Is Croatia Safe? A Complete Safety Guide for Travelers

Is Croatia safe? The answer is yes, plain and simple. And that’s true not just for locals, but tourists as well. Croatia places a strong emphasis on tourism and making its guests feel welcome, so safety is something they take seriously. To prove it, we have prepared an extensive guide that covers all facets of safety that travellers may be concerned about. We will present facts regarding crime rates, common scams, tap water quality, transportation and outdoor safety. Finally, we will also discuss how safe Croatia is for families, women, Americans, LGBTQ+ people and more.

If you are planning a Croatia vacation, then you would be happy to know that the country is one of the safest destinations in Europe to travel to. Law violations are uncommon, especially when tourists are concerned and in general, all kinds of crime are low compared to Europe. And Europe already is a safe continent.

Because of how important tourism is for Croatia, they tend to take safety in historic centers, transport hubs and coastal destinations very seriously. You could say it’s a high priority and a very visible one thanks to regular police patrols and the presence of tourist police. To summarize, if you are asking how safe Croatia is compared to the rest of Europe, then Croatia offers a level of safety that aligns if not exceeds that of many other European countries. If you are a senior, then take a look at senior travel trips to Croatia on our website and see how easy and stress-free traveling here can be

Scams are not particularly widespread in Croatia, but there are no utopias on Earth, and thus, there are some situations where you should be alert. A very common issue is overpriced taxi rides. You may have faced the same situation in other countries too and be familiar with the gist. Unlicensed vehicles, taximeters that do not work, the driver taking complicated routes, etc. You are more likely to run into this near airports, ferry ports and nightlife hotspots.

Also, ATMS and currency exchange. While fraud regarding them is rare, there have been isolated reports of card skimming or exchange offices offering poor conversion rates. Make sure to use ATMs inside banks or well-lit and reputable locations and you should minimize risk that way.

Lastly, accommodation-related scams also happen. These cases involve fake or misleading listings advertised on booking platforms. You may book a place to stay for example, arrive there and find out that the property doesn’t even exist. It’s a rare phenomenon and Croatia is not unique to this, but it usually affects visitors who book through informal channels or social media.

Use common sense and you should be okay. Choose licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps where possible. Confirm your fares before getting in the vehicle. When withdrawing money, go to the ATM attached to a bank instead of the one in the isolated alleyway. 

When it comes to accommodation, stick to well-known booking platforms and verified hotels and apartments. If a deal looks too good to be true, it might as well be. Scams in Croatia are limited in scope and not that sophisticated. With only a basic level of awareness, you will not encounter any problems at all.

Transportation in Croatia is generally safe and reliable. It doesn’t matter if you are travelling by car, ferry or riding public transport, all means are well suited for tourists. The country has invested in its infrastructure and this shows especially in areas that attract visitors.

Roads are well-maintained, particularly the highways and main roads that connect major cities. The motorways are modern and with clear signposts in Croatian and English too. Coastal roads are safe but in some locations they can be narrow and winding. While the views are excellent, drivers unfamiliar to these areas should pay attention to the road instead.

The same goes for driving in rural areas at night. Wildlife like deer cross major roads from time to time and lighting can be limited outside towns or villages. Just keep those things in mind and do as you would do in your own country.

Public transportation is also safe and dependable. Buses are the most common way to travel between cities and around islands. In cities, you can find buses and trams that operate regularly and are easy to navigate. Remember though what we said about pickpockets before. Be aware and secure your possessions.

Ferries are well-regulated and safe. They operate on strict schedules, follow extensive safety standards and are a normal part of daily life in coastal regions. Delays may occur because of bad weather but never something too serious. During late spring and early autumn, the best times to visit Croatia, you will typically face no such issues.

Outdoor activities in Croatia are generally safe. The country manages its natural landscapes and parks well and there are clear signposts everywhere. Still, there are some safety concerns you should keep in mind, but they have more to do with environmental conditions rather than crime.

Croatia’s national parks like Krka and Plitvice are popular and hiking there is one of the best things to do in Croatia. Trails are usually marked, but injuries can happen if you underestimate distances, elevation changes or weather conditions. Stay on marked paths, wear proper shoes and avoid hiking alone in unfamiliar terrain. Check in with local guides to be absolutely sure.

Yes, tap water is safe to drink. Not just the capital, but in the countryside and all the best places to visit in Croatia. The country overall follows strict European Union water quality standards and in most places the water is not only safe, but of very good quality as well.

The water supply is closely monitored and in many regions, especially along the coast and in larger cities, the water comes from protected natural sources. The locals drink it with no worries at all, so you would only need bottled water to carry around when outside, but not indoors or in restaurants.

Taste can be different in some areas due to mineral content, but this doesn’t come with any health risks.

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Split. The city’s water supply is well-maintained and regularly tested to meet national and EU standards. Residents drink tap water daily and visitors can do the same.

Also yes. Just like in Split and in the whole of Croatia, Dubrovnik’s water is safe and healthy. The city relies on a well-regulated water system that follows all European safety standards. Even though Dubrovnik welcomes a high number of tourists each year, water quality remains consistent.

There are no higher safety risks in the Croatian nightlife than in other European countries. Bars, clubs and late-night venues generally follow the local regulations and incidents involving tourists are generally uncommon.

Cities like Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb have vibrant nightlife scenes. Popular areas are well-lit, busy and patrolled by police. There are the occasional minor disturbances, but nothing extreme. In coastal cities, nightlife is usually concentrated in specific districts, making it easier for authorities to monitor activity and enforce the law if needed. 

Make sure to drink responsibly, be aware of your whereabouts and keep an eye on your belongings. Nothing that you wouldn’t do in your own country. Stick with friends when moving between venues and use licensed taxies or ride-hailing apps. Common sense like in most cases.

Yes, Croatia is safe for American tourists. The country has good relations with the United States and Americans are common visitors. Travel advisories generally recommend only normal precautions. Croatia has reliable healthcare, emergency services and modern infrastructure. English is widely spoken and Croatian attitude towards Americans is welcoming and friendly. Check out our website for honeymoon trips to Croatia, so that you and your partner can experience first-hand Croatia’s welcoming attitude.

Croatia is a very family-friendly destination. Cities, islands and coastal resorts offer safe public spaces, clean beaches, accommodations and activities designed for families and children. Violent crime is rare and attractions are well-organised and easy to navigate. There are hospitals and pharmacies available in all major cities, towns and tourist regions. Families should focus more on sun protection and hydration, especially during summer. You can find out more about family trips to Croatia on our website!

Yes, Croatia is considered safe for women travellers, even if they are travelling solo. Harassment is not unheard of, but the levels are generally low. Violent incidents involving women tourists are rare. As a woman visitor, you can move around in cities, beaches and tourist areas without much to worry about, even in the evening. But practice basic precautions at night or if you find yourself in crowded areas. Cultural norms are relaxed and respectful.

Croatia laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals and major cities and tourist areas are generally accepting. Places like Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik are cosmopolitan and accustomed to international visitors. Thus, they tend to be more open and welcoming. Rural areas are more conservative though, but LGBTQ+ travellers shouldn’t face any issues. Public displays of affection may attract attention, but other than some weird looks, there aren’t any safety concerns.

Here are the emergency numbers to get help quickly if needed:

All numbers work nationwide, are free of charge and you can dial them from any mobile or landline phone. Operators speak English and can assist you with no trouble at all. You probably won’t need these numbers, but it’s good to know them. It provides you with peace of mind during your trip.

Croatia offers a very high level of personal safety for visitors and serious incidents involving tourists are uncommon. You can explore the country without ever feeling any discomfort or encountering any issues at all.

That being said, minor inconveniences can occur. Crowded streets, historic centers and busy tourist areas in general may attract opportunists, especially during the summer season, when tourists flood these places. These situations are limited in scope and you can easily avoid them with only some basic awareness.

You don’t need to feel any unease in Croatia, but be more attentive when you find yourself in high-traffic areas. Think places like the ones mentioned above, but also ferry terminals or public transportation.

Extra caution is highly recommended when riding buses, trams and in crowded stations, especially during rush hours. These areas are safe in general, but keep your personal belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

Overall, yes Croatia is a very safe country to visit. Tourism areas are well monitored, transportation is reliable, tap water safe and drinkable and healthcare meets European standards.

There are the occasional minor issues such as the summer heat or your average travel scam. Those risks are common across Europe though and easy to manage with standard precautions. Also, no matter if you are travelling as a family, a solo woman, an American or LGBTQ+ visitor, you shouldn’t be facing any trouble.

So, in conclusion, with some reasonable awareness and common sense, Croatia is a beautiful and safe place to visit.