Planning a motorhome or campervan tour of Croatia? Fortunate you- Croatia is a superb place to go to for vanlife. Right here’s every little thing it is advisable 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.
*We work exhausting to make this one of the best motorhome weblog and highway journey web site doable, stuffed with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so in the event you purchase by way of hyperlinks on this web site we could earn a commission- at no further value to you. All opinions stay our personal.
When you discover this publish helpful, you may also deal with us to a espresso on the backside of this page- we promise to take pleasure in it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we would even bask in a biscuit (or two!)
Motorhoming in Croatia – why it’s best to go!
Croatia is probably motorhoming heaven. lt has just a little little bit of everything- implausible shoreline with sandy seashores, islands, mountains, pleasant folks and sunshine. Heaps and many sunshine.
Regardless of having some trendy cities, most of it nonetheless feels distant from the world- the proper place to chill out and unwind.
Top-of-the-line issues about having the ability to discover Croatia on a European motorhome tour is which 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 area of time.
It’s additionally one of many least expensive nations in Europe and motorhome wild tenting is feasible (if not strictly legal- extra on that shortly), so you possibly can journey on a small price range with out a lot challenge.
On this information, we’re going to share with you every little thing it is advisable 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 ideas and different sensible recommendation that can assist you have a tremendous Croatian highway journey.
We’re 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 assist you to plan and organise every little thing you want.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Campervanning in Croatia- The place to go
When planning a motorhome journey to Croatia, the very first thing it is advisable do is determine the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you will have in your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
When you’re driving from the UK to Croatia (we’ll cowl that shortly), it is advisable 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 stable 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!
We don’t suggest visiting Croatia in the event you solely have every week or your highway journey. It’s too far and all you’ll do is drive there and again. In fact, in the event you’re going to lease a motorhome and fly in, that’s completely doable in every week (extra on that shortly).
We explored so much in solely 4 days (we had a two week journey, however we bought sidetracked by the Italian Dolomites after which Slovenia!)
If in case you have a few weeks, you possibly can definitely discover a great chunk of Croatia, however you may be doing a variety 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, nevertheless it’s a bizarre form and when you’re down in Dubrovnik you need to head north a protracted strategy to get additional east, until you select to chop by way of 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 (assume Sport of Thrones)
- Pula cave
When you take pleasure in studying books earlier than a visit, listed here are some we suggest:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we suggest studying
When to go motorhome touring in Croatia
Croatia is fortunate sufficient to have a beautiful local weather for a lot of the yr, though it could actually get HOT in summer season.
Campervanning in Croatia in winter
Surprisingly, Croatia is COLD in winter. Common temperatures go right 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 places do shut for winter, though there are nonetheless a couple of open all yr so that you can take pleasure in.
Touring Croatia in summer season
For us, summer season in Croatia is just too scorching and humid. The common temperature in August is 30°C. As we don’t have air-con in our motorhome, and since we journey with a canine, we 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 season. 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 us in any respect.
Motorhoming in Croatia in Spring and Autumn
As with most of Europe, Spring and Autumn are good occasions to discover Croatia. The climate continues to be heat (common of 18°C in Could and 20°C in October), however a lot of the crowds from summer season have gone and also you may even get stretches of seashore all to your self.
TOP TIP: If you’re travelling outdoors 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
When you’re planning a campervanning journey to Croatia, there are a few choices from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your personal automobile (in the event you’re flying in and hiring, we’ll cope with that shortly.)
When you’re going to drive straight from the UK to Croatia, the quickest route is to show left from Calais and head by way of Belgium, then Germany and down by way of Austria.
Nevertheless, when you’ve got extra time, many individuals select to go to Italy with their motorhome, then catch a ferry throughout the Adriatic Sea.
Borders / Customs in Croatia
You’ll have to cross a border to get into Croatia. Right here, you have to to indicate:
- Your passport
- Proof of a damaging COVID check (or proof of vaccination)
You additionally must have accomplished an on-line kind earlier than arrival. Be sure to are within the appropriate lane on the border (there are completely different ones for EU, Swiss and different residents.) Your passport could also be stamped on entry/ exit. Whether it is stamped on entry, be sure to get an exit stamp.
You might also must:
- present a return or onward ticket
- Have proof of lodging (not often requested for in the event you’re in a motorhome or campervan.)
- present you come up with the money for in your keep
Is Croatia within the Schengen Space?
As of 01 January 2023, Croatia IS IN the Schengen space, and subsequently time spent within the nation counts in the direction of your 90-day journey restrict. (in case you are a UK resident.)
Hiring a motorhome to tour Croatia
When you don’t have your personal automobile, or don’t have time to drive all the best way to Croatia, you possibly can simply fly in and rent one. Simply be certain to ask easy methods to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you may must e-book a taxi.
To lease a automobile in Croatia you could:
- be over 21 or 25 years previous, relying on the corporate’s rental coverage;
- present identification (id card for EU residents or a legitimate passport for different nationalities)
- have had a driving licence for a couple of yr
Be sure to have proof which you could take the automobile throughout a border into one other nation if that’s what you’re planning on doing. Learn the article under for different issues to test as properly earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t overlook, it’s YOUR accountability to verify the automobile has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the motive force, not the corporate. Test upfront with the corporate what equipment they may present with the automobile and what you have to to convey.
Take a listing of what’s legally required with you and test it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Don’t drive till you’re glad you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You may count on to pay round £70/ day- remember to ask the proper questions so you understand what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Croatia- what gear do it is advisable carry?
Similar to most of Europe , there are particular belongings you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring in Croatia.
Don’t overlook, in case you are driving by way of France and/ or Germany to get to Croatia, you want all of the equipment required by these nations, in addition to the equipment wanted in Croatia. (Fortunately, in the event you’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll have just about every little thing you want already)
Issues it is advisable drive in Croatia- security gear
These are the belongings you MUST have with you if you’re motorhome or campervan touring in Croatia.
- Hello-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you could put on them on the aspect of the highway or exhausting shoulder or threat being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– when you’ve got a UK automobile. These have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (If in case you have a automobile which lets you modify the beam robotically for European driving, you gained’t want these.)
- UK sticker connected to the again of car or reg plates (and trailer when you’ve got one)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to alter it!), or a tyre restore equipment.
- When you put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving in Croatia upfront. When you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you can spend THREE occasions as a lot! See the newest offers and greatest costs right here
NOTE: Motorhomes and automobiles towing caravans aren’t allowed to exceed 12m in size, 4m in top and a pair of.55m in width. Masses should not exceed 11.5 tonnes on the drive axle and 10 tonnes at a single axle.
A-frames aren’t authorized to be used by UK campers and caravanners overseas. So in the event you tow a automobile, you’ll want some kind of trailer.
Street journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Croatia
The next equipment are belongings you may want to hold in your automobile, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on when you’re planning your highway journey in Croatia.
You’ll most likely need an computerized toll tag- as lots of the motorways insist on them earlier than you need to use the highway. You may keep away from these, nevertheless it’s a variety of further driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres & snow chains are necessary the place signage signifies.
- Pink/ 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 value having anyway.
- First help equipment – not obligatory however value carrying. Discover out what we stock in our European first help equipment right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the automobile
- Torch
- Fireplace extinguisher
- Street Journey snacks and water- simply in case!
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do it is advisable highway journey in Croatia?
When you’re driving in Croatia, it is advisable carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or id card)
- Driving licence (test it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- test you’re lined for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Car V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate handle)
- 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 will have a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, in fact!)
You may want one when you’ve got:
- a paper driving licence solely
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(When you do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on easy methods to get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK publish workplace.
From 2nd August 2021, drivers will now not require an insurance coverage inexperienced card for taking their autos to Croatia.
Touring Croatia in a campervan- Different helpful belongings you may want
We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for a number of years. We’ve tried all kinds of kit- some helpful, some not a lot.
Here’s a listing of issues we extremely suggest 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, we had tins with meat in them and meat and cheese within the fridge, plus pet food and we weren’t searched, so I wouldn’t fear about it an excessive amount of.
There’s additionally some discuss saying recent fruit and greens want a certificates however, once more, we 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 varieties of motorhome and campervan stopovers you need to use.
- Campsites
- Aires (only a few)
- Authorised motorhome parking schemes
Croatia Tenting websites for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
It’s simple to seek out motorhome campsites in Croatia and so they’re very like campsites wherever else in Europe. Some are rustic and have very fundamental services, 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) services and beautiful views. And most have employees who communicate glorious English. Our favorite campsite was proper on the beach- it was totally magical.
Count on the campsite to take and hold your passport- the Tenting Card Worldwide isn’t used right here so it is advisable hand over your passport.
TOP TIP: When you’re touring Croatia in summer season, be 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 reside of their motorhomes in Croatia, or have everlasting statics or caravans which the homeowners go to once they can.
When you’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, we extremely suggest shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership, however remember that some campsites both shut in the course of the winter or are booked up fully months upfront, so chances are you’ll want to e-book one too.
Additionally, many campsites put ACSI customers on ‘lesser’ pitches (both dangerous view or no electrical or drainage). You may ask for a special pitch, however will often must pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}!
At some campsites, you have to 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: When you’re planning to remain in a single space for a very long time (30+ days), negotiate a particular price 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 permitted motorhome in a single day parking places- typically supplied and maintained by the native commune.
You can not e-book motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so in the event you’re visiting at peak occasions you may really feel happier reserving a campsite so that you’re assured of someplace to remain.
There are very only a few aires in Croatia and so they’re typically just a little extra out of the best way.
Some campsites do enable motorhomes to park up outdoors their primary campsite, with no services, however they nonetheless cost for this.
READ MORE: Learn the way we discover and use aires and permitted free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
There are only a few services at an aire. It’s best to be capable of 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 nations, it’s at all times value investing in a e-book of aires, in addition to a web based app- simply in case you end up with out web in your motorhome (or with out a wifi sign). In fact, the draw back with any e-book 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.
Listed here are some we suggest:
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 for land mines being left behind after the struggle within the Nineteen Nineties. Personally, we selected to make use of campsites, though we did select low cost campsites, which have been virtually like aires with very restricted services.
There are various locations listed on Park4night for wild tenting, however there’s a wonderful in case you are caught (round £350). So it’s as much as you if you wish to threat 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 may hope for, most likely as a result of campsites are so extremely used. If you’re planning to remain off-grid, we suggest reserving right into a campsite each few nights to make use of their services.
Driving ideas for Croatia
Driving in Croatia isn’t truly that dangerous. The roads are pretty good (even the coast roads) and the drivers are barely extra wise than the Italians- though their perspective to well being and security is way completely different to ours! Indicators are clear and it’s fairly simple 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 and so they’re nonetheless rebuilding/ updating.
The prettiest route in Croatia is certainly the Adriatic highway (Jadranska magistrala – formally highway D8) which connects Rijeka and Dubrovnik. It’s positively value driving and is completely doable with a motorhome.
Okay, let’s cope with the fundamental guidelines and a few ideas for motorhoming and highway tripping in Croatia:
- Croatia drives on the proper
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you may wish to change the setting in your motorhome sat-nav)
- UK or EU-issued disabled permits needs to be recognised in Croatia.
- Automobiles already on a roundabout have proper of manner (so do all public transport autos and faculty buses.)
- Illegally-parked autos are prone to be clamped and a wonderful have to be paid to have the automobile launched. There was motorhome parking in Zagreb, however undecided about different cities
- You may right here horns a LOT- drivers use them to greet one another
- Utilizing a cell phone whereas driving is prohibited until you will have a arms free machine.
- Between the top of October and the top of March dipped headlights needs to be used throughout sunlight hours.
- Winter tyres are required from November to March, and it’s obligatory to hold a shovel throughout that point
- Street surfaces are typically fairly good in cities and cities, however will be dangerous within the countryside.
- Emergency autos and army autos have precedence over different highway customers.
- Kids beneath the age of 12 can’t sit within the entrance seat of a automobile
- When you’re motorcycling in Croatia, helmets ARE obligatory
- Bicycle helmets aren’t obligatory in Croatia until the rider is beneath the age of 16.
- Cyclists driving at evening should put on a reflective jacket.
Pace Limits in Croatia (until in any other case signed!)
Breaking the velocity restrict might end in both an on-the-spot or an computerized wonderful being despatched to you.
Automobiles and autos 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)
Pace Cameras in Croatia
There are actually a couple of velocity cameras working in Croatia, however primarily its marked or unmarked automobiles who monitor velocity and wonderful 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 automobile), 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 data about easy methods 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 just like the Euro.
There’s a pre-paid SMART card system which gives a ten% {discount} on toll expenses, though motorists should register forward of time to make use of this technique.
The toll system could be very simple to make use of. Once you enter, you are 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 space that you’ve travelled.
Toll charges will be paid in money (Kunas, or often Euros) in addition to by debit/bank card. The charge is predicated upon the scale of your automobile
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 extensively accessible. Many gas stations are 24h on the primary 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 outwardly 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 will probably be an indication to inform you what to do. (Depart your automobile in entrance of the pump and make an observation of the pump quantity.)
You may pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Categorical. You may often use your UK playing cards with out a downside.
LPG Gasoline
LPG (GPL) will be discovered at many petrol stations. If shopping for from a petroleum station, chances are you’ll want to attend for an attendant to show the system on for you.
You will discover locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu
Keep in mind, in the event you don’t have refillable gasoline bottles, you may be unable to purchase a gasoline 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 price in Croatia, so we extremely suggest paying further consideration to your motorhome safety. You may even want to match an further camper habitation door lock and by no means go away your automobile unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Important ideas for safeguarding your van at dwelling and on the highway
Extra helpful issues to learn about vanlife in Croatia
Some extra ideas that can assist you take pleasure in your time in Croatia.
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you every little thing
Language– The Croatians are fairly good at languages. Croatian is the official language, however many additionally communicate Bosnian, Serbian and lots of the youthful technology communicate English properly.
Foreign money– Kuna
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Categorical is barely taken in giant shops (not at tolls and sometimes not at gas stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Cell Cellphone and Web – It’s often doable to make use of your UK telephone and information in Croatia, however do test along with your supplier.
Tipping- Tipping as much as 10%, however you possibly can go as much as 15% in eating places in case you are significantly pleased with the service.
Outlets– Meals costs are fairly cheap. Historically, outlets 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, outlets typically shut at 1 p.m. although in metropolis centres some are open within the afternoon. Many outlets shut on Sundays. Larger supermarkets could also be open, however will shut at lunchtime.
Touring Croatia with a canine
Croatia is slowly changing into extra dog-friendly (in the event you’re used to motorhoming in Germany it’s not at that stage but) however they’re welcome in lots of locations, equivalent to on the Plitvice lakes (you possibly can 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 don’t seem to be allowed on many seashores in summer season and aren’t allowed into public locations like outlets however are often allowed on public transport (you may must muzzle bigger canines.)
Don’t overlook how scorching it will get in summer season and to verify your canine is comfy. Do NOT go away them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up identical to automobiles do. Listed here 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 might be allowed to fly your drone in Croatia, however Croatia is a part of the EU follows the drone laws put in place by the European Union Aviation Security Company (EASA). You need to additionally:
- Keep a protected distance away from folks.
- Don’t function straight over folks until it has a category identification label or is lighter than 250 g (0.55 lbs).
- Keep a visible line of sight
- Don’t function the drone above 120m (400ft).
- Don’t carry any harmful items or drop any materials.
- Keep a radius of no less than 5 km from an aerodrome as much as 50 m above the floor.
- Don’t function a couple of drone at a time.
- Don’t fly inside the space by which emergency response effort is being carried out.
