Discover why Croatia has been crowned Europe’s safest country for night walks, according to global rankings. From children playing freely to tourists’ lost belongings being returned, explore how Croatia’s culture of safety, effective policing, and Mediterranean charm make it a top choice for travellers and expats alike. Being Europe’s safest destination, Croatia continues to attract a vast number of visitors.
By Marko Barišić
A Safe Haven for Tourists and Locals Alike
Many tourists visiting Croatia for the first time—whether to the coast or inland—are pleasantly surprised to realise they can stroll freely day or night without fearing harm. They’re even more astonished to see children playing unsupervised in streets, enjoying playgrounds, or walking to school alone with heavy backpacks. Equally heartwarming is the answer locals give when asked if there are unsafe neighbourhoods to avoid: a resounding “No.” This confidence reflects why Croatia is widely considered Europe’s safest place for night walks.
This sense of security isn’t just a passing impression. Croatia’s reputation is backed by global recognition. The prestigious portal World of Statistics has named it Europe’s safest country for night walks for the second consecutive year. Slovenia follows in second place, Switzerland in fifth, and the Netherlands in tenth. Meanwhile, Sweden, the UK, Belgium, and France sit near the bottom of the list, with France ranked last at 41st.
Why Expats Choose Croatia for Safety
Many expats and tourists both choose Croatia because of its reputation as Europe’s safest place. The feeling of safety isn’t just a draw for tourists—it’s a key reason many choose Croatia as their home. This includes not only Croatians returning to their roots but also foreigners seeking peace of mind. One Frenchwoman, formerly a high-ranking executive in Paris’ pharmaceutical industry, traded her lucrative career for a flat near Split’s Diocletian Palace. She now savours Croatia’s relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and, above all, the security she feels here in what is Europe’s safest destination.
“When I go out day or night,” she says, “I don’t worry about someone snatching my bag or stealing my phone. And I certainly don’t fear serious attacks—unlike in parts of Paris.”
Similarly, Paul Bradbury, a British expat married to a Croatian and founder of Total Croatia, recently shared an experience in Zagreb’s Zrinjevac Park. After a night out, he sat on a bench near Ban Jelačić Square, placing his laptop and bag beside him. The next morning, a police call woke him: passers-by had found his laptop and handed it in.
“In most countries, it’d be gone,” Bradbury remarked, stunned by the honesty. “Here, you don’t have to clutch your belongings tightly at night.” This experience exemplifies why Croatia ranks as Europe’s safest for tourists and locals alike.
Lost and Found: Integrity on Croatian Ferries
Such stories are common. Tourists on ferries—often relaxed during long island crossings—frequently misplace phones or bags. Remarkably, these items are often returned. One traveller’s phone was waiting on the next ferry, handed to the captain by fellow passengers in what is famously Europe’s safest country.
Of course, this shouldn’t encourage carelessness—theft does occur—but such acts of integrity reflect Croatia’s cultural norms. As Bradbury noted, “Incidents here are far rarer than elsewhere.”
Policing Excellence: Croatia’s Security Backbone
Much credit goes to Croatian police. Their contribution makes it one of Europe’s safest environments. Managing a tourist influx five times the national population is no small feat, yet they balance effectiveness with minimal visible repression. Their strategy? Proactive vigilance. Recent arrests include a Hungarian group stealing copper from churches in Slavonia, Romanian burglars targeting coastal homes, and a Czech man vandalising cars in Split. Even a Russian gang that robbed a Split jewellers was swiftly caught.
Domestic offenders exist too, but strict penalties deter crime. As one officer noted, “Efficiency and fairness keep people safe without suffocating freedom.”
A Culture of Trust and Safety
Croatia’s safety isn’t accidental. It’s rooted in community trust, respect for law, and a collective commitment to security. While no country is crime-free, Croatia’s blend of culture and enforcement offers rare peace of mind. For travellers and residents alike, this Adriatic gem remains a sanctuary. Let’s hope it stays as Europe’s safest for many more years.