Planning a motorhome or campervan tour of Croatia? Fortunate you- Croatia is a wonderful place to go to for vanlife. Right here’s every little thing it is advisable to find out about motorhoming and campervanning in Croatia, together with routes and a few finest locations to go to.
Don’t overlook to obtain your FREE Europe motorhoming guidelines that will help you plan your Croatia journey.
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Motorhoming in Croatia – why it’s best to go!
Croatia is presumably motorhoming heaven. lt has slightly little bit of everything- implausible shoreline with sandy seashores, islands, mountains, pleasant individuals and sunshine. Tons and many sunshine.
Regardless of having some fashionable cities, most of it nonetheless feels distant from the world- the right place to chill out and unwind.
Among the finest issues about having the ability to discover Croatia on a European motorhome tour is that you would be able to 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 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 funds with out a lot subject.
On this information, we’re going to share with you every little thing it is advisable 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 together with your camper), some street journey concepts and locations to go to, driving ideas and different sensible recommendation that will help you have a tremendous Croatian street 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 allow 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 to do is resolve the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you have got on your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
When you’re driving from the UK to Croatia (we’ll cowl that shortly), it is advisable to enable at the least 2 days (in all probability 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!
We don’t advocate visiting Croatia if you happen to solely have every week or your street 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).
We explored lots 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 an excellent chunk of Croatia, however you may be doing quite a lot of driving until you stick to only 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 must head north an extended method to get additional east, until you select to chop by Bosnia.
Highlights of a Croatian Motorhoming Vacation
A few of the finest locations to go to when having fun with van life in Croatia embody:
- 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
When you take pleasure in studying books earlier than a visit, listed below are some we advocate:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we advocate studying
When to go motorhome touring in Croatia
Croatia is fortunate sufficient to have an exquisite local weather for a lot of the 12 months, though it might 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 12 months so that you can take pleasure in.
Touring Croatia in summer time
For us, summer time in Croatia is just too scorching and humid. The typical 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 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 us in any respect.
Motorhoming in Croatia in Spring and Autumn
As with most of Europe, Spring and Autumn are excellent occasions to discover Croatia. The climate remains to be heat (common of 18°C in Might and 20°C in October), however a lot of the crowds from summer time have gone and also you would possibly even get stretches of seaside all to your self.
TOP TIP: In case you are travelling outdoors of peak season, undoubtedly 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 individual car (if you happen to’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 Belgium, then Germany and down by Austria.
Nonetheless, if in case you have 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 will want to point out:
- Your passport
- Proof of a unfavourable COVID check (or proof of vaccination)
You additionally must have accomplished an online form before arrival. Ensure you 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 you get an exit stamp.
You may additionally must:
- present a return or onward ticket
- Have proof of lodging (not normally requested for if you happen to’re in a motorhome or campervan.)
- present you have the funds for on your keep
Is Croatia within the Schengen Space?
As of 01 January 2023, Croatia IS IN the Schengen space, and due to this fact 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 individual car, or don’t have time to drive all the way in which to Croatia, you possibly can simply fly in and rent one. Simply ensure that to ask tips on how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you would possibly must e-book a taxi.
To lease a car 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 sound passport for different nationalities)
- have had a driving licence for multiple 12 months
Ensure you have proof that you would be able to 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 examine as nicely 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 motive force, not the corporate. Examine prematurely with the corporate what package they are going to present with the car and what you will want to convey.
Take a listing of what’s legally required with you and examine it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Don’t drive till you’re comfortable you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You may count on to pay round £70/ day- remember to ask the best questions so what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Croatia- what gear do it is advisable to carry?
Similar to most of Europe , there are specific belongings you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring in Croatia.
Don’t overlook, in case you are driving by France and/ or Germany to get to Croatia, you want all of the package required by these nations, in addition to the package wanted in Croatia. (Fortunately, if you happen to’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll have just about every little thing you want already)
Issues it is advisable to drive in Croatia- security gear
These are the belongings you MUST have with you if you’re motorhome or campervan touring in Croatia.
- Hi-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you could put on them on the aspect of the street or onerous shoulder or danger being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– if in case you have a UK car. These have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (If in case you have a car which lets you alter the beam routinely for European driving, you received’t want these.)
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of auto or reg plates (and trailer if in case you have one)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to vary it!), or a tyre restore package.
- When you put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving in Croatia prematurely. When you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you can spend THREE occasions as a lot! See the latest deals and best prices here
NOTE: Motorhomes and vehicles towing caravans are usually 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 are usually not authorized to be used by UK campers and caravanners overseas. So if you happen to tow a car, you’ll want some form of trailer.
Highway journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Croatia
The next package are belongings you would possibly want to hold in your automobile, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on if you find yourself planning your street journey in Croatia.
You’ll in all probability need an automated toll tag- as most of the motorways insist on them earlier than you should use the street. You may keep away from these, but it surely’s quite a lot of additional driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres & snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- Red/ white warning board sign – for bike racks or something overhanging the tip of the motorhome or campervan. Traces should level into the center of the street. Once more, this isn’t authorized requirement in Croatia, however price having anyway.
- First aid kit – not obligatory however price carrying. Discover out what we supply in our European first help package right here
- 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 it is advisable to street journey in Croatia?
When you’re driving in Croatia, it is advisable to carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or id card)
- Driving licence (examine it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- examine you’re lined for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Car V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate deal with)
- Car have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
Do I want a global driving allow to drive in Croatia?
Most UK residents don’t want an IDP to drive in Croatia, so long as you have got a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, in fact!)
You would possibly want one if in case you have:
- 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 tips on how to get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK put up workplace.
From 2nd August 2021, drivers will not require an insurance coverage inexperienced card for taking their autos to Croatia.
Touring Croatia in a campervan- Different helpful belongings you would possibly want
We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for a number of years. We’ve tried all types of kit- some helpful, some not a lot.
Here’s a checklist of issues we extremely advocate when motorhoming in Croatia, however that are NOT important:
What are you able to NOT take into Croatia?
You can’t 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 contemporary 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 should use.
- Campsites
- Aires (only a few)
- Accredited motorhome parking schemes
Croatia Tenting websites for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
It’s straightforward to search out motorhome campsites in Croatia and so they’re very similar to 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, wonderful (and clear) services and gorgeous views. And most have workers who communicate wonderful English. Our favorite campsite was proper on the beach- it was totally magical.
Anticipate the campsite to take and maintain your passport- the Tenting Card Worldwide isn’t used right here so it is advisable to hand over your passport.
TOP TIP: When you’re touring Croatia in summer time, ensure that to get a pitch with shade. You’re going to want 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 house owners go to once they can.
When you’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, we extremely advocate shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership, however bear in mind that some campsites both shut through the winter or are booked up solely months prematurely, so you could 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 distinct pitch, however will normally must pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}!
At some campsites, you will want to pay additional for bathe or electrical utilization. Be warned- the new water within the bathe is on a timer- normally 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 form 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 offered and maintained by the native commune.
You can’t e-book motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so if you happen to’re visiting at peak occasions 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 and so they’re usually slightly extra out of the way in which.
Some campsites do enable motorhomes to park up outdoors their important campsite, with no services, 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 services at an aire. It’s 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 nations, it’s all the time price 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 12 months or two out- most details about aires received’t change an excessive amount of.
Listed here are some we advocate:
Is wild tenting / free tenting authorized in Croatia for campervans and motorhomes?
Nope. It isn’t 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 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 a lot of locations listed on Park4night for wild tenting, however there’s a advantageous in case you are 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, in all probability as a result of campsites are so extremely used. In case you are planning to remain off-grid, we advocate 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 angle to well being and security is far completely 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 and so they’re nonetheless rebuilding/ updating.
The prettiest route in Croatia is unquestionably the Adriatic street (Jadranska magistrala – formally street D8) which connects Rijeka and Dubrovnik. It’s undoubtedly price driving and is completely doable with a motorhome.
Okay, let’s cope with the essential guidelines and a few ideas for motorhoming and street tripping in Croatia:
- Croatia drives on the best
- 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 manner (so do all public transport autos and faculty buses.)
- Illegally-parked autos are prone to be clamped and a advantageous 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 have got a fingers free system.
- Between the tip of October and the tip of March dipped headlights ought 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
- Highway surfaces are typically fairly good in cities and cities, however could be dangerous within the countryside.
- Emergency autos and navy autos have precedence over different street customers.
- Youngsters underneath the age of 12 can’t sit within the entrance seat of a car
- When you’re motorcycling in Croatia, helmets ARE obligatory
- Bicycle helmets are usually not obligatory in Croatia until the rider is underneath the age of 16.
- Cyclists using at night time should put on a reflective jacket.
Velocity Limits in Croatia (until in any other case signed!)
Breaking the velocity restrict may lead to both an on-the-spot or an automated advantageous being despatched to you.
Automobiles and autos underneath 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 (underneath 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 at the moment are a couple of velocity cameras working in Croatia, however primarily its marked or unmarked vehicles who monitor velocity and advantageous you.
Drink Drive regulation 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 underneath the age of 24, the restrict is 0.00%.
Low Emission zones in Croatia
At the moment, Croatia has no low-emission zones.
Click here for more detailed information about tips on 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 supplies a ten% {discount} on toll prices, though motorists should register forward of time to make use of this method.
The toll system may be very straightforward to make use of. Once 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 space that you’ve travelled.
Toll charges could be paid in money (Kunas, or sometimes Euros) in addition to by debit/bank card. The price is predicated upon the scale of your car
Toll prices solely exist on motorways in Croatia. Driving on all different roads doesn’t incur any prices or funds.
Extra helpful issues to know when campervanning in Croatia
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are broadly accessible. Many gas stations are 24h on the primary roads and are self-service with card machines.
Petrol is Gasoline (Eurosuper) (95 / 98) – Normally Inexperienced handles on pump
Diesel is EuroDiesel. Normally 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 might require you to enter the store and pay the cashier both prematurely or after you’ve crammed up- there might be an indication to let you know what to do. (Go away 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 Specific. You may normally use your UK playing cards with out a drawback.
LPG Fuel
LPG (GPL) could be discovered at many petrol stations. If shopping for from a petroleum station, you could 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, 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 price in Croatia, so we extremely advocate paying additional consideration to your motorhome safety. You would possibly even want to match an additional camper habitation door lock and by no means depart your car unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Important ideas for safeguarding your van at house and on the street
Extra helpful issues to find out about vanlife in Croatia
Some extra ideas that will help 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 most of the youthful technology communicate English nicely.
Foreign money– Kuna
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Specific is simply taken in giant shops (not at tolls and infrequently not at gas stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Cellular Telephone and Web – It’s normally doable to make use of your UK telephone and information in Croatia, however do examine together 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 notably proud of the service.
Retailers– 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. Greater supermarkets could also be open, however will shut at lunchtime.
Touring Croatia with a canine
Croatia is slowly turning into extra dog-friendly (if you happen to’re used to motorhoming in Germany it’s not at that degree 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 certain.
Learn extra: adjustments affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
They don’t seem to be allowed on many seashores in summer time and are usually not allowed into public locations like outlets however are normally allowed on public transport (you would possibly must muzzle bigger canine.)
Don’t overlook how scorching it will get in summer time and to ensure your canine is comfy. Do NOT depart them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up similar to vehicles do. Listed here are some tricks to maintain your canine cool on a street journey.
To return into the UK you’ll want a vet on the continent to manage a worming therapy 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 laws put in place by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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).
- 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 at the least 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.
