The place to go tenting in Croatia, the place to seek out chalets in essentially the most lovely areas, and the outside actions in Croatia you don’t need 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 affords the proper mixture of journey and leisure. It’s simply subsequent to Italy, sharing a border and the gorgeous 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 positively be thought-about.
On this journey information, we’ll offer you all the knowledge you must simply organise your journey to Croatia: ferries, automobile 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 daily of your keep.
How you can get to Croatia
Flights to Croatia
The most effective positioned worldwide airports from an open-air vacation viewpoint are Zadar and Break up, as they’re seaside cities providing fast entry to the seashores, islands and fairly coastal cities you’ll probably 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 ensure that to take a look at the place the perfect lodging and actions are after which test distances earlier than you e book. Croatia is a giant nation and – from both of these spots – you can find yourself with hours of driving or bus journeys to get to your ultimate location.
Ferries from Italy to Croatia
It’s possible you’ll discover that the perfect locations to go in Croatia are simpler to succeed in from Italy. It’s solely a hop,skip and leap by automobile or campervan from Trieste, or by ferry from Ancona. Travelling by automobile is usually extra handy for those who arrive from northern Italy (for instance, Venice) and plan to cease in Istria, whereas, if you’re coming from central Italy, the ferry may be very useful.
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 range in response to route, variety of passengers, kind and dimension of car. A bridge passage for a single individual with out a car can value 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 range significantly: naturally, you’re going to get the perfect costs in off-season or by reserving properly prematurely, whereas the best costs are in July and August, when these routes grow to be highly regarded.
To seek out the perfect fare to your dates, we advocate utilizing our worth comparability and ferry reserving device. With all out there timetables and fares conveniently on one web page, the choice and reserving course of will likely be smoother. If you’re planning an on-the-road journey to Croatia, you can too think about reserving a return journey from completely different cities, which can also be very simple 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 useful for the areas we advocate you to remain in, in Croatia – is an possibility price figuring out about for a campervan journey particularly.
Hire a automobile 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 automobile, or certainly a campervan or motorhome, will assist you to marvel at extra of the 2000km lengthy Croatian shoreline and get to extra adventurous locations, tough to succeed in by public transport. It is going to additionally offer you that further little bit of consolation for a extra enjoyable journey.
To test dates, costs, automobile sorts and pick-up areas 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 automobile.
If having your individual transport would push the vacation funds out too far, don’t fear – there are good bus strains all alongside the Croatian coast making journey by public transport potential and reasonably priced. So, selecting to remain an additional week at a campsite and forgoing the rent automobile is unquestionably an possibility. You gained’t be in need of issues to see and do close by your campsite.
Croatia holidays by the ocean: the perfect areas
If, in your creativeness, Croatian seashores seem as infinite stretches of white sand, you can be in for fairly a shock once you arrive! Though some of 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. Finest 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 gentle local weather that enables the seashore vacation season to start as early as spring.
The realm round Rovinj boasts essentially the most lovely seashores within the area, with sheltered bays and coves which might be nice for kids. 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 seashore of Sveti Ivan, and quieter villages surrounded by lush vegetation and a community of climbing trails good for escaping the summer season crowds.
There are many seaside campsites in Istria, with very reasonably priced 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 kids 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 comparable 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 standard Ugljan and Murter, that the area’s most noteworthy seashores might be discovered. Slanica seashore on the island of Murter is especially appropriate for kids, with shallow waters and varied services. Those that need 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 simple to seek out.
For those who don’t need to journey too removed from Zadar, you possibly can positively use right here or close by Zaravecchia as your base. They’re actually lovely spots: Zadar metropolis may be very underrated and there are campsites simply exterior the centre, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and with actions comparable 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 will likely be a bit greater, however if you’re in search of a soothing outside vacation in unspoilt environment, it will likely be cash properly spent. The extra distant islands have just a few 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 seashore, all it’s important to do is cease on any stretch of highway the place there’s a path resulting in the ocean, and comply with it to the seashore.
Nevertheless, we are able to’t not point out Zlatni Rat seashore on the island of Brač: a white pebble seashore 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 would like a conventional tent tenting journey, simply accessible from Break up, the island of Brač is a wonderful tenting vacation spot. Campsites are nestled within the pure setting of the Mediterranean maquis and sometimes have direct (generally even non-public) entry to the seashore. Pitches are properly spaced out and youngsters will likely be saved entertained by the ocean and the numerous actions on provide. There may be additionally a good alternative of eating places with native delicacies, each inside and beside the campsites.
The most effective excursions in Croatia
Croatia has grow to be world well-known because of its shoreline and crystal-clear sea, however don’t neglect the Dinaric Alps, which snake their means throughout Croatia, creating a wide range of landscapes comparable 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 natural world, the park boasts an 18-kilometre community of trails that cross the 12 largest lakes and assist you to 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, dwelling to Croatia’s largest mountain vary, Velebit, providing over 150 km of 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 well accessible from Zadar (solely 25 km away) and is inside a few hours of Break up as properly.
Avid walkers and hikers will likely be within the By way of Dinarica and the By way of Adriatica, two medium-high issue 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 nations, making for an epic journey over just a few months.
The nicest cities in Croatia
Istria: Poreč and Rovinj
Each characterised by a robust Venetian affect, Poreč and Rovinj are the principle cities in Istria to go to. The previous boasts valuable marble and Byzantine mosaics thought-about among the many most beneficial on the earth, whereas the latter combines a full of life 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 outdated 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 outdated centre of stone alleys, bars and eating places set inside historic partitions, buildings comparable to Diocletian’s Palace, the elegant waterfront vigorous, and the character on the encompassing hills that give it a verdant really feel because it slopes in the direction of the majestic mountains within the background.
Dubrovnik
On the southern tip of the nation, Dubrovnik is named the pearl of the Adriatic. It’s unimaginable to stay detached to the fantastic 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 gentle, to take pleasure in its magnificence in silence earlier than the (generally chaotic) metropolis life awakens. However be ready to pay extra for the privilege of visiting Dubrovnik.
How a lot does it value 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 funds than in lots of European nations. 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 ideas will make your funds go even additional:
- Initially, don’t neglect that Croatia has its personal forex. The forex in Croatia is the kuna, which on the present alternate fee (June 2022) is equal to 0.13 euro. Order some kuna earlier than departure, to keep away from dropping cash on an unfavourable alternate fee in locations like airports on arrival.
- As now we have already seen, the price of journey can range and to economize it’s good observe to e book journey properly prematurely.
- 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 a complete week in late August, and usually has a number of enjoyable companies included comparable to a swimming pool.
What to do in 7 days in Croatia? An itinerary: Istria and the Bay of Kvarner
It’s unimaginable to go to all the Croatian coast in a single week, so put that concept out of your thoughts! We’re recommending an itinerary which can assist you to 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 loosen up, hike, pattern the island’s distinctive native gastronomy and admire the structure of the city of Krk. For those who choose, 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 possibly can 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 harder trails for consultants.
Day 7: Rovinj
In an hour’s drive you’ll arrive in Rovinj, the place you possibly can select whether or not to discover the maze of alleyways within the outdated city, organise some climbing within the Golden Cape Nature Park, or loosen up on the seashore.
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 the direction of the Italian border. (Poreč is simply over an hour from Trieste).
Helpful ideas for travelling in a campervan in Croatia
- Tenting exterior campsites or geared up relaxation areas will not be allowed in Croatia, so all the time test that there’s a campsite within the space you propose to go to.
- Velocity limits for automobiles, campers and lightweight caravans are 50 km/h in city areas, 90 km/h exterior city areas, 110 km/h on highways and 130 km/h on motorways.
- For those who determine to go to Croatia in winter, don’t neglect winter tyres and snow chains.
- On the coastal descent to Dubrovnik, there’s a quick stretch of shoreline belonging to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the place documentation checks typically create some site visitors and potential delays. Take this into consideration when you’ve got 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 season vacation you’re considering of, don’t neglect to begin planning as early as potential to get a wider vary of lodging and choices, get monetary savings and get your journey off on the precise foot! Begin your search by looking our tenting and self-catering lodging in Croatia.
