Planning a motorhome or campervan tour of Croatia? Fortunate you- Croatia is a superb place to go to for vanlife. Right here’s the whole lot it’s worthwhile 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 probably motorhoming heaven. lt has somewhat little bit of everything- unbelievable shoreline with sandy seashores, islands, mountains, pleasant individuals and sunshine. Tons and plenty of sunshine.
Regardless of having some trendy cities, most of it nonetheless feels distant from the world- the right place to calm down and unwind.
Top-of-the-line issues about with the ability to discover Croatia on a European motorhome tour is you can see the variations between the areas, strive 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’ll be able to journey on a small funds with out a lot difficulty.
On this information, we’re going to share with you the whole lot it’s worthwhile 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 will help you have an incredible 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 provide help to plan and organise the whole lot 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’s worthwhile to do is resolve the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you will have in your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
Should you’re driving from the UK to Croatia (we’ll cowl that shortly), it’s worthwhile to enable at the very least 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!
We don’t advocate visiting Croatia if you happen to solely have per 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 hire a motorhome and fly in, that’s completely doable in per week (extra on that shortly).
We explored so much in solely 4 days (we had a two week journey, however we obtained sidetracked by the Italian Dolomites after which Slovenia!)
If in case you have a few weeks, you’ll be able to actually discover a superb chunk of Croatia, however you can be doing loads 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 technique to get additional east, until you select to chop by way of Bosnia.
Highlights of a Croatian Motorhoming Vacation
Among the finest 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 Recreation of Thrones)
- Pula cave
Should you get pleasure from 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 a beautiful local weather for many of the 12 months, 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 areas do shut for winter, though there are nonetheless just a few open all 12 months so that you can get pleasure from.
Touring Croatia in summer season
For us, summer season 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 season. Loopy loopy crowded. Seashores are packed and queues for vacationer sights 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 instances to discover Croatia. The climate continues to be heat (common of 18°C in Could and 20°C in October), however many of the crowds from summer season 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, 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 automobile (if you happen to’re flying in and hiring, we’ll take care of that shortly.)
Should you’re going to drive immediately 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.
Nonetheless, you probably 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 have to to indicate:
- Your passport
- Proof of a adverse COVID check (or proof of vaccination)
You additionally have to have accomplished an on-line type earlier than arrival. Ensure you are within the right 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, ensure you get an exit stamp.
You might also have to:
- present a return or onward ticket
- Have proof of lodging (not often requested for if you happen to’re in a motorhome or campervan.)
- present you have the funds 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. (if you’re a UK resident.)
Hiring a motorhome to tour Croatia
Should you don’t have your individual automobile, 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 ensure to ask how one can get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you would possibly have to guide a taxi.
To hire a automobile in Croatia you need to:
- be over 21 or 25 years previous, relying on the corporate’s rental coverage;
- present identification (identification card for EU residents or a sound passport for different nationalities)
- have had a driving licence for multiple 12 months
Ensure you have proof you can take the automobile throughout a border into one other nation if that’s what you’re planning on doing. Learn the article beneath for different issues to test as effectively earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t overlook, it’s YOUR duty to verify the automobile has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driving force, not the corporate. Verify prematurely with the corporate what package they are going to present with the automobile and what you have to to convey.
Take an inventory 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 completely satisfied you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You may anticipate to pay round £70/ day- make sure you ask the appropriate questions so you realize what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Croatia- what gear do it’s worthwhile to 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, if you’re driving by way of 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 the whole lot you want already)
Issues it’s worthwhile to drive in Croatia- security gear
These are the belongings 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 need to put on them on the aspect of the highway or laborious shoulder or threat being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– you probably have a UK automobile. These should be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (If in case you have a automobile which lets you modify the beam mechanically for European driving, you gained’t want these.)
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of auto or reg plates (and trailer you probably have one)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to vary 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 prematurely. Should you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you can spend THREE instances as a lot! See the newest offers and finest 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 if you happen to tow a automobile, 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 when you find yourself planning your highway journey in Croatia.
You’ll most likely need an automated 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 loads of additional driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres & snow chains are necessary the place signage signifies.
- Purple/ white warning board signal – for bike racks or something overhanging the tip of the motorhome or campervan. Traces should level into the center of the highway. Once more, this isn’t authorized requirement in Croatia, however value having anyway.
- First support package – not obligatory however value carrying. Discover out what we feature in our European first support package right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the automobile
- Torch
- Hearth extinguisher
- Highway Journey snacks and water- simply in case!
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do it’s worthwhile to highway journey in Croatia?
Should you’re driving in Croatia, it’s worthwhile to carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or identification card)
- Driving licence (test it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- test you’re coated for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Car V5 logbook (which should present your right handle)
- Car should be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
Do I want 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 would possibly want one you probably have:
- 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 how one can get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK put up workplace.
From 2nd August 2021, drivers will now not require an insurance coverage inexperienced card for taking their automobiles 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 kinds of kit- some helpful, some not a lot.
Here’s a listing 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 need to use.
- Campsites
- Aires (only a few)
- Accepted 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 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 employees who communicate glorious English. Our favorite campsite was proper on the beach- it was completely magical.
Anticipate the campsite to take and preserve your passport- the Tenting Card Worldwide isn’t used right here so it’s worthwhile to hand over your passport.
TOP TIP: Should you’re touring Croatia in summer season, ensure 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 dwell 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, we extremely advocate shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership, however remember that some campsites both shut in the course of the winter or are booked up totally months prematurely, so chances are you’ll want to guide one too.
Additionally, many campsites put ACSI customers on ‘lesser’ pitches (both dangerous view or no electrical or drainage). You may ask for a unique pitch, however will often have to pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}!
At some campsites, you have to to pay additional 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 price with the campsite immediately. 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 guide 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 and so they’re usually somewhat extra out of the way in which.
Some campsites do enable motorhomes to park up outdoors their fundamental campsite, with no amenities, however they nonetheless cost for this.
READ MORE: Find out how 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. You must have the ability to get water and empty waste, however don’t anticipate 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 value investing in a guide of aires, in addition to an internet 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 guide is that it goes old-fashioned, however don’t fear if it’s solely a 12 months or two out- most details about aires gained’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’s not authorized to wild camp with a motorhome or campervan in Croatia. Apparently, this is because of the opportunity of land mines being left behind after the conflict 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 amenities.
There are lots of locations listed on Park4night for wild tenting, however there’s a advantageous if you’re 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 just a few 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, we advocate 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 dangerous. The roads are pretty good (even the coast roads) and the drivers are barely extra smart than the Italians- though their angle 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 primary 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 take care of the essential guidelines and a few suggestions for motorhoming and highway tripping in Croatia:
- Croatia drives on the appropriate
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you would possibly need to change the setting in your motorhome sat-nav)
- UK or EU-issued disabled permits must be recognised in Croatia.
- Automobiles already on a roundabout have proper of method (so do all public transport automobiles and college buses.)
- Illegally-parked automobiles are more likely to be clamped and a advantageous should be paid to have the automobile 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 will have a fingers free gadget.
- Between the tip of October and the tip of March dipped headlights must be used throughout daytime.
- Winter tyres are required from November to March, and it’s obligatory to hold a shovel throughout that point
- Highway surfaces are usually fairly good in cities and cities, however could be dangerous within the countryside.
- Emergency automobiles and army automobiles have precedence over different highway customers.
- Kids beneath the age of 12 can’t sit within the entrance seat of a automobile
- Should 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 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.
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 just a few velocity cameras working in Croatia, however primarily its marked or unmarked automobiles 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 automobile), in addition to for drivers beneath the age of 24, the restrict is 0.00%.
Low Emission zones in Croatia
At the moment, Croatia has no low-emission zones.
Click on right here for extra detailed data about how one can 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 exchange just like the Euro.
There’s a pre-paid SMART card system which offers a ten% {discount} on toll fees, though motorists should register forward of time to make use of this technique.
The toll system may be very simple to make use of. While 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 got 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 automobile
Toll fees solely exist on motorways in Croatia. Driving on all different roads doesn’t incur any fees or funds.
Extra helpful issues to know when campervanning in Croatia
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are broadly out there. 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 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 prematurely or after you’ve stuffed up- there will likely be an indication to inform you what to do. (Depart your automobile 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 Categorical. You may often use your UK playing cards and not using a downside.
LPG Gasoline
LPG (GPL) could 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 could find locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu
Keep in mind, if you happen to don’t have refillable fuel bottles, you can 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 go away your automobile unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Important suggestions for shielding your van at house and on the highway
Extra helpful issues to find out about vanlife in Croatia
Some extra suggestions that will help you get pleasure from your time in Croatia.
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you the whole lot
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 effectively.
Forex– Kuna
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Categorical is just taken in giant shops (not at tolls and sometimes not at gas stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Cell Telephone and Web – It’s often attainable to make use of your UK cellphone and information in Croatia, however do test 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 significantly proud of the service.
Outlets– 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 usually 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 turning 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, similar to 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: adjustments 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 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 season and to verify your canine is snug. Do NOT go away them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up similar to automobiles do. Listed here are some tricks to preserve your canine cool on a highway 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 rules put in place by the European Union Aviation Security Company (EASA). You have to additionally:
- Keep a secure distance away from individuals.
- Don’t function immediately 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 very 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 during which emergency response effort is being carried out.
