Croatia is a safe and welcoming country in Southeast Europe, with a long Adriatic coastline and thousands of islands. It blends Roman ruins, medieval walled cities, turquoise beaches, and limestone national parks. Many of these sights are best explored by renting a car. This Croatia travel guide for solo travellers covers the best cities to visit, must-do experiences, and essential travel tips for first-timers.
Croatia is an excellent destination for solo travel thanks to its manageable size and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Getting around is simple and reliable, with well-maintained roads, which makes a self-drive car rental in Croatia appealing if you want freedom to explore.
As a solo traveller, you can spend a day wandering through medieval walled towns, swimming in crystal-clear seas, and hiking through forests or visiting waterfalls. Roman ruins, Venetian old towns, and Austro-Hungarian architecture reflect a layered and fascinating history.
At the same time, national parks and unspoilt landscapes are great for outdoor adventures, such as kayaking along the coast or walking scenic mountain trails. You can enjoy vibrant nightlife in cities like Split or Hvar, then retreat to quieter coastal towns or islands for solitude and reflection. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Croatia’s cities each have their own character, from ancient coastal settlements to the modern capital. Below are some of the best cities to include on your itinerary.
The medieval walled city of Dubrovnik is a highlight of any trip to Croatia. As a solo traveller, you can spend hours wandering its polished limestone streets and narrow lanes, discovering historic landmarks at every turn. Walk atop the famous city walls for stunning views of the Adriatic and the terracotta rooftops below.
Don’t miss cultural sites like the Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and Lovrijenac Fortress. Dubrovnik gets crowded in summer, but it is a very safe place. You’ll find plenty of guided walking tours to join. In the evenings, the Old Town’s cosy cafes and wine bars offer a relaxed social setting.
Split is a coastal city anchored by Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed Roman complex that forms the heart of its old town. This 1700-year-old Roman palace complex has ancient walls that now house shops, homes, and cafes. You can freely roam this site, stumbling upon hidden courtyards and even sphinx statues as you go.
Split’s Riva promenade is ideal for an evening stroll or people-watching with an ice cream in hand. This city is also a great jumping-off point for adventures. You can take short ferry rides to nearby islands like Hvar or Brač during the day, then return to enjoy Split’s bustling nightlife. Beaches are within easy reach, too. Bačvice Beach is a popular spot where locals play the traditional game of picigin in the shallow water.
Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, is an inland city with a mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture and a café culture. As a solo traveller, Zagreb is perfect for slow, independent exploration. You can spend your days visiting museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships or the Zagreb City Museum to get a dose of history and local culture.
In between museum-hopping, do as the locals do. Sit at one of the many outdoor cafes in the pedestrianised streets and squares, enjoying a coffee and people-watching. Be sure to wander through the Upper Town, with its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and St. Mark’s Church. The Lower Town features spacious parks, such as Zrinjevac, where you can relax under the trees. Zagreb also boasts a vibrant arts and music scene, as well as a lively nightlife that ranges from cozy pubs to trendy clubs.
Zadar is a coastal city that often is more laid-back than the bigger tourist hubs. Its old town sits on a peninsula, filled with Roman ruins, medieval churches, and casual cafes by the sea. One of Zadar’s most unique attractions is the Sea Organ, an art installation that uses the power of the waves to create music through hidden pipes built into the waterfront steps.
Sitting by the Sea Organ at sunset, listening to the oddly soothing tunes, is a magical experience. Next to it is the Sun Salutation, a solar-powered circle of lights on the ground that comes alive after dark. Beyond these modern marvels, Zadar boasts historical sites such as the Church of St. Donatus and the remnants of the Roman forum.
Hvar is both a gleaming historic town and a sun-soaked island playground. Hvar Town, the island’s main hub, has a reputation for lively nightlife. You’ll find stylish bars and restaurants around the picturesque harbor where travellers mingle after dark. During the day, you can explore the town’s 13th-century walls and gothic palaces, or hike up to the hilltop Fortica (Spanish Fortress) for panoramic views.
Despite its fame as a party spot, Hvar Island also offers plenty of tranquility. You can escape the bustle by taking a boat taxi to the Pakleni Islands, a cluster of small, lush isles with hidden coves perfect for swimming, or by visiting quieter villages like Stari Grad and Jelsa elsewhere on Hvar. The island is known as one of the sunniest places in Europe, so you’re likely to have blue skies as you explore.
Travelling solo in Croatia gives you the freedom to shape each day exactly how you like. Whether you enjoy slow exploration, nature, food, or meeting people along the way, these activities are especially rewarding to do on your own.
Wandering through Croatia’s historic old towns is ideal for solo travellers. You can move at your own pace through the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir, or Rovinj. These towns feel like open-air museums, with medieval walls, Roman ruins, and lively squares. Climb bell towers for views, browse local markets, or simply sit with a coffee and watch daily life unfold.
Croatia’s national parks are perfect for solo exploration. Plitvice Lakes National Park offers wooden walkways over turquoise lakes and waterfalls, while Krka National Park combines cascades with scenic boat trips. Going alone allows you to start early and enjoy quieter moments before larger tour groups arrive. Other excellent options include Paklenica for hiking and Mljet National Park for peaceful forest and lake walks.
Day tours are a great way to balance independence with social interaction. Walking tours, island-hopping trips, kayaking around Dubrovnik’s walls, or rafting on the Cetina River are all welcoming to solo travellers.
Tasting Croatian food is a pleasure for solo travellers. Join food or wine tours in Istria, Dalmatia, or Pelješac, or create your own by visiting local markets and bakeries. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to connect with local culture.
Croatia’s beaches are ideal for solo downtime. From lively city beaches to secluded island coves, you can swim, read, and unwind in crystal-clear water. Staying for sunset is a simple but memorable way to reflect on your journey.
Travelling solo includes handling your own planning and safety. The tips below will help you travel confidently, stay connected, and enjoy a smooth solo journey.
Summer, from June to August, is Croatia’s peak season, bringing hot weather, lively towns, and festivals, but also higher prices and larger crowds. Spring, from April to May, and early autumn, from September to October, are often ideal for solo travellers, offering warm weather, fewer crowds, and better accommodation availability. Winter is quieter, especially along the coast, though cities like Zagreb are charming and festive, with a more local feel.
Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Communication is rarely a challenge, and locals appreciate simple phrases like “Dobar dan” (good day) or “Hvala” (thank you). Even in quieter areas, gestures or translation apps are usually enough to get by.
Croatians are friendly and polite, and small gestures go a long way. Greeting shopkeepers, dressing modestly in churches, and tipping around 10% for good service are all appreciated.
Wi-Fi is widely available in accommodation, cafés, and many public areas. Local SIM cards are affordable and easy to purchase, while EU travellers can roam without incurring extra charges. Mobile coverage is generally strong, and the emergency number 112 is available nationwide.
Solo travel in Croatia is an experience filled with beauty and discovery, and it can be empowering. This country boasts an incredible variety of sights and activities in a relatively small area. Along with famous spots like Dubrovnik and Hvar, consider visiting a lesser-known town or an island that catches your interest. Often it’s in these quieter places that you’ll have the most authentic experiences.
Enjoy the freedom and excitement of solo travelling by renting a car in Croatia with Final Rentals. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select Dubrovnik Airport or Zagreb Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
