Motorhome Hire — Croatia

Croatia has emerged as one of the most exciting motorhome destinations in Europe. Its Adriatic coastline, stretching over 1,100 miles from the Istrian Peninsula in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, combines medieval walled cities, crystal-clear turquoise waters, pine-scented islands, and a Mediterranean climate that delivers reliable sunshine from May through October. Add outstanding national parks, a food and wine scene that is maturing rapidly, and prices that remain significantly lower than western Europe, and you have a destination that rewards the longer drive from our Pontefract depot many times over.

The journey from Yorkshire to Croatia is a genuine European road trip. The most practical route crosses the Channel (via the Hull to Rotterdam ferry or the Eurotunnel), then drives south through France, across the Alps, and into northern Italy before entering Croatia through the Istrian border crossing near Trieste. The total driving distance from Pontefract to the Croatian border is approximately 1,200 miles, and most motorhome travellers spread the journey over two or three days, overnighting at aires and stellplatze in France, Switzerland, or Austria along the way. An alternative route runs through Germany and Austria via Munich and the Karawanken Tunnel into Slovenia, entering Croatia from the north-east.

Istria, the heart-shaped peninsula in the north-west corner of Croatia, is the first region you encounter and an outstanding destination in its own right. Often described as the new Tuscany, Istria combines hilltop medieval towns, truffle-rich forests, excellent wine, and a coastline of rocky bays and clear water. Rovinj, with its colourful Venetian-influenced old town tumbling down a peninsula into the Adriatic, is one of the most photogenic towns in the Mediterranean. Pula, at the southern tip, boasts a magnificently preserved Roman amphitheatre that still hosts concerts and film screenings during the summer. Motovun, perched on a hilltop above the Mirna Valley, is the capital of Istrian truffle country and hosts an acclaimed film festival each July.

The Dalmatian Coast, running south from Zadar to Dubrovnik, is Croatia's showpiece. The coastline is deeply indented, with hundreds of islands scattered along its length and walled towns positioned at strategic points along the shore. Zadar, the gateway to the northern Dalmatian islands, has a beautifully restored old town, a Roman forum, and the Sea Organ - an architectural installation that uses wave action to produce haunting musical notes. Split, Croatia's second city, is built around and within the walls of Diocletian's Palace, a third-century Roman imperial residence that has evolved into a living city quarter of shops, restaurants, and apartments. The palace basement, the cathedral (originally Diocletian's mausoleum), and the Peristyle courtyard are all outstanding.

Dubrovnik, at the southern end of the Dalmatian Coast, is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. Its limestone walls, encircling the old town in an unbroken circuit of nearly two kilometres, can be walked in their entirety, offering views over terracotta rooftops, the harbour, and the island of Lokrum. The Stradun, the main street of polished limestone, runs through the heart of the old town past baroque churches, Gothic palaces, and the Rector's Palace. The city's fame was amplified by its use as a filming location for Game of Thrones, but Dubrovnik's beauty long predates television. Motorhome parking near the old city is available at designated areas along the coast road, with shuttle buses into the centre.

Croatia's national parks are among the finest in Europe. Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mountainous interior, consists of sixteen terraced lakes connected by waterfalls that cascade through a forested limestone canyon. The colour of the water - shifting between emerald green, deep blue, and pale turquoise depending on the mineral content and the angle of the light - is almost surreal. Boardwalks and paths wind through the park, and a full circuit takes around four to six hours. Krka National Park, near Sibenik on the Dalmatian Coast, offers a similar experience on a smaller scale, with the added bonus that swimming is permitted in the lower lakes.

The Croatian islands are a motorhome traveller's bonus. While you cannot take a motorhome to all of them, many are accessible by ferry from the mainland, and day trips by passenger ferry or catamaran open up dozens more. Hvar, famous for its lavender fields, Venetian architecture, and vibrant nightlife, is one of the most popular. Korcula, the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo, offers a beautiful walled old town and excellent wine from its surrounding vineyards. Brac, home to the stunning Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach near Bol, is reached by ferry from Split in under an hour.

Croatian food reflects the country's position at the crossroads of Central European and Mediterranean cuisines. Along the coast, grilled fish, octopus salad, black risotto made with cuttlefish ink, and fresh oysters from the Ston salt pans are the highlights. In Istria, truffles, olive oil, and Malvasia wine dominate the table. Inland, the influence shifts toward central European hearty fare - stews, roast meats, and freshwater fish from the rivers and lakes. Croatian wine, particularly the reds from the Peljesac Peninsula and the whites from Istria, is increasingly recognised internationally and represents outstanding value.

Campsites in Croatia are generally excellent, particularly along the coast. Many are large, well-equipped sites set among pine trees with direct access to beaches and the sea. Camping Stobrec near Split, Camping Porton Biondi in Rovinj, and Camping Solitudo near Dubrovnik are among the best-rated motorhome-friendly sites in the country. Prices are lower than in France or Italy, and the facilities - including swimming pools, restaurants, and waterfront pitches - are often exceptional.

Croatia is one of the longer drives from our Pontefract depot, but the combination of a stunning coastline, outstanding national parks, medieval cities, and Mediterranean warmth makes it a motorhome destination that fully justifies the journey. Allow at least two weeks to do it justice, and you will discover a country that offers everything the western Mediterranean does, at a fraction of the price and with far fewer crowds.