Motorcycle rental tips and tricks in Croatia

All about roads and rental requirements. Before you go and rent a motorcycle, it's always good being prepared. Croatia is a wonderful country and needs to visit. For sure, Croatia is a part of Europe and Balkan which is on the must do list of many people. But as you decided on a destination in general, holiday planning comes to your mind. Questions arise and many things need to be sorted out first. To get you sorted without any stress, here are a couple of “all you should know” - tips and tricks which might come up before you come to our beautiful country.

All kidding aside, we know the summer months mean less time indoors at your computer or on your phone, but it’s also the peak season for renting motorcycles.

So be prepared yourself. 

Croatian roads

Good highway infrastructure will usually get you from point A to point B faster, but if you're keen on exploring, state roads and secondary roads are also good options. In other words, the guaranteed better option. Almost all secondary roads are perfectly and safely developed. The coastal road, the Eldorado for motorcycle enthusiasts, does not need to shy away in terms of the quality of construction compared to a German side road, for example. And of course, these side roads not only lead past breathtaking scenery, but they are also free of charge. If you still want to use the expressways or motorways, you will have to pay a toll for the use of motorways, bridges, and tunnels, depending on the route and length of the route. There is no video toll or vignette for cars and motorcycles in Croatia, as there is in Austria or Slovenia. Two systems are used to collect tolls on Croatian motorways: Open system: At bridges, tunnels, and shorter sections of motorway there is a toll booth that serves as an entry and exit.

The toll is then paid at toll stations. Sometimes you get a ticket at the beginning of the toll route, which is only paid for when you leave the section. In some cases, the toll is also required when entering the motorway. The amounts can be paid in cash and by credit or debit card.

Best Time of Year to Ride and Rent a Motorcycle in Croatia

For riders from many parts of the world, not just from north of the Alps, Dalmatia is one of those rare regions where the motorcycle season can stretch across many months of the year. If you want to rent a motorbike in the Dalmatian region around Split or Dubrovnik, riding is often already possible from early February, depending on the weather, and usually remains excellent until the end of June. In spring, conditions are especially pleasant for motorcycling, with mild temperatures, less traffic and ideal roads for longer scenic rides.

Even during the hottest summer months of July and August, motorcycle touring is still very much possible by heading inland or into the mountains of Croatia and the surrounding Balkan countries, where temperatures are often far more comfortable than along the coast. So even in high season, it is easy to plan routes that offer more enjoyable riding conditions away from the hottest coastal areas.

From late August onward, conditions along the coast become ideal again, and in many years beautiful motorcycle tours are possible right through to the end of November. When the beaches become quieter and the main summer crowds disappear, one of the best periods for motorcycling in Croatia begins. That is exactly what makes the Split region such an attractive base for riders who want to enjoy a far longer season than they can at home.
Choosing the right BMW GS model for your route makes the whole experience even better.

No matter what season you plan your tour for, Croatia offers an exceptional variety of landscapes and destinations. You can visit Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Gorski Kotar region with their breathtaking nature, springs and waterfalls almost all year round. You can explore the Krka waterfalls, ride through countless other beautiful landscapes and natural wonders, discover islands and beaches, or, if you love the sea, visit famous places such as Zlatni Rat.

Croatia, and Split in particular, is also geographically perfectly positioned as a starting point for longer motorcycle tours, because neighbouring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia and many other parts of the wider Balkan region are within easy reach. Even Italy can be included very easily, for example by taking a ferry such as Split–Ancona or Dubrovnik–Bari and continuing the journey from there.

Croatia is simply a destination that is worth the trip.

Cuisine

On a motorcycle tour in Croatia, local gastronomy and culture is an important part of the overall experience. Depending on your needs and desires, you can choose between a restaurant or a more local eatery. Traditionally, Croatian cuisine is influenced by different cuisines depending on the region. The mainland is influenced by German, Austrian, Hungarian, and Turkish culinary practices, while coastal parts are associated with Greek and Italian cuisine. All in all, it is a balanced Mediterranean mix. Like most Slavs, Croatians love their meat, potatoes, and bread. In the coastal areas, fish and olive oil naturally predominate, with plenty of leafy greens. An absolute MUST to try the Croatian specialties, such as:

Cevapcici
Cevapcici (correct spelling: Ćevapčići) are, according to numerous gourmets, the absolute classic when it comes to specialties of Croatian cuisine. This is the most famous dish served in this country.
The cevapcici are about 5 to 10 centimetres long rolls made from minced meat and then grilled. In the past, they were created from lamb in south-eastern Europe. In modern times, people mainly use beef to make cevapcici. Before shaping, season the meat with salt, pepper, paprika powder and savory. Then mix the mixture with pressed or chopped garlic. A little baking soda ensures that the rubbery consistency is achieved.
The cevapcici taste particularly delicious in combination with flatbread. Croatians prefer Djuvec rice as a side dish, but fries are also very popular. Ajvar is often served with cevapcici. The red paprika sauce, which can also be eaten as a spread, is very popular in south-eastern Europe as well as in Turkey.

Peka 
Dish is placed in a stone oven under a metal cover. Hot coals are then added and placed on the lid, slowly cooking the meat in its own juices. Specialties include lamb, veal and octopus.

Grilled fish
Brudet, fish stew, traditional Dalmatian dish that you can find in most fish restaurants. Different types of fish slow cooked with potatoes and tomato sauce, usually served with homemade bread. Croatia has a stew tradition. There are many variants. However, if you're traveling in peak season or spring, we'd recommend something lighter.

Oysters and mussels
Oysters are widespread in the Mediterranean and also typical of Dalmatian cuisine. They are served immediately after being taken out of the sea and enriched only with lemon juice. One of the most famous mussel farming areas is around Ston northwest of Dubrovnik.

Brački vitalac 
Meat and intestines slowly cooked in the stone oven. A dish that has its origins on the island of Brač and is at least a few centuries old.

Buzara
Buzara Shellfish sautéed in garlic, olive oil, parsley and white wine.

Cheese
Sheep and goat cheese are the most popular. Paški cheese is one of the most famous. Getting to the island of Pag is easy. If you visit the island of Pag, don't forget to visit the cheese factories.

Why Split and Croatia Are the Perfect Base for Longer Motorcycle Tours

Croatia, and Split in particular, is perfectly positioned as a starting point for longer motorcycle tours, because from here you can easily reach Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia and Romania with legendary routes such as the Transfăgărășan, ride through spectacular regions like the Theth and Valbona valleys in Albania or the dramatic black mountains of Montenegro, and continue just as easily towards Italy, Sicily and France, including the Route des Grandes Alpes and the outstanding mountain roads of central and southern Italy —

all comfortably within reach on a BMW R1250GS or BMW R1300GS.

We hope you enjoy exploring the charming corners of Croatia. And there are lots of them!
Always have a good ride with the BMW GS motorcycle you rented.
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MotoGS WorldTours - Tour Operator and
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