VW R Experience Croatia — Performance meets Adriatic Coast

VW R Experience on Krk — Three days with the most powerful Volkswagens

In October 2025, I received an invitation that any car and travel creator would immediately accept: the VW R Experience on the island of Krk in Croatia. Three days, Volkswagen's most powerful models, winding coastal roads along the Adriatic, and unlimited access to content spots that I, as a drone photographer, can only dream of.

What many don't know: These events aren't just press trips. VW R specifically invites creators who can combine automotive content with lifestyle and travel. I was one of twelve international creators—and the only one from a German-speaking country with a drone setup.

Getting to Krk — The bridge to the largest Adriatic island

Krk is the largest island in the Croatian Adriatic and is connected to the mainland by the impressive Krk Bridge. My flight took me to Rijeka, from where it was only a 40-minute drive to the event hotel in Malinska. VW had already prepared a Golf R for me at the airport—the perfect start to three days of full throttle.

The island itself surprised me. Until now, I mainly knew Croatia from Dubrovnik and Split, but Krk has a completely different character: less touristy, more authentic, with a mix of Mediterranean flair and rugged coastal landscapes that perfectly match the character of the R models.

The vehicles — Golf R, Tiguan R and T-Roc R compared

Over the three days, I had access to three different R models. Each car has its own character, and the coastal roads of Krk made the differences clear.

Golf R — The all-rounder

The Golf R remains my absolute favorite in 2025. 333 hp, all-wheel drive, and a chassis that truly shines on the winding coastal roads of Krk. Especially on the tight switchbacks between Vrbnik and Baška, the Golf R proved why it has been the benchmark in its class for years. The drift mode feature on the closed track was a highlight—controlled sideways driving with all-wheel drive is simply exhilarating.

Tiguan R — Surprisingly sporty

To be honest, I underestimated the Tiguan R. An SUV on coastal roads? Sounds like a compromise at first. But with 320 hp and the adaptive suspension, the Tiguan R feels significantly more agile than you'd expect given its size. It's particularly impressive on longer stretches along the West Coast, offering both comfort and sporty handling. For creators who need to transport a lot of equipment, it's the perfect choice.

T-Roc R — Compact and snappy

The T-Roc R is the entry point into the R-series world—and by no means to be underestimated. With 300 hp in a compact package, it's the most agile car of the trio. It proved most practical on the narrow village streets and in the old towns of Krk. What struck me: The T-Roc R is the most photogenic. Its proportions look best in drone shots with the coast in the background.

The route — Krk Island Loop in three days

VW R had put together a route that covers all the island's highlights. Here's my overview:

Day 1: Malinska — Vrbnik — Baška

The east coast of Krk is the most scenically dramatic. The road from Vrbnik to Baška winds along cliffs, offering views of the open sea and the offshore islands. Vrbnik itself is a medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop—perfect for photos, but with the Gulf of Krk, the streets are a bit narrow.

Baška beach was our lunch stop and also the best drone spot of the trip. The road runs right along the beach, turquoise water on one side, steep mountains on the other. My DJI Mini 5 Pro delivered some of the best automotive drone footage of my career here.

Day 2: Punat – Stara Baška – Inland Loop

Day two took us inland and to the southwest coast. Punat has one of the most beautiful marinas in the Adriatic — perfect as a backdrop for the Tiguan R photos. From there, we drove along a winding mountain road to Stara Baška, a small fishing village with crystal-clear water.

The inland loop through the mountain villages was the driving highlight. No tourists, no other cars, just you, the car, and endless curves with panoramic views. The Golf R in performance mode on these roads—it doesn't get any better than this.

Day 3: Omišalj — Krk town — photo shoots

The last day was primarily reserved for content production. VW had a professional location scout with them who took us to spots that a tourist would never find: an abandoned military base from the Yugoslavian era, a lonely lighthouse at the northern tip, and a panoramic road above Krk town.

Drone content on Krk — My best spots

As a drone photographer, Krk was an absolute dream. The combination of performance cars, coastal roads, and turquoise water seen from above—these are exactly the kinds of images that brands like VW R book Creator for.

My top 5 drone spots on Krk:

1. Baška Beach Road — Street right on the beach, turquoise water, mountains in the background. Best light: around 8 a.m.
2. Vrbnik Cliffs — Dramatic cliffs with the road right on the edge of the precipice. Caution: Wind gusts can be strong.
3. Krk Bridge — The approach across the bridge was filmed from above, with the Golf R as the main subject. Permission must be obtained beforehand.
4. Stara Baška Bay — Secluded bay with crystal-clear water. Perfect for overhead shots.
5. Panoramic road above Krk town — Sunset with the old town in the background. Magical golden hour.

Drone rules in Croatia 2025

Croatia fully adopted the EU drone regulations in 2024. With the DJI Mini 5 Pro (under 250g), you don't need a permit, only registration with the Croatian Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA). Cost: €25. Flying is generally prohibited in national parks and nature reserves — fortunately, Krk is not a national park.

Costs & Budget

With a brand partnership like the VW R Experience, flights, hotel, meals, and vehicles are naturally provided. But if you'd like to visit Krk privately, here's my budget overview:

| Items | Costs |
|——–|——–|
Flight to Rijeka (from Germany) | €80-150 |
| Rental car (standard, 3 days) | €120-180 |
| Mid-range hotel (per night) | €70-120 |
| Food per day | €30-50 |
Drone registration | €25 |
| Ferry to Cres/Rab (optional) | €15-30 |
| Total (3 days) | 450-750 € |

Tips for the VW R Experience or similar car collaborations

If you, as a creator, would like to be invited to such events, here are my honest tips:

1. Showcase automotive content in your portfolio. Brands like VW R want to see that you can authentically showcase cars. A few drone shots of rental cars on road trips are enough.

2. Range is important, but not everything. VW R invited me because of the combination of drone content, travel range, and automotive affinity. My media kit includes a dedicated automotive section with key figures.

3. Be professional on site. Punctuality, ready-made setups, and fast content delivery. Brands book creators for follow-up events when the collaboration runs smoothly.

4. Invest in equipment. For automotive content you need a drone (DJI Mini 5 Pro is sufficient), a good wide-angle lens and ideally gimbal stabilization for video.

My conclusion about the VW R Experience Croatia

The VW R Experience on Krk was one of the best brand collaborations of my career. The combination of three different R models, a stunning island, and the freedom to produce content according to my own vision was perfect.

Krk as a destination completely surprised me. The island definitely deserves more attention — not just for car content, but also as a travel destination for everyone who wants to experience Croatia away from Dubrovnik and Split.

The Golf R remains my favorite. If you have the opportunity to drive an R model on coastal roads, take it. There are few experiences that combine driving pleasure and scenery so perfectly.

FAQ — VW R Experience Croatia

How does one get invited to the VW R Experience?

VW R selects creators based on automotive content, reach, and engagement rate. A professional media kit with an automotive focus is required. Alternatively, you can apply through the VW press office or the agency handling your account.

What equipment do I need for automotive content?

Minimum: Camera with wide-angle lens (16-35mm), drone (DJI Mini 5 Pro), gimbal for video. I also use the Sony A7 IV with the 16-35mm GM and the DJI Action 6 Pro for indoor POV shots.

Is Krk a good drone destination?

Yes, absolutely. The combination of coastline, mountains, and sparse development makes Krk one of the best drone spots in Croatia. EU drone regulations apply; for drones under 250g, you only need to register.

When is the best time to travel to Krk?

May to October. In the height of summer (July/August) it can get very crowded and hot. September and October are ideal — pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, perfect light for photography.

Is it possible to drive the VW R Experience route?

Yes. All roads are open to the public. I recommend the Krk Island Loop as a day trip: Malinska → Vrbnik → Baška → Punat → Krk Town. Total distance approximately 80 km.

About the author: Max Haase is Germany's most influential travel influencer with over 4.2 million followers. He specializes in drone footage, automotive content, and luxury travel. Cooperation requests here.