Camping in Croatia

Camping in Istria, Dalmatia and the Kvarner Gulf

Croatia is a true paradise for camping enthusiasts. A mild climate, beautiful landscapes and good Mediterranean cuisine make a holiday on a campsite an unforgettable experience. There are a good 500 campsites in Croatia - many of them are ideal for a beach holiday on dream beaches thanks to their fantastic location by the sea and are also very child-friendly. The best conditions for the perfect camping holiday with children.

Why go camping in Croatia?

Croatia is one of the most beautiful Mediterranean countries and has many faces: beaches with excellent water quality, ancient Roman sites in the hilly landscapes of Istria, sailing paradises in the Kvarner Gulf, marvellous islands and impressive nature experiences in the many national parks. This diversity makes Croatia a dream location for camping enthusiasts - regardless of whether you arrive in your own caravan or book a fully equipped mobile home. Especially nice: numerous family campsites with lots of privacy are not uncommon in Croatia. Children can play in climbing parks or in large swimming areas. In addition, some campsite operators have invested heavily in recent years to improve quality. Accordingly, Croatia's campsites are popular with German holidaymakers, whose numbers have been rising for years. Most recently, almost a third of all visitors to Croatia spent their holiday at a campsite.

The best camping regions in Croatia: Istria, Dalmatia and the Kvarner Gulf

Croatia has many charming places where you can pitch your tent. Pleasant temperatures, dreamlike landscapes and marvellous swimming opportunities in crystal-clear water and on clean beaches can be found on every corner. Here are some tips on the best places for a camping holiday in Croatia, including information on how to get there.

Istria

If you prefer a quicker journey, you should make a note of the north of the country on the Istrian peninsula or the beautiful Kvarner Bay with the islands of Krk, Cres or Losinj. The beautiful old towns of Rovinj and Pula and the wine-growing areas in the hinterland are particularly worth a visit.

Island of Krk

The island of Krk, which is connected to the mainland by a motorway bridge, is also easy to reach. It is just over 550 kilometres from Munich. Don't miss the spectacular karst landscape of the Plitvice Lakes - the oldest national park in southern Europe. These beautiful turquoise-green lakes flow in several cascades through the mountains and offer an impressive natural spectacle. No wonder Pierre Brice and the crew of the Winnetou films chose this place for its breathtaking beauty.

Dalmatia

A little further away, but still easily accessible by motorway, is Dalmatia in southern Croatia. The landscape is criss-crossed by rugged mountain ridges and attracts nature lovers with spectacular national parks and the charming towns of Dubrovnik and Trogir - both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Krka waterfalls, which plunge over 46 metres into the depths, are an exciting destination for an annual holiday. Hikers and climbing enthusiasts should definitely take a trip to the spectacular canyons in Paklenica National Park near Zadar.

Where can you find campsites in Croatia?

For some scenic and cultural gems, a trip inland is definitely worthwhile. In general, however, overnight accommodation for tent and caravan holidaymakers in the hinterland is rather scarce. Most of Croatia's family campsites are located along the Mediterranean coast and are often in close proximity to the beaches. Holidaymakers will find an even wider selection there. There are options from Umag across the Slovenian border to the Pelješac peninsula at the southern end of Croatia. Camping has been a tradition in Croatia since the 1960s - the facilities at the campsites are now of course much more comfortable. The ADAC gives seven campsites in Croatia the highest rating. A touch of luxury wafts over the facilities here. The ADAC camping guide lists a further 50 as a tip for annual holidays.

Wild camping, four-legged friends and naturism

Anyone camping in Croatia should be aware of some local peculiarities. Here are some useful insider tips:

Not everything is perfect

Especially in the high season, it is not uncommon for campers to complain about difficult conditions at campsites in Croatia, such as bottlenecks in the hot water supply, opaque pricing and difficult-to-understand pitch allocations.

Early booking

A reservation is by no means a guarantee for the pitch you have booked. However, if you don't make a reservation in the high season in July and August, it will be difficult to get a pitch at all. Booking through Pincamp is definitely worthwhile to secure accommodation or a pitch on the dream beaches.

Nudism has a long tradition in Croatia

Fans of naturism have long favoured Croatia as a holiday destination. Nudism has been permitted in the country since 1953. Today, Croatia is the third-largest provider of naturist campsites in Europe - an estimated 15% of all holidaymakers go naturist.

No wild camping

Wild camping is strictly forbidden in Croatia and is not tolerated. If you are caught, you will be fined heavily.

No fires allowed

It is forbidden to simply light a fire in the open air on campsites. Instead, you should use the designated barbecue areas and fire pits. On some campsites, barbecues are only permitted with gas or electricity.

Dogs are allowed

Four-legged friends are welcome guests at most campsites. However, you must have the electronic chip and the blue EU pet passport with you in Croatia. It is not permitted to bring in wet food.

Something for every taste

The campsites in Croatia have different categories and, depending on the facilities, are quite comfortable with electricity, sewage and water connections, laundry facilities and some even have their own entertainment programme. Wi-Fi is available at many campsites and the tap water is drinkable throughout Croatia.

Can you camp on a sandy beach in Croatia?

If you like walking barefoot along the beach or building sandcastles, Croatia might not be the best holiday destination for you. Almost the entire coast consists of rocky and pebbly beaches. Also typical are the frequently concreted entrances to the beach or concrete sunbathing areas by the sea. The fact that there are only a few sandy beaches is certainly a disadvantage. However, when camping in Croatia, families will find a water quality that is otherwise rarely found around the Adriatic. Almost 100 beaches have been awarded the internationally recognised "Blue Flag" eco-label. What's more, you can do more than just swim in the sea: The clear, deep blue seawater makes the region an absolute sailing hotspot; the Kornati National Park around Croatia's largest and densest group of islands, for example, is a popular destination for sailing trips and diving excursions. Many of Croatia's campsite operators have also adapted to this. Many camps now have a well-developed infrastructure, such as boat slipways, cranes or jetties with moorings for inflatable boats, yachts, dinghies and motorboats. Many places also offer boats for hire as well as diving courses and equipment.

Who are the campsites in Croatia suitable for?

The operators of campsites in Croatia know that they have to offer their guests something. That is why they are generally characterised by a high willingness to invest. This also attracts new target groups: Those who are still a little unfamiliar with camping holidays and do not have their own camping equipment can, for example, settle down in a mobile home or other accommodation.

The number of rental accommodations has steadily increased in recent years and in many places they are state of the art. Families who want to go one step further can treat themselves to the luxurious glamping option. Camping in Croatia now also has a lot to offer in this segment, such as lovingly furnished safari tents with a view of the sea and their own jacuzzi.

But the operators have not forgotten their regular customers either. There are large play and bathing areas almost everywhere on the family campsites. Naturist holidaymakers will also find a wide range of campsites in Croatia- as they have for decades.

Culinary insider tips for a camping holiday in Croatia

Croatia spoils its guests with a wide range of Mediterranean delicacies. In the small restaurants, known as konobas, there are many delicious local specialities. Our favourites include:

• Baked fish in a salt and bread crust
• Grilled lamb platters
• Dalmatian ham
• Frittate - omelettes topped with all kinds of regional ingredients

Depending on the time of year, camping holidaymakers in Croatia can enjoy seasonal cuisine. In spring, wild green asparagus grows in many regions, while in late autumn, the excellent white truffle is served, especially in Istria. Croatia now also has a considerable number of wine-growing regions and excellent winemakers who know their trade in both red and white wine.

Croatian olive oil is also known beyond the country's borders for its high quality. The culinary diversity of the dishes and the quality of the products are also reflected in the ADAC camping guide ratings. In general, the gastronomic offerings at Croatian campsites are above average.

The 3 top sights in Croatia

Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and Austrians: many cultures have left their mark on Croatia's history. Accordingly, the country not only has a breathtaking landscape to offer, from the mountains to the coast. Culture lovers will also get their money's worth on a camping holiday in Croatia. Here are three timeless cities that are always worth a visit as excursion tips:

Motovun

From the walkable city wall in the fortified town in Istria, visitors have a fantastic view over the numerous olive trees and the valley of the river Mirna.

Trogir

Around 25 kilometres west of Split lies the picturesque town on a small Adriatic island. The town's most important church, the Katedrala Sveti Lovro, has been under construction for almost 500 years.

Dubrovnik

In the south of Croatia, the thick city walls enclose the old town, which is situated on a rock and surrounded by the sea on three sides. With its 15 defence towers, four forts and three gates, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Camping and festivals in Croatia all year round

Anyone who likes to combine culinary delights with culture on a camping holiday is in good hands in Croatia. Various wine festivals, truffle days in autumn or the Night of the Scallop: the extensive culinary offer is seasonally framed with various festivities.

Croatia can also look back on a rich folkloristic and musical tradition. Festive processions in traditional costumes and colourful carnival parades make camping in Croatia a very special experience. The sword dances Moreška, Kumpanija and Mustra, for example, which date back to the time of the Turkish wars and are performed on the southern Dalmatian island of Korcula, are well worth seeing.

Get the ADAC CampCard and take advantage of many benefits when camping in Croatia And one last tip at the end: with the ADAC CampCard, you receive discounts on rental accommodation or the low price in the low season at many of Croatia's campsites.