The only place I came across signs warning of mines was on the dirt road crossing the mountain pass between Obrovac (roughly 40 kms east of Zadar) and Lovinac. I wouldn't move off the road there ;-)

Hans

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Only when we pause to wonder
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Hi Hans,

I wonder if there are any maps around showing possible mined areas?

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Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.

Julian,

Don't worry, it's not as bad as it seems. I've never seen any mined areas in Croatia, amd those in neighbouring Bosnia are very well signposted. As already stated, you may come across them to the sides of some of the dirt roads, but they are not on the road itself, and as mentioned, well-signposted.

Wild camping is illegal in Croatia and you will be visited by police in the middle of the night and escorted to the nearest campsite. At least around tourist areas and especially during the tourist season.

You've got some mine fields around Zadar and in some areas bordering with Bosnia. In any case, check first with the locals before entering the bushes. English, German, Italian - no problem.

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A definite must see are the Plitvice Lakes, near to the border with Bosnia and directly east of Senj on the coast. Absolutely incredible - you will be there all day! It is impossible to describe but absolutely stunning. Basically it is a string of 16 lakes/waterfalls that you can walk around but there are also buses and boats if you need a break. There is a campsite just north of the lakes that also has 'bungalows' if you need a change from a tent.

Dubrovnik was OK but get there early to avoid all the tourists and coach/cruise parties. There is a campsite on Babin Kuk not far from the Old Town and close to the Copacabana beach (!) where there are slides etc. if your kids are into that. If you go to Dubrovnik also go up Mt Srd which overlooks the town. It is possible to drive up there and the road, although small, is pretty good. From the top (destroyed cable car station) there is an amazing view of Dubrovnik and for miles up and down the coast.

From the little 'toe' of Bosnia down to Dubrovnik there is a minor road that runs parallel to the main road. This is much nicer to ride/drive and hardly any traffic. There are mines in the fields around but there are signs eveywhere. We went last year and the road ran through the middle of an open cast mine - a bit dusty but quite fun!

The little fishing village of Mali Ston on the Peljesac Peninsula was good for a quiet day/evening and there are some saltworks in neighbouring Ston. Quite interesting but wouldn't keep you there too long.

Hi Mermaid,

Many thanks for the pointers, I'll add them to the list of places to see - actually they are at the top of the list at the moment - only just starting it ;-)

My wife seems to think that there are quite a few lakes and castles - does that sound right? I really must read up on the history of the region - all I know is that the Romans were there.

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Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.