It might surprise you to know that Croatia is the perfect destination to visit by motorhome! This vast country is filled with incredible destinations, including 6,000km of coastline, thousands of islands and historic sights. The weather is hard to beat, so you’ll be spending a lot of time outside: going for hikes, exploring Venetian towns and cooling off with a dip in the sea!
One of the biggest perks of visiting Croatia is the vast differences between regions, in climate, geographical landmarks and cuisine. You can see a bit of everything, all packed up into one country. The people are incredibly friendly, so when in doubt, always ask! That’ll ensure that you get the local experience and head to the roads less travelled by tourists.
Getting to Croatia
Don’t underestimate the drive to Croatia, as travelling from the UK to Croatia can take two to three days with the necessary breaks. That would still involve almost constant driving, so consider stopping at a few places on the way.
The easiest way to travel from the UK to Croatia by motorhome is the ferry or Eurotunnel. That’ll take you to Calais, and from there it is just over fifteen hours of driving to the north-western Croatian border. So if you’re only planning a week-long trip, consider flying into Croatia and hiring a motorhome there. But if you’re planning a longer trip, or combining it with other European destinations, then let the journey begin!
Camping in Croatia
A common misconception is that you can wild camp anywhere in Croatia. Wild camping is actually forbidden in Croatia, like many other European destinations. You can get a hefty fine if caught, so we really recommend camping at designated camping sites/ An advantage of this is that it will give you the opportunity to meet plenty of fellow motorhome travellers, and you’ll be able to take a good shower at the end of a sweaty day!
Here are some of the best rated camping sites in Croatia, perfect for pitching your campervan.
Wine Camp Hažić - Međimurje
This family estate not only doubles as a campsite, but also a working vineyard! Take this opportunity to sample fine vintage wines and learn about wine production, knowing that you won’t have to drive to your accommodation after!
Price: £35.22 for two adults, one night
Location: Jurovčak 37, 40313, Jurovčak, Croatia
46.498673, 16.329804
Motovun Camping - Istria
This cosy campsite is situated in the densely wooded hills of Istria and offers an outdoor pool as well as access to an indoor pool, so you can always count on a quick swim to start or finish your day!
Price: £15.94 for two adults, one night
Location: Rižanske skupštine 1a, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
45.334378, 13.825053
Falkensteiner Premium Camping Zadar - Zadarska županija
This seaside site is a mere five minutes drive from Zadar, and walking distance to the beach. It’s a great campsite in Croatia for travelling with the whole family, as it features swimming pools, waterslides, a sauna and a seaview restaurant.
Price: £25.17 for two adults, one night
Location: Ul. Majstora Radovana 7, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
44.135060, 15.215467
Camping Bogata Šuma - Karlovac
This family-run campsite covers 20 acres of dense forest, offering plenty of space, shade and privacy. There is an on-site restaurant serving organic meals comprised of local produce, so you can always end your day with a warm meal.
Price: £18.03 for two adults, one night
Location: Živković Kosa 11, 47220, Živković Kosa, Croatia
45.362446, 15.688920
Camping Plitvice - Lika-Senj
A visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park is simply a must for any road trip in Croatia, and this is the perfect campsite to camp at after your day of walking! You can even take a dip in the outdoor pool or burn off more energy in their Crossfit zone.
Price: £15.12 for two adults, one night
Location: Smoljanac 67, 53231, Smoljanac, Croatia
44.933849, 15.630618
Driving in Croatia
Croatian roads are in great condition, so you shouldn’t have any issues driving in a motorhome. When travelling from the north to south, you’ll usually be taking multi-lane motorways. But if you’re looking for a more scenic route, select ‘Avoid highways’ on Google Maps or whichever app you use.
In Croatia, you drive on the right side of the road and follow the same common road rules as other destinations. It shouldn’t be too different to driving in the majority of European countries. The speed limit on Croatian motorways tends to be 130 km/h and 90 km/h for open roads. The inner-city speed limit is usually 50km/h. But keep your eyes peeled for any signs that say differently.
Keep in mind that it is mandatory to have winter tires or snow chains if you’re driving between the 15th of November and the 15th of April on all winter road sections. So if you’re travelling through Istria or Dalmatia, you’re fine without them, but everywhere else requires it. Headlights are also required between the 1st of November and the 31st of March.
You’ll find tolls on all multi-lane motorways in Croatia - those marked by an ‘A’, e.g. A1 or A6. These are easy to use, as you take a ticket from the tolbooth and then pay at the automatic toll booth cashier or with an operator.
Best motorhome destinations in Croatia
1. Plitvice Lakes
As mentioned previously, Plitvice Lakes National Park is simply a must-see for your time in Croatia. It’s comprised of sixteen interconnecting waterfalls, surrounded by incredible flora and fauna. There are boat tours and shuttle buses to take you around, but also wear some sturdy hiking boots as you’ll be walking a great distance.
We recommend taking at least two days at Plitvice so you’re not as rushed and can see everything there is to offer. It’s also a little out of the way, so this will ensure the journey was worth it. This is a popular tourist destination, so aim to come outside of peak season. The park is actually open all year round, and is a great destination for winter, with a nearby ski resort!
2. Dubrovnik
Another destination in Croatia that gets more than its fair share of visitors is Dubrovnik. Known as Croatia’s jewel, Dubrovnik is a beautiful city on the southern coast. It’s known for the distinctive Old Town, which is encircled with massive stone walls dating back to the 16th century. You might recognise it from the small screens, as it featured as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. But if you’re unfamiliar with this show, you’ll still love the Baroque architecture and gorgeous waterfront of Dubrovnik.
3. Istria
Perhaps one of the best-located destinations in Croatia, Istria had great transport connections, including flights to Pula and a port connection to Venice, so it’s well combined in a larger European trip.
Istria is lesser known than the other destinations on this list, and so you can explore the undiscovered secrets of this gorgeous region. From hilltop towns to fairytale villages, you’ll lose yourself easily in this serene area. If you plan your trip right, you might be here for the esteemed truffle festival in Buzet or the annual film festival in Motovun.
4. Zagreb
If you liked Prague, then you’re bound to love Zagreb! And if you didn’t? You’ll still adore Croatia’s northwestern capital city. Zagreb is distinguished from other Croatian towns by its 18th and 19th century Austro-Hungarian architecture. It’s the perfect city break, with great sights, plenty of galleries and museums, and various events happening. Zagreb is known for having a strong cup of coffee and delicious home-brewed beers. It also features great nightlife, attracting people from across the region.
Pick up your motorhome and head to Croatia for a road trip like no other! Travel the length of the country, or pick your favourite stops; either way, a Croatia motorhome holiday is the perfect way to explore this incredible destination. Prepare yourself for delicious food, mouthwatering refreshments and unbelievable sights!
