Looking for a change of scenery for your summer holidays? Head for Eastern Europe and discover Croatia by motorhome! Idyllic beaches and islands, national parks, lakes and historic heritage, Croatia is definitely a top destination for couples, singles, friends and families alike!
Why visit Croatia by motorhome?
Travelling by motorhome gives you a great deal of freedom to organise your journeys as you want. However, planning a trip in a country as far as Croatia will require a certain amount of organisation, so that you can spread your driving time out and make the most of your trip.
Travelling by motorhome in Croatia will give you the advantage of a real local experience, in complete autonomy, as you’ll be using roads that are rarely or never used by tourists.
Travelling by motorhome in Croatia will allow you to :
- See exceptional landscapes. Croatia has a lot to offer in terms of scenery with its eight national parks and eleven natural parks.
- Discover a country where the influence of many cultures (Roman, Greek, Ottoman, Hungarian, etc.) has created a unique cultural heritage! You’ll have the chance to discover many architectural gems on your strolls through Radar, Salit or Trogir, for example.
- Enjoy a warm sea with crystal-clear waters. Croatia has more than 1,000 islands and islets, each more sensational than the last!
When should you travel to Croatia by motorhome?
Croatia has a Mediterranean climate along its coastline and a continental climate inland. The best time to travel is between May and September, when the sun shines brightest! You can also plan your motorhome trip in autumn or spring, if you want to avoid the crowds.
Driving rules in Croatia
A few basic rules
- Wild camping is strictly prohibited in Croatia. Checks are frequent, particularly in tourist areas. Be aware that wild camping is punishable by a heavy fine between €1,000 and €7,500!
- If you are staying with a private individual, you must report this to the police. This practice has been introduced to prevent wild camping.
- Some Croatian roads are not suitable for large vehicles such as motorhomes, so don’t hesitate to check the recommendations and comments of CaraMaps travelers community for the places you want to visit!
- Parking spaces are usually subject to a charge.
- There aren’t many service areas for motorhomes in Croatia! So you’ll have to head for campsites to have your grey and black water tank emptied.
- Finally, there are still areas in Croatia where anti-personnel mines are present. Be careful if you are travelling in the interior of the country, as these are not necessarily signposted. Don’t venture near destroyed or abandoned houses, and make sure you ask the locals about them to avoid any risk!
- Before choosing a campsite, check that it accepts motorhomes, as this is not always the case!
Speed limits
Speed limits for motor caravans under 3.5 tonnes are similar to those for cars:
- 50 km/h in urban areas
- 90 km/h outside urban areas
- 110 km/h on expressways
- 130 km/h on highways
But be careful! There are different limits for drivers under 25:
- 80 km/h outside urban areas
- 100 km/h on expressways
- 120 km/h on highways
Must-see places in Croatia
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s largest and most visited cities and is a true open-air museum. Founded in the 7th century, it has retained the traces of its past in its atypical architecture over the years. Every year, it welcomes thousands of tourists who come to admire its famous ramparts, monasteries, Assumption Cathedral and heavenly islands!
🚐📍 During your visit to Dubrovnik, we recommend staying at Solitudo Sunny Camping, ideally located near the city and close to the beach.
Split
Situated in the heart of central Dalmatia, Split, just like Dubrovnik, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its rich history and culture. Are you a fan of fantasy series? You’ll be pleased to know that season 5 of Game of Thrones was filmed in Split, and that you can visit Diocletian’s palace and its alleyways, which were used as filming locations. Be sure to also visit Split’s St Dominius Cathedral or take a stroll along the Riva.
🚐📍 Just passing through Split? You can park your motorhome at Parking Split. Don’t also miss the Myoso’s spot to admire some superb sunsets over the sea!
Zadar
A small port town on the Dalmatian coast north of Split, Zadar is a little paradise steeped in history, with its old town and fortifications. Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic centre, visit the Roman forum or stroll along the promenade facing the archipelago. Less touristic than Dubrovnik and Split, it is nonetheless interesting and will allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of Croatian culture during your trip to Croatia by motorhome!
🚐📍 For your trip to Zadar, we recommend you the Kamp Marni private area, where you’ll have access to all the services you need.
Rovinj
Located on the Istrian peninsula, Rovinj is a peninsula not to be missed on your motorhome holiday in Croatia. Its Venetian architecture, harbour and colourful houses have made Rovinj the “Pearl of Istria”, and a true romantic place.
🚐📍 Fancy discovering the charming Rovinj peninsula? Head to Camping Porton Biondi, rated 5 stars by the CaraMaps community!
Krka National Park
Croatia is famous for its heavenly beaches, but that’s not all! It’s home to a number of national parks, including Krka, where you’ll discover lush green countryside, waterfalls and natural pools! Perfect for recharging your batteries!
🚐📍There’s a lot of campsites around Krka National Park! We suggest staying at Camp Krka, which was awarded the CaraMaps label in 2022.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
If there’s one national park in Croatia that’s not to be missed, it’s Plitvice Lakes! Situated inland between Zadar and Zagreb, this national park is home to 16 lakes, each of which flows into the next via waterfalls. There are 92 waterfalls in the park! The park is fee-paying and offers a wide range of walks. You can find more information on its website!
🚐📍 Don’t hesitate to stay at the Jezerce private area, located in the heart of nature and with many services available!
Zagreb
The capital of Croatia, Zagreb is a cosmopolitan city well worth a visit if you’re travelling in Croatia in a motorhome. Its historic centre has many places of tourist interest, and its Austro-Hungarian architecture is sure to delight you! Don’t miss Jelacic Square, the Lotrščak Tower, the famous Zagreb Cathedral or Strossmartre, the Montmartre of Zagreb!
🚐📍After a day of sightseeing, relax at Zagreb parking!
Krk Island
Are you dreaming of swimming in turquoise waters while enjoying historical visits? Then head for the island of Krk (pronounced “keurk”), where you’re sure to have an exceptional time! The island is linked to the mainland by a road, which is handy if you’re travelling by motorhome. Once there, be sure to visit the town of Krk, take a stroll in Baška, or enjoy the magnificent beaches!
🚐📍You’ll find plenty of campsites on the island of Krk. We recommend Aminess Atea Camping Resort, which has been certified by CaraMaps three years in a row, or Camping Bor, located in Krk.
Makarska
Less known than Split or Dubrovnik, Makarska has everything you could wish for if you’re looking for crystal-clear beaches in a picture-postcard setting. The town lies at the foot of the Biokovo nature park and its mountain ranges. It’s the perfect destination for a lazy holiday!
🚐📍 Take a break at Parking Sumica – Makarska Beach, which boasts a breathtaking view over the bay!
Brač Island
Located just opposite Makarska, Brač island is a perfect option to travel in Croatia by motorhome! The island is known for its beautiful beaches and coves. Once there, you can go to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Zlatni Rat, access the Vidova Gora peak which offers a magnificent panorama of the Adriatic, or go to the Blaca desert.
🚐📍Don’t hesitate to visit the Selca Parking or the Idoia Spot, both of which are located right next to the sea!
🤩 Check out our special itinerary for your motorhome trip to Croatia right here!
As well as our special itinerary, find out about other itineraries shared by the community for this country, such as «Discover the South-East of Croatia», «The beautiful Croatian coast» and others!
Did you like the experience of your touring trip offered by CaraMaps and the advice from the community? Share your best anecdotes and travel photos with the 100% collaborative CaraMaps application. ☺️
Follow us also on our Instagram page @caramaps where you’ll discover some incredible spots, and on our Facebook page where you’ll find new areas, new itineraries and news from the motorhome world every day!
Check out also our other blog articles «TOP 3 best destinations to see flowers by motorhome 🚐🌸», «The best places for wild camping in Spain!» and others!
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Don’t forget the police in Croatia are totally corrupt, they will fine you for any small incident to line their own pockets.