Making plans a motorhome or campervan excursion of Croatia? Fortunate you- Croatia is a wonderful position to consult with for vanlife. Right here’s every part you want to find out about motorhoming and campervanning in Croatia, together with routes and a few very best areas to consult with.
Don’t omit to obtain your FREE Europe motorhoming tick list that will help you plan your Croatia shuttle.
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Motorhoming in Croatia – why you must move!
Croatia is perhaps motorhoming heaven. lt has a little bit little bit of everything- incredible sea coast with sandy seashores, islands, mountains, pleasant other people and sunshine. Loads and quite a lot of sunshine.
In spite of having some fashionable towns, maximum of it nonetheless feels a long way clear of the world- the very best position to calm down and unwind.
One of the vital very best issues about having the ability to discover Croatia on a Eu motorhome excursion is that you’ll see the diversities between the areas, check out the native delicacies (and wine!) and truly get a really feel for the rustic in a brief house of time.
It’s additionally some of the most cost-effective nations in Europe and motorhome wild tenting is conceivable (if no longer strictly legal- extra on that in a while), so you’ll trip on a small finances with out a lot factor.
On this information, we’re going to percentage with you every part you want to understand to move motorhoming or campervanning in Croatia, together with attending to Croatia and making plans your course, the place to stick (motorhome campsites, aires or wild tenting together with your camper), some street shuttle concepts and areas to consult with, using guidelines and different sensible recommendation that will help you have an excellent Croatian street shuttle.
We’re additionally going to percentage some issues NOT to do!
If that is your first campervanning shuttle to Croatia (or Europe!), don’t omit to clutch your loose motorhome trip tick list which can permit you to plan and organise every part you want.
Making plans to take your motorhome to Europe?
Campervanning in Croatia- The place to move
When making plans a motorhome shuttle to Croatia, the very first thing you want to do is make a decision the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you may have in your journey!)
How lengthy to move for?
In case you’re using from the United Kingdom to Croatia (we’ll duvet that in a while), you want to permit a minimum of 2 days (more than likely 3) to get from arriving in France (by way of both ferry or Eurotunnel) to Croatia.
And that’s 3 days of just about forged using (it’s simply over 15 hours (900 miles) from Calais to the north-western Croatian border.) Bizarrely, it’s in reality rather faster to move campervanning in Croatia than it’s to move campervanning in Portugal!
We don’t counsel visiting Croatia when you most effective have every week or your street shuttle. It’s too a long way and all you’ll do is force there and again. After all, when you’re going to hire a motorhome and fly in, that’s completely potential in every week (extra on that in a while).
We explored so much in most effective 4 days (we had a two week shuttle, however we were given sidetracked by way of the Italian Dolomites after which Slovenia!)
When you’ve got a few weeks, you’ll surely discover a just right bite of Croatia, however you are going to be doing a large number of using until you persist with simply the North of the rustic.
Croatia isn’t an enormous country- it most effective takes about 7 hours (370miles) to force from North to South, however it’s a unusual form and while you’re down in Dubrovnik you must head north a protracted approach to get additional east, until you select to chop via Bosnia.
Highlights of a Croatian Motorhoming Vacation
One of the vital very best areas to consult with when taking part in van lifestyles in Croatia come with:
- Plitvice Lakes (move early!)
- The hidden shipwreck cove (see that right here)
- Zadar and the ocean organ
- Krka Lakes
- Dubrovnik previous city (suppose Recreation of Thrones)
- Pula cave
In case you experience studying books earlier than a shuttle, listed below are some we advise:
See extra a laugh and sensible motorhoming books we advise studying
When to move motorhome traveling in Croatia
Croatia is fortunate sufficient to have a beautiful local weather for many of the 12 months, despite the fact that it could possibly get HOT in summer season.
Campervanning in Croatia in wintry weather
Unusually, Croatia is COLD in wintry weather. Reasonable temperatures move right down to round 10c between December and January. They heat up rather in February (making it virtually some of the warmest areas in Europe in February with reasonable temperatures of over 12°C.)
Many campsites and vacationer places do shut for wintry weather, despite the fact that there are nonetheless a couple of open all 12 months so that you can experience.
Traveling Croatia in summer season
For us, summer season in Croatia is just 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 trip with a canine, we attempt to steer clear of scorching areas like this and move motorhoming in Norway or different areas 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 stuffed in, in scorching climate, doesn’t enchantment to us in any respect.
Motorhoming in Croatia in Spring and Autumn
As with maximum of Europe, Spring and Autumn are highest occasions to discover Croatia. The elements remains to be heat (reasonable of 18°C in Might and 20°C in October), however many of the crowds from summer season have long past and you could even get stretches of sea coast all to your self.
TOP TIP: If you’re travelling outdoor of height season, no doubt get an ACSI CampingCard– you’ll save a fortune on campsites everywhere Europe, together with Croatia
Making plans a using course from the United Kingdom to Croatia
In case you’re making plans a campervanning shuttle to Croatia, there are a few choices from the United Kingdom, assuming you’re bringing your personal automobile (when you’re flying in and hiring, we’ll handle that in a while.)
In case you’re going to force at once from the United Kingdom to Croatia, the fastest course is to show left from Calais and head via Belgium, then Germany and down via Austria.
Alternatively, if in case you have extra time, many of us make a choice to move to Italy with their motorhome, then catch a ferry around the Adriatic Sea.
Borders / Customs in Croatia
You’ll have to go a border to get into Croatia. Right here, it is important to display:
- Your passport
- Evidence of a adverse COVID check (or evidence of vaccination)
You additionally want to have finished an on-line shape earlier than arrival. Remember to are in the proper lane on the border (there are other ones for EU, Swiss and different citizens.) Your passport is also stamped on access/ go out. Whether it is stamped on access, be sure you get an go out stamp.
You might also want to:
- display a go back or onward price tag
- Have evidence of lodging (no longer typically requested for when you’re in a motorhome or campervan.)
- display you have the funds for in your keep
Is Croatia within the Schengen House?
As of 01 January 2023, Croatia IS IN the Schengen space, and due to this fact time spent within the nation counts in opposition to your 90-day trip prohibit. (in case you are a UK resident.)
Hiring a motorhome to excursion Croatia
In case you don’t have your personal automobile, or don’t have time to force all of the approach to Croatia, you’ll simply fly in and rent one. Simply be sure to ask find out how to get from the airport to the apartment agency- no longer they all are on the airport itself and you could want to e book a taxi.
To hire a automobile in Croatia you will have to:
- be over 21 or 25 years previous, relying at the corporate’s apartment coverage;
- display id (id card for EU electorate or a legitimate passport for different nationalities)
- have had a using licence for a couple of 12 months
Remember to have evidence that you’ll take the automobile throughout a border into any other nation if that’s what you’re planning on doing. Learn the item under for different issues to test as smartly earlier than you settle to rent.
Don’t omit, it’s YOUR duty to verify the automobile has the desired protection apparatus. The on-the-spot fines practice to you as the driving force, no longer the corporate. Test upfront with the corporate what package they’re going to supply with the automobile and what it is important to convey.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and take a look at it off one at a time as you might be given the handover. Don’t force till you might be glad you conform to the native rules.
You’ll be able to be expecting to pay round £70/ day- be sure you ask the suitable questions so you already know what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan apartment
Motorhoming in Croatia- what tools do you want to hold?
Similar to maximum of Europe , there are specific stuff you MUST elevate with you on your motorhome or campervan while traveling in Croatia.
Don’t omit, in case you are using via France and/ or Germany to get to Croatia, you want all of the package required by way of the ones nations, in addition to the package wanted in Croatia. (Fortunately, when you’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll have just about every part you want already)
Issues you want to force in Croatia- protection tools
Those are the stuff you MUST have with you while you’re motorhome or campervan traveling in Croatia.
- Hello-vis reflective jackets – no longer as strict as in France, however you will have to put on them at the aspect of the street or laborious shoulder or possibility being fined.
- Caution triangle
- Headlight beam converters– if in case you have a UK automobile. Those will have to be fitted earlier than you force in Europe. (When you’ve got a automobile which lets you alter the beam robotically for Eu using, you received’t want those.)
- UK decal hooked up to the again of car or reg plates (and trailer if in case you have one)
- A spare wheel (and gear to modify it!), or a tyre restore package.
- In case you put on glasses you MUST elevate a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase those necessities for using in Croatia upfront. In case you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you should spend THREE occasions as a lot! See the newest offers and very best costs right here
NOTE: Motorhomes and vehicles towing caravans don’t seem to be allowed to exceed 12m in period, 4m in peak and a couple of.55m in width. Quite a bit will have to no longer exceed 11.5 tonnes on the force axle and 10 tonnes at a unmarried axle.
A-frames don’t seem to be authorized to be used by way of UK campers and caravanners in another country. So when you tow a automobile, you’ll want some kind of trailer.
Street shuttle equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Croatia
The next package are issues you could want to elevate on your automotive, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on if you end up making plans your street shuttle in Croatia.
You’re going to more than likely need an automated toll tag- as lots of the motorways insist on them earlier than you’ll use the street. You’ll be able to steer clear of those, however it’s a large number of further using. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ phase.
- Iciness tyres & snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- Purple/ white caution board signal – for motorcycle racks or anything else overhanging the top of the motorhome or campervan. Strains will have to level into the center of the street. Once more, this isn’t authorized requirement in Croatia, however value having anyway.
- First support package – no longer obligatory however value sporting. In finding out what we stock in our Eu first support package right here
- Spare bulbs for all lighting within the automobile
- Torch
- Fireplace extinguisher
- Street Travel snacks and water- simply in case!
Making plans to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do you want to street shuttle in Croatia?
In case you’re using in Croatia, you want to hold the next paperwork:
- Passport (or id card)
- Using licence (take a look at it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- take a look at you might be coated for using in Europe
- Breakdown duvet
- Automobile V5 logbook (which will have to display your proper deal with)
- Automobile will have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- World Using Allow if required
- Private trip insurance coverage
Do I would like a world using allow to force in Croatia?
Maximum UK electorate don’t have an IDP to force in Croatia, so long as you may have a card using licence issued in the United Kingdom (in date, after all!)
You could want one if in case you have:
- a paper using licence most effective
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Guy
(In case you do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on find out how to get an World Using Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK put up administrative center.
From 2d August 2021, drivers will not require an insurance coverage inexperienced card for taking their cars to Croatia.
Traveling Croatia in a campervan- Different helpful issues you could want
We’ve been traveling Europe in our motorhome for a number of years. We’ve attempted all types of kit- some helpful, some no longer such a lot.
Here’s a checklist of items we extremely counsel when motorhoming in Croatia, however which might be NOT crucial:
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 refrigerator, plus pet food and we weren’t searched, so I wouldn’t fear about it an excessive amount of.
There’s additionally some communicate announcing recent fruit and greens desire a certificates however, once more, we had those within the refrigerator and weren’t requested or searched.
Motorhome stopovers & in a single day parking in Croatia
In Croatia, there are different types of motorhome and campervan stopovers you’ll use.
- Campsites
- Aires (only a few)
- Authorized 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 just like campsites any place else in Europe. Some are rustic and feature very fundamental amenities, whilst others are designed for long-term guests and feature leisure, golf equipment, swimming pools and bars!
Many campsites have huge pitches, very good (and blank) amenities and shocking perspectives. And maximum have team of workers who talk very good English. Our favorite campsite used to be proper at the beach- it used to be totally magical.
Be expecting the campsite to take and stay your passport- the Tenting Card World isn’t used right here so you want at hand over your passport.
TOP TIP: In case you’re traveling Croatia in summer season, be sure to get a pitch with color. You’re going to want it when the solar will get scorching!
Many campsites have both long-term citizens who reside of their motorhomes in Croatia, or have everlasting statics or caravans which the house owners consult with when they may be able to.
In case you’re travelling out of prime season and are making plans to make use of campsites, we extremely counsel purchasing an ACSI CampingCard club, however bear in mind that some campsites both close throughout the wintry weather or are booked up completely months upfront, so it’s possible you’ll want to e book one too.
Additionally, many campsites put ACSI customers on ‘lesser’ pitches (both dangerous view or no electrical or drainage). You’ll be able to ask for a distinct pitch, however will typically want to pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI reduction!
At some campsites, it is important to pay further for bathe or electrical utilization. Be warned- the new water within the bathe is on a timer- typically between 3-5 mins according to token.
TOP TIP: In case you’re making plans to stick in a single space for a very long time (30+ days), negotiate a distinct charge with the campsite at once. Maximum of them have some kind of discount- some are as low as £10/ day, together with electrical.
Aires in Croatia
Aires are authorized motorhome in a single day parking places- frequently supplied and maintained by way of the native commune.
You can’t e book motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so when you’re visiting at height occasions you could really feel happier reserving a campsite so that you’re confident of someplace to stick.
There are very only a few aires in Croatia and so they’re frequently a little bit extra out of the way in which.
Some campsites do permit motorhomes to park up outdoor their major campsite, without a amenities, however they nonetheless rate for this.
READ MORE: Find out how we discover and use aires and authorized loose in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
There are only a few amenities at an aire. You must have the ability to get water and empty waste, however don’t be expecting eating places, swimming pools or leisure places. Additionally, don’t hang around washing, get your awning out or put chairs out- that is tenting and isn’t allowed- the police will prevent and ask you to transport.
If you wish to use aires in different nations, it’s at all times value making an investment in a e book of aires, in addition to a web-based app- simply in case you end up with out web on your motorhome (or and not using a wifi sign). After all, the disadvantage with any e book is that it is going outdated, however don’t fear if it’s just a 12 months or two out- maximum details about aires received’t trade an excessive amount of.
Listed below are some we advise:
Is wild tenting / loose tenting authorized in Croatia for campervans and motorhomes?
Nope. It isn’t authorized to wild camp with a motorhome or campervan in Croatia. It sounds as if, that is because of the potential for land mines being left at the back of after the battle within the Nineteen Nineties. In my view, we selected to make use of campsites, despite the fact that we did make a choice affordable campsites, which have been virtually like aires with very restricted amenities.
There are lots of areas indexed on Park4night for wild tenting, however there’s a nice in case you are stuck (round £350). So it’s as much as you if you wish to possibility it.
Motorhome and campervan carrier issues in Croatia
There are a couple of motorhome carrier places across the nation, however no longer as many as you could hope for, more than likely as a result of campsites are so extremely used. If you’re making plans to stick off-grid, we advise reserving right into a campsite each and every few nights to make use of their amenities.
Using guidelines for Croatia
Using in Croatia isn’t in reality that dangerous. The roads are moderately just right (even the coast roads) and the drivers are rather extra good than the Italians- despite the fact that their angle to well being and protection is way other to ours! Indicators are transparent and it’s beautiful simple to navigate.
There are a number of motorways – denoted by way of a ‘A’ adopted by way of two digits. They’ve a inexperienced background with an image of highway in white. State roads have the letter D and nation roads have the letter Z adopted by way of 4 digits.
The primary highway south to Dubrovnik has been constructed so far as Ploce (about 100km north of Dubrovnik). Don’t omit, this used to be a war-torn nation 30 years in the past and so they’re nonetheless rebuilding/ updating.
The prettiest course in Croatia is no doubt the Adriatic street (Jadranska magistrala – formally street D8) which connects Rijeka and Dubrovnik. It’s no doubt value using and is completely potential with a motorhome.
Adequate, let’s handle the elemental laws and a few guidelines for motorhoming and street tripping in Croatia:
- Croatia drives at the proper
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- Speeds are in km/h, no longer mph (you could need to trade the environment for your motorhome sat-nav)
- UK or EU-issued disabled allows must be recognised in Croatia.
- Automobiles already on a roundabout have proper of method (so do all public delivery cars and faculty buses.)
- Illegally-parked cars usually are clamped and a nice will have to be paid to have the automobile launched. There used to be motorhome parking in Zagreb, however no longer certain about different towns
- You could right here horns a LOT- drivers use them to greet every different
- The usage of a cell phone whilst using is illegitimate until you may have a palms loose software.
- Between the top of October and the top of March dipped headlights must be used throughout sunlight hours.
- Iciness tyres are required from November to March, and it’s obligatory to hold a shovel throughout that point
- Street surfaces are most often beautiful just right in cities and towns, however may also be dangerous within the geographical region.
- Emergency cars and army cars have precedence over different street customers.
- Youngsters below the age of 12 can’t sit down within the entrance seat of a automobile
- In case you’re motorcycling in Croatia, helmets ARE obligatory
- Bicycle helmets don’t seem to be obligatory in Croatia until the rider is below the age of 16.
- Cyclists driving at night time will have to put on a reflective jacket.
Velocity Limits in Croatia (until another way signed!)
Breaking the rate prohibit may lead to both an on-the-spot or an automated nice being despatched to you.
Vehicles and cars below 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 places
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 (below 3.5t)
- main roads/ motorways 90 km/h (55 mph)
- minor out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- city areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Velocity Cameras in Croatia
There at the moment are a couple of velocity cameras working in Croatia, however principally its marked or unmarked vehicles who observe velocity and nice you.
Drink Force regulation in Croatia
Alcohol rules are stricter in Croatia than the United Kingdom. The authorized prohibit is 0.05% blood alcohol (the United Kingdom is 0.08%)
For pro drivers (using a bus, trainer, HGV or public carrier automobile), in addition to for drivers below the age of 24, the prohibit is 0.00%.
Low Emission zones in Croatia
Lately, Croatia has no low-emission zones.
Click on right here for extra detailed data about find out how to in finding zones throughout Europe.
Tolls in Croatia
Maximum motorways in Croatia have tolls. You’ll be able to pay for them with money or a bank card and a few even settle for foreign currency just like the Euro.
There’s a pre-paid SMART card formula which gives a ten% reduction on toll fees, despite the fact that motorists will have to sign in forward of time to make use of the program.
The toll formula is really easy to make use of. While you input, you’re taking a price tag from the toll sales space device. When exiting, you quit your price tag (so don’t lose it) and pay for the space that you’ve got travelled.
Toll charges may also be paid in money (Kunas, or from time to time Euros) in addition to by way of debit/bank card. The associated fee is based totally upon the scale of your automobile
Toll fees most effective exist on motorways in Croatia. Using on all different roads does no longer incur any fees or bills.
Extra helpful issues to understand when campervanning in Croatia
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are broadly to be had. Many gas stations are 24h at the major roads and are self-service with card machines.
Petrol is Gas (Eurosuper) (95 / 98) – Generally Inexperienced handles on pump
Diesel is EuroDiesel. Generally Black or yellow handles on pump (there could also be ‘diesel’, that may be less expensive however is it seems that decrease high quality)
Some areas 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 will likely be an indication to let you know what to do. (Go away your automotive in entrance of the pump and make a remark of the pump quantity.)
You’ll be able to pay the usage of money or a bank card. Many areas do NOT take American Specific. You’ll be able to typically use your UK playing cards and not using a drawback.
LPG Fuel
LPG (GPL) may also be discovered at many petrol stations. If purchasing from a petroleum station, it’s possible you’ll want to watch for an attendant to show the formula on for you.
You’ll be able to in finding areas which promote LPG the usage of MyLPG.ecu
Keep in mind, when you don’t have refillable gasoline bottles, you are going to be not able to shop for a gasoline bottle which goes instantly onto a UK system- you want a brand new pigtail.
READ MORE: How we discover motorhome LPG or bottles whilst traveling Europe
Campervanning in Croatia- safety
There’s a moderately prime crime charge in Croatia, so we extremely counsel paying further consideration in your motorhome safety. You could even want to have compatibility an further camper habitation door lock and not depart your automobile unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Crucial guidelines for shielding your van at house and at the street
Extra helpful issues to find out about vanlife in Croatia
Some extra guidelines that will help you experience your time in Croatia.
Emergency Numbers: 112 gets you every part
Language– The Croatians are beautiful just right at languages. Croatian is the legitimate language, however many additionally talk Bosnian, Serbian and lots of the more youthful technology talk English smartly.
Forex– Kuna
Playing cards– maximum main credit score and debit playing cards are permitted. American Specific is most effective taken in huge retail outlets (no longer at tolls and frequently no longer at gas stations)
Timezone– GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Cell Telephone and Web – It’s typically conceivable to make use of your UK telephone and information in Croatia, however do take a look at together with your supplier.
Tipping- Tipping as much as 10%, however you’ll move as much as 15% in eating places in case you are in particular proud of the carrier.
Retail outlets– Meals costs are beautiful reasonably priced. Historically, retail 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, retail outlets most often shut at 1 p.m. although in town centres some are open within the afternoon. Many retail outlets shut on Sundays. Larger supermarkets is also open, however will shut at lunchtime.
Traveling Croatia with a canine
Croatia is slowly changing into extra dog-friendly (when you’re used to motorhoming in Germany it’s no longer at that degree but) however they’re welcome in lots of areas, akin to on the Plitvice lakes (you’ll see Mac on the lakes right here.) Many eating places permit them- simply ask earlier than getting into to make sure.
Learn extra: adjustments affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
They aren’t allowed on many seashores in summer season and don’t seem to be allowed into public areas like retail outlets however are typically allowed on public delivery (you could want to muzzle higher canine.)
Don’t omit how scorching it will get in summer season and to verify your canine is at ease. Do NOT depart them on your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- trucks warmth up identical to vehicles do. Listed below are some tricks to stay your canine cool on a street shuttle.
To go back into the United Kingdom you’ll desire a vet at the continent to manage a worming remedy after which permit between 24 hours and 5 days earlier than re-entering the United Kingdom.
The usage of a drone in Croatia
You might be allowed to fly your drone in Croatia, however Croatia is a part of the EU follows the drone laws installed position by way of the Eu Union Aviation Protection Company (EASA). You will have to additionally:
- Keep a secure distance clear of other people.
- Don’t function at once over other people until it has a category id label or is lighter than 250 g (0.55 lbs).
- Care for a visible line of sight
- Don’t function the drone above 120m (400ft).
- Don’t elevate any unhealthy items or drop any subject matter.
- Care for a radius of a minimum of 5 km from an aerodrome as much as 50 m above the outside.
- Don’t function a couple of drone at a time.
- Don’t fly throughout the space during which emergency reaction effort is being performed.
