Relaxed 12-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Zadar and Šibenik

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Split, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Croatia are extraordinary.

Whether you decide to explore Split on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Visiting West Bank is always a good idea. This underrated boardwalk is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the heritage-rich wonders of Diocletian's Cellars, a must-see archeological site in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Saint Domnius Bell Tower. This often recommended monument offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Diocletian's Palace, where you can take in visually striking features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Golden Gate These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

Croatia makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Croatia also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Split has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Discover the culinary delights of Split by securing a reservation at Šug. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of regional cuisine. Alternatively, DeListes restaurant Split beckons with its unique menu offerings.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Split and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Caffe Bar Mythos. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Legis offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Caffe Bar Tik, another top-rated bar in the area.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Croatia.

Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zadar, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Croatia are extraordinary.

Let Monument To The Sun set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this noteworthy art installation before continuing your journey. Sea Organ is your next stop. This astonishing art installation is one of the best-rated sights in Zadar.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Roman Forum. This historic archeological site is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Church Of St. Donatus and Zadar Cathedral.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Croatia more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Zadar offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Croatia. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Zadar, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, a top-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pet Bunara Dine & Wine, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant 2Ribara. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Pirate Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Caffe Bar Bizarre, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Backstage Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Croatia!

On day 7 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Croatia, you’ll go deep into Zadar, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Zadar, and meet locals along the way!

Kolovare Beach is an ideal stop early in the day. This beloved beach is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to The Five Wells Square, which may be one of the most enchanting places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Zadar on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Queen Jelena Madijevka Park, an often recommended park in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Narodni Trg and Market Zadar.

Croatia makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Croatia also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring the food culture in Zadar offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Roko, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Harbor CookHouse & Club is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restoran Urnebes. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zadar tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Zadar. The bars in Zadar make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

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

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Zadar can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Croatia!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll start your day in Grad Skradin and drive in the direction of Primošten for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in Šibenik, where you’ll stay for 2 nights.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Krka National Park, a top-rated national park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Primošten, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Grad Skradin to Primošten may take around 59 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Primošten, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Skradinski Buk, an up-and-coming waterfall in Grad Skradin. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking in Grad Skradin’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Primošten. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 59 min. When you arrive in Primošten, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Beach Mala Raduča, a locally appreciated beach known for its romantic features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Statue Of Our Lady Of Loreto, a worthwhile monument.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Šibenik. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

Exploring the food culture in Šibenik offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Pelegrini, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. Alternatively, experience a taste of Šibenik at Fry Guy, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Šibenik.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Caffe Palma, known for its lively atmosphere. Mystic is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Azimut offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Grad Skradin can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Croatia!

Day 10 of your relaxed road trip through Croatia means 24 hours of making the best memories in Šibenik. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Šibenik. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Šibenik!

Check out the beloved church, Šibenik Cathedral. Afterward, continue to Šibenik City Museum, a museum every traveler should visit. As you explore Šibenik’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Aquarium Terrarium Šibenik. This often recommended aquarium is an essential stop. Following that, head to St. Nicholas’ Fortress, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Split. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Split that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Šibenik to find the best options for you!

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Gastro Italiano, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, buffet Šimun offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Pub&wine bar Scala is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Šibenik.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Šibenik’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Croatia.

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

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Croatia!

Day 11 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Croatia lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. Begin by exploring the best sights in Makarska. By evening, drive toward the Split, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Šibenik, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Makarska. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 30 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at St. Peter Forest Park and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Osejava Forest Park, another highlight in Makarska.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Makarska, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Veliko Brdo. This drive usually takes around 11 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Veliko Brdo is Vepric - Shrine Of Our Lady Of Lourdes, a locally appreciated church that draws attention for its breathtaking features.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Croatia as you make your way to Split. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Croatia, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Split.

Enjoy a delicious meal at PORTOFINO Steak - Pasta - Seafood, a top-rated dining destination in Split. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Art Gallery Cafe Music Bar Split, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Duje. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Split this evening.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Croatia.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Leopold's Delicatessen Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Moon Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Croatia.