Vacations in Croatia – Croatia is one of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in Europe.
In addition to the many historical sights and the idyllic coastal towns, which convey a flair of medieval beauty, the Croatian beaches are a real vacation highlight.
White pebble bays and secluded rocky coves can be found along the endless coastline.
Croatia has something to offer for every vacationer.
But you can make many wonderful memories in Croatia, especially when camping.
In addition to historical sights, Croatia impresses with its beautiful beaches and unique natural landscapes, which are reflected in the many national and nature parks.
Croatia’s diversity impresses nature and sports lovers, sun worshippers, partygoers and culture vultures.
Here we show you the top travel destinations for you, your family and your roof tent or camper.
Camping Ratgeber:
Camping in Croatia: sea, culture & national parks
Croatia welcomes more than 1.5 million German tourists every year.
It is a paradise for families, couples and singles.
Fantastic beaches with clear azure waters, ancient Roman buildings and breathtaking nature await you!
Whether it’s an adventure vacation, pure relaxation on the beach or sightseeing, you can experience it all in Croatia.
In between, take a short lunch break with traditional dishes such as cevapcici and then party on the festival beach of Zrće in the evening.
When camping in Croatia, you will experience beauty, hospitality and naturalness.
Fascinating landscapes, beautiful beaches and intoxicating cities are waiting to be discovered in Croatia.
Camping diversity in Croatia: adventure, relaxation & sightseeing
For these reasons, a camping vacation in Croatia is worthwhile:
- Fantastic beaches with azure blue water
- Ancient Roman buildings & breathtaking nature
- Adventure, relaxation or sightseeing possible
- Traditional dishes such as cevapcici during the lunch break
- Evening party on the festival beach in Zrće
Tip!
So that you can see more than just one place in the country and travel back and forth comfortably, we recommend that you choose a flexible travel option.
One option is a roof tent.
The good thing about a roof tent is that it is attached to the roof of your car and you can easily fold it up again.
Then you can visit your next destination and simply fold the roof tent up again.
Want to know more about roof tents?
Then take a look here:
Discover Croatia: Location on the map
The Republic of Croatia is located in the northwest of the Balkan Peninsula and borders Slovenia to the north, Hungary, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east and Montenegro to the south.
The Adriatic coast stretches along the western side of the country.
The white beaches of the Adriatic continue along the Slovenian coast all the way to Italy.
There are many picturesque islands on the Croatian side of the Adriatic, the largest of which is the island of Krk.
Here you can see Croatia on the map so that you can assess the country’s location in Europe: To help you get your bearings, you can see the country and its many islands up close here:
Natural paradise Croatia: video journey through the countryside
A hike through the Croatian countryside offers lush green forests, turquoise waters and breathtaking waterfalls.
Or you can take a trip to an island and explore one of the picturesque coastal towns.
You can get an even better impression of Croatia’s beauty in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSsqzzuGTPo
Top 6 vacation destinations in Croatia + 1 insider tip
Croatia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries.
A country known above all for its beautiful beaches has a lot to offer.
Whether it’s Makarska beach or the secret little beach of Stiniva, you’ll definitely get that Maldives feeling here!
These transitions from turquoise to azure blue water can only be experienced here!
Another tip is the beautiful Zlatni Rat beach in Brac.
The kilometer-long coastline has a lot of beautiful destinations.
Depending on your taste, it is also important whether you want to enjoy a beach vacation, explore the culture and history or visit impressive natural beauties.
Of course, you can also take a trip to the impressive waterfalls of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Or you can visit one of the islands, such as Krk or Istria.
In addition to nature experiences, you can also include short city tours.
You are spoiled for choice between beautiful inland cities or coastal towns such as Split.
- Beaches of Makarska
- Zlatni Rat beach
- Insider tip: Stiniva beach
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Island of Krk
- Istria peninsula
- City of Split
Natural idyll on the Adriatic: Makarska Riviera
The Makarska Riviera is home to a multitude of beaches, many of which are surrounded by picturesque cliffs and lush green forests.
The shady canopy of trees not only provides a pleasant coolness, but also creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
The combination of secluded bays, shady stretches of forest and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable vacation memories and impressive vacation pictures.
Simply relaxed and breathtaking at the same time – that’s the Makarska Riviera:
- Combination of secluded bays, forests & sea
- Variety of beautiful beaches along the coast
- Relaxing or swimming?
Both are possible here! - The perfect backdrop for unforgettable vacation memories
Beautiful blue water – you can take a look at one of the beaches here: Spoilt for choice – there are several beaches on the Makarska Riviera.
To help you decide, here are our top 3:
- Punta rata beach
- Nugal beach
- Vruja beach
Zlatni Rat beach on the island: sunny relaxation
Zlatni Rat beach, also known as the Golden Horn, is located on the island of Brac and is a spacious pebble beach that is particularly popular with families and children.
Here, parents can relax in sunshades while the little ones frolic in the refreshing water.
A picturesque forest stretches along the path to the beach, which not only provides shade but also creates a pleasant atmosphere.
A mountain with pine forests rises nearby, offering ideal conditions for hikes and breathtaking views.
These are the things you can look forward to at Zlatni Rat beach:
- Extensive pebble beach, particularly popular with families and children
- Picturesque forest along the path to the beach for shade
- Nearby is a mountain with a pine forest for hiking
Beautiful blue water and mountains – that’s how beautiful it is on Zlatni Rat beach:
Insider tip: the hidden beach of Stiniva
The bay of Stiniva on the island of Vis hides a picturesque beach surrounded by high cliffs.
These cliffs form a kind of gateway as they become narrower towards the sea.
The beach offers ideal conditions for relaxing swimming and snorkeling in a natural environment.
Due to the sheltered location of the bay, the beach is not suitable for traditional water sports activities, but this contributes to a particularly relaxed atmosphere on the beach.
Here you can enjoy nature undisturbed and simply relax on the beach.
You can experience these things at our insider tip:
- Bay on Vis: Hidden beach
- High cliffs surround the beach
- Relaxing swimming & snorkeling
- Relaxed atmosphere on the beach
And that’s how beautiful it is at the hidden bay:
Plitvice Lakes National Park: summer & winter paradise
The forest reserve in the center of Croatia is home to a national park known for its 16 impressive waterfalls.
Here, well-maintained hiking trails provide the perfect backdrop for extensive hikes and relaxing walks.
The idyllic surroundings are particularly suitable for children, who can learn about nature through play.
A picnic on the Kozjačka Draga meadow rounds off the nature experience.
But this area is not only a highlight in summer – it also transforms into a wonderful destination in winter.
These things await you in Plitvice Lakes National Park:
- Protected forest area in the center of Croatia
- Known for 16 impressive waterfalls
- Well laid out hiking trails for the family
- Opportunity for children to learn about nature
- Picnic on the meadow at Kozjačka Draga
- Year-round highlight: a destination in winter
You can see beautiful waterfalls like this one in the national park:
Krk: natural wonders on the multifaceted island
The island of Krk is a diverse island that offers a variety of attractions and experiences, whether you like culture, nature or cheerful tourist spots: thousand-year-old towns, small rural villages, well-equipped city beaches, secluded bathing bays, lively bars and clubs and small and quiet restaurants and cafés.
You should definitely see the waterfall in Krk!
The Skradinski Buk waterfall is located in the south of the Krka National Park, near the traditional water mills.
These are the things you can look forward to during a visit to Krk:
- Culture, nature & lively tourist destinations combined
- Explore towns & small rural villages
- Enjoy city beaches & natural bays
- Quiet restaurants & cafés for cozy hours
- Skradinski Buk waterfall, near old water mills
To help you find your way around, you can take a look at the map of Krk here:
Istrian peninsula: Amphitheater & sea view
Istria offers many beautiful places, but we would particularly like to recommend Pula.
Situated below seven hills and overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Pula’s unspoiled nature is magical.
In addition to the mild climate and the beautiful sea, the city is known for one thing in particular: its magnificent amphitheater.
Built between 27 BC and 68 AD, it is the only Roman amphitheater in the world with a complete circular wall and one of Croatia’s architectural gems.
These experiences await you in Istria:
- Mild climate and beautiful sea in the region
- Many beautiful places, Pula especially recommended
- Pula is known for its magnificent amphitheater
Not the Colosseum in Rome, but still beautiful:
Split: Largest city on the Adriatic coast
Split is the largest city on the Adriatic coast.
From climbing, sailing, kayaking and white water rafting to hiking, horse riding and cycling.
In Split you can enjoy an active adventure vacation.
Want to experience history?
Split has been under Roman, Venetian, Austrian, French, Italian and Yugoslavian control.
That’s why you’ll find evidence of these cultures here, such as the synagogue and Diocletian’s Palace.
It’s so beautiful, scenes for Game of Thrones were even filmed there.
These are the things you can do on Split:
- Climbing, sailing & kayaking
- White water rafting & hiking
- Riding & Cycling
- Historical diversity: Synagogue & Diocletian’s Palace
Picturesque harbor – visit Split:
Carefree through Croatia: camping with a roof tent & nature
As you have now seen, camping is a wonderful option for experiencing the beautiful sights and highlights of Croatia in the best possible way.
With a roof tent on your car, you can travel flexibly, plan your route individually and make spontaneous decisions every day.
Camping allows you to enjoy the Croatian atmosphere in the countryside well into the evening hours and share carefree, unforgettable moments with your loved ones.
And it’s much cheaper than a hotel!
Advantages of a camping vacation:
- Flexible travel arrangements
- Free & spontaneous day planning
- Strong connection to nature
- Unforgettable time with family
- Cost-effective travel option
Learn more?
Camping beginners!
Packing list for camping: checklist, tips & suggestions
Nowadays, most people no longer go camping with just the bare essentials.
Instead, it can be a little more luxurious.
Instead of a 2-person tent, it is more comfortable to travel in a comfortable roof tent and important outdoor equipment such as chairs, a table and loungers are also a must on the campsite.
Is tidiness the be-all and end-all for you?
There is also a practical solution for this when camping!
So here’s a checklist to help you take all the essentials with you on your camping vacation and make the most of your time.
- Accommodation: tent trailer or roof tent
- The basics: sleeping bag, mattress & rucksack
- Outdoor furniture: table, chairs & loungers
- Cupboards & boxes: For tidiness when camping
Weather: Europe’s sunniest coast
With the sunniest coastline in Europe, Croatia is an outstanding travel destination.
With an impressive 2,600 hours of sunshine per year and average temperatures of almost 30 °C in July, it is a paradise for sun worshippers, especially in summer.
Water temperatures peak in August at an average of 24 °C, making Croatian beaches the perfect place for a refreshing swim.
For winter sports enthusiasts, on the other hand, the coldest month is January, with average temperatures of around 10 °C.
Temperatures at a glance:
- Highest average temperature: 30 °C in July
- Lowest average temperature: 10 °C in January
- Water highest average temperature: 24 °C in August
- Ø hours of sunshine: 2,600 h per year
On this map you can see the weather in the individual regions of Croatia up to three days in advance:
Reading tip: Stopover in Austria
If you travel to Croatia by car, you will usually pass through Austria.
Austria will captivate you with its breathtaking natural landscapes for hiking, walking and cycling.
Here you will experience a perfect mix of impressive nature and exciting culture – an absolute must for your stopovers!
Find out everything you need to know for a stopover in Austria here: