The place to go tenting in Croatia, the place to seek out chalets in probably the most lovely places, and the outside actions in Croatia you don’t wish to miss on a vacation… or an extended keep.
With fairly, historic walled cities, waterfalls and different superior pure wonders, and 2000 kilometres of shoreline, Croatia provides the right mixture of journey and rest. It’s simply subsequent to Italy, sharing a border and the attractive Adriatic Sea with the Italians, a lot extra simply accessible by highway or ferry that you simply would possibly assume. Actually, a visit combining Italy and Croatia ought to undoubtedly be thought of.
On this journey information, we’ll offer you all the data it is advisable simply organise your journey to Croatia: ferries, automotive or campervan rent, campsites and open-air resorts, and locations to discover on this fascinating vacation spot.
Whether or not you’re there for every week, a month and even longer, Croatia is a stunningly lovely, protected nation which can impress and amaze you day-after-day of your keep.
The way to get to Croatia
Flights to Croatia
The most effective situated worldwide airports from an open-air vacation viewpoint are Zadar and Break up, as they’re seaside cities providing speedy entry to the seashores, islands and fairly coastal cities you’ll possible need go to. Zadar is handiest, nearer to Italy and to most of our inventory of 20+ open-air resorts and campsites in Croatia.
It’s additionally potential to fly into in Zagreb and Dubrovnik, however be certain that to have a look at the place the perfect lodging and actions are after which verify distances earlier than you guide. Croatia is a giant nation and – from both of these spots – you could possibly find yourself with hours of driving or bus journeys to get to your remaining location.
Ferries from Italy to Croatia
It’s possible you’ll discover that the perfect locations to go in Croatia are simpler to achieve from Italy. It’s solely a hop,skip and bounce by automotive or campervan from Trieste, or by ferry from Ancona. Travelling by automotive is usually extra handy for those who arrive from northern Italy (for instance, Venice) and plan to cease in Istria, whereas, in case you are coming from central Italy, the ferry could be very helpful.
From Ancona ferry port, there are departures to Zadar (7-9 hours) and Break up (Sept. 11 hours), within the central a part of the Croatian coast. Costs fluctuate in accordance with route, variety of passengers, kind and measurement of auto. A bridge passage for a single particular person and not using a automobile can price round 100 to 120 euro for the standard round-trip ticket. For 2 folks in a medium-sized campervan, the fare ranges from 350 to 500 euro for departures from Ancona. Fares can fluctuate significantly: naturally, you’ll get the perfect costs in off-season or by reserving effectively upfront, whereas the very best costs are in July and August, when these routes turn into very talked-about.
To search out the perfect fare to your dates, we suggest utilizing our worth comparability and ferry reserving software. With all out there timetables and fares conveniently on one web page, the choice and reserving course of shall be smoother. If you’re planning an on-the-road journey to Croatia, it’s also possible to take into account reserving a return journey from completely different cities, which can also be very straightforward to do on our web site.
There’s a second ferry route between Dubrovnik and Bari, which – though dearer than the opposite route and never as helpful for the places we suggest you to remain in, in Croatia – is an choice price realizing about for a campervan journey particularly.
Lease a automotive in Croatia
If you’ll be able to get a direct flight to Croatia and might afford to splash out for extra flexibility in your journey, a rental automotive, or certainly a campervan or motorhome, will mean you can marvel at extra of the 2000km lengthy Croatian shoreline and get to extra adventurous locations, troublesome to achieve by public transport. It would additionally offer you that further little bit of consolation for a extra stress-free journey.
To verify dates, costs, automotive sorts and pick-up places out there, use our:
(Tip: For extra alternative, choose a global airport as your pick-up location.) Costs in excessive season begin at round 650 euro per week for a compact automotive.
If having your individual transport would push the vacation price range out too far, don’t fear – there are good bus traces all alongside the Croatian coast making journey by public transport potential and inexpensive. So, selecting to remain an additional week at a campsite and forgoing the rent automotive is unquestionably an choice. You received’t be wanting issues to see and do close by your campsite.
Croatia holidays by the ocean: the perfect places
If, in your creativeness, Croatian seashores seem as infinite stretches of white sand, you can be in for fairly a shock if you arrive! Though all these seashores do exist, in actuality most of Croatia’s shoreline is characterised by picturesque cliffs and rocky inlets, with white and gray pebble seashores and crystal-clear water in shades of inexperienced and blue. Greatest explored within the water, armed with masks and snorkel!
Istria and the Bay of Kvarner
Istria is the northernmost a part of the Croatian coast, but it enjoys a delicate local weather that enables the seaside vacation season to start as early as spring.
The world round Rovinj boasts probably the most lovely seashores within the area, with sheltered bays and coves which can be nice for youngsters. In the meantime, those that need extra journey can head for the islands of Losinj and Krk, which have secluded coves, together with the pristine seaside of Sveti Ivan, and quieter villages surrounded by lush vegetation and a community of mountain climbing trails excellent for escaping the summer time crowds.
There are many seaside campsites in Istria, with very inexpensive costs, from 10-15 euro per pitch, with direct entry to the ocean, a swimming pool, eating places and loads of services and actions for youngsters and younger folks. You may even discover locations to remain on the islands: right here you are inclined to get extra unique open-air resorts, together with 4- and 5-star campsites, with bungalows and cellular properties overlooking the ocean and actions similar to scuba diving and snorkelling.
Northern Dalmatia
The coast of northern Dalmatia, nearest the town of Zadar, is characterised by headlands and rugged cliffs dotted with islands. And it’s on these islands, from the extra distant Selve and Dugi Otok to the extra common Ugljan and Murter, that the area’s most noteworthy seashores might be discovered. Slanica seaside on the island of Murter is especially appropriate for youngsters, with shallow waters and varied services. Those that wish to benefit from the solar in full tranquillity, however, can take a ferry from Zadar and spend the day in Silba or Olib.
Chalets and campsites in northern Dalmatia are straightforward to seek out.
When you don’t wish to journey too removed from Zadar, you may undoubtedly use right here or close by Zaravecchia as your base. They’re actually lovely spots: Zadar metropolis could be very underrated and there are campsites simply outdoors the centre, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and with actions similar to kayaking, fishing, bike rides and swimming.
The close by islands of Ugljan and Murter even have a number of luxurious, eco-responsible resorts, notable for his or her dedication to sustainability and discount of waste. Costs shall be a bit larger, however in case you are searching for a calming outside vacation in unspoilt environment, it will likely be cash effectively spent. The extra distant islands have a couple of guesthouses however no open-air tenting and self-catering lodging. They are often visited on a day journey from the mainland.
Southern Dalmatia
On the “Makarska Riviera” in southern Dalmatia, to seek out a fascinating, secluded seaside, all it’s a must to do is cease on any stretch of highway the place there’s a path resulting in the ocean, and observe it to the seaside.
Nonetheless, we will’t not point out Zlatni Rat seaside on the island of Brač: a white pebble seaside well-known for the truth that it’s perpendicular to the coast and for the form of its tip, which adjustments relying on how the wind blows. Additionally famend are the seashores on the island of Hvar, a preferred vacation spot for these with their very own boat due to its typically calm and clear waters.
Campsites on Brač island
If you’d like a standard tent tenting journey, simply accessible from Break up, the island of Brač is a superb tenting vacation spot. Campsites are nestled within the pure setting of the Mediterranean maquis and sometimes have direct (typically even non-public) entry to the seaside. Pitches are effectively spaced out and kids shall be stored entertained by the ocean and the numerous actions on supply. There may be additionally an honest alternative of eating places with native delicacies, each inside and beside the campsites.
The most effective excursions in Croatia
Croatia has turn into world well-known due to its shoreline and crystal-clear sea, however don’t neglect the Dinaric Alps, which snake their method throughout Croatia, creating a wide range of landscapes similar to waterfalls, lakes, caves and imposing peaks.
The nation’s must-see vacation spot on an outside vacation in Croatia is the Plitviče Lakes Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Characterised by its wealthy wildlife, the park boasts an 18-kilometre community of trails that cross the 12 largest lakes and mean you can admire the system of waterfalls that join them. Its proximity to Rijeka and Zadar makes it an ideal day journey from the coastal campsites of Istria and the Dalmatian Coast.ia.
Paklenica Nationwide Park is one other pure marvel, residence to Croatia’s largest mountain vary, Velebit, providing over 150 km of mountain climbing trails appropriate for all ranges. Because the massif is so near the Croatian coast, any path on Velebit ensures breathtaking sea views. Just like the Plitviče lakes, Paklenica is definitely accessible from Zadar (solely 25 km away) and is inside a few hours of Break up as effectively.
Avid walkers and hikers shall be within the Through Dinarica and the Through Adriatica, two medium-high problem routes of over 1000 km, which run the size of the nation, from Istria to Dubrovnik. The previous, with a number of potential variations, additionally continues into the neighbouring Balkan international locations, making for an epic journey over a couple of months.
The nicest cities in Croatia
Istria: Poreč and Rovinj
Each characterised by a powerful Venetian affect, Poreč and Rovinj are the primary cities in Istria to go to. The previous boasts valuable marble and Byzantine mosaics thought of among the many most useful on the earth, whereas the latter combines a vigorous nightlife with Roman buildings and Baroque structure on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
Zadar
A traditionally necessary metropolis for Venetian rule over the Mediterranean, Zadar boasts a vibrant previous city dotted with church buildings and fascinating buildings such because the Sea Organ, which produces sounds primarily based on wave movement.
Break up
Croatia’s second-largest metropolis, Break up is price a go to for its atmospheric previous centre of stone alleys, bars and eating places set inside historical partitions, buildings similar to Diocletian’s Palace, the elegant waterfront lively, and the character on the encircling hills that give it a verdant really feel because it slopes in direction of the majestic mountains within the background.
Dubrovnik
On the southern tip of the nation, Dubrovnik is called the pearl of the Adriatic. It’s not possible to stay detached to the great thing about its marble streets and stairways, its sheer partitions shimmering within the daylight and the orange-red sunsets from the highest of Mount Srđ. Lose your self in its alleys at first mild, to take pleasure in its magnificence in silence earlier than the (typically chaotic) metropolis life awakens. However be ready to pay extra for the privilege of visiting Dubrovnik.
How a lot does it price to go on vacation to Croatia?
Croatia is now not a low-cost vacation spot however, aside from exceptions like Dubrovnik, it’s nonetheless potential to keep or vacation in Croatia on a decrease price range than in lots of European international locations. Exercise and sight-seeing prices are usually not extreme, for those who keep away from very well-known sights such because the Dubrovnik metropolis partitions. Restaurant prices can simply be decreased by cooking on the campsite or shopping for at native markets and picnicking.A couple of money-saving suggestions will make your price range go even additional:
- To begin with, don’t neglect that Croatia has its personal foreign money. The foreign money in Croatia is the kuna, which on the present trade price (June 2022) is equal to 0.13 euro. Order some kuna earlier than departure, to keep away from dropping cash on an unfavourable trade price in locations like airports on arrival.
- As now we have already seen, the price of journey can fluctuate and to save cash it’s good apply to guide journey effectively upfront.
- Staying on a campsite in a tent or campervan is nice in Croatia and can cuts prices significantly. A motorhome pitch for two adults and a pair of kids begins at as little as 350 euro for an entire week in late August, and customarily has a lot of enjoyable providers included similar to a swimming pool.
What to do in 7 days in Croatia? An itinerary: Istria and the Bay of Kvarner
It’s not possible to go to the complete Croatian coast in a single week, so put that concept out of your thoughts! We’re recommending an itinerary which can mean you can uncover the northern a part of the nation, between Zadar and the Italian border.
Day 1: Zadar
After arriving by airplane or ferry in Zadar, take a day to discover the historic metropolis centre.
Day 2: Plitviče Lakes
Solely an hour and a half from Zadar, the Plitviče Lakes are a must-see on any itinerary. Spend the day exploring the park’s trails and waterfalls, taking a picnic with you. On the finish of your go to, head straight north to the island of Krk.
Days 3-4: Krk Island
Enterprise to Malinska, and discover the seashores. Take time to calm down, hike, pattern the island’s distinctive native gastronomy and admire the structure of the city of Krk. When you desire, you need to use the second day to additionally go to the island of Lošinj.
Day 5: Rijeka
Commit half a day to Rijeka, strolling across the market sq. and waterfront earlier than heading to Učka Nature Park, the place you may keep in a single day.
Day 6: Učka Nature Park
Discover the park and its many trails and viewpoints, for a day devoted to getting in contact with nature. Go to the Korita spring and maybe organise a hike to Brgudac, a captivating mountain village. Examine the maps for tougher trails for specialists.
Day 7: Rovinj
In an hour’s drive you’ll arrive in Rovinj, the place you may select whether or not to discover the maze of alleyways within the previous city, organise some mountain climbing within the Golden Cape Nature Park, or calm down on the seaside.
Day 8: Poreč
Go to the distinctive mosaics of Poreč’s basilica and take one final swim at one of many seashores round it earlier than heading in direction of the Italian border. (Poreč is simply over an hour from Trieste).
Helpful suggestions for travelling in a campervan in Croatia
- Tenting outdoors campsites or outfitted relaxation areas will not be allowed in Croatia, so all the time verify that there’s a campsite within the space you intend to go to.
- Pace limits for automobiles, campers and lightweight caravans are 50 km/h in city areas, 90 km/h outdoors city areas, 110 km/h on highways and 130 km/h on motorways.
- When you determine to go to Croatia in winter, don’t neglect winter tyres and snow chains.
- On the coastal descent to Dubrovnik, there’s a brief stretch of shoreline belonging to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the place documentation checks usually create some visitors and potential delays. Take this into consideration in case you have strict timetables to stick to.
Really feel you recognize sufficient to plan a visit to Croatia now? Croatia is nice from early spring, but when it’s a summer time vacation you’re considering of, don’t neglect to start out planning as early as potential to get a wider vary of lodging and choices, lower your expenses and get your journey off on the precise foot! Begin your search by looking our tenting and self-catering lodging in Croatia.