Waterfalls in Plitvice National Park

Croatia

Waterfalls, islands and an endless coastline.

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Where do you go when you want to head off with the kids, the car and the tent? On this page we've gathered everything about Croatia for you: what there is to see, where to camp and what you need to know on the way.

Compiled and checked by Arjan (Zuidlaren) · sources are given with the text · updated 20 October 2026 · About this site

Introduction

Travelling through Croatia

Croatia connects the turquoise lakes of Plitvice with a coastline of islands and historic towns. Outside of July and August it is much quieter and more pleasant.

The coast southeast of Dubrovnik

Overview

In brief

Travel time
10–14 days (our estimate)
Best time to travel
may–Jun, Sep (our estimate · Full table)
Distance from London
± 1,600 km to Zagreb (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
Driving days
3 driving days (our estimate)
Tolls and vignettes
No vignette; toll per section on the motorway (Details and source)
Paying
euro
EU member
yes

Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).

Practical

Good to know

Euro coins and banknotes

Money and payments

You pay with the euro. With a map and contactless pay works in cities, supermarkets and larger campsites usually easily. Nevertheless, have some cash with you for small campsites, market stalls and parking machines (our experience).

Photo: Avij · Public domain · all photo credits

Language and handy words

A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:

  • Dobar dan: good day
  • Hvala: thank you
  • Molim: please
  • Doviđenja: goodbye
Four passports side by side

Documents and border

This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.

Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)

Photo: Horizon206 · CC0 · all photo credits

First aid kit with bandages

Health and safety

Take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, on the back of your health insurance card or available from your health insurer): it gives you necessary care in public healthcare under local conditions. Travel insurance is still wise, for example for repatriation. The European emergency number is 112.

Source: europa.eu (EHIC)

Photo: Friedrich Haag · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits

A4 motorway in Poland

Traffic rules that matter

From 1 November to 31 December In March, you must also switch on low or daytime running lights in Croatia during the day; Otherwise, only in poor visibility. The per mille limit is 0.5, but 0 for drivers under 24. On many important roads from November 15 to 15. April winter tires or snow chains mandatory. Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, high-visibility vest, bandage box, spare lamps (not for xenon or LED) and a spare wheel or tyre repair kit. Children under 150 cm drive in a suitable child seat.

Source: ANWB

Photo: Igor123121 · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits

Best time to travel

May, June and September are pleasant: warm sea, less hustle and lower prices than in July and August (our assessment).

Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.

🚗 Getting there & distance from Utrecht (NL)

Destination
Split
Distance
± 1,669 km (one way)
Driving time
± 17.4 h (one way)
Route via
NL → DE → AT → SI → HR
Fuel (estimate)
± € 432 (return)
Estimate for the return trip: 6.5 l/100 km Euro 95 at each country's average price (EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, price date 19-10-2026).
Vignettes
Tolls
Distance-based tolls in Croatia: not calculated, see the official toll operator.

Route: OSRM/OpenStreetMap, calculated 21-10-2026, without breaks or traffic. 2026 vignette prices from the official sellers, checked 21-10-2026. For an 8-day trip, 7-day vignettes count twice.

On the road by car

Tolls and vignettes

WhatPrice passenger carWhere to arrange itSource
Motorway toll (per section)current price: see sourcedraw the ticket at the entrance, pay at the departure at the toll station; from 1 March 2027 Registration (previous registration)Crolibertas (Hrvatske autoceste)
price checked Oct 2026

Personal

Our experience: Poreč

In Poreč we stayed at Camping Bijela Uvala, at Zelena Laguna, just south of the town. It was super beautiful there.

The campsite is located directly on the sea, with pebble and rocky beaches along the whole coast. Many pitches are under old trees, so you have shade when it’s hot. There are swimming pools, a supermarket and a few restaurants. In the center of Poreč you walk about half an hour.

On summer evenings around nine o’clock there is a fireworks display at Plava Laguna, very close to Poreč. From June to August inclusive, fireworks boat tours depart from the port, then you can see it from the water.

Nature

More beauty in Croatia

The Plitvice Lakes in summer
Plitvice Lakes Terraced lakes with wooden walkways. Go early, then it is quiet.
Skradinski buk waterfall in Krka NP
Krka National Park The large Skradinski buk waterfall, easy to combine with Šibenik.
The hill village of Motovun in Istria
Motovun A hill village in the interior of Istria, about an hour's drive from Poreč.
The Velebit mountains
Velebit Bare mountains right above the coast, with hiking trails and wide views over the sea.

Where are you going?

Regions explained

Istria

The peninsula in the north, close to all who come from the Netherlands. Many large campsites by the sea, old towns like Poreč and Rovinj and a green hinterland. Great for a first camping holiday with children.

Source: camping.hr

Kvarner and the islands

Around Rijeka are islands such as Krk and Cres; You can reach Krk over a bridge. Quieter than Istria in the main season, with pebble beaches and clear water.

Source: camping.hr

Lika and the Plitvice Lakes

In the countryside lie the Plitvice lakes: terraced lakes with waterfalls, UNESCO World Heritage. You walk over wooden webs there, which is well feasible with children.

Source: UNESCO: Plitvice

Dalmatia

The long coast in the south, with Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik. Warmer and fuller, with Krka and Paklenica as nature excursions. Suitable for families who want to drive more miles.

Source: np-paklenica.hr

On the road

Suggested route by car

A route of 10 to 14 days from north to south and back, with a few fixed locations instead of continuing every day (our assessment). Check the travel times in your route planner.

  1. Days 1-4: Istria, for example near Poreč: beach, Istralandia and a day trip to Brijuni.
  2. Days 5-6: Plitvice: go in early with an online ticket with a time slot.
  3. Days 7-10: North Dalmatia: Zadar, Paklenica and Krka.
  4. Days 11-14: via Kvarner (Krk) back north.

Where to stay

Camping

Where do you camp?

Large campsites by the sea in Istria

In Istria there are many large campsites with pools and animation, such as Bijela Uvala near Poreč. Practical with children, but in July and August more expensive and fuller (our assessment).

Source: istracamping.com

Camp Korana near Plitvice

The National Park has its own campsite, Camp Korana, not far from the lakes. So you are early at the entrance in the morning before it gets full.

Source: np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

Small family campsites

In the islands and in Dalmatia, there are many small campsites (retailings) with a family in the garden. Quieter and often cheaper; You can find them on the official camping portal.

Source: camping.hr

Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)

Outings

With kids

Brijuni

By boat from Fažana to the islands of the Brijuni National Park, with a safari park and dinosaur tracks. A real day trip for children.

Source: np-brijuni.hr

Istralandia

A water park in Istria with slides and a wave pool. A nice change from the beach.

Source: istralandia.hr

Paklenica

A gorge at Starigrad, where you walk on a good path between high rock walls and watch climbers. Start early, because it gets warm there.

Source: np-paklenica.hr

Outings

Fun activities with kids

Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.

Our favourites

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvička jezera

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvička jezera Outdoors

The famous terrace lakes with waterfalls, over wooden walkways. The park offers circular routes of different lengths with parking boat and panoramic railway; Choose a short route with children. Reserve tickets in summer.

Website: np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link

Photo: Sietze Kraak · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits

Dinopark Funtana, Funtana (near Poreč)

Dinopark Funtana

Funtana (near Poreč) april–November (according to the website)

Walking park with life-sized dinosaurs, shows and play equipment; Ideal for 7 and 9 years.

Website: dinopark-funtana.com

🎟️ Book tickets → official website

Photo: Almondox · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits

Istralandia, Brtonigla

Istralandia

Brtonigla Summer

4.5 (Google, 13,046 reviews, Oct 2026)

A large water park in Istria with many slides and a wave pool, right by the motorway.

Website: istralandia.com

🎟️ Book tickets → official website

Photo: Istralandia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits

Krka National Park, Skradin / Lozovac (near Šibenik)

Krka National Park

Skradin / Lozovac (near Šibenik) Outdoors

Waterfalls and wooden walkways along the Krka with the famous Skradinski buk. From Skradin there is a parking boat; Bathing is no longer allowed there.

Website: npkrka.hr

🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link

Photo: Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits

Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik (crossing from the old harbour)

Lokrum Island

Dubrovnik (crossing from the old harbour) Summer season

Green island directly in front of Dubrovnik, by boat from the old port. Peacocks, a botanical garden and the saltwater lake "Dead Sea", where children can bathe well.

Website: lokrum.hr

🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link

Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits

Amazinga (trampoline park), Zagreb

Amazinga (trampoline park)

Zagreb Indoors

A large family centre with a trampoline park of 1800 m² with 14 attractions; according to the website for children from 6 years, younger children use the mini ninja course.

Website: amazinga.fun

🎟️ Tickets & info → official website

Illustrative photo · Photo: Global Microscope · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits

All outings by region (35) →

All activities by country →

Tours and tickets in Croatia

Bookable tours and entrance tickets in this country. Prices and availability are set by the provider; check the conditions before you book. (Ad · affiliate link)

Winter

Winter sports in Croatia

Croatia is not a typical ski country, but it has two small ski areas close to a city.

Ski areas (checked on the official websites, October 2026)

  • Sljeme (Medvednica): Zagreb's local mountain, which also hosts World Cup slalom races. Website: sljeme.hr
  • Platak: Small ski area above Rijeka, about half an hour's drive from the coast. Website: platak.hr

When we checked on 20 October 2026, most 2026/27 prices had not yet been published; see the ski area's website for current rates. We only quote amounts that appear in an official price list.

Renting skis: at home or on the spot?

At the ski areas above you can rent skis, snowboards and boots from rental shops by the lifts or in the village; you can often book online in advance. We do not quote rental prices, because we found no official price lists for them.

Renting on the spot saves carrying and car space, and you can swap boots that pinch. Renting at home or bringing your own gear makes sense if you combine several ski areas, already know which boots fit, or the area is small with little choice.

Winter packing list

Pack layers (thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers), ski socks, gloves, a hat, goggles and sunscreen. A helmet is strongly recommended for children.

Insurance

Check whether your travel insurance covers winter sports; it is often a separate add-on. Also check mountain rescue and transport after an accident (for example by helicopter). Some ski passes include mountain insurance, as in Bansko.

Winter tyres and snow chains

  • On many major roads, winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory from 15 November through 15 April, regardless of the weather. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Croatia

More rules per country: winter tyres and mountain passes.

🏨 Stay in Zagreb on Booking.com*🎟️ Winter tours nearby on GetYourGuide*🚗 Rental car (ask for winter tyres) via DiscoverCars*

* Affiliate link: if you book through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Rules

Rules, fines and quiet places

Wild camping, fines, camper stops, quiet places, smoking, alcohol and nature rules in this country, only with a verifiable source.

Show all rules (28)

Wild camping and fines

  • Camping outside campsites is prohibited in Croatia: tent, caravan and camper van, also on private land (even with the owner's permission). Only at registered campsites or specially designated places. Source: camping.hr, iusinfo.hr
  • The law sets a fine of 1,500 to 10,000 kuna, converted €199.08 to €1,327.23 (fixed rate). A tourism inspector may collect 1,000 kuna on the spot. Check whether the amounts have been adjusted since the euro was introduced. Source: iusinfo.hr
  • Who checks: tourism inspectors and municipal wardens (komunalni redari). They can ban camping at that spot for 60 days and seal the camping equipment. Source: iusinfo.hr
  • With a camper you may only sleep at a registered campsite or at a car park expressly designated for campers and caravans. Source: camping.hr

Camper stops and farm camping

  • Many campsites have a camper service (water and waste discharge); some have a reserved area near the entrance for campers who need a short stop or one night. Camping.hr has a list of camper stops in Croatia. Source: camping.hr
  • A 'camp in a household' (farm or family campsite) is allowed but must be registered: at most ten accommodation units or 30 guests at the same time (children under 12 not counted). An unregistered field is not a legal alternative. Source: rrif.hr

Quiet places and avoiding crowds

  • Plitvice: avoid 10:00 to 14:00, when the park may temporarily close because of crowds. Arrive earlier or after 16:00, when it is quieter. One day is not enough to see everything. (Park text from 2018: check current times and prices.) Source: np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
  • When it is crowded, the park itself recommends visiting the surroundings first and coming back after 16:00. Protected areas it names in the Lika region include Northern Velebit, Paklenica, Barać's Caves and Grabovača. Source: np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
  • Dubrovnik: in 2015 UNESCO advised that the city should not receive more than 8,000 tourists per day in total. Preferably come early in the day or outside high season. Source: whc.unesco.org

Nature rules: drones, fishing, picking and dogs

  • Naturism: Croatia has naturist campsites and partly naturist campsites; they are marked on Camping.hr. Elsewhere naturism is not the norm: choose deliberately. Source: camping.hr
  • Pets: most Croatian campsites welcome dogs; some do not allow pets (marked on Camping.hr). Your dog needs a passport or vet certificate. Source: camping.hr

Smoking

  • Smoking (including e-cigarettes and water pipes) is prohibited in all indoor public places. A terrace enclosed by glass or other partitions counts as indoors. Source: mvep.gov.hr

Alcohol

  • Drivers: 0.5 per mille, as in the Netherlands. Total alcohol ban for drivers under 24 and for drivers of a motor vehicle over 3,500 kg (watch out with a heavy camper). Source: anwb.nl

Emergency numbers and breakdown

Health, drinking water and ticks

Money and mobile

Fuel and LPG

Winter tyres and mountain passes

  • On many major roads, winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory from 15 November through 15 April, regardless of the weather. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Croatia

Children in the car

Rules and fines may change and confuse by municipality. Each line contains the source; see if you're in park management before you go. This isn't legal confuse.

All countries compared: rules, fines and quiet places → · Smoking and alcohol by country → · Practically by country →

Local cuisine

Food to taste

A few dishes you can try with the whole family:

Show all dishes (4)

Ćevapi

Small grilled chopped rolls with bread, onions and ajvar (paprika sauce). Almost every child likes them.

Peka

Meat or fish with vegetables, cooked slowly under an iron bell with glowing coal. Often you have to order it a few hours before.

Fritule

Small fried dough balls, a bit like Dutch oliebollen, with icing sugar.

Istrian truffle and olive oil

In the interior of Istria you see pasta with truffle and local olive oil on the menu.

Look further

Discover more

Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.

Show all tips (3)

Featured campsites

At ACSI Eurocampings you will find Plitvice Holiday Resort (Grabovac, close to the lakes), Campsite Polari (Rovinj) and Campsite Valkanela (Funtana) in Istria as well as Camp Marina near the Krka National Park. In July and August, places in Istria and northern Dalmatia are almost full: reservations in time.

Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Croatia

Day trip: Pula Arena

The Roman amphitheater of Pula is one of the best preserved in the world and can be combined with a camping holiday in Istria. In the summer there are also concerts and film evenings Check the city website.

Source: pulainfo.hr

Avoid: forgetting tolls and tunnels

Almost all motorways are subject to tolls; You pay extra for the bridge to Krk, the Učka Tunnel and the Mirna Viaduct. Staying in a car, caravan or motorhome on public roads is prohibited.

Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Croatia

On the road

Practical tips for Croatia

What we would have liked to know before we stood at the Plitvice Lakes and the Krka at the checkout, and a few things for the ride.

Show all practical tips (12)

Plitvice: buy your ticket online

When buying, you choose a day, a time window and an entrance. You must not enter earlier, and you must be at most an hour late. So in summer you do not stand in a long line at the checkout. Source: NP Plitvice

Plitvice: later in the day is cheaper

From June to August inclusive, a day ticket after four in the afternoon is much cheaper; In September, this applies from three o'clock. In the summer of 2026, an adult paid € 40 during the day and € 25 at the end of the day. On a long summer evening you still have light for hours. Source: NP Plitvice price list

Krka: no swimming at the big waterfall

At Skradinski buk you are not allowed to bathe since 2021, as welcoming as the water is. You can only swim in designated places at Roški slap, Stinice and Pisak, from June 1 to 30 inclusive. September and when weather and water levels allow it. Source: NP Krka

Tolls: still with a ticket for now

On the Croatian highway, you draw a ticket at the entrance and pay at the departure, depending on the distance. From March 1, 2027 comes a new system without barriers: Then your license plate is recognized by cameras and you register your car in advance. Source: Crolibertas (Hrvatske autoceste)

Red butane cartridge for suitcase stoves

Gas bottle: bring enough

You can’t just exchange a Dutch bottle here. Refillable bottles are filled at INA gas stations and some campsites if the last test is not older than five years. However, there are fewer and fewer filling points and sometimes Dutch bottles are rejected. Take an adapter set with you (Croatia usually uses the W21.8 connection) or start with a full spare bottle. Source: ANWB Camping

Photo: Captain Crunch · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits

To Dubrovnik without a border: the Pelješac Bridge

On the way to Dubrovnik you used to always drive a short stretch through Bosnia and Herzegovina near Neum, with two border posts and often long queues in summer. Since 26 July 2022 you drive entirely over Croatian territory via the Pelješac Bridge, and the bridge is toll-free. That saves a border crossing with children who have been in the car for hours. Source: European Commission

Ferry with the car: book or queue in good time

On a number of Jadrolinija routes, your ticket immediately reserves a place for the car on a fixed sailing, for example Split–Stari Grad (Hvar), Split–Vis and Valbiska–Lopar (Krk–Rab). In summer Jadrolinija then asks you to be at the port one hour before departure. On the other routes it is first come, first served; there you are better off arriving one to two hours in advance, and on busy summer days sometimes even earlier. Keep your vehicle registration document at hand when buying. Bikes on the roof? Declare the extra height. With a bike carrier at the back, the total length counts: above 5 metres you need a ticket for a longer car. Source: Jadrolinija (FAQ) · routes with reservations

Bura: check HAK before you leave with a caravan

In strong bura winds, the Croatian automobile club HAK regularly closes stretches of coastal road to motorcycles, double-deckers and cars with a caravan, for example the D8 coastal road between Bakar and Novi Vinodolski. In a severe storm the bridge to Krk sometimes even closes completely, as on 1 April 2026. So check HAK's current traffic information before you leave; it also shows which roads are open. At the campsite: pitch the tent firmly and use all the guy ropes. Source: HAK traffic information · Regionalni.hr (1 April 2026)

Euro coins and banknotes

Tourist tax: children under 12 free

At the campsite you pay tourist tax per person per night. How much differs per municipality and season, but under Croatian law children under 12 pay nothing and young people aged 12 to 18 pay half. The campsite must also register every guest in the national eVisitor system within 24 hours of arrival. That is why reception asks for your passport or ID card. Source: Croatian Tourist Tax Act (articles 5, 6 and 22)

Photo: Avij · Public domain · all photo credits

Mosquitoes by day, ticks in the greenery

The LCR reports that diseases you can catch from mosquitoes occur in Croatia, such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya, and advises you to protect yourself well against mosquito bites during the day, between sunrise and sunset. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) also occurs; whether a vaccination makes sense is something to discuss with a travel vaccination clinic. Source: LCR

Split and Dubrovnik: Not in your swimsuit in town.

How about getting ice cream from the beach in your bikini or bare-knot? In Split that is not allowed: since 1 January 2023 the city can give you a fine of €150. In Dubrovnik walking in swimwear or without (part of you) clothing in the old town is also forbidden. There in the summer of 2026 people were usually given a warning first, but a fine can be. So throw a T-shirt or dress in the beach bag, even for the kids when they're bigger. Source: N1 (Sאַלגמײַנער) · Dubrovnik City, Art. 95 · JUGinfo (2026)

rüssel with dog or stroller:rüssel

The dog can go to the Plitvice lakes, but only on the line, also on the boat appreciably. With a stroller it becomes more difficult: The trails are narrow, with uneven pieces and wooden flutters, and the park recommends a stroller itself. Bring a carrying bag for the little ones. Furthermore: stay on the marked paths, swim, bike and send a drone, and it is very slippery on wet rocks. Source:dian Plitvice (activities) · code of conduct

Prices and rules may change. Check the source again just before you leave.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a vignette in Croatia?

No, no vignette; you pay a toll per section on the motorway. Prices, where to buy it and the official source are in the ‘Tolls and vignettes’ block on this page. To tolls and vignettes

Can you wild camp in Croatia?

No, it is prohibited outside campsites (including those at households and farms) and designated camping areas, also on private land. (source: iusinfo.hr)

What is the best time to travel to Croatia?

May, June and September are pleasant: warm sea, less hustle and lower prices than in July and August (our assessment).

How far is Croatia from London?

From London to Zagreb it is about 1,600 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 3 driving days (our estimate).

What must you carry in the car in Croatia?

Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, high-visibility vest, bandage box, spare lamps (not for xenon or LED) and a spare wheel or tyre repair kit. Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our page Traffic rules & equipment. To traffic rules · ANWB

Which travel documents do I need for Croatia?

This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.