12-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Šibenik, Zadar, Gajac, Rijeka, and Pula

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Split has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Split.

Split is brimming with adventures. Bacvice is a neighborhood that stands out as one of the must-see places in Split. Take a moment to explore its distinct atmosphere, and don’t miss the popular sightseeing spots just a short walk away.

To truly experience Split, make sure to drop by Marjan. This well-known park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is West Bank, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Split Viewpoint (belvedere), one of the most worthwhile places to see in Split. This observation deck is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Diocletian's Palace. Wander around and soak in the enchanting atmosphere this palace offers. Then, head to Split Breakwater Lighthouse, a top-rated lighthouse that adds another dimension to your day.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Croatia. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Split's best restaurants.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Babylon, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, DeListes restaurant Split is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Split tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Caffe Bar Mythos, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Caffe Bar Legis is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Caffe Bar Tik is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Trogir and Šibenik. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Šibenik, where will spend 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Trogir. This car ride takes around 38 min.

Savor the day by heading to Trogir Old Town, a beloved historical landmark that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Kamerlengo Castle, where you can soak in the respected surroundings.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Šibenik, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Trogir to Šibenik may take around 54 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Šibenik, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Šibenik City Museum, a locally appreciated museum in Šibenik. Explore its photogenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Šibenik Cathedral. This curiosity-inducing church is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, St. Nicholas Fortress is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most UNESCO world heritage-designated castle in the region.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Šibenik, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Šibenik's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Antin Gušt Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Šibenik. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Fry Guy, a popular restaurant in Šibenik. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Atrium, a hidden gem nestled in Šibenik. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Caffe Palma after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Mystic for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Azimut is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Croatia.

On day 5 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Zadar are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zadar, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Zadar. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Sea Organ is a famous art installation we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Monument To The Sun, a noteworthy art installation that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Roman Forum, a culturally significant archeological site. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Church Of St. Donatus, a culturally significant and truly unique church. End your sightseeing at National Museum Zadar, a curiosity-inducing museum that’s highly recommended by travelers passing through the city.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zadar. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Pizzeria Šime, a highly-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're eager to try something different, consider Harvatski restorant "Galiya", another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Yachting Bar & Club, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Caffe Bar Porthos is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The Factory Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Croatia includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Caska and Lun. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Gajac, where you'll spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Caska and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Caska beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Zrce Festival Beach. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the beach before you continue to your next stop.

Lun’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Caska behind. This drive usually takes around 22 min. Lun welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Olive Gardens Of Lun, a worthwhile olive grove that everyone visiting Lun should see. Next, head to Vrtovi Lunjskih Maslina / Olive Gardens Of Lun / Ulaz 2 / Entrance 2 / Recepcija / Reception. This serene olive grove is one of the most frequently visited attractions in the region.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Gajac. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the village.

Gajac is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Gajac.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Taverna Giardin, a top-rated dining destination in Gajac. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pizzeria More, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Street Food - BBQ Party. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Gajac this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bacardi, known for its inviting atmosphere. Straško Camping, Beach Bar Taxi is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Caffe Bar Jež Plaza provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Rijeka. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Rijeka, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Gajac, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Rijeka. Your travel time is around 3 hours 38 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Trsat Castle, an interesting castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Petar Kružić Stairway and admire its respected features.

When you’re ready, continue to Rijeka Cathedral, a worthwhile church beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Natural History Museum Rijeka, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rijeka, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Rijeka, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at Antonio, an iconic dining spot in Rijeka. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant Capote y Ole. , a popular restaurant in Rijeka. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Baćo, a hidden gem nestled in Rijeka. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Charlie Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Wine Bar "kod Zajca". This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Phanas Pub Rijeka Est.2001, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Pula. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Pula, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Pula may take around 1 hour 27 min. Upon your arrival in Pula, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Pula Arena and explore the historic features. Next, make your way to Church And Monastery Of St. Francis, another highlight in Pula. When you’re done exploring the church, continue to Forum Square, a grand public square.

Nearby, you will also find Temple Of Augustus. This well-known monument is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Historical And Maritime Museum Of Istria, a historic museum that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Pula. Pula offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Pula's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pizzeria Samantha, a top-rated dining spot in Pula. If you're in the mood for something new, try Fresh Sandwiches and Salads, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Bistro Romantic Alley. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Pula.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Beach Bar Laplaya, known for its lively atmosphere. The Shipyard Pub is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Zeppelin - Beach & Lounge Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Pula and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Croatia.

On day 10 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Rovinj. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Pula, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Rovinj Old Town is a fantastic place you can explore today in Rovinj. This neighborhood is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Rovinj-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Pula, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Rovinj. This drive usually takes around 42 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Panorama and explore the eye-catching features. Next, make your way to Church Of St. Euphemia, another highlight in Rovinj. When you’re done exploring the church, continue to Batana Eco-museum, a historic museum.

Nearby, you will also find Golden Cape Forest Park. This worthwhile park is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Park Forest Zlatni Rt, an awe-inspiring park that is perfect for some final exploring in the town.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Pula.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Pula, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at Fine fast food Piantina, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Street Food Two boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restoran "Stari grad 02". Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Pula.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Ulysses stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Caffe Bar "dvojka" offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bolero is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Croatia.