9-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Rijeka traveling south to Opatija, Rovinj, Plitvička Jezera, and Zadar

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 1 night.

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

Catch Maritime And History Museum Of The Croatian Coast before the crowds roll in. This instagrammable museum is sure to ignite your curiosity.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Rijeka Cathedral, a curiosity-inducing church. For a change of scene, check out Church Of Mary Of God Of Trsat, known for its romantic features. We also recommend visiting Trsat Castle. This castle is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Trattoria Krug, a highly-rated dining destination in Rijeka. If you're eager to try something different, consider Zelena Dolina, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Buffet "Cocco". With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Rijeka this evening.

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 3 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Opatija are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Opatija, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Opatija and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 26 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Opatija beckons with new experiences!

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Mala Fortica, a frequently visited point of interest 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 Opatija and admire its mesmerizing features.

When you’re ready, continue to The Wall Of Fame, an often recommended point of interest beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Croatian Museum Of Tourism, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Bistro Yacht club, a top-rated dining spot in Opatija. If you're in the mood for something new, try Boćarija Grill, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Ružmarin. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Opatija.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Mare Cocktail Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Choco Bar - Bonbonnière Kraš, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Colosseum Lounge & Beach Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Rovinj. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rovinj, where will spend 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Opatija, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Rovinj. Your travel time is around 1 hour 14 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Golden Cape Forest Park, an underrated park that everyone visiting Rovinj should see. Next, head to Park Forest Zlatni Rt. This romantic park is one of the most intriguing attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Batana Eco-museum, a history-steeped museum popular among locals as well as travelers. Panorama is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this frequently visited observation deck before you continue your journey. Lastly, visit Church Of St. Euphemia, an inviting church and a top attraction in the town.

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

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 Rovinj, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Kantinon Tavern, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Scuba restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, La Vigna is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Rovinj.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Mediterraneo Cocktail Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Blue Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Havana Rovinj Cocktail Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Rovinj, where you have 1 night left to stay.

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

Brkač’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rovinj behind. This drive usually takes around 54 min. Brkač 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 Fakin, a beloved point of interest that everyone visiting Brkač should see.

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

Spend your afternoon discovering Town Gate, a beloved historical landmark known for its grand features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Church Of St. Stephen, an intriguing church.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Grožnjan. This car ride takes around 21 min.

Savor the day by heading to Laparenzana, an often recommended hiking area that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Town Loggia, where you can soak in the picture-perfect surroundings.

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

Rovinj 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 Rovinj.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Da Piero, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, La Perla offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Balbi Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Rovinj.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Block Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Caffe Bar “sax” is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Caffe Bar "bruno" also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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.

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Zadar. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zadar, where you'll spend 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Zadar. This car ride takes around 1 hour 53 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Sea Organ. Spend some time admiring the detailed features of the art installation before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Monument To The Sun. This often recommended art installation is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Roman Forum. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the archeological site. Next, take your journey to Church Of St. Donatus, a worthwhile church. Conclude your sightseeing at National Museum Zadar, known for its eye-catching features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Zadar, 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 Zadar's best restaurants.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Pizzeria Šime, a popular restaurant in Zadar. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Zadar at Harvatski restorant "Galiya", another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Restoran Zadar - Jadera. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Zadar tonight.

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

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

On day 8 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 Rijeka, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Zadar, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Pula. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 8 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Pula Arena, a famous archeological site in Pula. Explore its breathtaking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Pula Citadel. This intriguing castle is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Forum Square is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most culturally significant public square in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the notable Temple Of Augustus and discover what makes this monument unique.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Rijeka. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restoran Morčić, a top-rated dining destination in Rijeka. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bowling Center Rijeka, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Seafood restaurant Feral. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rijeka this evening.

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

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!