You are planning your next trip and as a woman, you can’t help but wonder, “Is Croatia safe for female tourists?” I understand, nothing ruins a trip like feeling unsafe. But don’t worry, I got your back. Keep reading, and you will find all the answers to your questions!
When traveling around the world, and especially when you are a woman, safety can quickly become your biggest preoccupation. It is not fair, I know… But it shouldn’t be a reason not to travel. So if you are reading this post, I believe you decided to do your own research to get all the knowledge you need to plan your next vacation!
As a young woman who traveled and lived in Croatia for three months back in 2022, I believe I can give you the answer to the question that has been on your mind lately: “Is Croatia safe for female tourists?”
From crime rate in Croatia and general safety, to the safest cities in Croatia and the best tips for female travelers, this article will tell you everything there is to know! And after reading it, you will be equipped to enjoy your Croatian holiday safely and without worrying! Just keep reading and start planning!
This blog post is all about answering your question, “Is Croatia safe for female tourists?” and giving you all the information you need to plan and enjoy your next trip safely!
General Safety AND WOMEN’s SAFETY IN CROATIA
When it comes to women’s safety in Croatia, or even general safety in Croatia, there are a few things you need to know.
GENERAL SAFETY IN CROATIA
Firstly, Croatia is ranked the 14th safest country in the world on the Safety and Global Peace Index. Fourteenth! When you know there are a total of 195 countries worldwide… That should be your first clue that Croatia is a safe country, whether you want to travel there or even move there.
But how does it rank at the European level, you might ask? Well, first you need to know that Europe, as a continent, is made up of 50 countries. And Croatia, due to its safety level, ranks in the TOP 10 safest countries in all of Europe!
To understand these numbers better, let me give you some more that might surprise you…
France is ranked 67th on the Safety and Global Peace Index in 2023; Spain is ranked 32nd; Italy is ranked 34th. And the only countries that are safer than Croatia in Europe according to this index are: Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Czechia, and Finland.
I am pretty sure that when you are planning a trip to France, Spain, or Italy, you are not worrying about your safety there… Well, according to these numbers, you should worry even less when it comes to general safety in Croatia.
TO SEE THE WORLDWIDE RANKING HEAD THIS WAY (page 10)
MY EXPERIENCE AS A FEMALE TRAVELER IN CROATIA
I believe that experiences and testimonies are worth much more than numbers and statistics… So here is my experience as a female traveler in Croatia.
As I said before, back in 2022, I traveled and lived in Croatia for a bit more than three months. And to be totally transparent and honest with you, never, EVER, did I feel unsafe as a foreigner or as a woman.
I walked around cities by myself, and even went out for drinks by myself in the evening, and never experienced any problems or felt unsafe. Honestly, among all the countries I have visited in my life, Croatia has been one of the most beautiful with the most welcoming locals. But it has also been one of the safest places I have ever been to.
If you are reading this article about women’s safety in Croatia, I believe it is because you are worried and preoccupied. You are totally right to do your research before traveling to a new place.
The world is a crazy place and unfortunately, this is even more true for women. But be reassured, my definite answer to your question, “Is Croatia safe for female tourists?” is the biggest YES!
Safest Cities in Croatia
Now that you know that Croatia is a safe country for female travelers, let’s take a look at the safest and best cities to visit in Croatia during your trip!
Over my three months there, I visited most of the country. And if I had to make a TOP 3 of my favorite cities in Croatia, in terms of safety and best places to visit, it would look like this:
- Split, for its combination of ancient history, nature, and modernity.
- Zagreb, for its architecture, lively atmosphere, and tons of cultural activities.
- Dubrovnik, for the perfect mix between historic heritage, nature, and culture.
MY EXPERIENCES REGARDING Women’s SAFETY AS A TRAVELER IN THESE CITIES
Safety in Split for female tourists
When I was visiting and living in Croatia, I made Split my home base city, and boy, was that the best idea!
Not only is Split beautiful and the perfect combination of ancient history, nature, and modernity, but it is also one of the safest cities in Croatia.
I wandered around by myself, or accompanied, at night or during the day, and never had any problems. So if you are looking for a safe place to stay in Croatia as a female traveler, I suggest you seriously consider Split.
I promise, you will have a blast there and feel safe at any given time!
Safety in Zagreb for solo female travelers
If I can be totally honest with you, I was surprised to feel so safe in Zagreb. I didn’t know much about the capital city of Croatia before visiting and was concerned about safety.
In general, capital and big cities tend to be less safe and have a higher crime rate. Even though I don’t really understand why, it makes sense. And I was uncertain about safety in Zagreb as a woman.
Well, you will be happy to know that I felt as safe as I possibly could. I walked around the entire city, during the day and at night, when coming back to my hotel after a few drinks, and felt safe every minute of my trip.
I’m not saying that nothing ever happens in Zagreb, but aside from general safety rules and precautions, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about it.
Safety in Dubrovnik for female tourists
If you don’t believe me, make your own research… But not only is Dubrovnik one of the most beautiful places to visit in the country, it is also the safest city in Croatia.
I don’t really have anything to add to that… Dubrovnik is one of the must-visit places in Croatia, and if you are thinking of planning a trip there, I believe you already know that!
Not only you are 100% certain of having a great time there, but now, you can be reassured that safety in Dubrovnik for female tourists won’t be a problem!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN CROATIA!
Tips for Female Travelers
Even though Croatia is a safe country for female travelers, it doesn’t mean you have to stop being cautious.
As we all know, the world is a crazy place… And being in a considered safe country shouldn’t make you forget that. While traveling, there are some safety precautions you should always take… As we say, better be safe than sorry!
5 safety tips for female tourists in Croatia
Always let a relative back home know where you are going or where you are staying.
Whether you’re informing a friend, your boyfriend, or your mom, it doesn’t matter! Just let someone know where you are staying and the places you are visiting. If something happens to you, you’ll be glad that someone knows your last whereabouts.
If you are a solo female traveler, don’t disclose your whereabouts to everyone you meet.
I understand that when you’re solo traveling, you often want to make new friends. And lying to them is probably not the best start to create a connection. But I am not talking about the people you meet at your hostel or on an excursion.
A stranger starts asking you questions on the street while running errands? Tell them that someone is waiting for you down the street. Chances are, this random person is not going to become your best friend!
Research the areas you are visiting beforehand.
I don’t know how many times I have said this before but… Being prepared before you go on your trip will solve three-quarters of your problems there.
Before visiting a new place or area, do a quick research about what there is to know about it. Is it safe? Are there streets or districts that I must avoid? Is the area known for a certain type of issue? Just some basic research! And if you forget, just ask your hotel receptionist about it—they will be more than happy to help you!
Trust your instincts and exit uncomfortable situations.
Instincts are an inexplicable thing… But just trust yourself! If you’re walking around and start feeling weird about the place, turn around! If you started chatting with someone and start to feel uncomfortable, exit the conversation! Really, there is nothing easier than that! Listen to yourself and trust your instincts!
Avoid taking unnecessary risks to save a few dollars.
I know that budget is everything when it comes to traveling, but hear me out… You went out at night, had a few too many drinks… Now it’s time to go home, but you’re not sure where your hotel is… Don’t wander around the streets trying to find it. Get a cab, even if that means spending $20 that wasn’t planned in your budget.
The same goes when you’re visiting during the day… A place you want to see is on the other side of the city, and you have to walk through a sketchy area to get there? Don’t do it! Take public transportation or, once again, get a cab.
Believe me, your life is worth much more than a few bucks!