Croatia

[No6]

Hello all, first post here. I am toying with the idea of touring down the Dalmatia coast (Croatia) this coming Spring. Has anybody done this? Would like to hear some of your tales, good or bad no matter how trivial.

I am a fairly new rider (4 years experience) and have now got myself an 1150GS with Rhemus, Luggage, Spyball and Corbin seat - all came with this second hand bike. Just 2k miles to boot.

Did have a Fundoru for mashing around London but non too impressed with general quality. This was stolen so I bought an 1150GS. Polished it up one night ready for a trip, got chatting to my new neighbours came back and it was gone. Two hours outside my garage !!!

Local ferrel kids smashed it up within 24hours - gutted. My new one has survived so far.

I found card from 'Grizz' on my bike one day. Had previously heard about an 1150 club but could not Google it.

 

[Possu]

We visited Croatia last September, although the main destination for us was Budapest.

Read here:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52824

We found Croatia to a great place. Only problem we had was being unable to get get Insurance cover from our UK insurer. We were told that it was possible to buy it cheaply at the border. This is what we did, cost was about £8.00(?) for a couple of weeks, very reasonable.

We didn't travel down the Dalmation coast but this is something I intend doing in the next couple of years.

Have a good trip.

 

[laughingBob]

We rode as far South as Split last year. The coast road winds around some fairly tight turns but they seemed to be in the process of re-surfacing alot of the bends. This can catch you out the first few time as the straight sections weren't being touched and it wasn't until you enter the bend that you find the road turns into rubble and ruts. The sections that were being repaired were a little on he rough side to say the least and there aren't many warning signs. I would have thought that this work would have been completed now but, it's worth bearing in mind. The road is scenic but after a few hundred miles becomes a little repetitive. There were lots of small places to stay on the way down.

If your going that way anyway I would definately recommend taking a few days to visit Slovenia. The scenery is spectacular, especially The Julian Alps. There are some fantastic roads to explore them and dirt roads/tracks lead of them into some fairly remote spots.

 

[Deleted account W]

If your going that way anyway I would definately recommend taking a few days to visit Slovenia. The scenery is spectacular, especially The Julian Alps. There are some fantastic roads to explore them and dirt roads/tracks lead of them into some fairly remote spots.

I've just booked a hotel in Bled which overlooks the lake for our trip this year. Looking forward to it

Just found out that the weekend we're there in July Bled are hosting an International Music Festival. I expect the place to be full of Peruvians playing pan pipes and nose flutes along with drunken German Umpah bands and African tribal drumming troops, should be interesting

 

[Tsiklonaut]

Croatia's cool place.

I had the most beautiful beaches in europe there.

Excellent scenery in Krk island too.

And i got the worst rain ever on riding to Zagreb. Even with our new rainsuits on we were wet like a cats, so damn intense rain and god bloody cold too. Good contrastst that makes the Croatia one of the very first in memorys

Mo

 

[Rich]

I haven't done this by bike, but did a trip by boat. Its a beautiful area and definitely on my plans to return on the GS. I am envious.

 

[No6]

Well, thanks to you all, those scenic epics have got me salivating.

I really fancy a holiday where I do not have to book up hotels in advance. But any web links for hotels would be apprciated. Not sure about the general cost of petrol, food and accomodation. I have never done a long trip so I am a novice on this one.

What bothers me is the thought of running out of petrol as I only have a standard tank. Must check out a sat nav system.

 

[Possu]

Well, thanks to you all, those scenic epics have got me salivating.

I really fancy a holiday where I do not have to book up hotels in advance. But any web links for hotels would be apprciated. Not sure about the general cost of petrol, food and accomodation. I have never done a long trip so I am a novice on this one.

What bothers me is the thought of running out of petrol as I only have a standard tank. Must check out a sat nav system.

Don't worry about fuel range in Croatia with the 1150GS, start looking for fuel after 180 miles & you'll have no problems.

Few more photos:
Croatia: http://possu.smugmug.com/gallery/218602
Zagreb: http://possu.smugmug.com/gallery/218604
Porec: http://possu.smugmug.com/gallery/21860

Slovenia: http://possu.smugmug.com/gallery/218605
Ljubljana: http://possu.smugmug.com/gallery/218606

 

[Chisurz]

Taking the bike! I'm gutted. We'll be driving, but then getting four people, kayaks and bicycles there on a GS (or two) would be a problem... We were there last year and spent the time wishing we had a pair of wheels instead of four. Never mind - next year... Oh, and don't expect a ferry to run on time...

Regarding insurance, check out your new policy document. We have a standard policy that covers European Union driving, from Norwich Union. When I received the new policy doc a month ago they had updated it to include all the new EU states. It also included Croatia, so it may cost you nothing....

 

[GS TRV]

Highly reommended! Lots of Italians go there as the beaches are seen as superior owing to the crystal clear water and as well as the prices being more than reasonable.

I'd recommend visiting the islands Krk & Cres. The roads aren't the best and reckon the GS is the best bike for the trip - don't go too mad as has been menioned, the surface can change v. quickly so better to just relax and enjoy the warm air & great scenery.

 

[No6]

We rode as far South as Split last year.

Mmmmm, thanks for that. Now, if I can bug you some more.
What time of year did you travel and did you ride all the way from the UK (route)? Did you find accomodation easy enough or did you book in advance ? Incidentally, I will need a new set of tyres before I go. What did set did you use ? Showing my ignorance now, but what documentation did you produce at the border - if any.

Nearly forgot, generally speaking, were the Croats friendly? I intend to have a good poke around the more obscure places all on a whim of course.

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[GS TRV]

1. Passport's all you need.

2. Metz Tourance's.

3. People - are as friendly as you are - they speak more English than anything else.

4. If you go in August there'll be big crowds - that's the Italian holiday season.

5. Accomodation is cheap and available - loads of diy placards of people offering rooms to let or you can just do like we did and bring the tent - it's warm enough.

Hope this helps.

 

[laughingBob]

We rode as far South as Split last year.

Mmmmm, thanks for that. Now, if I can bug you some more.
What time of year did you travel and did you ride all the way from the UK (route)? Did you find accomodation easy enough or did you book in advance ? Incidentally, I will need a new set of tyres before I go. What did set did you use ? Showing my ignorance now, but what documentation did you produce at the border - if any.

Nearly forgot, generally speaking, were the Croats friendly? I intend to have a good poke around the more obscure places all on a whim of course.

Thanks in anticipation.

We were in Croatia during early June. It was hot and dry around 35-40c, which apparently was hotter than normal for that time of year. We had already ridden down through France and briefly into Spain then back through France, Northern Italy, Slovenia and into Croatia. We then rode back up through Slovenia and into Hungary. We were intending to ride to Australia but, due to a family illness had to return to the UK.

If I were heading for Croatia again I would ride down through France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia and into Croatia, basically the quickest route.

People are friendy and having a big bike is always a conversation starter.

At the time of year we were there we didn't have a problem finding accomodation, other than in Ljubiana. I think if you are travelling later, say July and August, it maybe more difficult.

I know I've already said Slovenia is fantastic but, if your time frame allows it spend four or five days there, as it really is stunningly beautiful.

I would go with Tourances as they last and give reasonable grip in the wet. I had a new set fitted along with a full service at the BMW main dealer in Ljubiana for £250.

No documentation, other than passports, was required at the border.

We didn't bother with insurance for Croatia. We had Greencard insurance for Europe through a Dutch company Knopftours (there's a link on www.horizonsunlimited.com ) as we were travelling outside the UK in excess of the normal 30 day period of cover on most UK motor insurance policies. It's worth noting that motor insurance, as we know it doesn't exist in most countries outside Europe. Generally if you need it you can buy it at the border. If your not exceeding 30 days or the specified period allowed on your insurance policy for EU cover then you don't need to worry about it but, I would inform your insurance company that your going.

Have a great trip. Bob.

 

[Chisurz]

Friendly? Very. English is widely spoken by the younger generation.

It will be warm enough to camp very comfortably, but I'd recommend you try their B&B type accommodation (usually without the second B, but you get the idea). Camping can have it down sides... When it rains, it rains... Doesn't usually last for long, but you know it has rained... Of course, you could be lucky...

When you get somewhere touristy, look for the local tourist office and ask them for accommodation. They'll have a list and will direct you. In some places this is a bit ad hoc and other very organised. Tourist Agencies, the commercial version of the above, offer the same service. Sometimes these are just a kiosk by the side of the road as you enter a town.

Prices vary between €25 and €40 for a room. This is assuming two people as they are often on a per person basis.

And someone else mentioned Slovenia. I agree. Worthwhile making some time on your schedule IMHO.

Have fun.

 

[Nikola_M]

Welcome to Croatia, one of the best beautiful country for bike travelling.