Nothing says euro summer vacation like spending a month in Croatia — and that is exactly what I’m doing! I booked a month-long stay in Split, with a few days in Dubrovnik and some hopping around to hidden gem islands along the way.

I’ve spent a whole lotta time at the beach, walked through the streets of old town, and eaten a LOT of pizza. Dare I say, the pizza in Croatia is better than Italy? Because I had the best slice of my entire life here. And after many slices and my fair share of people watching, I’ve formulated exactly what you should pack for your next trip. As a certified overpacker (I like options), I’ve narrowed it down to the ultimate list of pieces for exploring beaches, old towns, and the islands of Croatia.

dress | sandals

Now, before we dive in, we need to talk about one thing: shoes. You will be walking a TON, and the last thing you want is to find yourself hobbling along cobblestone streets because you chose cute over comfortable. But I’ve got you covered — my top two recommendations in this entire list are shoes that are both. For sandals, these are hands down the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. I’ve logged 20k+ steps in them with zero blisters, zero pain, zero complaints. And for sneakers, I brought three pairs — all comfortable — but these are by far the most chic.

One thing that struck me immediately about Croatia is how effortlessly people dress here. The vibe is noticeably more relaxed than Italy — less “seen and be seen,” more “I woke up like this but make it chic.” Think lots of linen, flowy dresses, matching sets, and if you really want to blend in with the locals: Sambas. So many Sambas. It’s basically the unofficial shoe of Croatia and honestly, I get it.

The overall aesthetic is breezy and unfussy, which is great news for packing because it means you don’t need to overdo it. A handful of versatile pieces will take you from the beach to old town to a sunset dinner without skipping a beat. Here’s exactly what I recommend bringing:

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Tops & Layers

• White top — a clean basic that works with everything
• Black top — same energy, different vibe
• A fun top — something printed, colorful, or a little unexpected
• Sheer button-down — doubles as a beach cover-up or a lightweight layer for cooler evenings
• Cardigan — black or a fun color; great for air conditioned restaurants and breezy boat rides
• Jacket — either a trench coat or something waterproof that still looks chic. Croatia in shoulder season can surprise you

Bottoms & Dresses

• Linen pants — bring two if you can: one tailored for dinners and old town exploring, one relaxed enough to throw on over a swimsuit at the beach
• Maxi skirt — one or two is plenty; this will be your most reached-for piece
• Midi or maxi dress — something easy you can dress up or down
• Short dress — fun, flirty, beach bar ready
• Colorful going-out dress — for the nights you actually want to get dressed
• Swimsuit — at least two so one is always dry

Shoes

• Adidas Sambas or Adidas Tokyos — practically the unofficial shoe of Croatia; you will fit right in
• A comfortable walking sneaker you can also hike in — you will log serious steps here
• Croc sandals — underrated for this trip; they look great with dresses, skirts, and linen pants and your feet will thank you
• Flip flops or water shoes — non-negotiable. The beaches are rocky, not sandy, and there are sea urchins in the water
• One pair of micro heels or wedges — for the nights out

Bags & Accessories

• Daytime bag — something casual and easy to carry
• Going-out bag — smaller, cuter, evening-ready
• Beach bag — optional but handy if you’re spending serious time on the water
• Turkish beach towel — lightweight, packs down to almost nothing, and absolutely essential for boat days. Most tours do not provide towels, snacks, or water, so plan to bring your own
• sunglasses – I personally take my Prada sunglasses with me everywhere. But if you’re looking for a similar look and feel that’s at a better price point… these are it!  

Okay, now let’s get into everything else!

top

Okay, hear me out on this one — because I know what you’re thinking. Another black tank? But this one is different. I personally am a sucker for an asymmetric cut, it just feels so much more interesting than a basic black tee. It looks so good with linen trousers for exploring Dubrovnik’s old city, and can easily be dressed up for romantic dinners. One top, a million outfits. Pack it. You won’t regret it.

top

Every Croatian packing list needs a white tank, and this one from COS is calling my name. I love the deep V and halter cut and think it feels feminine while also still being a piece you will reach for constantly. It pairs so well with wide leg linen pants, flowy skirts and even a great pair of classic jeans.

dress

Some days you want to be subtle and chic, and then others you want to wear a giant poppy print mini dress and let the people stare. This is that dress. The bold pink and red floral print is maximalist and fun, and it’s just a dress that gives me the dopamine boost I always crave. It packs flat, needs no ironing, and brings the energy of someone who is genuinely excited to be on vacation. Which, if you’re going to Croatia, you absolutely should be.

pants

Linen pants are an absolute must for Croatia. Preferably one cream pair and one black or darker pair. They’re breezy and comfortable in the heat, they look polished enough for a nice dinner, and they photograph like a dream against all that blue and white architecture. This cream pair is particularly perfect because the neutral color works with every top in your bag. Wear them with the ribbed halter for a tonal look, or mix it up with the black asymmetric tank for a contrast moment.

shoes

Let me tell you something about Croatia’s cobblestone streets: they are not your stilettos’ friend. After years of packing cute-but-painful shoes and hobbling back to my hotel, I have finally cracked the code. These woven lace-up ballet sneakers are the answer. They’re breathable (important when it’s 85 degrees), they have a real rubber sole with actual grip, and the ankle tie gives them a little something special that elevates every outfit. Zero blisters. Zero regrets. This is the shoe you’ve been looking for.

cardigan

Evenings in Croatia are surprisingly chilly, especially on the islands and patios near the water. And my last minute decision to pack a lightweight cardigan saved me on this trip. It’s easy enough to stuff in your bag during the day and cozy enough to actually keep you warm when the sun goes down. Truly so happy I packed one (and it’s a great piece for the plane too).

skirt

One of my most worn items this trip has been my white maxi skirt (I also packed one in black), and it plays well with every top I packed. I promise you the white max skirt looks absolutely incredible walking through Diocletian’s Palace! And pro tip: tour the undergrounds of the palace at 5pm to avoid the crowds. I walked through the entire palace mostly solo and it was so special. Style it with the asymmetrical black tank for a sophisticated contrast, or dress it up with a strappy sandal for dinner.

sandals

If you only have space to pack one pair of sandals, let it be these! They truly are the most comfortable sandal, dare I say shoe, I have ever worn! Easily walk 20k+ steps in them, walkable over any terrain, and even wearable in the water. An absolute must for any summer vacation. They’re also available in many other colors as well.

bag

A Croatia packing list needs at least one piece that makes you smile every time you pick it up, and this blue scarf bag is exactly that. Scarf bags are so chic, ultra lightweight (perfect for packing in a suitcase) and look good with all your neutrals, blacks and even contrasting colors. This particular scarf bag is reversible, so it’s two bags in one!

dress

Every packing list needs the black dress, and this is one of my picks for Croatia. The ruched sides are flattering on every body, the V-neck adds just enough interest, and the midi length hits that sweet spot between casual and dressed up. Wear this for a sunset dinner in Hvar with sandals and gold jewelry, and it will feel like you tried just the right amount. If you’re only packing one going-out dress, make it this one. It’s elegant without being overdressed, and black just works everywhere.

bikini top | bikini bottoms

When it comes to swimwear, I prefer wearing a bikini and J.Crew makes my absolute favorite bikinis and cover ups! This bikini top and matching bottom give effortlessly chic vibes, and the metallic yarn adds a little shimmer in the sunlight that feels very this is my best life. Croatia’s beaches range from pebbly coves to full resort vibes, and this bikini looks good at all of them.

towel

As a big girl, I always pack my own towel, particularly a Turkish towel. They are super lightweight, dry quickly and perfect for the beach. You need your own towel for beach days, boat trips and just to have on hand! ps. This one also doubles as a wrap around blanket for me and keeps me super warm during chilly nights.

shoes

Water shoes are not the most glamorous item on this packing list, but if you’ve ever stepped on a sea urchin, you understand why they’re non-negotiable. These black mesh water shoes are as sleek as water shoes get: no chunky velcro straps, no neon colors, just a clean black silhouette with a grippy sole that handles both rocks and boat decks like a champ. Pack them. Because a random trip to the ER after stepping on a sea urchin should NOT a part of the itinerary.

dress

If this dress doesn’t scream I am on a beautiful Mediterranean vacation and I am thriving, I don’t know what does. It’s simply stunning and effortlessly elegant, and exactly the kind of dress I want to wear for a romantic dinner by the sea.

shoes

I rarely pack heels for European vacations, but these micro jelly heels had to come along! They are super comfortable and look incredible with dresses, linen pants, and skirts. I personally love how chic they make me feel and are the perfect addition to your packing list (especially for romantic dinners).

dress

Okay, this dress. This dress. The deep red with that magenta colorblock hem is giving everything I want from a Croatian vacation: bold, romantic, and just a little bit dramatic in the best way. It gives major walking along the Riva promenade energy. IMO this is the dress you wear when you want to feel like the main character of a really good travel movie. Which, honestly, is how I want to feel every day.

flip flops

Looking for arch support from your flip flops?! Then these are exactly what you should pack for your Croatian vacation. The ultimate comfort in what can often be an uncomfortable style of shoe.

sunglasses

Sunglasses in Croatia aren’t optional, they’re survival gear. The sun bouncing off the Adriatic is no joke. These black oval frames are having such a moment right now, and for good reason, because they work with every face shape and they go with literally every outfit on this list. The kind of accessory that requires zero thought and delivers maximum impact.

How hot does it get in Croatia in summer? High 80s to high 90s. It’s quite hot, but there’s often a coastal breeze which helps with the heat.

Do I need a jacket in Croatia in summer? Yes, a thin, lightweight jacket, especially if you’re planning on taking any boat excursions. It can get quite cold on the boat and sometimes at night too.

Are the beaches in Croatia sandy or rocky? The beaches in Croatia are very rocky, and water shoes are a must! Especially with all the sea urchins on the coastline.

Do I need water shoes in Croatia? Yes! The rocky terrain, and sea urchins at the beach, require water shoes.

What do locals wear in Croatia in summer? Lots of linen sets, flowy dresses, sambas, and surprisingly a lot of classic jeans

Do I need to cover up to visit churches or old towns? You don’t need to cover up for visiting the old towns, however it is highly frowned upon (and I believe you can get a fine) for not wearing a shirt. So while there are lots of beaches nearby walking around in a bikini top is a no, no. And as for churches, it’s recommended to cover up your shoulders before entering.

Can you do laundry easily in Croatia? Yes, most Airbnb accommodations will have a washing machine. However, as is typical throughout most of Europe, you will need to air dry your clothes.

What shoes are best for walking on cobblestones? Sambas, sneakers, flat sandal, block heels, or wedges (avoid stiletto heels)

Are Sambas good for walking in Croatia? Yes they are! Pro tip, you can swap out the inserts for a more cushioned option.

Is there a dress code for restaurants or clubs in Croatia? Most clubs don’t allow flip flops, but aside from that you can wear whatever you like!

If anyone else is packing for a summer vacation to Croatia, I hope this helps! As always, let me know if you have any questions – I love helping people figure out what to pack.

XX – Kat @thekatrinanichole on IG