9-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split traveling east to Metković, Dubrovnik, and Makarska

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Split has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Split.

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.

No visit to Split is complete without Diocletian's Cellars. This underrated archeological site is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Saint Domnius Bell Tower, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Split, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Diocletian's Palace. This astonishing palace is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Golden Gate, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Museum Of Fine Art is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

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.

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

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Split by securing a table at Šug. An esteemed Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional regional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try DeListes restaurant Split, another premier location with a delectable menu.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Caffe Bar Mythos is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Caffe Bar Legis, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Caffe Bar Tik. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Croatia promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Split. You have 2 nights left in Split. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Split is brimming with adventures.

Enjoy all that Split Viewpoint (belvedere) has to offer. This is an often recommended observation deck you should not miss. Another must-see is West Bank, an intriguing boardwalk in Split.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Mestrovic Gallery. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Marjan, another of the city’s well-known attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Kašjuni Beach, a romantic place of interest in the city.

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 Split. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Villa Spiza, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurant Kadena beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Konoba Kod Joze. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Split tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Ave Caffe Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Tennis Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Jadran Beach Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Split. You’ll stay in Split for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Bacvice is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic neighborhood in Split, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the city.

Experience Archaeological Museum In Split, an up-and-coming museum in the city. Then, head to Croatian Maritime Museum and soak in the ambiance of this instagrammable maritime museum.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Movi, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Downtown Grill Split steak & seafood? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at SidiBar, restaurant, sports & music terrace as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Split.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bar Basket. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Ami Pub Beer&food, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Shotgun Shooters Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Say good night to Split and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Ploče and Ston. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Metković, where you'll spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Ston and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 44 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Ston beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Neretva Delta, a worthwhile nature reserve known for its romantic features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ston. This car ride takes around 44 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Solana Ston Ltd. , an underrated historical landmark in Ston. Explore its awe-inspiring features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Kaštio Fort. This increasingly popular castle is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Stonske Zidine is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most enchanting historical landmark in the region.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Pizzeria MARINO, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Pizzeria Milano offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Konoba Lanterna is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Metković.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Carpe Diem Cafe after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Kave Bar Mb By Zvonko for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Croatia includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Trsteno, Sustjepan, and Dubrovnik. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dubrovnik, where you'll spend 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Metković and set your GPS to Trsteno. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 14 min. Upon reaching Trsteno, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Trsteno Arboretum, an up-and-coming botanical garden that everyone visiting Trsteno should see.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Trsteno and set your GPS to Sustjepan. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 15 min. Upon reaching Sustjepan, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Franjo Tuđman Bridge, a curiosity-inducing monument that everyone visiting Sustjepan should see.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Dubrovnik. This drive usually takes around 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Bellevue Beach, an underrated beach in Dubrovnik. Explore its peaceful features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Lovrijenac. This intriguing castle is a top recommendation in the area.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Lucin Kantun Dubrovnik, a popular restaurant in Dubrovnik. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Dubrovnik at Portun, 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 TuttoBene Pizzeria & Fast Food. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Dubrovnik tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Promenada is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Sports Pub Mario, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Caffe-bar Van. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Say good night to Dubrovnik and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Bosanka. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Makarska, where will spend 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Makarska. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 32 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Dubrovnik Cable Car, an underrated point of interest that draws visitors from near and far.

Next, explore The Cathedral Of The Assumption Of The Virgin Mary, yet another intriguing place to see in the area.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Makarska. Makarska 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 Makarska. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant Riva | RIVA - MAKARSKA d.o.o., highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Bonaca? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Konoba Novak as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Makarska.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Caffe Bar Smile, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Makarano Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Makarska. Sól Lounge Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Makarska and Veliko Brdo. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Split, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Malacological Museum is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This instagrammable museum is sure to impress. Next on your list is Osejava Forest Park, another must-visit landmark and underrated park renowned for its peaceful features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Makarska by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to St. Peter Forest Park. This peaceful park is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Makarska experience.

When you’ve had your share of Makarska, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Veliko Brdo. Your travel time is around 10 min.

Savor the day by heading to Vepric - Shrine Of Our Lady Of Lourdes, an often recommended church that draws visitors from near and far.

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

Split 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 Split.

Make sure to reserve a table at PORTOFINO Steak - Pasta - Seafood, an iconic dining spot in Split. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Art Gallery Cafe Music Bar Split, a popular restaurant in Split. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Duje, a hidden gem nestled in Split. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Leopolds Craft Beer Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Leopold's Delicatessen Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Moon Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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