Discover Croatia, One Of The Safest Countries In Europe

Deciding your next holiday destination can be playful and fun, but ensuring that it is also safe is a serious matter. Smart destination choice ensures you leave behind the worries and stress to enjoy everything that vacation stands for: superb experiences, relaxed moments, stunning nature, and sharing the best life moments with your loved ones in a destination that is safe. All the above is why Croatia has been making its way up people’s must-visit lists for years now. Some countries are safe for the most part, and yet they have a particular area you just shouldn’t go to. Croatia isn’t one of those countries, as it meets the highest safety criteria in all its regions, making it one of the safest countries in Europe and the world.

Its sparkling coast with over 1200 islands, gorgeous beaches that hold their own even against their famous Mediterranean counterparts, stunning national parks covering 10% of the country’s territory, and a pleasant climate are a magnet for travelers. And when it comes to safety, relevant global statistics and individual travelers’ accounts agree: Croatia is as beautiful as it is safe, a perfect destination for carefree holidays.

HOW SAFE IS CROATIA?

Everyone wants a hassle-free, safe vacation. More than just seeing new places, travelling is about experiencing the world both confidently and comfortably. In Croatia, safety is the norm, not the exception. The country consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare, and even petty crime is low. Croatia’s reliable public transport and modern healthcare add an extra layer of safety for tourists. Besides, locals – most of whom speak English - are welcoming and used to travelers, even in the remotest parts of this European country.

Statistically, Croatia is safer than the USA and the UK. For example, in 2024, Croatia ranked 15th out of 163 countries on the referential Global Peace Index. This leading measure of global peacefulness constantly monitors 23 indicators of the absence of violence or fear of violence, including societal safety and security, across the globe. For comparison, the same report lists the US at 132nd and the UK at 34th place. All said, it is no wonder that many countries’ official travel advisories regularly list Croatia as a level 1 destination, prescribing merely those reasonable, common-sense precautions that apply to any travel.

SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT TAKING KIDS FOR A CROATIA HOLIDAY?  

One of the easiest and safest countries to travel with kids, Croatia seems to be tailored for families. Croatian culture, with its family-oriented values and laid-back lifestyle, will make any multigenerational holiday a breeze. 

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, as a family-friendly resort,  offers not only professional babysitting, but also an extensive range of supervised kids’ activities and specialized amenities for little ones. However, venturing with kids beyond the confines of the resort is just as safe, since Croats nurture a strong sense of community, which naturally pours into a high level of personal safety.

IS DUBROVNIK SAFE TO VISIT?

Dubrovnik might not be big, but globally speaking, it is most certainly Croatia’s most famous city. And yet, it is one of the safest. Well-policed, with low crime rates, walkable, and populated with friendly, multilingual locals, Dubrovnik is high on the bucket list of every vacationer. Just like the rest of the cities, including the country’s capital of Zagreb, Dubrovnik is safe for solo travelers of any age or gender.

First-timers are often surprised at how safe they feel when walking around Croatian cities at night. Actually, for the second year in a row, Croatia has been named the safest country in Europe for walking alone at night. Claiming the top spot out of 41 European nations ranked for safety after dark, Croatia once again reassured and reinforced its reputation as a safe and serene destination. For instance, solo female travelers visiting Croatia report a sense of liberation while exploring the country with confidence and ease.

Just like other European prime destinations, Dubrovnik invests substantial effort in fighting the negative effects of overtourism. Recognizing that conservation of cultural and natural heritage and improving the citizens' daily life results in the best possible experience for the visitors, Dubrovnik launched the Respect the City initiative. Paving the way to long-term sustainably, this program combines various simple yet long-reaching practical solutions that contribute to everyone’s safety and confidence.

THE CROATIAN SEA IS THE CLEANEST IN EUROPE

In 2024, European authorities named the Croatian Sea the cleanest in Europe! The quality of water was monitored across all 27 member states of the European Union, and of the 894 beaches tested in Croatia, an impressive 99.1% received an excellent water quality rating. 

Blue spaces, blue mind, blue health – whatever name you give it, sea lovers have long known what science has proven recently: simply being near a body of water brings many benefits for both body and mind. Often dubbed “the happiest locations”, coastal areas have the power to increase our well-being and even boost creativity. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to keep our seas clean. 

The amazing blue hues of the Adriatic Sea and its cleanliness are the result of the favorable geography and flow of natural currents.  From organizing clean-ups on a local and micro-local level to the state laws and regulations, people of Croatia show how deeply they care about their sea, making every effort to ensure this precious resource is passed to the next generations. The clean waters of the highly indented Croatian seashores harbor unique ecosystems with an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals, including dolphins, turtles, corals, and more.  So, next time you explore a beautiful Adriatic cave or pristine cove with an underwater spring, rest assured and carefree as you immerse yourself in those beautiful and beneficial waters, officially crowned for their quality.

CAN I DRINK TAP WATER FROM THE FOUNTAIN IN DUBROVNIK?

Absolutely! You can fill your reusable water bottle from the iconic Onofrio’s Fountain at the very heart of Old City Dubrovnik. You can also fill your bottle straight from the tap anywhere at the Sun Gardens Dubrovnik resort. Actually, all tap water in Croatia is not only safe to drink but of excellent quality.

 It is routinely tested for harmful chemicals to ensure safety and quality.  Most of the country’s water comes from underground aquifers, natural springs, or rivers. The taste, influenced by the water’s hardness, slightly differs from one region to another, and due to various factors, the coastal regions enjoy especially fresh-tasting water.

While lots of European countries use tap water mainly for hygienic purposes, Croatians are a bit spoiled in that regard. According to Eurostat, Croatia has the highest per capita renewable freshwater resources in the whole of the European Union.

The country has a long history of safe drinking water and very strict water quality monitoring. Just like all the other aspects of public health, water is under constant vigilance of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, whose history goes back to 1893. Just like today, water was an essential resource throughout history and was especially guarded and cared for in coastal areas. Some historical waterworks, like Dubrovnik’s water supply system dating from 1438, were true engineering feats and civilizational achievements, as they ensured fresh water to everyone, regardless of their status in society.  To ensure water remains unpolluted, the government of the Dubrovnik Republic imposed harsh penalties on anyone who dared to meddle with the city’s water resources. And though these days, of course, we have other means to ensure water remains fresh and clean, we still value it as the source of life.

IS CROATIAN FOOD AS GOOD AS THEY SAY IT IS?

The gastronomic landscape of Croatia is as diverse as its geography. The country’s six different regional cuisines, shaped by a turbulent history and rich tradition, compete for visitors’ palates. Needless to say, Croats are proud of their regional specialties and love to discuss recipes, particularly since cooking at home and sharing meals with family on a regular basis is one of the pillars of the Croatian lifestyle. Both people and restaurant chefs get their supplies from local farmers’ markets or directly from small farms and fishermen to ensure the freshness of ingredients. The fish and seafood, a specialty along the coast, are locally caught and are as clean as the famously clean Adriatic Sea itself.

And though most visitors will find the atmosphere in restaurants to be rather relaxed and informal, the food control is anything but. All eateries are regularly inspected, and the country’s food safety and hygiene standards are aligned with those of the European Union, well known for its uncompromising food regulations. Unsurprisingly, such food safety practices shield both locals and tourists from health risks.

CLEAN AND GREEN CHARM OF RURAL CROATIA

In 2024, Croatia was ranked as the 24th cleanest out of 180 countries, according to the globally renowned Environmental Performance Index. Statistics aside, Croatia is working steadily towards turning high portions of its agricultural soil into ecological land. Nowhere is this tested better than in thriving agroturism, as more and more families opt for ecological farm production. Agrotourism and ecological wine production are particularly well developed in the south of Croatia, which is the reason why lots of our resort guests opt for exciting explorations of wineries on the Pelješac peninsula and farms in Dubrovnik’s hinterland of Konavle. Authentic food and sincere wine, grown upon hectares of unpolluted soil, are a guarantee of truly unforgettable and delicious experiences!

REMAIN RESPONSIBLE WITH 5 TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE IN CROATIA

Statists and visitors confirm that Croatia is one of the safest tourist destinations in Europe. Still, it won’t hurt to remain responsible by following those short tips for your perfect Croatian holiday.

• Before travelling, check your country's official travel advisories.  Governmental bodies constantly adjust their recommendations and requirements, making them the most reliable source to consult before travelling.
•  Take all the standard precautions, such as keeping your valuables and documents safe at all times. Pickpocketing is not frequent in Croatia, but there’s no need to take any risks.
• In case you are arriving from outside the EU, obtain comprehensive travel insurance and make sure to check your passport and visa requirements.
• In case you are arriving in a car, get acquainted with driving regulations in Croatia, as they might differ from those in your country. Croatian roads, especially the highways, are of good quality and sometimes allow high speeds, but it is still wise to inform yourself and avoid fines.
• Familiarizing yourself with Croatian laws and customs will make your Croatian holiday even more enjoyable. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us!

SAFETY FIRST, SUSTAINABILITY ALWAYS

In many respects, safety and sustainability are intrinsically linked. Whatever is good and safe for the environment is good for the people, and vice versa. There are many facets of safety to consider when choosing a next destination vacation, and a growing number of travelers take sustainability into account here. At its core, the logic of sustainability is simple – it saves money on energy, water, and waste, to spend it on everything that matters and provides long-term security – communities, environment, experience, and organic food.

Over the years, sustainability has become the driver of change in the hospitality industry. Today, you can enjoy the unparalleled luxury of your favorite family resort in Croatia and still relax knowing that nothing you or your host does harms the environment or community, on the contrary!

Recognized as the regional champion of sustainable luxury, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik weaves many sustainable practices and principles into its daily operations. From sustainable plastic-free amenities and dining experiences, all-round recycling programs, water-saving faucets, smart water management, energy conservation and real-time optimization, along with LED lighting technology, non-electric lawn robots, eco workshops, and on-site harvests, our resort erases the borders between luxury and sustainability for an exquisite holiday experience.

Ever since we planted the first seed in our on-site organic vegetable garden, we knew it would become much more than cultivating peppers, aubergines, onions, kale, and juicy tomatoes. Still growing in size, our vegetable garden is a part of the ongoing farm-to-table journey as it supplies, whenever possible, fresh and seasonal ingredients for select dishes at our à la carte restaurants. It also became a place of learning and exploration, with children from the Kids Club visiting the garden each week to experience how food grows, taste herbs like mint, basil, and chamomile, and discover the joy of harvesting what they have planted.

CROATIA IS CALLING

One of the safest European countries, Croatia is a great destination for families, multigenerational groups, and solo travelers alike. Low crime rates, political stability, European-standard healthcare, and emergency services make Croatia one of the safest travel destinations in the world.