Planning a motorhome or campervan tour of Croatia? Fortunate you- Croatia is a superb place to go to for vanlife. Right here’s all the pieces you’ll want to learn about motorhoming and campervanning in Croatia, together with routes and a few greatest locations to go to.
Don’t overlook to obtain your FREE Europe motorhoming guidelines that can assist you plan your Croatia journey.
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Motorhoming in Croatia – why it is best to go!
Croatia is presumably motorhoming heaven. lt has somewhat little bit of everything- unbelievable shoreline with sandy seashores, islands, mountains, pleasant individuals and sunshine. Heaps and many sunshine.
Regardless of having some trendy cities, most of it nonetheless feels far-off from the world- the proper place to loosen up and unwind.
Probably the greatest issues about with the ability to discover Croatia on a European motorhome tour is that you could see the variations between the areas, attempt the native delicacies (and wine!) and actually get a really feel for the nation in a brief house of time.
It’s additionally one of many most cost-effective international locations in Europe and motorhome wild tenting is feasible (if not strictly legal- extra on that shortly), so you’ll be able to journey on a small finances with out a lot concern.
On this information, I’m going to share with you all the pieces you’ll want to know to go motorhoming or campervanning in Croatia, together with attending to Croatia and planning your route, the place to remain (motorhome campsites, aires or wild tenting along with your camper), some highway journey concepts and locations to go to, driving suggestions and different sensible recommendation that can assist you have a tremendous Croatian highway journey.
I’m additionally going to share some issues NOT to do!
If that is your first campervanning journey to Croatia (or Europe!), don’t overlook to seize your free motorhome journey guidelines which is able to enable you plan and organise all the pieces you want.
Campervanning in Croatia- The place to go
When planning a motorhome journey to Croatia, the very first thing you’ll want to do is determine the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you may have in your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
Should you’re driving from the UK to Croatia (we’ll cowl that shortly), you’ll want to enable no less than 2 days (most likely 3) to get from arriving in France (by both ferry or Eurotunnel) to Croatia.
And that’s 3 days of just about strong driving (it’s simply over 15 hours (900 miles) from Calais to the north-western Croatian border.) Bizarrely, it’s truly barely faster to go campervanning in Croatia than it’s to go campervanning in Portugal!I I don’t advocate visiting Croatia if you happen to solely have every week or your highway journey. It’s too far and all you’ll do is drive there and again. In fact, if you happen to’re going to lease a motorhome and fly in, that’s completely doable in every week (extra on that shortly).
I explored rather a lot in solely 4 days (I had a two week journey, however bought sidetracked by the Italian Dolomites after which Slovenia!)
You probably have a few weeks, you’ll be able to actually discover a great chunk of Croatia, however you may be doing a number of driving until you stick to simply the North of the nation.
Croatia isn’t an enormous country- it solely takes about 7 hours (370miles) to drive from North to South, but it surely’s a bizarre form and when you’re down in Dubrovnik you need to head north a protracted option to get additional east, until you select to chop via Bosnia.
Highlights of a Croatian Motorhoming Vacation
A few of the greatest locations to go to when having fun with van life in Croatia embrace:
- Plitvice Lakes (go early!)
- The hidden shipwreck cove (see that right here)
- Zadar and the ocean organ
- Krka Lakes
- Dubrovnik previous city (suppose Sport of Thrones)
- Pula cave
Should you get pleasure from studying books earlier than a visit, listed below are some I like to recommend:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we advocate studying
When to go motorhome touring in Croatia
Croatia is fortunate sufficient to have a beautiful local weather for many of the yr, though it may well get HOT in summer time.
Campervanning in Croatia in winter
Surprisingly, Croatia is COLD in winter. Common temperatures go all the way down to round 10c between December and January. They heat up barely in February (making it virtually one of many warmest locations in Europe in February with common temperatures of over 12°C.)
Many campsites and vacationer areas do shut for winter, though there are nonetheless a couple of open all yr so that you can get pleasure from.
Touring Croatia in summer time
For me, summer time in Croatia is just too scorching and humid. The common temperature in August is 30°C. As I don’t have air con in my motorhome, and since I journey with a canine, I attempt to keep away from scorching locations like this and go motorhoming in Norway or different locations with mountains and cooler air.
Additionally, it will get crowded in summer time. Loopy loopy crowded. Seashores are packed and queues for vacationer points of interest are lengthy. Being crammed in, in scorching climate, doesn’t enchantment to me in any respect.
If you wish to keep away from the crowds however can solely go to Croatia in summer time, I like to recommend a Croatia yacht constitution and get out on the water- it’s cooler and a beautiful option to discover this lovely nation.
Motorhoming in Croatia in Spring and Autumn
As with most of Europe, Spring and Autumn are excellent instances to discover Croatia. The climate remains to be heat (common of 18°C in Could and 20°C in October), however many of the crowds from summer time have gone and also you would possibly even get stretches of seashore all to your self.
TOP TIP: In case you are travelling exterior of peak season, positively get an ACSI CampingCard– you’ll save a fortune on campsites throughout Europe, together with Croatia
Planning a driving route from the UK to Croatia
Should you’re planning a campervanning journey to Croatia, there are a few choices from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your individual car (if you happen to’re flying in and hiring, we’ll take care of that shortly.)
Should you’re going to drive straight from the UK to Croatia, the quickest route is to show left from Calais and head via Belgium, then Germany and down via Austria.
Nonetheless, when you’ve got extra time, many individuals select to move to Italy with their motorhome, then catch a ferry throughout the Adriatic Sea.
New to motorhome or camper journey in Europe? You would possibly discover these posts useful:
See all our Europe motorhoming posts right here
NEED GEAR? Should you want any package or necessities for motorhoming in Europe, right here’s what we advocate and the place to seek out it
Borders / Customs in Croatia
Border and customized necessities ought to be as per the Schengen Zone however do double verify earlier than you journey nonetheless, since OCT 2025, Non-EU nationals (together with UK residents) should now register biometric knowledge by way of the brand new Entry/Exit System (EES).
Hiring a motorhome to tour Croatia
Should you don’t have your individual car, or don’t have time to drive all the way in which to Croatia, you’ll be able to simply fly in and rent one. Simply make certain to ask learn how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you would possibly have to ebook a taxi.
To lease a car in Croatia you have to:
- be over 21 or 25 years previous, relying on the corporate’s rental coverage;
- present identification (identification card for EU residents or a legitimate passport for different nationalities)
- have had a driving licence for multiple yr
Be sure you have proof that you could take the car throughout a border into one other nation if that’s what you’re planning on doing. Learn the article beneath for different issues to verify as properly earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t overlook, it’s YOUR accountability to ensure the car has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driving force, not the corporate. Examine upfront with the corporate what package they’ll present with the car and what you will want to deliver.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and verify it off one after the other as you might be given the handover. Don’t drive till you might be completely satisfied you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You may count on to pay round £70/ day- remember to ask the precise questions so you already know what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Croatia- what gear do you’ll want to carry?
Similar to most of Europe , there are specific stuff you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring in Croatia.
Don’t overlook, if you’re driving via France and/ or Germany to get to Croatia, you want all of the package required by these international locations, in addition to the package wanted in Croatia. (Fortunately, if you happen to’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll have just about all the pieces you want already)
Issues you’ll want to drive in Croatia- security gear
These are the stuff you MUST have with you while you’re motorhome or campervan touring in Croatia.
- Hello-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you have to put on them on the facet of the highway or exhausting shoulder or danger being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– when you’ve got a UK car. These have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (You probably have a car which lets you regulate the beam mechanically for European driving, you gained’t want these.)
- UK sticker connected to the again of auto or reg plates (and trailer when you’ve got one)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to alter it!), or a tyre restore package.
- Should you put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving in Croatia upfront. Should you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you can spend THREE instances as a lot! See the most recent offers and greatest costs right here
NOTE: Motorhomes and automobiles towing caravans usually are not allowed to exceed 12m in size, 4m in peak and a couple of.55m in width. Masses should not exceed 11.5 tonnes on the drive axle and 10 tonnes at a single axle.
A-frames usually are not authorized to be used by UK campers and caravanners overseas. So if you happen to tow a car, you’ll want some kind of trailer.
Highway journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Croatia
The next package are stuff you would possibly want to hold in your automotive, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on when you find yourself planning your highway journey in Croatia.
You’ll most likely need an automated toll tag- as most of the motorways insist on them earlier than you need to use the highway. You may keep away from these, but it surely’s a number of further driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres & snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- Purple/ white warning board signal – for bike racks or something overhanging the top of the motorhome or campervan. Strains should level into the center of the highway. Once more, this isn’t authorized requirement in Croatia, however price having anyway.
- First support package – not obligatory however price carrying.
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the car
- Torch
- Hearth extinguisher
- Highway Journey snacks and water- simply in case!
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do you’ll want to highway journey in Croatia?
Should you’re driving in Croatia, you’ll want to carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or identification card)
- Driving licence (verify it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- verify you might be coated for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Car V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate tackle)
- Car have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
Do I would like a world driving allow to drive in Croatia?
Most UK residents don’t want an IDP to drive in Croatia, so long as you may have a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, after all!)
You would possibly want one when you’ve got:
- a paper driving licence solely
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(Should you do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on learn how to get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK submit workplace.
From 2021, drivers will now not require an insurance coverage inexperienced card for taking their automobiles to Croatia, however you would possibly want one when you’ve got a trailer- ask your insurer.
On one other observe, verify that your motorhome guarantee covers journey in Europe- and what occurs when you’ve got an issue.
Touring Croatia in a campervan- Different helpful stuff you would possibly want
I’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for a number of years. I’ve tried all types of kit- some helpful, some not a lot.
Here’s a listing of issues I extremely advocate when motorhoming in Croatia, however that are NOT important:
What are you able to NOT take into Croatia?
You can not take the next with you into Croatia:
- meat or merchandise containing meat
- milk or dairy merchandise
In all honesty, I had tins with meat in them and meat and cheese within the fridge, plus pet food and wasn’t searched, so I wouldn’t fear about it an excessive amount of.
There’s additionally some speak saying contemporary fruit and greens want a certificates however, once more, I had these within the fridge and weren’t requested or searched.
Motorhome stopovers & in a single day parking in Croatia
In Croatia, there are a number of kinds of motorhome and campervan stopovers you need to use.
- Campsites
- Aires (only a few)
- Authorized motorhome parking schemes
Croatia Tenting websites for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
It’s straightforward to seek out motorhome campsites in Croatia they usually’re very like campsites anyplace else in Europe. Some are rustic and have very primary amenities, whereas others are designed for long-term guests and have leisure, golf equipment, swimming pools and bars!
Many campsites have giant pitches, glorious (and clear) amenities and gorgeous views. And most have workers who converse glorious English. Our favorite campsite was proper on the beach- it was completely magical.
TOP TIP: Should you’re touring Croatia in summer time, make certain to get a pitch with shade. You’re going to wish it when the solar will get scorching!
Many campsites have both long-term residents who stay of their motorhomes in Croatia, or have everlasting statics or caravans which the house owners go to once they can.
Should you’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, I extremely advocate shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership, however bear in mind that some campsites both shut throughout the winter or are booked up solely months upfront, so you might want to ebook one too.
Additionally, many campsites put ACSI customers on ‘lesser’ pitches (both unhealthy view or no electrical or drainage). You may ask for a distinct pitch, however will often have to pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}!
At some campsites, you will want to pay further for bathe or electrical utilization. Be warned- the recent water within the bathe is on a timer- often between 3-5 minutes per token.
TOP TIP: Should you’re planning to remain in a single space for a very long time (30+ days), negotiate a particular fee with the campsite straight. Most of them have some kind of discount- some are as little as £10/ day, together with electrical.
Aires in Croatia
Aires are authorised motorhome in a single day parking places- usually supplied and maintained by the native commune.
You can not ebook motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so if you happen to’re visiting at peak instances you would possibly really feel happier reserving a campsite so that you’re assured of someplace to remain.
There are very only a few aires in Croatia they usually’re usually somewhat extra out of the way in which.
Some campsites do enable motorhomes to park up exterior their principal campsite, with no amenities, however they nonetheless cost for this.
READ MORE: Learn the way we discover and use aires and authorised free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
There are only a few amenities at an aire. It is best to be capable to get water and empty waste, however don’t count on eating places, swimming pools or leisure areas. Additionally, don’t hang around washing, get your awning out or put chairs out- that is tenting and isn’t allowed- the police will cease and ask you to maneuver.
If you wish to use aires in different international locations, it’s at all times price investing in a ebook of aires, in addition to a web-based app- simply in case you end up with out web in your motorhome (or and not using a wifi sign). In fact, the draw back with any ebook is that it goes outdated, however don’t fear if it’s solely a yr or two out- most details about aires gained’t change an excessive amount of.
Is wild tenting / free tenting authorized in Croatia for campervans and motorhomes?
Nope. It’s not authorized to wild camp with a motorhome or campervan in Croatia. Apparently, this is because of the potential of land mines being left behind after the struggle within the Nineteen Nineties. Personally, I selected to make use of campsites, though I did select low-cost campsites, which have been virtually like aires with very restricted amenities.
There are lots of locations listed on Park4night for wild tenting, however there’s a high quality if you’re caught (round £350). So it’s as much as you if you wish to danger it.
Motorhome and campervan service factors in Croatia
There are a couple of motorhome service areas across the nation, however not as many as you would possibly hope for, most likely as a result of campsites are so extremely used. In case you are planning to remain off-grid, I like to recommend reserving right into a campsite each few nights to make use of their amenities.
Driving suggestions for Croatia
Driving in Croatia isn’t truly that unhealthy. The roads are pretty good (even the coast roads) and the drivers are barely extra wise than the Italians- though their angle to well being and security is way totally different to ours! Indicators are clear and it’s fairly straightforward to navigate.
There are a number of motorways – denoted by a ‘A’ adopted by two digits. They’ve a inexperienced background with an image of motorway in white. State roads have the letter D and nation roads have the letter Z adopted by 4 digits.
The principle motorway south to Dubrovnik has been constructed so far as Ploce (about 100km north of Dubrovnik). Don’t overlook, this was a war-torn nation 30 years in the past they usually’re nonetheless rebuilding/ updating.
The prettiest route in Croatia is unquestionably the Adriatic highway (Jadranska magistrala – formally highway D8) which connects Rijeka and Dubrovnik. It’s positively price driving and is completely doable with a motorhome.
Okay, let’s take care of the fundamental guidelines and a few suggestions for motorhoming and highway tripping in Croatia:
- Croatia drives on the precise
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you would possibly wish to change the setting in your motorhome sat-nav)
- UK or EU-issued disabled permits ought to be recognised in Croatia.
- Automobiles already on a roundabout have proper of means (so do all public transport automobiles and college buses.)
- Illegally-parked automobiles are prone to be clamped and a high quality have to be paid to have the car launched. There was motorhome parking in Zagreb, however unsure about different cities
- You would possibly right here horns a LOT- drivers use them to greet one another
- Utilizing a cell phone whereas driving is prohibited until you may have a fingers free gadget.
- Between the top of October and the top of March dipped headlights ought to be used throughout daylight.
- Winter tyres are required from November to March, and it’s obligatory to hold a shovel throughout that point
- Highway surfaces are typically fairly good in cities and cities, however could be unhealthy within the countryside.
- Emergency automobiles and army automobiles have precedence over different highway customers.
- Youngsters beneath the age of 12 can’t sit within the entrance seat of a car
- Should you’re motorcycling in Croatia, helmets ARE obligatory
- Bicycle helmets usually are not obligatory in Croatia until the rider is beneath the age of 16.
- Cyclists using at evening should put on a reflective jacket.
Velocity Limits in Croatia (until in any other case signed!)
Breaking the pace restrict might lead to both an on-the-spot or an automated high quality being despatched to you.
Vehicles and automobiles beneath 3.5 tonnes:
- 130 km/h (81mph) on motorways and a few twin carriageways
- 90 km/h (55 mph) on minor roads (out of city)
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas
Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes:
- main roads/ motorways 90 km/h (55 mph)
- minor out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- city areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Motorhomes with trailers or caravans (beneath 3.5t)
- main roads/ motorways 90 km/h (55 mph)
- minor out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- city areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Velocity Cameras in Croatia
There are actually a couple of pace cameras working in Croatia, however primarily its marked or unmarked automobiles who monitor pace and high quality you.
Drink Drive legislation in Croatia
Alcohol legal guidelines are stricter in Croatia than the UK. The authorized restrict is 0.05% blood alcohol (the UK is 0.08%)
For skilled drivers (driving a bus, coach, HGV or public service car), in addition to for drivers beneath the age of 24, the restrict is 0.00%.
Low Emission zones in Croatia
At present, Croatia has no low-emission zones.
Click on right here for extra detailed info about learn how to discover zones throughout Europe.
Tolls in Croatia
Most motorways in Croatia have tolls. You may pay for them with money or a bank card and a few even settle for foreign currency echange just like the Euro.
There’s a pre-paid SMART card system which offers a ten% {discount} on toll expenses, though motorists should register forward of time to make use of this method.
The toll system could be very straightforward to make use of. While you enter, you’re taking a ticket from the toll sales space machine. When exiting, you hand over your ticket (so don’t lose it) and pay for the gap that you’ve got travelled.
Toll charges could be paid in money in addition to by debit/bank card. The charge is predicated upon the dimensions of your car
Toll expenses solely exist on motorways in Croatia. Driving on all different roads doesn’t incur any expenses or funds.
Extra helpful issues to know when campervanning in Croatia
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are broadly obtainable. Many gasoline stations are 24h on the principle roads and are self-service with card machines.
Petrol is Gasoline (Eurosuper) (95 / 98) – Often Inexperienced handles on pump
Diesel is EuroDiesel. Often Black or yellow handles on pump (there may be additionally ‘diesel’, which can be cheaper however is seemingly decrease high quality)
Some locations are 24h pay on the pump, however could require you to enter the store and pay the cashier both upfront or after you’ve crammed up- there might be an indication to let you know what to do. (Go away your automotive in entrance of the pump and make a remark of the pump quantity.)
You may pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Specific. You may often use your UK playing cards and not using a drawback.
LPG Fuel
LPG (GPL) could be discovered at many petrol stations. If shopping for from a petroleum station, you might want to attend for an attendant to show the system on for you.
Yow will discover locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu
Keep in mind, if you happen to don’t have refillable fuel bottles, you may be unable to purchase a fuel bottle which inserts straight onto a UK system- you want a brand new pigtail.
READ MORE: How we discover motorhome LPG or bottles whereas touring Europe
Campervanning in Croatia- safety
There’s a pretty excessive crime fee in Croatia, so I extremely advocate paying further consideration to your motorhome safety. You would possibly even want to match an further camper habitation door lock and by no means go away your car unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Important suggestions for safeguarding your van at dwelling and on the highway
Extra helpful issues to learn about vanlife in Croatia
Some extra suggestions that can assist you get pleasure from your time in Croatia.
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you all the pieces
Language– The Croatians are fairly good at languages. Croatian is the official language, however many additionally converse Bosnian, Serbian and most of the youthful era converse English properly.
Forex– Euro
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Specific is simply taken in giant shops (not at tolls and sometimes not at gasoline stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Cellular Telephone and Web – It’s often potential to make use of your UK cellphone and knowledge in Croatia, however do verify along with your supplier.
Tipping- Tipping as much as 10%, however you’ll be able to go as much as 15% in eating places if you’re notably pleased with the service.
Retailers– Meals costs are fairly cheap. Historically, retailers are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some shut for lunch from 1 to three p.m. On Saturdays, retailers typically shut at 1 p.m. although in metropolis centres some are open within the afternoon. Many retailers shut on Sundays. Greater supermarkets could also be open, however will shut at lunchtime.
Touring Croatia with a canine
Croatia is slowly changing into extra dog-friendly (if you happen to’re used to motorhoming in Germany it’s not at that stage but) however they’re welcome in lots of locations, resembling on the Plitvice lakes (you’ll be able to see Mac on the lakes right here.) Many eating places enable them- simply ask earlier than coming into to make sure.
Learn extra: modifications affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
They aren’t allowed on many seashores in summer time and usually are not allowed into public locations like retailers however are often allowed on public transport (you would possibly have to muzzle bigger canine.)
Don’t overlook how scorching it will get in summer time and to ensure your canine is snug. Do NOT go away them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up identical to automobiles do. Listed below are some tricks to hold your canine cool on a highway journey.
To return into the UK you’ll want a vet on the continent to manage a worming remedy after which enable between 24 hours and 5 days earlier than re-entering the UK.
Utilizing a drone in Croatia
You’re allowed to fly your drone in Croatia, however Croatia is a part of the EU follows the drone rules put in place by the European Union Aviation Security Company (EASA). You should additionally:
- Keep a secure distance away from individuals.
- Don’t function straight over individuals until it has a category identification label or is lighter than 250 g (0.55 lbs).
- Preserve a visible line of sight
- Don’t function the drone above 120m (400ft).
- Don’t carry any harmful items or drop any materials.
- Preserve a radius of no less than 5 km from an aerodrome as much as 50 m above the floor.
- Don’t function multiple drone at a time.
- Don’t fly inside the space through which emergency response effort is being carried out.
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