Planning a motorhome or campervan tour of Croatia? Lucky you- Croatia is a wonderful place to go to for vanlife. Here’s all the pieces you must learn 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 you must go!
Croatia is probably motorhoming heaven. lt has a bit little bit of everything- implausible shoreline with sandy seashores, islands, mountains, pleasant individuals and sunshine. Lots and plenty of sunshine.
Despite having some fashionable cities, most of it nonetheless feels distant from the world- the proper place to calm down and unwind.
One of the most effective issues about with the ability to discover Croatia on a European motorhome tour is that you could 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 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 subject.
In this information, we’re going to share with you all the pieces you must 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 street journey concepts and locations to go to, driving ideas and different sensible recommendation that can assist you have an incredible 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 show you how to plan and organise all the pieces you want.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Campervanning in Croatia- Where to go
When planning a motorhome journey to Croatia, the very first thing you must do is resolve the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you’ve got in your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
If you’re driving from the UK to Croatia (we’ll cowl that shortly), you must permit a minimum of 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 stable driving (it’s simply over 15 hours (900 miles) from Calais to the north-western Croatian border.) Bizarrely, it’s really barely faster to go campervanning in Croatia than it’s to go campervanning in Portugal!
We don’t suggest visiting Croatia when you solely have every week or your street journey. It’s too far and all you’ll do is drive there and again. Of course, when you’re going to hire 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!)
If you’ve got a few weeks, you’ll be able to actually discover an excellent chunk of Croatia, however you’ll 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, however it’s a bizarre form and when you’re down in Dubrovnik you must head north a protracted technique to get additional east, until you select to chop by Bosnia.
Highlights of a Croatian Motorhoming Holiday
Some of the greatest 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 (suppose Game of Thrones)
- Pula cave
If you get pleasure from studying books earlier than a visit, listed below are some we suggest:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we suggest 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 possibly get HOT in summer time.
Campervanning in Croatia in winter
Surprisingly, Croatia is COLD in winter. Average temperatures go right 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 areas do shut for winter, though there are nonetheless a number of open all 12 months so that you can get pleasure from.
Touring Croatia in summer time
For us, summer time 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.
Also, it will get crowded in summer time. Crazy loopy crowded. Beaches are packed and queues for vacationer sights are lengthy. Being crammed in, in scorching climate, doesn’t attraction 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 continues to be heat (common of 18°C in May and 20°C in October), however many of the crowds from summer time have gone and also you may even get stretches of seaside all to your self.
TOP TIP: If you’re travelling exterior 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
If you’re planning a campervanning journey to Croatia, there are a few choices from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your personal car (when you’re flying in and hiring, we’ll cope with that shortly.)
If 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.
However, when you’ve got extra time, many individuals select to move to Italy with their motorhome, then catch a ferry throughout the Adriatic Sea.
Borders / Customs in Croatia
You must cross a border to get into Croatia. Here, you will have to indicate:
- Your passport
- Proof of a unfavourable COVID check (or proof of vaccination)
You additionally must have accomplished an on-line kind earlier than arrival. Make positive you’re 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. If it’s stamped on entry, be sure to get an exit stamp.
You may must:
- present a return or onward ticket
- Have proof of lodging (not often requested for when you’re in a motorhome or campervan.)
- present you find the money for in your keep
Is Croatia within the Schengen Area?
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. (in case you are a UK resident.)
Hiring a motorhome to tour Croatia
If you don’t have your personal car, 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. Just ensure that to ask the best way to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you may must ebook a taxi.
To hire a car in Croatia you have to:
- be over 21 or 25 years previous, relying on the corporate’s rental coverage;
- present identification (identification card for EU residents or a legitimate passport for different nationalities)
- have had a driving licence for multiple 12 months
Make positive you’ve got proof that you could take the car throughout a border into one other nation if that’s what you’re planning on doing. Read the article beneath for different issues to examine as properly earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t overlook, it’s YOUR duty to ensure the car has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the motive force, not the corporate. Check upfront with the corporate what package they may present with the car and what you will have to convey.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and examine it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Do not drive till you’re glad you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You can anticipate to pay round £70/ day- you’ll want to ask the proper questions so you recognize what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Croatia- what gear do you must carry?
Just like 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. (Luckily, when you’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll have just about all the pieces you want already)
Things you must 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 have to put on them on the aspect of the street or onerous shoulder or danger being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– when you’ve got a UK car. These have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (If you’ve got a car which lets you regulate the beam robotically for European driving, you gained’t want these.)
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of car or reg plates (and trailer when you’ve got one)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to alter it!), or a tyre restore package.
- If you put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Buy these necessities for driving in Croatia upfront. If you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you could possibly spend THREE occasions as a lot! See the newest offers and greatest costs right here
NOTE: Motorhomes and vehicles towing caravans will not be allowed to exceed 12m in size, 4m in top and a couple of.55m in width. Loads should not exceed 11.5 tonnes on the drive axle and 10 tonnes at a single axle.
A-frames will not be authorized to be used by UK campers and caravanners overseas. So when you tow a car, you’ll want some form of trailer.
Road journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Croatia
The following package are belongings you may want to hold in your automotive, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on if you find yourself planning your street journey in Croatia.
You will most likely need an computerized toll tag- as lots of the motorways insist on them earlier than you need to use the street. You can keep away from these, however it’s quite a lot of further driving. More on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres & snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- Red/ white warning board signal – for bike racks or something overhanging the top of the motorhome or campervan. Lines should level into the center of the street. Again, this isn’t authorized requirement in Croatia, however value having anyway.
- First help package – not obligatory however value carrying. Find out what we stock in our European first help package right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the car
- Torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Road Trip snacks and water- simply in case!
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do you must street journey in Croatia?
If you’re driving in Croatia, you must carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or identification card)
- Driving licence (examine it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance documents- examine you’re coated for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Vehicle V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate deal with)
- Vehicle have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- International Driving Permit if required
- Personal 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’ve got a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, after all!)
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
(If you do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on the best way to get an International Driving Permit and which one(s) you want from a UK publish 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- Other helpful belongings you may 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 is an inventory of issues we extremely suggest 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)
- Approved motorhome parking schemes
Croatia Camping websites for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
It’s straightforward to search out motorhome campsites in Croatia they usually’re very like campsites anyplace 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 massive pitches, glorious (and clear) amenities and gorgeous views. And most have workers who communicate glorious English. Our favorite campsite was proper on the beach- it was totally magical.
Expect the campsite to take and preserve your passport- the Camping Card International isn’t used right here so you must hand over your passport.
TOP TIP: If you’re touring Croatia in summer time, ensure 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 once they can.
If you’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, we extremely suggest shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership, however remember that some campsites both shut through the winter or are booked up completely months upfront, so chances are you’ll want to ebook one too.
Also, many campsites put ACSI customers on ‘lesser’ pitches (both unhealthy view or no electrical or drainage). You can ask for a unique pitch, however will often must pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}!
At some campsites, you will have to pay further for bathe or electrical utilization. Be warned- the new water within the bathe is on a timer- often between 3-5 minutes per token.
TOP TIP: If 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 permitted motorhome in a single day parking places- typically offered and maintained by the native commune.
You can’t ebook motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so when you’re visiting at peak occasions 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 they usually’re typically a bit extra out of the way in which.
Some campsites do permit motorhomes to park up exterior their foremost campsite, with no amenities, however they nonetheless cost for this.
READ MORE: Learn how we discover and use aires and permitted free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
There are only a few amenities at an aire. You ought to have the ability to get water and empty waste, however don’t anticipate eating places, swimming pools or leisure areas. Also, 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 at all times value investing in a ebook 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). Of course, the draw back with any ebook 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.
Here are some we suggest:
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 opportunity of 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 had been nearly like aires with very restricted amenities.
There are many locations listed on Park4night for wild tenting, however there’s a high quality 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 number of 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 suggest reserving right into a campsite each few nights to make use of their amenities.
Driving ideas for Croatia
Driving in Croatia isn’t really that unhealthy. 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 far completely different to ours! Signs are clear and it’s fairly straightforward to navigate.
There are a number of motorways – denoted by a ‘A’ adopted by two digits. They have 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 foremost 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 they usually’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 value driving and is completely doable with a motorhome.
Ok, let’s cope with the essential guidelines and a few ideas for motorhoming and street tripping in Croatia:
- Croatia drives on the proper
- 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 must be recognised in Croatia.
- Vehicles already on a roundabout have proper of means (so do all public transport automobiles and faculty buses.)
- Illegally-parked automobiles are prone to be clamped and a high quality have to be paid to have the car launched. There was motorhome parking in Zagreb, however unsure about different cities
- You may right here horns a LOT- drivers use them to greet one another
- Using a cell phone whereas driving is prohibited until you’ve got a arms free gadget.
- Between the top of October and the top of March dipped headlights must be used throughout sunlight hours.
- Winter tyres are required from November to March, and it’s obligatory to hold a shovel throughout that point
- Road surfaces are typically fairly good in cities and cities, however might be unhealthy within the countryside.
- Emergency automobiles and navy automobiles have precedence over different street customers.
- Children beneath the age of 12 can’t sit within the entrance seat of a car
- If you’re motorcycling in Croatia, helmets ARE obligatory
- Bicycle helmets will not be obligatory in Croatia until the rider is beneath the age of 16.
- Cyclists driving at evening should put on a reflective jacket.
Speed Limits in Croatia (until in any other case signed!)
Breaking the velocity restrict might lead to both an on-the-spot or an computerized high quality being despatched to you.
Cars 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)
Speed Cameras in Croatia
There at the moment are a number of velocity cameras working in Croatia, however primarily its marked or unmarked vehicles who monitor velocity and high quality 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 car), in addition to for drivers beneath the age of 24, the restrict is 0.00%.
Low Emission zones in Croatia
Currently, Croatia has no low-emission zones.
Click right here for extra detailed info about the best way to discover zones throughout Europe.
Tolls in Croatia
Most motorways in Croatia have tolls. You will pay for them with money or a bank card and a few even settle for foreign currency echange just like the Euro.
There is a pre-paid SMART card system which offers a ten% {discount} on toll costs, though motorists should register forward of time to make use of this technique.
The toll system may be very straightforward to make use of. When 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 payment is predicated upon the scale of your car
Toll costs solely exist on motorways in Croatia. Driving on all different roads doesn’t incur any costs or funds.
More helpful issues to know when campervanning in Croatia
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are extensively obtainable. Many gasoline stations are 24h on the principle roads and are self-service with card machines.
Petrol is Gasoline (Eurosuper) (95 / 98) – Usually Green handles on pump
Diesel is EuroDiesel. Usually 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 upfront or after you’ve crammed up- there might be an indication to inform you what to do. (Leave your automotive in entrance of the pump and make a remark of the pump quantity.)
You will pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Express. You can often use your UK playing cards with out a downside.
LPG Gas
LPG (GPL) might 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 can discover locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu
Remember, when you don’t have refillable gasoline bottles, you’ll be unable to purchase a gasoline 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 is a reasonably excessive crime price in Croatia, so we extremely suggest paying further consideration to your motorhome safety. You may even want to match an further camper habitation door lock and by no means go away your car unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Essential ideas for safeguarding your van at residence and on the street
More helpful issues to learn about vanlife in Croatia
Some extra ideas that can assist you get pleasure from your time in Croatia.
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you all the pieces
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 properly.
Currency– Kuna
Cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Express is simply taken in massive shops (not at tolls and sometimes not at gasoline stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Mobile Phone and Internet – It’s often potential to make use of your UK cellphone and information in Croatia, however do examine along with your supplier.
Tipping- Tipping as much as 10%, however you’ll be able to go as much as 15% in eating places in case you are notably pleased with the service.
Shops– Food costs are fairly cheap. Traditionally, 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. Bigger supermarkets could also be open, however will shut at lunchtime.
Touring Croatia with a canine
Croatia is slowly turning into extra dog-friendly (when you’re used to motorhoming in Germany it’s not at that degree but) however they’re welcome in lots of locations, resembling on the Plitvice lakes (you’ll be able to see Mac on the lakes right here.) Many eating places permit them- simply ask earlier than coming into to make sure.
Read extra: adjustments affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
They will not be allowed on many seashores in summer time and will not be allowed into public locations like retailers however are often allowed on public transport (you may must muzzle bigger canine.)
Don’t overlook how scorching it will get in summer time and to ensure your canine is snug. Do NOT go away them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up similar to vehicles do. Here are some tricks to preserve your canine cool on a street journey.
To return into the UK you’ll want a vet on the continent to manage a worming remedy after which permit between 24 hours and 5 days earlier than re-entering the UK.
Using a drone in Croatia
You are 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:
- Stay a secure distance away from individuals.
- Do not function straight over individuals until it has a category identification label or is lighter than 250 g (0.55 lbs).
- Maintain a visible line of sight
- Do not function the drone above 120m (400ft).
- Do not carry any harmful items or drop any materials.
- Maintain a radius of a minimum of 5 km from an aerodrome as much as 50 m above the floor.
- Do not function multiple drone at a time.
- Do not fly throughout the space during which emergency response effort is being carried out.
