Relaxed 11-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Zadar and Lika-Senj County

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Croatia, you’ll go deep into Split, where you'll stay for 3 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 Split, and meet locals along the way!

Golden Gate brings Split's character to life. This heritage-rich historical landmark is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Diocletian's Palace, another enchanting attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Saint Domnius Bell Tower, one of the city’s most intriguing attractions, known for its inviting features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Diocletian's Cellars. This UNESCO world heritage-designated archeological site is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit West Bank, an often recommended boardwalk, and take a stroll around the area.

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.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Split, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Šug, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible regional menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, DeListes restaurant Split is another top choice with a popular menu.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Split. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

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

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Split!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Zadar and visit amazing attractions in Nin, Općina Ražanac, Općina Jasenice, Rupine, and Parići, just outside the city. You still have 3 nights left in Zadar, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Visiting Solana Nin Salt Museum is always a good idea. This increasingly popular museum is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.

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 Maslenica Bridge. This increasingly popular deck arch bridge offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Pariževačka Glavica, where you can take in romantic features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Paklenica National Park. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Zadar and your accommodation.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining 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.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Continue your lively evening at Pirate Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Caffe Bar Bizarre is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Backstage Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Zadar as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday 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!

Make a stop at Monument To The Sun. This underrated art installation is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Sea Organ located in Zadar for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Roman Forum. Its instagrammable features will captivate you. After the archeological site, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Church Of St. Donatus. Visitors usually appreciate the culturally significant features of this church. Next up is Zadar Cathedral, a highly recommended church.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Zadar. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Zadar 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 Zadar to find the best options for you!

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 dining experience at Roko, 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 Harbor CookHouse & Club, 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 Urnebes. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Zadar tonight.

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.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Garden Lounge, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Down Town is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Beach Bar Bamboo is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Croatia. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Croatia tomorrow with new energy.

Day 8 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zadar, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Croatia are extraordinary.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular Kolovare Beach and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, The Five Wells Square, a symbolic public square that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Queen Jelena Madijevka Park, one of the city’s most underrated spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated Narodni Trg. When you're finished at the public square, Market Zadar awaits your visit. This market is a visually striking highlight on today's itinerary.

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.

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 Zadar.

Enjoy a delicious meal at GRICKO, a top-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Konoba Rafaelo, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Konoba Misterija. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

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

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

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll start your day in Perušić and drive in the direction of Smiljan for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in Lika-Senj County, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Whatever your travel style is, Grabovača is an essential stop in Zadar. This underrated cave system provides an insightful glimpse into the village's identity. Next, discover Nikola Tesla Memorial Center, a heritage-rich museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Jasikovac, Park Suma, a beloved park.

You'll be staying in Lika-Senj County on this laid-back road trip through Croatia. You'll stay here for 1 night.

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 town for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Highlanders pub, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Kavana Milinković? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Lika-Senj County.

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 town.

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

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Lika-Senj County!