Driving in Croatia is generally straightforward for most European visitors. Roads are in better condition than reputation suggests, particularly across the modern A1 highway. A few honest points can save real headaches. Start with the rental car decision. Going small avoids many practical problems since coastal village streets reward modest dimensions. Manual transmission is standard — the supply of automatics is genuinely limited. Verify which borders the rental allows since the Pelješac peninsula crosses Bosnian territory briefly. Insurance terms deserve careful reading. Know what excess applies — comprehensive coverage usually pays for itself. Once driving, stick to posted speeds since Croatian islands by ferry police enforce consistently. Toll roads operate on the major motorways — build it into the budget. The seaside route punishes hurry — hairpin turns, narrow sections, and sudden views. Use peripheral parking and walk in since old town streets are mostly pedestrian or restricted. Once these basics are clear, the country reveals itself through the windscreen.