Croatia Road Trip: Coastal Drive to Dubrovnik

Croatia is an amazing summer destination, which is why we decided to explore it by campervan. We wanted to discover the Croatian coast, visit some islands, and see what this beautiful country had to offer! Along the way, we stopped in many different places, including Rijeka, Zadar, and Šibenik. Curious? Let our Croatian road trip inspire your next camping adventure.

Our Croatia Road Trip Itinerary

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Krk
Rab
Zadar
Šibenik
Makarska
Dubrovnik
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Zagreb

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee

Our journey to Croatia began in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee in Austria. With nearly 1707 kilometers and a pure driving time of 23 hours, we recommend this trip for at least 10 days. From Klagenfurt, through Ljubljana, to Rijeka, it was about a three-hour drive on the highway. After that, we drove over the Krk Bridge (Krčki most) to the first Croatian island.

Krk

Krk is the largest Croatian island and is also known as the "Sunny Island." It offers everything you could wish for on holiday: crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, Mediterranean vegetation, numerous sports activities, and charming villages. We spent two nights here at Camping Punta Jerta.

Croatia Road Trip: Activities on Krk

Krk is a dream destination for outdoor activities. The Adriatic Sea is perfect for water sports, with plenty of opportunities for diving, kitesurfing, surfing, and wakeboarding around the island. If you prefer something a bit more relaxed, book a panoramic boat trip and admire the beautiful island from the water. Hiking to Obzova, the island's highest peak at 568 meters, is a little insider tip.

Croatia Road Trip: Sights on Krk

Krk is one of Croatia's oldest inhabited places, so it's no surprise that a stroll through the historic city center reveals several sights from ancient and modern history. In Krk town, don't miss Kamplin Square. In the past, the square was the center of all events and happenings in the city. Kamplin Square is home to a medieval Frankopan Castle. A little further in the mountain town of Vrbnik, you'll find numerous wineries and local delicacies.

Rab

The island of Rab is another jewel in Croatia's crown. With its high mountains and deep bays, the landscape has a lot to offer. Imagine camping among olive trees and crystal-clear waters. If you're traveling to this untouched natural paradise by campervan, you should definitely try to snag a pitch right by the sea. We spent two nights at Camping Kamp Wodenča.

Croatia Road Trip: Activities on Rab

Rab is a great destination for outdoor activities. The island has a lot to offer, including windsurfing/kayaking courses and diving excursions to unique sunken ships. You can also explore the island by mountain bike or on foot. Kalifront is a nature-protected peninsula covered with holm oak and coniferous forests, making it an ideal area for biking and hiking. On the other side of the island, we hiked to the peak of Kamenjak. If you want a sweeping view of the island and the sea, the hike is definitely worth it.

Croatia Road Trip: Sights on Rab

The Church of St. Nicholas (Crkva sv. Nikola) is located on the north side of Cape Sorinj. The church's location right on the coast is very special.

Zadar

From Rab, we took the ferry from Misnjak (Rab) to Stinica (Senj). Before continuing our journey to Zadar, we stopped in Jablanac – a village on the Adriatic at the foot of Velebit. There, we took a day trip to Zavratnica Bay. After that, it only took us about two more hours along the coastal road to Zadar. For another two nights, we camped at Falkensteiner Premium Camping Zadar. The proximity to the sea and the additional wellness facilities were very relaxing.

Croatia Road Trip: Sights in Zadar

In the city of Zadar, you'll find numerous museums, art, and historic buildings. The Museum of Illusions, the History Museum, ornate churches, and the Sea Organ are just a small part of it. The Sea Organ is a large experimental musical instrument under a set of stairs, played by the sea waves. You have to hear it!

Šibenik

After leaving Zadar, we drove to the city of Šibenik. This medieval city is perched on a cliff and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town, with its narrow streets and many churches, is definitely worth a visit.

Croatia Road Trip: Sights in Šibenik

The sights in Šibenik are particularly characterized by masterpieces of Croatian architecture. The Cathedral of St. James is shaped by three different styles (Gothic, Renaissance, and Gothic-Renaissance). Besides the churches and cathedral, the fortresses are one of the main symbols of this city. We visited St. Michael's Fortress and were very impressed. The Šibenik Town Hall is not only one of the city's most important and beautiful cultural monuments, but also an excellent example of High Renaissance architecture.

Croatia Road Trip: Camping in Šibenik

After the impressive city trip, we stayed at Camping Zabalce for a few nights. Here too, we really enjoyed the proximity to the sea and the hospitality.

Makarska

After Šibenik, we drove to Makarska. The charming coastal town of Makarska is located in central Croatia on the southern shore of the beautiful Makarska Riviera, known for Croatia's most beautiful pebble beaches. Makarska lies at the foot of Biokovo, Croatia's highest mountain (1762 m), offering a magnificent viewpoint. In the evening, restaurants, taverns, and konobas along the promenade invite you to dine while watching the sea. Afterwards, you can take a romantic stroll along the beach promenade. In summer, the city center is often filled with music and events.

Croatia Road Trip: Camping in Makarska

We snagged a pitch right by the sea at Camp Makarska. It was an ideal base for beach days, and we could explore the surroundings by bike.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Croatia, if not all of Europe. This charming seaside city boasts beautiful beaches, a delightful historic center, and exciting activities. After Makarska, it took us about three hours by campervan to reach Dubrovnik. We spent the next few nights at Camping Kate.

Croatia Road Trip: Sights in Dubrovnik

Surrounded by impressive city walls and fortifications lies the Pearl of the Adriatic coast. Dubrovnik not only offers plenty of exhibitions and events for art enthusiasts, but also boasts fantastic beaches like Banje Beach, Buza Beach, and Sveti Jakov.

Croatia Road Trip: Activities in Dubrovnik

Whether it's a leisurely day in the coves or exciting leisure activities like diving excursions, hiking and boat tours, and events in the city center, your holiday in Dubrovnik will be unforgettable.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

After Dubrovnik, we started our journey back. We made a longer stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Amidst nature and far from the hustle and bustle, we camped at Camping Borje. The pitch was perfect for our day trips into the national park.

Make sure to allow plenty of time to explore and discover the National Park! With its diverse flora and fauna, the park is one of Croatia's most valuable areas. Many of the plants in the National Park are protected and on the IUCN's list of highly endangered plant species. Here you'll find not only an idyllic landscape but also a wide range of animals such as wolves, deer, wildcats, Eurasian lynx, and brown bears. The lakes in the park are rich in fish and amphibian species, and numerous bird species can be found in the forests.

Our Highlight in the National Park

There are a variety of hiking trails to visit the individual lakes and reach the viewing platforms. At the entrance to the National Park, you'll find restaurants and bistros with delicious meals and snacks. We particularly enjoyed the waterfalls Veliki Slap and Galovacki Buk. Between the lakes Jezero Gavanora and Jezero Kaluderovac lies the Supljara Cave.

Helpful Tips for the National Park

Collecting plants, feeding animals, and swimming in the lakes are prohibited. Make sure you don't leave your waste in the park and stay on the marked hiking trails. It's advisable to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Depending on the season you plan to visit, you should bring sun protection like sunscreen and a rain jacket. Before arriving at the park, check the official website for current conditions and weather.

Zagreb

After the National Park, we drove to our last stop before heading back to Austria. To round off our trip, we wanted to visit the capital of Croatia and enjoy ourselves.

Croatia Road Trip: Sights in Zagreb

Trg Ban Jelačić and the Lotrščak Tower are perfect places to start a sightseeing tour of Zagreb. The funicular, which conveniently transports visitors from the Lower Town to the Upper Town, ends right at this well-preserved relic of the old city walls. The Zagreb Cathedral is over a millennium old, and its towers can be seen from afar. The Church of the Assumption, with its four golden angels and the Marian column in the forecourt, is a national landmark and a famous postcard motif of Zagreb. The Art Pavilion in Zagreb is the only one of its kind in the city and also Croatia's oldest art museum. Behind its architecturally impressive facade lies contemporary art on a grand scale, with huge galleries specifically created for presenting large-format artworks.

Croatia Road Trip: Conclusion

We had a fantastic time on our trip to Croatia. The National Park and the city of Dubrovnik were definitely our highlights. Hospitality meets beautiful landscapes and delicious specialties. A camping trip through Croatia is particularly suitable for families with children, active holidaymakers, and those seeking relaxation. Secluded beaches, natural campsites, and the sea as far as the eye can see! We hope we've inspired you for your next camping trip and look forward to hearing about your experiences!