Camping in Croatia
Why we love holidays in Croatia
With its sun-bathed coastline meeting the stunning Adriatic in a series of historic cities, pine forests and sparkling islands, Croatia offers a magical blend of turquoise waters, historic clout, and family-friendly destinations.
From ancient Roman ruins to pristine (and often crowd-free) national parks, glorious beaches to medieval towns, Croatia promises, and delivers, wonderful outdoor fun and adventure at every turn.
Best places for camping holidays in Croatia
Traces of Croatia’s fascinating history are left behind for you to explore: an Italian atmosphere from days of Venetian rule, Second World War shipwrecks just off-shore, Byzantine churches and Roman walls.
Croatia is best known for its sparkling coastline, which is why we’ve got parcs in some of the best spots along it. With turquoise waters, golden bays and secluded coves, a mix of lively nightlife and historic towns, we think you’ll love these places…
Our favourite beach experiences in Croatia
Croatia's spellbinding Adriatic coastline hasn’t taken long to become one of Europe's most loved beach destinations. It’s not hard to see why. Despite the relative lack of sand (although sandy beaches do exist!), the country’s beaches offer a perfect mix of clear waters, and historic coastal towns and islands, backed by fragrant pine forests.
The heart-shaped peninsula of Istria in the north is home to Cape Kamenjak Nature Park, south of Pula, with many secluded coves accessible only by footpath. The more accessible pebble beaches near Rovinj and Poreč balance natural beauty with amenities.
Moving southeast, the Kvarner region encompasses both mainland beaches and the enchanting islands of Krk, Cres, and Rab, with the latter's Paradise Beach (Rajska Plaža) at Lopar being one of Croatia's rare genuine sandy stretches, extending for nearly two kilometres - even on busy days you’ll find a great spot to lay down your towels.
On Krk, the tiny village of Baška hosts another of Croatia's most celebrated beaches, where a 1.8-kilometre crescent of smooth pebbles is dramatically framed by moonscape-like mountains. The water here is the clearest we’ve ever seen!
Dalmatia, Croatia's most famous coastal region, extends from Zadar to Dubrovnik and offers a great variety of beaches — from the distinctive shape-shifting pebble spit of Zlatni Rat on Brač Island, which changes its form with the currents and winds, to the hidden beauty of Stiniva Cove on Vis.
For those seeking truly secluded bathing, stay on Vis and head to the remote Stončica Bay, while the beaches of the Lastovo archipelago remain largely undiscovered and totally wonderful.
Best beaches in CroatiaOur favourite things to do in Croatia
Fun days out
Croatia is packed with possibilities and exciting activities for families. The Fun Park Mirnovec in Istria offers a fantastic mix of rollercoasters and family-friendly rides.
The Aquapark Istralandia in Istria offers thrilling water slides and fun, if splashing around in the sun is more your thing. Or you could visit the Funtana Safari Park near Poreč, with its exotic birds and friendly farm animals.
Getting active
From cycling the lunar landscapes of Pag to kayaking along Istria's beautiful coastline, Croatia offers endless outdoor adventures.
Snorkelling in the warm waters of the Adriatic (less sand means really, really clear visibility to hunt Nemo down), hiking in the Krka Nature Park, or exploring the numerous cycling trails across the regions – the outdoors doesn’t get greater than this.
Cultural hotspots
It’s easy to immerse yourself in Croatia's rich cultural heritage. Wander through the ancient streets of Trogir, explore the Roman ruins in Pula, or the maze of alleyways in Novigrad’s old town.
Discover the medieval walls of Sibenik, or Nin’s teeny-tiny cathedral. Zadar’s a great alternative to crowd-thronged Dubrovnik, with wonderfully preserved medieval core.
Our favourite things to see in Croatia
Historic sites
The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč is a true gem, boasting some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world. In Šibenik, the St. James Cathedral is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
Somehow, this stone building was entirely constructed without using any mortar. So maybe don’t lean on the walls. The Roman amphitheatre in Pula, and the medieval core of Trogir are also wonderful.
Cities worth seeing
Pula's ancient Roman architecture makes for a fascinating journey back in time, Zadar's innovative public spaces show a city as vibrant now as it’s ever been, and the picturesque streets of Rovinj offer an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Europe.
We also love Novigrad’s excellent shopping and dining, and Split’s old town is a real treat, if you’ve the time for a daytrip.
Natural wonders
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the crown jewel of Croatian natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a cascading system of 16 interconnected lakes with wooden walkways winding through the park.
The Kornati National Park offers a marine paradise of 89 islands, islets, and reefs – a natural wonder you can access via a boat tour. Paklenica National Park, near Pag, is a dramatic landscape of towering limestone formations, great for hiking through.
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