Croatia in August: what you need to know before you go

What you shouldn't miss

Dubrovnik and Zadar are popular, but here's the catch: in August, the whole coast is full of tourists. The Krka waterfalls and Plitvice Lakes National Park are worth visiting, but they get busy too.

The islands of Vis and Korčula are quieter. Travellers call Vis 'quiet and beautiful', and Korčula is known as the coolest island. Many backpackers overlook the interior, with its Central European character, and that works in your favour.

• •Skip August if you don't like crowds. May, June and September are quieter.
• •Vis and Korčula are well worth it if you're after some peace and quiet.

How to plan your trip

Backpackers spend an average of 14 days in Croatia. That gives you time for the islands, a few cities, and maybe the interior too.

Book your bus and train tickets in advance, especially in summer. You can easily find hostels and budget hotels on Booking.com. Many travellers island-hop by ferry.

• •Book buses and trains ahead, or they'll be sold out.

What can go wrong, and how to avoid it

In August, the coast is packed. You'll notice it in the prices, the queues, and the crowded beaches.

Watch your step on staircases in old towns like Dubrovnik. They're steep and slippery. A travel writer's friend fell and sprained her ankle there. Another was stung by a wasp and had to go to hospital in Split. Someone else had her wallet stolen.

Hospital costs in Croatia aren't as high as in the United States, but serious cases can get expensive. Theft mostly happens in busy tourist areas.

• •Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and theft.
• •Store your valuables safely at your hostel.
• •Watch your footing on steep staircases.