Croatia has become one of Europe’s favourite campervan destinations, and with good reason: a long Adriatic coast, clear water, islands connected by bridges and ferries, and national parks that look like film sets. Most first-time visitors head to Split or Dubrovnik. Zadar, in the north of Dalmatia, is the calmer alternative. It has a Roman and Venetian old town, one of the most unusual public art installations in Europe, and an airport that makes collecting a motorhome simple.

We are based in Rovaniemi, so this is a researched guide rather than a trip report. We have read the live listings and itineraries on the CampervanPlanet Zadar page and put together the plan we would follow for a week or ten days in summer 2027.

Why Zadar works for a motorhome trip

Zadar sits on a peninsula in the middle of Croatia’s northern Dalmatian coast. The old town is compact and pedestrian, with Roman ruins, the Church of St Donatus and a waterfront promenade where the Sea Organ plays tune after tune from the waves. At sunset, locals and visitors gather at the Greeting to the Sun, a circle of solar-powered lights set into the pavement.

For driving, the position is excellent. The A1 motorway runs close to the city, so you can reach Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park and the islands in a day or less. Zadar Airport receives seasonal flights from across Europe, and collecting a motorhome there means you can be on the road soon after landing. If you are comparing bases along the coast, our guides for Split and Dalmatia and Pula and Istria cover the other main starting points, and our campervan rental guide explains the basics of renting.

Three routes from Zadar

The Zadar page maps three itineraries. They fit together or work as separate trips.

Zadar to Pag Island loop

Pag is a long, bare island reached by a bridge, famous for its salt pans, its sheep cheese and its lamb. It has a stark, moon-like landscape that looks very different from the rest of the coast, and beaches around Novalja that get busy in July and August. A loop from Zadar is an easy two-day trip, ideal as a first outing in a new vehicle.

Zadar to Plitvice Lakes and Velebit

Plitvice is the star: sixteen terraced lakes joined by waterfalls and wooden boardwalks. The drive inland crosses the Velebit mountain range, with big views and some steep sections. Tickets for the park should be booked ahead in summer, and arriving early or late in the day is the best way to avoid the crowds. Evenings are cool at that altitude, so pack a layer.

Zadar to Krka via the Kornati gateways

Krka National Park is smaller and easier than Plitvice, with swimming rules that change from season to season, so check what is currently allowed. The route passes through Šibenik and along the coast opposite the Kornati islands, an archipelago of bare, dramatic islets that you can reach by boat trips from towns like Murter.

Prices and seasons

The Zadar page lists vehicle categories with starting prices. A budget camper for two starts at around €157 a day, a comfort camper with heater and kitchen from about €228, a compact motorhome from around €333 and a family motorhome from roughly €386 a day. These are the prices displayed for the dates the page uses, which suggests the high season, and they will change a lot with your dates.

In practice, Croatia has a very sharp summer peak. July and August are the most expensive and the busiest, with campsites fully booked. June and September are much easier and often cheaper, with warm sea and fewer crowds. If you can travel in May or October, you will find lower prices still, though some campsites close and ferry timetables shrink. To see prices for your exact dates, enter them on the Zadar search page, and don’t forget code HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY20 for €20 off.

Camping, rules and the “right to roam” myth

This is the section we would read twice. Many travellers assume that Croatia allows free camping in a campervan. It does not. Overnight camping outside official campsites is generally prohibited, and fines can be significant, particularly along the coast. Spots that look empty and tempting may be protected, and local police do enforce it.

The better approach is to use official campsites, which are plentiful along the Zadar coast and often right on the beach, or designated camper stops, which are cheaper and simpler but offer fewer facilities. Book ahead in July and August. Check the current rules before you go, as regulations vary by county and change.

The practical kit needed for driving in Croatia, such as a warning triangle, reflective vest and spare bulbs, is normally provided by the rental company, but ask. In winter, equipment such as winter tyres or chains may be required on some roads, which matters if your trip extends into the cold months.

Driving, tolls and costs

Croatia drives on the right, and the main motorways are good. The A1 motorway is tolled, and the price depends on how far you travel, usually paid by card or cash at toll booths. Smaller coastal roads are slow, scenic and sometimes narrow, so a smaller motorhome is easier to manage than a large one. Fuel prices are close to the European average.

The currency is the euro, which makes budgeting simple for most European visitors. Cards are widely accepted, though small campsites and market stalls sometimes prefer cash. Expect to pay more for food and parking in the old towns during peak season, and shop at supermarkets for groceries to keep costs down. For the broader Croatian picture, see the Croatia campervan rental overview.

When to go and what to book first

Our order of priorities for summer 2027: first the motorhome, since the best vehicles at reasonable prices sell out early; second the ferry and any national park tickets; third campsites in July and August. If your dates are flexible, choose the shoulder season and give yourself a few unplanned days. The coast is at its best in June and September, with warm water, long evenings and manageable crowds.

Frequently asked questions