RV RENTAL CROATIA

Croatia is a year-round vacation destination offering a fabulous mix of West and East, sea and mountain, beach and forest, art and wildlife, cosmopolitan and provincial, decadence and reserve, adrenaline and relaxation, the ancient the old and the new. As you may know, Game of Thrones was filmed all over Croatia. Croatia is a camping road trip paradise. It's also the perfect doorway to the vast and untapped treasures of Central and Eastern Europe (e.g. Venice and Trieste, Italy, and Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece). One way RV rentals are available from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar or Rijeka but not in the reverse direction.

Free camping (wild camping, boondocking) is illegal in Croatia. Yet there are countless proper RV parking spots and lots, free of charge or for hire, where you can spend a night in your rental motorhome or campervan. Moreover there are dozens of outstanding RV campgrounds to choose from. Indeed Croatia is renowned for having some of the finest campsites in Europe. Camping has always been exceptionally popular here. Millions visit each year, so a solid camping accommodation infrastructure exists to meet demand. From mini-campsites to the larger holiday parks, you can enjoy a Croatia holiday home on wheels both in summer and in winter.

The capital Zagreb pulses with culture. Austro-Hungarian architecture graces the streets, cafes and clubs. Galleries and museums abound, including the Mimara Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Broken Relationships. Yes indeed. Just north of town, on Mount Medvednica, salubrious hiking, biking and skiing go a ways toward mending any broken heart. Christmastime is truly magical in Zagreb, a festival of light and ice and featuring one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. On one evening hundreds of people gather in front of the National Library to launch floating lanterns representing wishes and hopes for the coming year.

Jarun Lake, within Zagreb itself, is a multipurpose recreational center featuring an artificial lake two kilometers long and surrounded by bicycle trails, a promenade, forests and parks. Take a stroll around the blue lake, spot the minibar facilities by the beach and enjoy the outdoor shower and scenic view at the best spot for van camping in Zagreb! Jaurn is a great place to camp/park after picking up your camper van hire, or to enjoy a day before returning the RV to the motorhome rental depot. There are two parking lots where you can stay in your RV overnight.

Just a half hour's drive west of Zagreb yet surprisingly off the beaten path is Zumberak and Samoborsko, a hilly, mountainous area home to Greek Orthodox communities and a provincial feel reminescent of the Massif Centrale of France and the Highlands of Scotland. Here you will feel more traveler than tourist — and time traveler, at that. This sparsely populated area of Croatia is dotted with hamlets and villages connected by a harmonious mosaic of farmland, pasture, meadow and forest altogether supporting an extremely rich flora and fauna. Hikers and nature lovers will feel oddly at home. Old hill-forts and feudal castles add to the charm and mystery. You can climb to the highest peak, Sveta Gera (1178 m) on the border with Slovenia.

A short drive south brings you to the famed seaside resort town of Opatija, gateway both to Istria and to the Kvarner Islands of Krk, Cres, Losinj and Rab. Often called "Vienna by the Sea", Opatija is an old-school resort town of cafes, restaurants, grand antique hotels, beaches and 19th-century architecture. The Ucka mountain plateau rises behind the town. The unique climate of the plateau has resulted in lush forest vegetation of oak and beech, alpine meadows, bellflowers and orchids and an array of rare and protected plant and animal species, earning the place the status of Nature Preserve (Prirode). The hiking, mountain biking and climbing are terrific. The peak of Vojak bears a stone tower from which you can enjoy a tremendous view of the Kvarner islands, Istria and beyond even to Trieste. The jagged karst limestone canyon Vela Draga includes 62 different climbing tracks.

Istria is the famed peninsula west of Zabreb, directly below Trieste, Italy. The most visited region of Croatia, Istria is home to the charming coastal towns towns of Porec, Rovinj and Pula. This part of Croatia offers the best food and wine, lovely landscapes for hiking, outstanding cycling opportunities, hilltop villages, and many cultural and historical sites. Here you can participate in the famous wine festival Vinistra, where cheese, olive oil, honey and other local delicacies are celebrated and consumed.

Walled Porec dates to ancient Roman times. Enjoy one of the amazing RV camping parks nearby. We recommend Camping Bijela Uvala, Camping Zelena Laguna, and Camping Lanterna (the biggest campground in Croatia). See www.istracamping.com and camping-adriatic.com. Rovinj's magnificent circular old town is a virtural island hill town in the harbor. Pula is known for world class concerts and music festivals, affordable cuisine (heavily influenced by Italy), cathedrals, and the most complete, and sixth largest, ancient Roman Colosseum in the world. Built in the 1st century A.D., this colosseum is the only remaining Roman amphitheater to have a four-sided tower. Pop out to Brijuni Island national park, swim at Cape Kamenjak, explore Romuald or Baredine Cave, boat up the Lim Fjord (not really a fjord but a "ria"). Visit Groznjan, "town of artists", the forgotten town of Zavrsje, or the spiral shaped hill town Motovun (a Motorvana fav!) and perhaps in late July or early August its Film Festival — one of the most popular cultural events in Croatia and the best known film festival of Southeastern Europe, devoted to international independent films.

The island of Krk is one of Croatia's most alluring destinations. Now accessible both by bridge and by ferry, Krk since ancient times has been known as Insula Aurea, the "Golden Island", owing to its great beaches, sunsets, wine and olive oil. You'll here find cycling and hiking paths, mud baths, ancient vilages, Habsburg-era buildings, quaint taverns — and excellent local seafood, cheeses, cured ham, and lamb. The scuba diving and sailing are excellent as well. Camp with your motorhome at seaside Jezevac Premium Camping Resort and enjoy its outdoor infinity pool, restaurants, bars, music and recreational programs; we think it's the best RV campground in Croatia (and maybe all of Europe).

Rugged Cres is the Adriatic's second largest island, after Krk. Forests of oak, elm and chestnut blanket the north, pine and pasture the south, and medieval hilltop towns bejewel the cliff-bound plenum. Two ornithological reserves on the east side of Cres allow the endangered, griffon vulture — one of the largest flying birds in the world, and straight out of a myth — to breed in peace and nest in the cliffs. The island is known for outdoor classical music concerts. The town of Osor perfectly hosts a classical music festival each summer.

The Croatian Adriatic Highway from Opatija to Dubrovnik is a mountainous road, largely along the incredible coast of Dalmatia. The course is often breathtakingly high. It's great for motorhomes, but take turns driving so each person can indulge in the views without plunging into the sea.

East of Opatija, some 20 km up in the mainland mountains, lies forested Risnjak National Park with its meadows and streams. Activities there include fishing, biking, trekking and mountain climbing.

Southward, on the rocky Pag peninsula, Zrce Beach at Novalja, the "Croatian Ibiza", pounds with music and dancing day and night. Quieter Pag town nearby is good for shopping and sightseeing. The peninsula is well known for its cheeses, lamb and wines.

We've already noted several festivals. The festival scene overall in Croatia has really taken off in recent years. Consider the Outlook Festival in Pula, the Hideout Festival in Novalja, Soundwave near Tisno, and the FOR Festival in Hvar Town, Hvar Island. International RV and motorhome rental tourists are welcome at these festivals, but book your tickets early.

Located inland in the most mountainous region of Croatia is famed Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's oldest and largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Truly exceptional Remarkably beautiful cascades connect the parks sixteen turqoise lakes. Park your motorhome for there for the day and take to the multitude of hiking routes giving you complete access to the park.

From Zadar you can take the ferry to Dugi Otok, the "Long Island", truly splendiferous place off the beaten path. Even in summer it's peaceful and quiet here. The greatest attraction is the otherworldly Telascica Nature Park with its saltwater Lake Mir suspended by towering white cliffs above the relatively dark blue sea.

Drive along the mainland coast of Dalmatia toward Split to enjoy the renaissance atmosphere in Sibenik. Visit Trogir's beautiful St. Dominic's monastery and St. James Cathedral as well as the small fisherman's port.

Turning inland again, you'll discover Krka National Park with its magnificent waterfalls. You can't miss Skradinski Buk, one of the longest waterfalls on the Krka River. Boat out to Visovac Monastery, a 15th century church located on an island in the midst of the river.

Outside Split visit Fort Klis, a 7th century medieval fortress and Diocletian's Palace.

Enjoy the Makarska Riviera as you continue south. Stretching some 60 km along the central Adriatic, in the heart of Dalmatia, this is one the most beautiful parts of the Adriatic coast. Several very pretty towns — chief among them Makarska itself — are the jewels in this crown.

Don't overlook the isle of Brac, accessible by ferry from Split or Makarska. Here you'll find great sea kayaking and ocean fishing. Brac is also known for its festivals, its hiking and its amazing V-shaped beach Zlatni Rat ("Golden Horn"). The higest island peak in Croatia is here, Vidova Gora.

During the summer and shoulder seasons you can island hop by ferry to nearby Hvar island — known for luxury, cocktail bars, and clubs — then to laid back Vis. In the winter these islands are accessible only from Split. Hvar is where Prince Harry solidified his party boy reputation and where celebrities from George Clooney to Beyonce and Jay-Z have chosen to vacation. Boat excursions from Hvar serve the nearby Pakleni Islands, which offer especially secluded beaches and coves. Vis is the Croatian island most distant from the mainland and the least developed. She boasts some of the best beaches in the country and fabulous fresh seafood and local wines.

Before you reach Dubrovnik consider getting away from it all on the island of Mljet. Legend says Odysseus did — for seven years. The Odysseus Cave is a large and beautiful sea grotto where the heroic traveller met the dark nymph Calypso. The cavre is accessible via boat or a rough path from Babino Polje. The northwestern third of Mljet is a national park with two inland lakes and miles of cycling and walkingtrails. Mljet is the most thickly forested island in the Adriatic, pine, oak and macchia shrub predominating. There are few residents, no large towns and only one major road.

By the time you do reach Dubrovnik you will probably be jaded. Ah, but the marble streets of old town &mdash embellished with desultory geometric pools of cool shadow and hot sunlight, ambiently mitigated by the natural glow of ancient limestone buildings — underscore a visceral and invigorating and, yes, even refreshing experience of history. Few cities on Earth are comprised of as much ancient architecture, hence the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Long before achieving stardom as King's Landing in Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik had a reputation for flocks of cruise ship passengers. Crowds are especially bad on weekends. Here's the formula to avoid those: wake up early and enjoy the more popular, low-lying spots (e.g. Stradun, the main street) — then elevate. Simply by walking up hill a little ways you can leave behind about 90 percent of tourists and enjoy a relative adventure. We call this, "going in search of house cats". Continue upward on the cable car to Srd Hill for a coffee and an unforgettable view. After lunch, head to a nearby beach with a view of the city. Allow yourself a siesta nap in the sun before a crepuscular stroll along the fanmed city walls. Then dine like never before on fresh lobster, clams, scallops, or truffles, dried fruits and castrated rooster (capon).

In the far south is Peljesac, the second largest peninsula on the Croatian coast (after Istria) and famous for legendary sailors. Here are several large and interesting towns and villages worth visiting: Ston, Brijest, Trpanj, Viganj and Orebic. Today Peljesac is best know for its superior shellfish. Gourmets have long known of the wide range of shells from Malostonski Zaljev (Malostonski Bay), primarily the oysters, and of the excellent wines Dingac and Postup. For hikers there are the mountains Sv. Ivan and Sv. Ilija. For bicyclists there are many routes in the western part of the peninsula. For surfers there is Viganj, upon which the western mistral wind blows harder elswhere on the Adriatic, making it an iodeal destination for recreational and professional surfers.

The bulk of Croatia actually stretches eastward of Zabreb. There you will discover magnificent wetlands along the Sava River, tremendous vineyards, and the antique culture of Slavonija. Known for its plains and agriculture, Slavonija is also home to one of Europe's untouristed gems: Pozeska Kotlina (Pozega Valley), dubbed "Vallis aurea" (Golden Valley) by the Roman conquerors. The valley is nestled among several hills and diminutive yet impressive mountains, most notably Mount Papuk, covered by centuries-old beach forest. The area is rated a Park Prirode (Nature Park) and boasts the Geological Park Jankovac and the waterfall Skakavac, along with various streams and lakes, burial grounds, ancient ruins, excellent treks and bicycle trails, as well as mountaineering sites and mountain lodges. Some 1200 types of flora and fauna exist in this rich environment. Just north of the main park entrance is the 13th century Velicki Castle, and not far is Ruzica Castle, a great example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. These are just two of the eight medieval fortifications on the peaks of the park.

To the north, pristine wilderness remains along the floodplains of the Mura and Drava rivers, which flow down from Austria and Slovenia respectively and their meanderings constitute much of the borders separating Croatia from Hungary and Serbia. These two are prime tributaries of a river system culminating in the Danube and justifiably referred to as the "Amazon of Europe" due to its immaculate natural beauty and abundance of life.

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