Croatia and the Balkans have become one of the trendiest motorhome destinations in Europe, and for good reason: a spectacular Adriatic coast with crystal-clear waters, dream islands, cinematic natural parks, historic cities and prices considerably friendlier than in Western Europe, with fewer crowds. It's the "new frontier" of European motorhome travel. Here's the essential guide.
Croatia: the Adriatic jewel
- The Dalmatian coast: Split (with Diocletian's Palace), Dubrovnik (the "pearl of the Adriatic"), Zadar and its sunsets.
- The islands: Hvar, Brač, Korčula... turquoise waters and stone villages.
- The natural parks: Plitvice Lakes (dreamlike waterfalls) and Krka, unmissable.
- Istria, in the north, with an Italian feel and truffles.
Beyond Croatia
The Balkans have much more to offer: Slovenia (Lake Bled, the caves), Montenegro (the Bay of Kotor), Bosnia (Mostar), Albania (unspoilt beaches and rock-bottom prices)... Each country is a world of its own, and many are still barely crowded.
What you need to know
- Borders: some countries are in the EU/Schengen and others aren't; check border crossings and paperwork (see documentation for Europe).
- Insurance: check that your policy covers every country on your route; some require a green card or local insurance.
- Tolls and vignettes depending on the country.
- Overnight stays: vary a lot; Croatia has plenty of campsites, other countries have fewer designated areas. Do your research.
Practical tips
- Avoid the August peak on the Croatian coast, which is in high demand.
- Take advantage of the prices in the less touristy countries.
- Autonomy: with fewer designated areas in some countries, a good solar setup helps a lot.
In summary
Croatia and the Balkans offer a spectacular Adriatic coast, cinematic islands and parks, and friendly prices, making them Europe's trendy new motorhome frontier. The step you can take today: if it appeals to you, start with Croatia and Slovenia (easier, within the EU) and check that your insurance covers every country on your route; from there, you can head into the Balkans with peace of mind. Link it with the routes through Europe.
