Planning a motorhome or campervan tour of Croatia? Fortunate you- Croatia is a superb place to go to for vanlife. Right here’s all the things it is advisable to find out about motorhoming and campervanning in Croatia, together with routes and a few greatest locations to go to.
Don’t overlook to obtain your FREE Europe motorhoming guidelines that can assist you plan your Croatia journey.
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Motorhoming in Croatia – why it is best to go!
Croatia is presumably motorhoming heaven. lt has a bit of little bit of everything- unbelievable shoreline with sandy seashores, islands, mountains, pleasant individuals and sunshine. Heaps and many sunshine.
Regardless of having some trendy cities, most of it nonetheless feels far-off from the world- the proper place to chill out and unwind.
Probably the greatest issues about having the ability to discover Croatia on a European motorhome tour is you can see the variations between the areas, attempt the native delicacies (and wine!) and actually get a really feel for the nation in a brief house of time.
It’s additionally one of many most cost-effective 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 finances with out a lot problem.
On this information, we’re going to share with you all the things 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 along with your camper), some highway journey concepts and locations to go to, driving suggestions and different sensible recommendation that can assist 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 can enable you to plan and organise all the things 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 determine the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you will have to your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
For those who’re driving from the UK to Croatia (we’ll cowl that shortly), it is advisable to enable not less than 2 days (most likely 3) to get from arriving in France (by both ferry or Eurotunnel) to Croatia.
And that’s 3 days of just about strong driving (it’s simply over 15 hours (900 miles) from Calais to the north-western Croatian border.) Bizarrely, it’s truly barely faster to go campervanning in Croatia than it’s to go campervanning in Portugal!
We don’t advocate 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 rather a lot in solely 4 days (we had a two week journey, however we obtained sidetracked by the Italian Dolomites after which Slovenia!)
In case you have a few weeks, you’ll be able to actually discover an excellent chunk of Croatia, however you may be doing loads of driving except 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, however it’s a bizarre form and when you’re down in Dubrovnik it’s a must to head north an extended option to get additional east, except you select to chop by way of Bosnia.
Highlights of a Croatian Motorhoming Vacation
Among the greatest 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
For those who get pleasure from studying books earlier than a visit, listed here 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 yr, though it could get HOT in summer season.
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 nearly 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 just a few open all yr so that you can get pleasure from.
Touring Croatia in summer season
For us, summer season in Croatia is simply 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 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 excellent instances 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 exterior of peak season, positively get an ACSI CampingCard– you’ll save a fortune on campsites throughout Europe, together with Croatia
Planning a driving route from the UK to Croatia
For those who’re planning a campervanning journey to Croatia, there are a few choices from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your individual automobile (in the event you’re flying in and hiring, we’ll take care of that shortly.)
For those who’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, 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 will want to point out:
- Your passport
- Proof of a adverse COVID take a look at (or proof of vaccination)
You additionally have to have accomplished an on-line kind earlier than arrival. Be sure to are within the appropriate lane on the border (there are totally 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 might also have to:
- 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 find the money for to 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. (if you’re a UK resident.)
Hiring a motorhome to tour Croatia
For those who don’t have your individual automobile, or don’t have time to drive all the best way to Croatia, you’ll be able to simply fly in and rent one. Simply be sure that to ask methods to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you may have to e-book a taxi.
To lease a automobile in Croatia it’s essential to:
- 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 multiple yr
Be sure to 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 under for different issues to test as effectively earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t overlook, it’s YOUR duty to ensure the automobile has the required security gear. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the motive force, not the corporate. Examine upfront with the corporate what equipment they may present with the automobile and what you will want to carry.
Take a listing of what’s legally required with you and test it off one after the other as you might be given the handover. Don’t drive till you might be glad you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You’ll be able to count on to pay round £70/ day- make sure to ask the suitable questions so you understand what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Croatia- what gear do it is advisable to carry?
Identical to most of Europe , there are particular stuff 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 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 all the things you want already)
Issues it is advisable to drive in Croatia- security gear
These are the stuff 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 it’s essential to put on them on the facet of the highway or exhausting shoulder or threat being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– when you’ve got a UK automobile. These should be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (In case you have a automobile which lets you alter 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 vary it!), or a tyre restore equipment.
- For those who put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving in Croatia upfront. For those who wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you would spend THREE instances as a lot! See the newest offers and greatest costs right here
NOTE: Motorhomes and automobiles towing caravans usually are not allowed to exceed 12m in size, 4m in top and a couple of.55m in width. Hundreds should not exceed 11.5 tonnes on the drive axle and 10 tonnes at a single axle.
A-frames usually are not authorized to be used by UK campers and caravanners overseas. So in the event you tow a automobile, you’ll want some form of trailer.
Street journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Croatia
The next equipment are stuff you may want to hold in your automotive, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on when you’re 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 should use the highway. You’ll be able to keep away from these, however 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. Strains should level into the center of the highway. Once more, this isn’t authorized requirement in Croatia, however value having anyway.
- First assist equipment – not obligatory however value carrying. Discover out what we supply in our European first assist equipment right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the automobile
- Torch
- Hearth extinguisher
- Street Journey snacks and water- simply in case!
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do it is advisable to highway journey in Croatia?
For those who’re driving in Croatia, it is advisable to carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or id card)
- Driving licence (test it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- test you might be lined for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Automobile V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate deal with)
- Automobile should 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
(For those who do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on methods to get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK publish workplace.
From 2nd August 2021, drivers will not require an insurance coverage inexperienced card for taking their automobiles to Croatia.
Touring Croatia in a campervan- Different helpful stuff 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 advocate when motorhoming in Croatia, however that are NOT important:
What are you able to NOT take into Croatia?
You can not take the next with you into Croatia:
- meat or merchandise containing meat
- milk or dairy merchandise
In all honesty, 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 speak 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 forms of motorhome and campervan stopovers you should 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 anyplace 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 beautiful views. And most have employees who converse wonderful English. Our favorite campsite was proper on the beach- it was totally magical.
Anticipate the campsite to take and hold your passport- the Tenting Card Worldwide isn’t used right here so it is advisable to hand over your passport.
TOP TIP: For those who’re touring Croatia in summer season, be sure that 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 dwell of their motorhomes in Croatia, or have everlasting statics or caravans which the house owners go to after they can.
For those who’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 totally months upfront, so you might want to e-book one too.
Additionally, many campsites put ACSI customers on ‘lesser’ pitches (both dangerous view or no electrical or drainage). You’ll be able to ask for a distinct pitch, however will often have to pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}!
At some campsites, you will want to pay 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: For those who’re planning to remain in a single space for a very long time (30+ days), negotiate a particular fee 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 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 instances 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 a bit of extra out of the best way.
Some campsites do enable motorhomes to park up exterior their principal 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. You must have the ability 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 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 old-fashioned, 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 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 of land mines being left behind after the conflict within the Nineties. Personally, we selected to make use of campsites, though we did select low cost campsites, which had been nearly like aires with very restricted services.
There are a lot of locations listed on Park4night for wild tenting, however there’s a wonderful 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 may hope for, most likely as a result of campsites are so extremely used. If you’re planning to remain off-grid, we advocate reserving right into a campsite each few nights to make use of their services.
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 perspective to well being and security is way totally 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 unquestionably 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 fundamental guidelines and a few suggestions for motorhoming and highway tripping in Croatia:
- Croatia drives on the suitable
- 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 ought to 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 wonderful should 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 except you will have a arms 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
- Street surfaces are typically fairly good in cities and cities, however might be dangerous within the countryside.
- Emergency automobiles and army automobiles have precedence over different highway customers.
- Youngsters beneath the age of 12 can not sit within the entrance seat of a automobile
- For those who’re motorcycling in Croatia, helmets ARE obligatory
- Bicycle helmets usually are not obligatory in Croatia except the rider is beneath the age of 16.
- Cyclists using at night time should put on a reflective jacket.
Velocity Limits in Croatia (except in any other case signed!)
Breaking the velocity restrict may lead to both an on-the-spot or an automated wonderful being despatched to you.
Automobiles 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 at the moment are just a few 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
Presently, Croatia has no low-emission zones.
Click on right here for extra detailed info about methods to discover zones throughout Europe.
Tolls in Croatia
Most motorways in Croatia have tolls. You’ll be able to 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 gives a ten% {discount} on toll fees, though motorists should register forward of time to make use of this technique.
The toll system could be very simple to make use of. If 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 got travelled.
Toll charges might be paid in money (Kunas, or sometimes Euros) in addition to by debit/bank card. The price relies 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 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 stuffed up- there shall be an indication to inform you what to do. (Go away your automotive in entrance of the pump and make an observation of the pump quantity.)
You’ll be able to pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Categorical. You’ll be able to often use your UK playing cards with out a drawback.
LPG Fuel
LPG (GPL) might be discovered at many petrol stations. If shopping for from a petroleum station, you might want to attend for an attendant to show the system on for you.
Yow will discover locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu
Bear in mind, in the event you don’t have refillable fuel bottles, you may be unable to purchase a fuel bottle which inserts straight onto a UK system- you want a brand new pigtail.
READ MORE: How we discover motorhome LPG or bottles whereas touring Europe
Campervanning in Croatia- safety
There’s a pretty excessive crime fee in Croatia, so we extremely advocate paying additional consideration to your motorhome safety. You may even want to match an additional camper habitation door lock and by no means depart 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 can assist you get pleasure from your time in Croatia.
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you all the things
Language– The Croatians are fairly good at languages. Croatian is the official language, however many additionally converse Bosnian, Serbian and lots of the youthful technology converse English effectively.
Foreign money– Kuna
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Categorical is simply taken in giant shops (not at tolls and sometimes not at gas stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Cellular 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’ll be able to go as much as 15% in eating places if you’re notably proud of the service.
Retailers– Meals costs are fairly cheap. Historically, retailers are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some shut for lunch from 1 to three p.m. On Saturdays, retailers typically shut at 1 p.m. although in metropolis centres some are open within the afternoon. Many retailers shut on Sundays. 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 degree 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 getting 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 season and usually are not allowed into public locations like retailers however are often allowed on public transport (you may have to muzzle bigger canines.)
Don’t overlook how scorching it will get in summer season and to ensure your canine is snug. Do NOT depart them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up similar 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’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 Security Company (EASA). You need to additionally:
- Keep a protected distance away from individuals.
- Don’t function immediately over individuals except 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 not less than 5 km from an aerodrome as much as 50 m above the floor.
- Don’t function multiple drone at a time.
- Don’t fly inside the space wherein emergency response effort is being performed.
