Planning a motorhome or campervan tour of Croatia? Fortunate you- Croatia is a wonderful place to go to for vanlife. Right here’s all the pieces you could learn about motorhoming and campervanning in Croatia, together with routes and a few finest locations to go to.
Don’t neglect 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 slightly little bit of everything- implausible shoreline with sandy seashores, islands, mountains, pleasant folks and sunshine. Heaps and many sunshine.
Regardless of having some trendy cities, most of it nonetheless feels distant from the world- the right place to loosen up and unwind.
Probably the greatest issues about having the ability to discover Croatia on a European motorhome tour is that you could see the variations between the areas, attempt the native delicacies (and wine!) and actually get a really feel for the nation in a brief area 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 possibly can journey on a small price range with out a lot problem.
On this information, we’re going to share with you all the pieces you could 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 together with your camper), some highway journey concepts and locations to go to, driving suggestions and different sensible recommendation that will help you have a tremendous 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 neglect to seize your free motorhome journey guidelines which can allow you to plan and organise all the pieces 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 you could do is determine the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you’ve got on your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
If you happen to’re driving from the UK to Croatia (we’ll cowl that shortly), you could permit 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 suggest visiting Croatia for those who solely have every week or your highway journey. It’s too far and all you’ll do is drive there and again. In fact, for those who’re going to hire a motorhome and fly in, that’s completely doable in every week (extra on that shortly).
We explored lots in solely 4 days (we had a two week journey, however we bought sidetracked by the Italian Dolomites after which Slovenia!)
You probably have a few weeks, you possibly can definitely discover a superb chunk of Croatia, however you’ll be doing lots 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, nevertheless it’s a bizarre form and when you’re down in Dubrovnik it’s a must to head north a protracted method to get additional east, until you select to chop by means of Bosnia.
Highlights of a Croatian Motorhoming Vacation
A number of the finest 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 outdated city (suppose Sport of Thrones)
- Pula cave
If you happen to 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 yr, though it might 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 just too sizzling 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 sizzling 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 points of interest are lengthy. Being crammed in, in sizzling 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 remains to be heat (common of 18°C in Might and 20°C in October), however many of the crowds from summer season have gone and also you would possibly even get stretches of seashore 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
If you happen to’re planning a campervanning journey to Croatia, there are a few choices from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your individual automobile (for those who’re flying in and hiring, we’ll take care of that shortly.)
If you happen to’re going to drive straight from the UK to Croatia, the quickest route is to show left from Calais and head by means of Belgium, then Germany and down by means of Austria.
Nevertheless, if in case you 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 will want to point out:
- Your passport
- Proof of a destructive COVID check (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 to get an exit stamp.
You might also have to:
- present a return or onward ticket
- Have proof of lodging (not normally requested for for those who’re in a motorhome or campervan.)
- present you have the funds for on 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 direction of your 90-day journey restrict. (in case you are a UK resident.)
Hiring a motorhome to tour Croatia
If you happen to don’t have your individual automobile, or don’t have time to drive all the way in which to Croatia, you possibly can simply fly in and rent one. Simply be certain that to ask get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you would possibly have to ebook a taxi.
To hire a automobile in Croatia you have to:
- be over 21 or 25 years outdated, 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 a couple of yr
Be sure to have proof that you could 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 examine as nicely earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t neglect, 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 upfront with the corporate what equipment they may present with the automobile and what you will want to carry.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and examine it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Don’t drive till you’re glad you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You may count on to pay round £70/ day- you should definitely ask the fitting questions so you understand what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Croatia- what gear do you could carry?
Similar to most of Europe , there are specific belongings you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring in Croatia.
Don’t neglect, in case you are driving by means 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, for those who’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll have just about all the pieces you want already)
Issues you could drive in Croatia- security gear
These are the belongings you MUST have with you whenever you’re motorhome or campervan touring in Croatia.
- Hello-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you have to put on them on the facet of the highway or arduous shoulder or threat being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– if in case you have a UK automobile. These have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (You probably have a automobile which lets you modify the beam mechanically for European driving, you received’t want these.)
- UK sticker connected to the again of car or reg plates (and trailer if in case you have one)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to alter it!), or a tyre restore equipment.
- If you happen to put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving in Croatia upfront. If you happen to wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you may spend THREE instances as a lot! See the newest offers and finest costs right here
NOTE: Motorhomes and automobiles towing caravans usually are not allowed to exceed 12m in size, 4m in peak and a couple of.55m in width. Masses 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 for those who tow a automobile, you’ll want some type of trailer.
Highway journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Croatia
The next equipment 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 computerized toll tag- as lots of the motorways insist on them earlier than you should use the highway. You may keep away from these, nevertheless it’s lots of additional driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres & snow chains are necessary the place signage signifies.
- Crimson/ 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 price having anyway.
- First help equipment – not obligatory however price carrying. Discover out what we feature in our European first help equipment right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the automobile
- Torch
- Fireplace extinguisher
- Highway Journey snacks and water- simply in case!
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do you could highway journey in Croatia?
If you happen to’re driving in Croatia, you could carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or identification card)
- Driving licence (examine it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- examine you’re lined for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Automobile V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate deal with)
- Automobile have to 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’ve got a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, in fact!)
You would possibly want one if in case you have:
- a paper driving licence solely
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(If you happen to do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on get an Worldwide Driving Allow 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- Different helpful belongings you would possibly 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’s a record 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 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 discuss saying recent 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)
- Accredited 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, glorious (and clear) services and gorgeous views. And most have workers who converse glorious English. Our favorite campsite was proper on the beach- it was totally magical.
Count on the campsite to take and hold your passport- the Tenting Card Worldwide isn’t used right here so you could hand over your passport.
TOP TIP: If you happen to’re touring Croatia in summer season, be certain that to get a pitch with shade. You’re going to wish it when the solar will get sizzling!
Many campsites have both long-term residents who reside of their motorhomes in Croatia, or have everlasting statics or caravans which the homeowners go to after they can.
If you happen to’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 throughout the winter or are booked up totally months upfront, so it’s possible you’ll want to ebook 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 normally 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- normally between 3-5 minutes per token.
TOP TIP: If you happen to’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 type of discount- some are as little as £10/ day, together with electrical.
Aires in Croatia
Aires are authorized motorhome in a single day parking places- usually offered and maintained by the native commune.
You can not ebook motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so for those who’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 slightly extra out of the way in which.
Some campsites do permit motorhomes to park up outdoors their important campsite, with no services, however they nonetheless cost for this.
READ MORE: Learn the way we discover and use aires and authorized free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
There are only a few services at an aire. You need to 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 at all times price investing in a ebook 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 ebook is that it goes old-fashioned, however don’t fear if it’s solely a yr or two out- most details about aires received’t change an excessive amount of.
Listed below are some we suggest:
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 potential of land mines being left behind after the warfare within the Nineteen 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 high quality in case you are 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 suggest 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 wise than the Italians- though their perspective to well being and security is far 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 principle motorway south to Dubrovnik has been constructed so far as Ploce (about 100km north of Dubrovnik). Don’t neglect, 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 price 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 fitting
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you would possibly wish to change the setting in your motorhome sat-nav)
- UK or EU-issued disabled permits ought to be recognised in Croatia.
- Autos already on a roundabout have proper of means (so do all public transport automobiles and college buses.)
- Illegally-parked automobiles are prone to be clamped and a high quality have to 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’ve got a palms free gadget.
- Between the tip of October and the tip of March dipped headlights ought to 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
- If you happen to’re motorcycling in Croatia, helmets ARE obligatory
- Bicycle helmets usually are not obligatory in Croatia until the rider is beneath the age of 16.
- Cyclists driving at evening should put on a reflective jacket.
Pace Limits in Croatia (until in any other case signed!)
Breaking the pace restrict may lead to both an on-the-spot or an computerized high quality 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)
Pace Cameras in Croatia
There at the moment are just a few pace cameras working in Croatia, however primarily its marked or unmarked automobiles who monitor pace and high quality 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
Presently, Croatia has no low-emission zones.
Click on right here for extra detailed data about 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 currency just like the Euro.
There’s a pre-paid SMART card system which supplies 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. Once 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 could 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 gasoline 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’s additionally ‘diesel’, which can be cheaper however is seemingly 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 stuffed up- there shall be an indication to let you know what to do. (Depart your automobile in entrance of the pump and make an observation of the pump quantity.)
You may pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Specific. You may normally use your UK playing cards and not using a drawback.
LPG Gasoline
LPG (GPL) could be discovered at many petrol stations. If shopping for from a petroleum station, it’s possible 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
Bear in mind, for those who don’t have refillable fuel bottles, you’ll 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 suggest paying additional consideration to your motorhome safety. You would possibly 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 dwelling and on the highway
Extra helpful issues to learn about vanlife in Croatia
Some extra suggestions that will help 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 converse Bosnian, Serbian and lots of the youthful era converse English nicely.
Forex– Kuna
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Specific is barely taken in giant shops (not at tolls and infrequently not at gasoline stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Cellular Cellphone and Web – It’s normally doable to make use of your UK cellphone and information in Croatia, however do examine together with your supplier.
Tipping- Tipping as much as 10%, however you possibly can go as much as 15% in eating places in case you are notably 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. Larger supermarkets could also be open, however will shut at lunchtime.
Touring Croatia with a canine
Croatia is slowly turning into extra dog-friendly (for those who’re used to motorhoming in Germany it’s not at that degree but) however they’re welcome in lots of locations, corresponding to on the Plitvice lakes (you possibly can see Mac on the lakes right here.) Many eating places permit them- simply ask earlier than coming into to make sure.
Learn extra: modifications 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 normally allowed on public transport (you would possibly have to muzzle bigger canines.)
Don’t neglect how sizzling it will get in summer season and to verify your canine is snug. Do NOT depart them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up identical to automobiles do. Listed below 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 therapy after which permit 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 could additionally:
- Keep a protected distance away from folks.
- Don’t function straight over folks 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 not less than 5 km from an aerodrome as much as 50 m above the floor.
- Don’t function a couple of drone at a time.
- Don’t fly throughout the space during which emergency response effort is being performed.
