From Istria, through Plitvice Lakes, all the way down to Dubrovnik, Croatia is well known for its excellent campsites offering everything from luxurious glamping to tipi tents.
Days when campsites were considered the lowest form of tourism are long gone. Every year the bar is raised higher and Croatia is following, if not setting global camping trends. From luxurious mobile homes, a wide variety of services and facilities including aqua parks and SPA centres to new glamping pitches, Croatian campsites are proving to be one the leaders in both innovation and eco-friendliness on the Mediterranean. On July 7, 2016, we take a look at some of the very best campsites on the Croatian coast. You don’t have to own a tent or camper to visit, all you have to do is pack a suitcase and start your journey.
1. Galeb Camping Omis
We will start with Dalmatia, Omis to be more exact. This campsite has just undergone a 20 million kuna refurbishment which will earn it its fourth star. With 110 000 overnight stays per year, it is one of the most successful campsites in Croatia. Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, it is also a home to thousands of party goers during the Ultra Europe music festival with own DJ parties and events to ensure their stay is just as active as Ultra Europe itself.
Image by Kamp Galeb
2. Camping Krk
Probably the best campsite in Croatia, and the only 5-star one. A part of the Camping Adriatic by Valamar, this campsite looks more like a luxurious resort than your typical camp. DCC DCC ( Deutscher Camping Club – Largest camping association in Germany), included it in the select group of Europe’s best campsites. Following global trends, this year Camping Krk offers new accommodation units with fantastic sea views in a village with modern and spacious mobile homes called Bella Vista Premium Village. The campsite also offers 4 swimming pools, a wellness centre, landscaped Mediterranean gardens, kids’ club and pets are more than welcome.
Mobile homes image by Camping Adriatic
Glamping tents image by Camping Adriatic
3. Camping IN Stella Maris Umag
Even though Umag has a whole range of 4-star campsites, we opted for Camping IN Stella Maris because of its location. The prime location of Camping IN Stella Maris Umag puts you in the middle of the excitement, and if you’re looking for an active holiday you are surrounded by 16 tennis courts, beach volleyball and handball areas, and given that the campsite is located near the sea you can also choose from a whole array of water sports. And did we mention the nightlife in Umag?
Image by Istracamping.com
4. Aminess Sirena 4* Novigrad
Connected to Novigrad with a lovely and romantic seaside promenade, this campsite is located right by the sea so it provides you with the perfect mixture of relaxation in nature and the bustle of a nearby town. Along with standard pitches, it offers mobile homes, restaurants, bars, kids’ centre, great beaches and all the amenities required by today’s modern traveller. It may not be as big as its nearby sister campsite Aminess Camp Mareda, but its setting and pine forests make it one of our favourite campsites.
Image by Aminess Campsites
5. Naturist Resort Solaris
As they say, to each his own, and if you’re after a fantastic naturist campsite, Solaris in Porec is the way to go. Surrounded by the Mediterranean greenery of the verdant Lanterna peninsula, and spanning 2.5-kilometres of pristine beaches, this campsite provides you with all the privacy you want while almost hotel like facilities ensure you never miss a thing during your stay. Zou can choose to stay in a mobile home, apartment, room, tent or your camper.
When it comes to amenities and activities, you can select from a very long list starting with tennis, continuing with beach volleyball, gymnastics and diving. Children will find all they need to have a memorable holiday within the Maro Club, and central swimming pool is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun if you don’t feel like going to the beach. A total of three restaurants and two supermarkets cater for differing tastes, with a half-board service available for all resort guests, featuring extensive buffet dining.
Image by Valamar.com
6. Camping Oaza Mira (Peaceful Oasis)
Going down now to the middle of the Adriatic coast, to the village of Drage near Pakostani. This family owned campsite offers just over 190 pitches and it is located in a small bay and surrounded by pines and picturesque hills. Of course, along with standard pitches, it also offers mobile homes, a full range of services, restaurant, bowling alley, mini golf and a swimming pool.
Image by Oaza Mira
7. Camping Solaris near Sibenik
Not to be confused with the Naturist resort Solaris in Porec, this campsite is located within a 4-star tourist resort so you can enjoy your holiday in nature without giving up on all the perks of hotel accommodation. Perfect for families, this campsite offers you the option to stay in tents, mobile homes, villas, Dalmatian style houses and of course campers.
A new attraction offered at the Solaris Camping Beach Resort is the Aqua Park covering over 8,000 square metres. Many activities for all ages are available, including the Solaris Wellness & Spa Centre, two restaurants and bars, an ethno village, swimming pool and a small marina.
Image by Camping Solaris
8. Camping Turist Grabovac
Not all campsites in Croatia are located on the coast, in fact, few of our favourites are in continental Croatia. Our next destination is a tiny town of Grabovac near the world renowned Plitvice lakes. Voted 2015 Campsite of the year in Continental Croatia by the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Croatian Chamber of Economy in their Tourism flower annual competition, this campsite offers a great combination of stunning natural surroundings and modern amenities. When it comes to accommodation, you can choose between pitches, rooms, mobile homes, apartments, bungalows and your very own tipi tent in an Indian village (homage to the cult series Winnetou which was filmed in the area).
Image by Kamp Turist
9. Kamp Slapic Mreznica
Our next campsite is located just 50 km from Zagreb, on river Mreznica, one of the cleanest rivers in Croatia. Family owned, this small 4-star campsite, voted Best small campsite in continental Croatia, offers 100 pitches, mobile homes and apartments that can accommodate up to 300 guests, modern sanitary facilities, attractive restaurant, children’s playground as well as various sport facilities and recreational activities.
Image by Kamp Slapic
10. Only campsite in Dubrovnik – Camping Solitudo
If you are an avid camper and want to visit Dubrovnik, Camping Solitudo is the only campsite in the city, located on the lush Babin Kuk peninsula, just 10-minute drive from the Old town. This small campsite with 393 pitches and modern mobile homes is surrounded by Mediterranean greenery and it features free Wi-Fi, a bistro, as well as a restaurant and an on-site market. All guests can use the swimming pool and children’s pool at the nearby Valamar Club Dubrovnik and all the perks offered by the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik hotel. Several walking and jogging paths weave through the surroundings for those keen to explore the peninsula and beyond on foot and two beaches are very close by with watersports and activities for all ages and interests.
Image by Adriatic Camping
