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 things 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 it is best to go!
Croatia is probably motorhoming heaven. lt has a bit little bit of everything- improbable shoreline with sandy seashores, islands, mountains, pleasant individuals and sunshine. Tons and plenty of sunshine.
Regardless of having some fashionable cities, most of it nonetheless feels far-off from the world- the proper place to loosen up and unwind.
Top-of-the-line issues about having the ability to discover Croatia on a European motorhome tour is which 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 least expensive international locations in Europe and motorhome wild tenting is feasible (if not strictly legal- extra on that shortly), so you possibly can journey on a small finances with out a lot difficulty.
On this information, we’re going to share with you all the things 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 together with your camper), some highway journey concepts and locations to go to, driving ideas and different sensible recommendation that can assist 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 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 you must do is determine the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you’ve to your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
For those who’re driving from the UK to Croatia (we’ll cowl that shortly), you must permit at the least 2 days (in all probability 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 advocate visiting Croatia when you solely have per week or your highway journey. It’s too far and all you’ll do is drive there and again. After all, when you’re going to hire a motorhome and fly in, that’s completely doable in per week (extra on that shortly).
We explored lots in solely 4 days (we had a two week journey, however we received sidetracked by the Italian Dolomites after which Slovenia!)
You probably have a few weeks, you possibly can actually discover chunk of Croatia, however you’ll be doing a whole lot of driving until you stick to simply the North of the nation.
Croatia isn’t an enormous country- it solely takes about 7 hours (370miles) to drive from North to South, but it surely’s a bizarre form and when you’re down in Dubrovnik you must head north an extended solution to get additional east, until you select to chop by means of Bosnia.
Highlights of a Croatian Motorhoming Vacation
A number 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 outdated city (suppose Sport of Thrones)
- Pula cave
For those who get pleasure from studying books earlier than a visit, listed below 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 actually get HOT in summer time.
Campervanning in Croatia in winter
Surprisingly, Croatia is COLD in winter. Common temperatures go right down to round 10c between December and January. They heat up barely in February (making it virtually 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 time
For us, summer time in Croatia is simply too scorching 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 scorching locations like this and go motorhoming in Norway or different locations with mountains and cooler air.
Additionally, it will get crowded in summer time. 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 good occasions 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 time 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, 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
For those who’re planning a campervanning journey to Croatia, there are a few choices from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your personal automobile (when 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 means of Belgium, then Germany and down by means of Austria.
Nevertheless, if in case you have 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’ll have to cross a border to get into Croatia. Right here, you will want to point out:
- Your passport
- Proof of a unfavorable COVID check (or proof of vaccination)
You additionally have to have accomplished an on-line type earlier than arrival. Ensure you 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, ensure you get an exit stamp.
You might also have to:
- present a return or onward ticket
- Have proof of lodging (not normally requested for when you’re in a motorhome or campervan.)
- present you manage to pay 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. (in case you are a UK resident.)
Hiring a motorhome to tour Croatia
For those who don’t have your personal automobile, or don’t have time to drive all the best way to Croatia, you possibly can simply fly in and rent one. Simply ensure to ask how you can 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 will need to:
- be over 21 or 25 years outdated, 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 a couple of yr
Ensure you have proof which you could 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 properly earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t overlook, it’s YOUR accountability to verify the automobile has the required security gear. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driving force, not the corporate. Test upfront with the corporate what package they are going to present with the automobile and what you will want to deliver.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and test it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Don’t drive till you’re completely happy you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You possibly can anticipate 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 must carry?
Identical to 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 means of France and/ or Germany to get to Croatia, you want all of the package required by these international locations, in addition to the package wanted in Croatia. (Fortunately, when you’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll have just about all the things you want already)
Issues you must 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 will need to put on them on the facet of the highway or arduous shoulder or danger being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– if in case you have a UK automobile. These should be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (You probably have a automobile which lets you modify the beam robotically for European driving, you gained’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 vary it!), or a tyre restore package.
- 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 can spend THREE occasions as a lot! See the most recent offers and greatest costs right here
NOTE: Motorhomes and vehicles towing caravans will not be allowed to exceed 12m in size, 4m in peak 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 will not be authorized to be used by UK campers and caravanners overseas. So when you tow a automobile, you’ll want some type of trailer.
Street journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Croatia
The next package are belongings you would possibly want to hold in your automobile, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on if you find yourself planning your highway journey in Croatia.
You’ll in all probability need an automated toll tag- as most of the motorways insist on them earlier than you need to use the highway. You possibly can keep away from these, but it surely’s a whole lot of additional driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres & snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- Pink/ white warning board signal – for bike racks or something overhanging the top 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 package – not obligatory however value carrying. Discover out what we feature in our European first assist package right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the automobile
- Torch
- Fireplace extinguisher
- Street Journey snacks and water- simply in case!
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do you must highway journey in Croatia?
For those who’re driving in Croatia, you must carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or id card)
- Driving licence (test it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- test you’re 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 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 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
(For those who do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on how you can get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK submit workplace.
From 2nd August 2021, drivers will now not require an insurance coverage inexperienced card for taking their autos 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 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’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 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 sorts of motorhome and campervan stopovers you need to 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 similar to campsites wherever else in Europe. Some are rustic and have very primary services, whereas others are designed for long-term guests and have leisure, golf equipment, swimming pools and bars!
Many campsites have massive pitches, wonderful (and clear) services and beautiful views. And most have workers who communicate wonderful English. Our favorite campsite was proper on the beach- it was totally magical.
Anticipate the campsite to take and preserve your passport- the Tenting Card Worldwide isn’t used right here so you must hand over your passport.
TOP TIP: For those who’re touring Croatia in summer time, ensure to get a pitch with shade. You’re going to want it when the solar will get scorching!
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 once 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 remember that some campsites both shut in the course of the winter or are booked up fully months upfront, so chances are 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 possibly can ask for a special 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: 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 type of discount- some are as little as £10/ day, together with electrical.
Aires in Croatia
Aires are accredited motorhome in a single day parking places- usually 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 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 a bit extra out of the best way.
Some campsites do permit motorhomes to park up outdoors their essential campsite, with no services, however they nonetheless cost for this.
READ MORE: Learn the way we discover and use aires and accredited free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
There are only a few services at an aire. It is best to be capable of get water and empty waste, however don’t anticipate 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 international locations, 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). After all, the draw back with any ebook is that it goes outdated, 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 below 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 opportunity of land mines being left behind after the battle within the Nineties. Personally, we selected to make use of campsites, though we did select low cost campsites, which had been virtually like aires with very restricted services.
There are various locations listed on Park4night for wild tenting, however there’s a tremendous 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 just a few motorhome service areas across the nation, however not as many as you would possibly hope for, in all probability as a result of campsites are so extremely used. In case you are planning to remain off-grid, we advocate reserving right into a campsite each few nights to make use of their services.
Driving ideas for Croatia
Driving in Croatia isn’t really that dangerous. The roads are pretty good (even the coast roads) and the drivers are barely extra wise than the Italians- though their angle 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 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 certainly the Adriatic highway (Jadranska magistrala – formally highway D8) which connects Rijeka and Dubrovnik. It’s undoubtedly value driving and is completely doable with a motorhome.
Okay, let’s take care of the essential guidelines and a few ideas 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 needs to be recognised in Croatia.
- Autos already on a roundabout have proper of means (so do all public transport autos and faculty buses.)
- Illegally-parked autos are more likely to be clamped and a tremendous should be paid to have the automobile launched. There was motorhome parking in Zagreb, however undecided 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 a arms free machine.
- Between the top of October and the top of March dipped headlights needs 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 could be dangerous within the countryside.
- Emergency autos and navy autos have precedence over different highway customers.
- Kids underneath the age of 12 can’t sit within the entrance seat of a automobile
- For those who’re motorcycling in Croatia, helmets ARE obligatory
- Bicycle helmets will not be obligatory in Croatia until the rider is underneath the age of 16.
- Cyclists using at night time should put on a reflective jacket.
Pace Limits in Croatia (until in any other case signed!)
Breaking the velocity restrict may lead to both an on-the-spot or an automated tremendous being despatched to you.
Automobiles and autos underneath 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 (underneath 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 velocity cameras working in Croatia, however primarily its marked or unmarked vehicles who monitor velocity and tremendous 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 underneath the age of 24, the restrict is 0.00%.
Low Emission zones in Croatia
At present, Croatia has no low-emission zones.
Click on right here for extra detailed info about how you can discover zones throughout Europe.
Tolls in Croatia
Most motorways in Croatia have tolls. You possibly can 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 gives a ten% {discount} on toll prices, though motorists should register forward of time to make use of this method.
The toll system may be very simple to make use of. Whenever you enter, you are 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 gap that you’ve travelled.
Toll charges could be paid in money (Kunas, or often Euros) in addition to by debit/bank card. The payment relies upon the dimensions of your automobile
Toll prices solely exist on motorways in Croatia. Driving on all different roads doesn’t incur any prices or funds.
Extra helpful issues to know when campervanning in Croatia
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are broadly obtainable. Many gas stations are 24h on the primary roads and are self-service with card machines.
Petrol is Gasoline (Eurosuper) (95 / 98) – Normally Inexperienced handles on pump
Diesel is EuroDiesel. Normally 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 crammed up- there shall be an indication to inform you what to do. (Depart your automobile in entrance of the pump and make a remark of the pump quantity.)
You possibly can pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Specific. You possibly can normally use your UK playing cards with out a drawback.
LPG Fuel
LPG (GPL) could 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 will discover locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu
Keep in mind, when you 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 fee in Croatia, so we extremely advocate paying additional consideration to your motorhome safety. You would possibly even want to match an additional camper habitation door lock and by no means go away your automobile unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Important ideas for shielding your van at dwelling and on the highway
Extra 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 things
Language– The Croatians are fairly good at languages. Croatian is the official language, however many additionally communicate Bosnian, Serbian and most of the youthful era communicate English properly.
Forex– Kuna
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Specific is just taken in massive shops (not at tolls and sometimes not at gas stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Cellular Telephone and Web – It’s normally potential to make use of your UK telephone and knowledge in Croatia, however do test 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 significantly pleased with the service.
Retailers– Meals costs are fairly cheap. Historically, outlets 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, outlets typically shut at 1 p.m. although in metropolis centres some are open within the afternoon. Many outlets 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 (when you’re used to motorhoming in Germany it’s not at that degree but) however they’re welcome in lots of locations, comparable to on the Plitvice lakes (you possibly can see Mac on the lakes right here.) Many eating places permit them- simply ask earlier than getting into to make certain.
Learn extra: modifications affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
They aren’t allowed on many seashores in summer time and will not be allowed into public locations like outlets however are normally allowed on public transport (you would possibly have to muzzle bigger canine.)
Don’t overlook how scorching it will get in summer time and to verify your canine is snug. Do NOT go away them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up identical to vehicles do. Listed below are some tricks to preserve 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 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 have to additionally:
- Keep a protected distance away from individuals.
- Don’t function immediately over individuals until it has a category identification label or is lighter than 250 g (0.55 lbs).
- Preserve a visible line of sight
- Don’t function the drone above 120m (400ft).
- Don’t carry any harmful items or drop any materials.
- Preserve a radius of at the least 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 by which emergency response effort is being performed.
