecting vulnerable girls in Croatia 

  • Croatia has made progress in terms of gender equality, but some sectors are still in need of improvement. Women do well in education on all levels. Nevertheless, they earn significantly less than their male counterpart and overall, less women are employed. Read more… 
  • Children in Croatia face abuse and poverty. Especially, Roma children are often discriminated against and deemed inferior which accelerates the already high school- drop-out rate and illiteracy rate.
  • Child marriage is a common issue in Croatia, with many girls, especially of Roma descent, being forced into marriage when pregnant. Read more…  

FAQs

  • Can I drink the water? Yes but check with your accommodation before you drink the tap water or take your own water filter with you.
  • Is tipping expected? Yes. Leave at least 10% if you can. 
  • Fixed price or barter? Usually fixed price. 
  • Any ATMs? Yes. 
  • Which side of the road do they drive? The right-hand side. 
  • Good for vegetarians? Yes.
  • Any seven wonders of the world? No but Dubrovnik's Old Town should be. 

Croatia Map

Plan a Trip to Croatia

If you are ready to plan a trip to Croatia here are some useful links to help you plan your Croatia holidays including airlines which fly there, where you can volunteer and eco accommodation.

Budget Rating – £45 a day

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Current Time in Zadar

Facts

Capital – Zagreb

Population – 4.253 million

Language Spoken – Croatian

Local Currency – Croatian Kuna

Do I Need a Visa?

Vaccinations Required

Useful Info

Airlines to Croatia

Best Time to Go – July & August

Which Plug Do I Need?

UNESCO Sites in Croatia

Events & Festivals in Croatia

Local Cost Guide

Local Customs & Etiquette

Did you know? Scenes from the Game of Thrones were filmed in Dubrovnik.

 

Useful Croatia phrases

Stay Eco

If you’ve ever wanted to camp on island then Eco Camping Glavotok on the island Krk offers eco camping just minutes from the beach. They offer sports activities and horse riding to keep you entertained.

Obonjan Island is the idea place to go glamping. It is one of the islands in the Sibenik archipelago, and offers accommodation in an eco-friendly bell tent or a boutique forest lodge, all within a natural island landscape.

Stay in an eco shelter in Bisevo and help support a social entrepreneurship project. There is no running water, instead they collect the rainwater. You’ll definitely need a torch, trekking shoes and mosquito repellent for this adventure. There is a minimum stay of 3 nights. 

Volunteering

Volunteer in dolphin conservation and assist in the researching bottlenose dolphins to understand why they have declined by 50% in the last 50 years. This program is located in Funtana on the coast and is for 11 days. 

Cultural Experiences

Experience the culture of Croatia during their May to September festivals.

Learn how to cook Croatian style on the island of Brac with Culinary Croatia. You’ll learn the art of peka, and how to make the lamb dish vitalac, plus other techniques which date back to the Bronze age.

Sample the olive oil and wine on a day trip from Split. The island of Solta is known for its olive oil, honey and wine. Cruises take 45 minutes to reach the island and leave in the mornings and the afternoons.

Local Projects

SOS Children’s Villages have been working in Croatia since the Croatian War of Independence. They work with families who have children with mental and physical disabilities, and started a more recent programme in response to the refugee crisis.

Suncokret Center for Community Development is a non-profit organisation which was founded during the postwar period to help deprived members of the society. They give eco workshops to teach construction with natural materials and permaculture, and arrange international volunteer camps.

Mind Body & Soul

Head to the Istrian peninsula at Istarske Toplice for hot springs and thermal spas.

Summersalt Yoga offers yoga retreats with a difference. They combine yoga with their passion for surfing and stand up paddle boarding. Spend a week on a full immersion of mind, body and soul with meditation, massages, and delicious vegetarian food. They also give back to world communities and make an impact as part of the B1G1 organisation.

Suncokret Body & Soul Retreat is a unique boutique holistic yoga retreat on the island of Hvar. Take part in their holistic retreat where you can experience the cultural sites of the island to enhance your whole personal experience.

Treat yourself at the luxurious wellness and spa centre at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. 

Issues in the Country

Children from the Roma community face discrimination in Croatia. Not only do these children have the highest school drop-out rate in the country but their families suffer the highest rates of mortality and unemployment. 

10 thoughts on “Solo Travel in Croatia

  1. lena

    hi there, i only have 5 days in croatia and will be based in dubrovnik. ( July 5-9)
    Was hoping to do Montenegro for a day visit ? does it make sense ?
    And Island hoping from dubronivk – what would make sense too ?
    Shame that i feel i can’t possibly visit Hvar/ Split …
    Your advice for how to maximise my 5 days would be fantastic!

    Thank you

    Reply
  2. Anisa

    Hello! I am going to visit Split and Dubrovnik beginning of May. Do you have experiences there at this time of the year? I was thinking that on one hand it will be nice because the big summer crowds will not be there, but on the other hand maybe the cities will be less lively so maybe it will be harder to connect with locals or other solo travellers. Do you have any advice?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Girl about the Globe Post author

      Hi Anisa, I visited in July and it was busy. I would imagine that May is also busy as it’s also the cruise ship season. If you stay in hostels or join tours you’re bound to connect with other solo travellers. You could also join Couchsurfing and ask if you can meet someone for a coffee during your stay. Have you joined our Facebook community? It’s a good place to post your question too. Here’s the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

      Reply
  3. Laura

    I am planning a 10 day trip to Croatia. I want the trip to be relaxing but also having the opportunity to explore and immerse myself in the culture. Out of your 10 day sample trip itineraries, which one should I lean more towards?

    Reply
    1. Girl about the Globe Post author

      Hi Laura, that’s great that you are going to Croatia. It’s such a lovely country. If you are looking for relaxing I would suggest this itinerary: Zagreb (3 nights), Dubrovnik (4 nights), Split (3 nights). You could spend a day less in Split if you wanted to see more of the other two places or add an extra destination into it. The Plitvice Lakes are stunning and definitely worth visiting. Have an amazing time x

      Reply
  4. Sian Wilkinson

    Hey! I’m planning a solo trip to croatia potentially the first week of September. I was planning to fly into split but I haven’t got much further than that! I’m seeking a beach holiday, filled with food and drink. Any suggestions would be very welcome. Thanks x

    Reply

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