What to pack for a villa holiday in Croatia (and what you can leave at home)

You’ve booked your stay, the excitement is building, now comes the suitcase question. After a few summers at the villa, we’ve got a pretty solid list of what actually gets used and what just takes up space. So here is what to pack :

By Emmanuel Nudel ·

What to pack for a villa holiday in Croatia (and what you can leave at home)


Clothes & beach gear

Croatia in summer is hot and casual. You really don’t need much. Think light layers for the evenings and comfortable shoes for exploring old towns like Trogir or Split.

  • Light linen or cotton clothes
  • 2–3 swimsuits : they dry fast, but you’ll wear them daily
  • Beach cover-up or sarong
  • A light cardigan or layer for evenings : it gets chilly at night
  • Water shoes : rocky beaches are common but also watch out for sea urchin
  • Comfortable sandals for walking in town : there is a lot of cobblestones
  • One smart-casual outfit for dinner out
  • Hat with a brim : the sun is strong
  • A good book

Sun & sea essentials

This is where most guests underestimate. Sunscreen and aftersun are pricier in Croatia, so stock up before you leave.

  • High SPF sunscreen : you can also buy some here
  • Aftersun lotion
  • Quality sunglasses with UV protection
  • Reef-safe sunscreen if you snorkel
  • Snorkel & mask : the sea here is crystal clear and you don’t want to miss anything
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Reusable water bottle
The water in Vinišće bay is incredibly clear, a basic snorkel mask transforms every swim into something special, even for kids.

Health & pharmacy basics

There’s a pharmacy in Marina and more in Trogir, but it’s always easier to arrive prepared.

  • Mosquito repellent
  • Any personal prescription medication
  • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable

Tech & practical bits

  • EU plug adapter (Type F)
  • Portable power bank
  • Underwater camera or GoPro
  • Downloaded offline maps
Croatia has used the euro since 2023. No need to stress about currency exchange.

What you can leave at home

We’re getting everything ready for your arrival so your stay will be as relaxing as possible. Don’t worry about forgetting anything, we’ve got the essentials covered. You can find all the available equipment here.

  • Towels & pool towels : the villa has plenty
  • Soap : already provided
  • Hair dryer & iron : already provided
  • Heavy guidebooks : it’s all on your phone but we provide a guide book and also our website is full of tips
  • Formal outfits : Croatia is relaxed, even for nice dinners
  • Lots of cash : cards are accepted almost everywhere now
  • A full spice rack : the local markets have everything you need but we leave you the essentials
  • Games : we provide a couple of board games

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for a villa holiday in Croatia?

Pack light linen or cotton clothes, two or three swimsuits, a layer for cooler evenings, water shoes for rocky beaches, comfortable sandals for cobblestones and a hat. Bring high-SPF sunscreen and aftersun, as they are pricier in Croatia, plus a snorkel and mask.

What does Orange Tree Villa already provide?

You can leave towels and pool towels, soap, a hair dryer and an iron at home, as the villa provides them. We also leave a guide book, essential spices and a couple of board games, so you can travel lighter.

Do I need cash or a plug adapter in Croatia?

Croatia switched to the euro in 2023 and cards are accepted almost everywhere, so you do not need lots of cash. Do bring an EU plug adapter (Type F), along with a power bank and downloaded offline maps.

Emmanuel Nudel

Emmanuel Nudel

Owner of Orange Tree Villa in Vinišće since 2022. Here he shares the places and outings his family loves around the villa.

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