Solo female travel in Croatia

For those on the lookout for their next adventure as a female, solo travel to Croatia is a must. Breathe in the country’s history and culture down the winding streets of Split and Zagreb, stroll along the crystalline beaches that cover the Croatian coastline, or steal yourself away by indulging in the beauty of the southern islands. If you love sun, sea, and sightseeing, a solo trip to Croatia is exactly what you need.

Of course, how could we talk about female solo travel to Croatia without mentioning pet sitting? A country packed with pro-pooch people, there’s even an entire stretch of beach called the Dalmatian coast! Cat lovers and chicken carers will also find sits available across the gorgeous and fascinating country.

So, let’s dive in, shall we? Here’s an overview of everything solo female travelers need to know about why they should visit Croatia.

Best time to visit Croatia

Croatia has become one of the top European vacation destinations. Because of this, the high season is the usual time between mid-June and early September. Old cities like Dubrovnik are limited in how many tourists can visit at one time, so it’s best to travel outside of the high season.

May, early June, and late September are by far the best times to visit Croatia as a solo female traveler. The weather will still be warm and sunny during the day, the evenings are slightly cooler, and you’ll be able to miss the crowds across most beaches and museums.

Things to do in Croatia

Split and Dubrovnik

Arguably the two most famous places in Croatia, these cities were already popular destinations even before being key filming locations for shows like Game of Thrones. You don’t need to be a fantasy fan to enjoy these beautiful historic corners of Croatia. As historic port cities, they offer a unique and breathtaking visual experience within their old centers.

Split and Dubrovnik each have so much on offer from music, shopping, art, history, and cultural delights, it’s impossible to fit everything into a paragraph! You can travel between the two cities via a local ferry service which runs a few times a day. This service is very cheap at only $3 a ticket and detours through the gorgeous Croatian archipelago.

Zagreb

As Croatia’s capital and most populated city, Zagreb is a vibrant must-see with plenty of cultural and historical areas ideal for exploring Croatia solo. Although Croatia isn’t hugely known for its cuisine, it’s possible to enjoy a range of restaurants and wineries around the city.

Many are always surprised to learn Zagreb has its Roman ruins situated in the southeast of the city. The Andautonia ruins consist of ancient streets, houses, and sewer systems, some of which are remarkably intact. 

Whilst there are multiple art and history museums, many of which offer an insight into Croatia’s extensive past, one museum stands out the most: The Museum of Broken Relationships. This contains a collection of personal effects from people around the globe and the stories of ended relationships attached to them. Although this sounds bleak, it’s very easy to spend several hours absorbing the memories and lives of others.

If you can’t take much more of the city, a short drive or joining a group tour will take you out to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a world heritage site since 1979. Filled with natural wonders and peaceful hikes to swim in idyllic natural pools.

Vinkovci

Quoted to be the oldest towns in Europe, Vinkovci is thought to be 8,500 years old. This pint-sized eastern town offers cute shops, and beautiful architecture, and is slightly quieter than some of its larger sea-dwelling cities. Its location close to Serbia and Boznia and Hertzegova’s borders makes for an interesting twist on cuisine and local culture.

Croatian island hopping

Many traveling to Croatia alone aren’t aware this is a thing. But the Croatian archipelago in the Adriatic Sea between Split and Dubrovnik is made up of over 700 islands! Only 47 of these are considered habitable, and some have as few as 10 people living on them.

If you’re limited for time on island hopping, we recommend at least seeing Hvar, Vis, Rab, Korčula, and Brač. There is a great ferry service connecting these five islands, along with daily services back to the mainland. The islands look like something out of a Mediterranean fairy tale with crystal clear waters, white shorelines, and peaceful forests. 

Brač's Zlatni Rat

There are hundreds of stunning beaches to visit in Croatia, but arguably the most beautiful and famous is Brač's Zlatni Rat or Golden Horn Beach. Located on the island of Brač, this natural sandy beach formation changes with the tide daily. Whilst a paradise for sunbathers, there is also some great snorkeling and scuba diving to be done by the local coral reefs.

Best ways to travel around Croatia

Renting a car in Croatia is a great idea if you have a license. The roads are well maintained and allow visitors to access most areas in the country. This includes the various national parks, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. The cost of renting a car in Croatia will depend on whether or not you are traveling during the busy tourist season. However, any time from September to May is cheap.

Otherwise, Croatia has a good public transport system. All the major cities have a main bus station which will connect you to all the main hotspots, towns, and ports.

Alternatively, if you’re a solo female traveler with sea legs, there are plenty of boats and ferry services going up and down the Adriatic coastline.

Weather in Croatia

Croatia is considered to have a traditional Mediterranean climate - hot, dry summers with cool and slightly wet winters. In recent years, temperatures in summer have reached close to 40C (100F), especially on the south coast near Split and Dubrovnik.

Winter in the north can certainly be chilly, with temperatures dipping to about 5C or 20F. However, you can expect the daytime to still be mostly sunny and warm even in December and January.

You can still expect heat waves throughout fall, but you may need a raincoat if you’re planning to do any hikes. 

Accommodation for solo female travelers in Croatia

First and foremost, pet sitting is a great way to see Croatia. Stay in the heart of local communities to allow yourself to absorb into the culture. Your new pet friends will make settling in all the easier, they may even be able to offer their opinions on where’s best to visit.

If you’re unable to find a sit for when you plan your solo trip to Croatia, there are loads of excellent hostels and local homestays across the country. If you’re planning to do some island hopping, there is a nice mixture of hotels and traditional B&Bs available to stay at. Camping is generally deterred due to much of the country being part of a national park, and due to the presence of brown bears in the higher hills.

Is Croatia safe for solo female travelers?

Is Croatia safe to travel alone to, particularly as a solo female traveler? According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, Croatia currently sits as the 14th most peaceful country in the world. For societal safety, it remains in the top 20 of global countries and has one of the lowest crime rates around. So, statistically, when asking ‘Is Croatia safe for female tourists’ the answer is yes!

However, despite being considered a safe destination for solo travel, you must always take precautions when it comes to your safety. Following a set list of guidelines will help make sure you’re able to look after yourself whilst having a good time. Always trust your gut instincts if something doesn’t feel right, and avoid walking around on your own at night.

Meeting people and connecting with locals

Firstly, many Croatians speak English, particularly in the major tourist hot spots like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. If you’re pet sitting a pup, dog walks or trips to the park are a great way to bond with locals over your love of dogs.

With female solo travel in Croatia, you’ll be able to meet other like-minded explorers on group tours and one of the many free walking tours. If you’re looking to actively meet up with fellow solo female travelers, there are many different sites and apps available that allow you to create and join meet-ups.

Tips from a local

• Family is a priority in Croatian culture, and Sunday is family day. So, be prepared for most shops and restaurants to be closed at the end of the week.
• Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian are the three main languages spoken in Croatia. But don’t worry, most people speak English. However, learning a few phrases in Croatian will be received warmly by natives.
• Soccer is almost as important as family in Croatian culture. If there is an important game on for the locals, expect even the most fancy of restaurants to bring out a TV for customers and staff to watch.

Croatia for solo female pet sitters

Is Croatia a good place to pet and house sit? Absolutely! The Croatians love their pet pooches and it’s a great place for outdoor activities. Here are some tips on how to spend time with your new sitting sidekick.

Things to do with dogs in Croatia

Croatia is abundant in national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. All of these areas are dog friendly, but most require pups to be on a leash throughout most hikes. However, you will be spoilt for choice of walking spots even if you’re located within a city.

The cities themselves are great for walks and most places are pro-pup, so why not take your new fur friend sightseeing with you (they may even be able to offer their own guided tour). Most of the larger towns have dog-friendly parks and, of course, the coastline is ideal for water-loving doggos.

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Croatia

As a country that spends most of the year outdoors, most restaurants and cafes will have an outside seating place for you and your new furry friend. Croatia is also a dog-loving country, so pooches will be welcome in most establishments. However, you may be asked to come back to certain museums or guided tours without your pup pal, as these are often not dog-friendly.

House and pet sit

Are you a keen bean to live the Croatian dream? Check out the latest house and pets sit available across Croatia to make your next solo trip and even greater adventure!