The sparkling Adriatic coastline, ancient walled cities, and lush national parks of Croatia draw millions of visitors each year. But between the island hopping, truffle hunting, and medieval town exploration, travelers face a universal challenge: keeping their clothes clean. While not the most glamorous aspect of travel, understanding how to manage laundry in Croatia can save you time, money, and the discomfort of wearing yesterday's beach attire to today's wine tasting. As someone who has done her fair share of laundry while traveling, let me share with you the best options for keeping your clothes fresh.
Need help planning your trip to Croatia? Check out my services.
The Croatian Laundry Landscape
Croatia's approach to laundry reflects both its Mediterranean culture and its rapid tourism development. In coastal tourist hotspots like Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar, you'll find more amenities catering to international visitors. In contrast, smaller towns and rural areas maintain more traditional approaches, where hanging laundry on outdoor lines amid stone buildings creates a photogenic but practical scene. You'll notice clotheslines adorning balconies throughout the country, as many locals still prefer air-drying to electric dryers, both for energy conservation and for that fresh Mediterranean breeze scent that no fabric softener can replicate.
Ok, let´s delve into the different options you will have when doing laundry in Croatia.
Self-Service Laundry
In recent years, self service laundry or laundromats (praonica rublja) have begun popping up in major Croatian cities and tourist destinations. These facilities operate similarly to those in North America or Western Europe. You'll have the best luck finding self-service laundromats in:
Zagreb (particularly around the city center and near hostels)
Split (several options near Diocletian's Palace)
Dubrovnik (limited but available, especially outside the Old Town)
Zadar (near the university and tourist areas)
Rijeka (scattered throughout the city)
Most Croatian self-service establishments feature modern machines with English instructions or simple pictograms. The typical process involves:
Bringing your own detergent or purchasing single-use packets at the facility (often from vending machines)
Selecting your cycle - most machines offer temperature options from 30°C to 90°C
Payment via coins, prepaid cards, or smartphone apps depending on the facility
Cycle times ranging from 30 minutes for a quick wash to 90 minutes for more intensive cleaning
Expect to pay between (€5-8) for a standard wash cycle, with dryers typically costing an additional (€3-6) per cycle. Some facilities offer "wash and dry" packages at slightly discounted rates.
Tips for Self-Service Success
Croatian washing machines often have longer cycle times than American ones. Plan accordingly.
Bring a collapsible laundry bag in your luggage to make transport easier. The picture below shows me literally in a ginormous bag a nice lady at the laundromat gave me because I had forgotten this tip and was trying to shove laundry for six people in a few small bags.
Many laundromats offer free wifi, so you can catch up on planning while waiting.
Consider bringing color-catching sheets if you'll be mixing colors and whites.
The busiest times are typically weekend afternoons; weekday mornings usually offer more machine availability.
I think it is easiest to pack laundry detergent sheets. The are small easy to pack and don´t count as a liquid in your luggage. This way, you do not need to worry about figuring out the dispenser at the laundromat
Laundry Services at Accommodations
Hotels
Most 4-star and 5-star hotels in Croatia offer hotel laundry service, though prices can be eye-watering. Hotel staff will be more than happy to help you with this service. Expect to pay anywhere from 15-30 €2-4 per shirt and €5-8 per pair of pants. Some luxury properties may offer same-day service, but most require 24-hour turnaround. This option is the most convenient as you will get clean and folded laundry back without have to leave the hotel. The drawback is the price. Sometimes there are bundled rates for multiple items that can reduce the per-item cost. Some hotels (usually larger resorts along the coast in Istria and Dalmatia) may offer alternatives such as self-service guest laundry facilities at more reasonable rates.
Tips for hotel laundry service
Choose only a few items that need to be washed to save on money
Check to make sure it will be done by the time you need it
Apartments and Vacation Rentals
One significant advantage of booking private accommodation in Croatia is that many have their own washing machines. Approximately 60% of apartment rentals in tourist areas now include washers, though dryers remain less common. When booking, look for listings that mention "perilica rublja" (washing machine) among the amenities. If your rental includes a washing machine, note that Croatian machines typically have various program options, but cycles are longer than in North America. Instructions may be in Croatian only. If needed you can take photos and ask the host for guidance. Drying machines will be very uncommon. Most locals air-dry clothing, and your rental will likely include a drying rack or access to a clothesline. There may be a combination washer/dryer. Be careful with the drying cycles with these. Some work well but I have also had my clothes shrink to child size using these. Even if available, I usually just use the washing cycle and then hang to dry. Detergent is sometimes provided, but bring travel-sized packets just to make sure.
Tips for laundry in rental properties
Get a tutorial from your host at check in
Bring laundry detergent sheets in case the property does not provide detergent
Remember laundry cycles are longer than in North America
Beware of washer/dryer combos as I have had many clothes shrink
Hostels
Budget travelers will be pleased to know that many Croatian hostels, particularly newer establishments, offer laundry facilities at affordable prices. These typically operate in one of two ways:
Self-service coin-operated machines available to guests
Staff-operated services where you drop off and pick up at designated times
Costs at hostels tend to be more reasonable than hotels, averaging €5-7 for a wash and dry cycle. Some hostels even include free laundry detergent.
Drop-Off Laundry Services
For travelers who prefer convenience over cost savings, full service laundrettes provide a hands-off solution. Professional laundry services (kemijske čistionice) can be found in all major Croatian cities and many smaller towns.
Look for storefronts with signs reading "Praonica Rublja," "Kemijska Čistionica," or simply "Laundry." In tourist areas, many display English signage as well. Tourist information centers can direct you to the nearest option, and accommodation hosts can often recommend reliable local services. You will drop off your laundry, where it will be weighed. Cost is based on wight (approximately €8-11 per kg of laundry). You will then receive a pickup ticket for you to collect your clean and folded laundry the next day. Sometimes you can get it the same day for a charge. The main advantage of drop-off services is convenience – your clothes are washed, dried, and folded for you. Some services even offer delivery back to your accommodation for an additional fee. However, there are some things to consider. Most services combine all your items in one wash unless you specifically request separation (and pay accordingly). Also, special care items like silk or wool may incur additional charges. Operating hours often follow traditional Croatian business schedules, including afternoon closures and limited weekend hours. It also makes me a bit uncomfortable to have a stranger washing and folding my underwear, but maybe that is just me.
Tips for drop off laundry service
Only wash your lighter clothing as you are charged by weight
Bring a bag for pick up
DIY Sink Washing
For quick refreshes of essential items or in locations without laundry facilities, sink washing remains a reliable backup option. This method works particularly well for undergarments, quick-dry fabrics, and small items. Consider packing travel-sized biodegradable detergent sheets (lightweight and TSA-friendly), universal sink stopper (invaluable when rubber stoppers are missing) and a travel clothesline with suction cups or hooks.
The Bottom Line: Laundry as Part of the Experience
Rather than viewing laundry as an inconvenience, consider it an opportunity to experience everyday Croatian life. Visiting local self service laundromats might lead to conversations with residents or fellow travelers. Hanging clothes on a sun-drenched balcony overlooking terracotta rooftops becomes part of your authentic Croatian experience. With proper planning and the right expectations, managing laundry during your Croatian adventures need not be a wrinkle in your travel plans. Instead, it can be just another aspect of immersing yourself in this beautiful Mediterranean country while ensuring you have fresh clothes for every sunset toast of local wine along the Adriatic coast.
Ready to travel to Croatia? Contact me at stefanie@eurotravelsbydesign.com and I will custom design your perfect trip.