11-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zadar to Plitvička Jezera, Opatija, Rovinj, Rijeka, Krk, and Split

Day 2 of your road trip across Croatia promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Zadar. You have 1 night left in Zadar. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the curiosity-inducing Monument To The Sun and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Sea Organ, a remarkable art installation that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Roman Forum, one of the city’s most underrated spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the frequently visited Archaeological Museum Zadar. When you're finished at the museum, Church Of St. Donatus awaits your visit. This church is a culturally significant highlight on today's itinerary. Last up is a market - the underrated Market Zadar.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pet Bunara Dine & Wine offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant 2Ribara. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zadar.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Pirate Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Caffe Bar Bizarre provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Backstage Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip 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 Opatija. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Opatija, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Opatija, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Plitvička Jezera to Opatija may take around 2 hours 38 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Opatija, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

The Wall Of Fame is a frequently visited sightseeing destination we recommend visiting today.

While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Slatina, an eye-catching and truly unique beach.

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.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Bistro Yacht club, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Boćarija Grill is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Ružmarin. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Opatija tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Mare Cocktail Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Choco Bar - Bonbonnière Kraš offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Colosseum Lounge & Beach Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Croatia.

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

After soaking in Opatija’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Pula. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 16 min. When you arrive in Pula, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Pula Arena, an impressive archeological site known for its culturally significant features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Forum Square, a beloved public square.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Temple Of Augustus and uncover the details of this respected monument.

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 39 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Rovinj is Park Forest Zlatni Rt, an underrated park that draws attention for its romantic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Church Of St. Euphemia, a history-steeped church that stands out in the city.

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

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

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.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Mediterraneo Cocktail Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Blue Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Havana Rovinj Cocktail Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Grožnjan, Višnjan, Gedići, and Rošini. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Rovinj, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Rovinj, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Grožnjan. This drive usually takes around 59 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Town Loggia, a beloved monument in Grožnjan. Explore its breathtaking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Grožnjan and set your GPS to Višnjan. 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 32 min. Upon reaching Višnjan, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Astronomsko Društvo Višnjan. Spend some time admiring the mesmerizing features of the astronomical observatory before you continue to your next stop.

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

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Baredine Cave and explore the enchanting features.

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

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

Dine in style at Da Piero, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, La Perla boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Balbi Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Rovinj.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Block Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Caffe Bar “sax” is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Caffe Bar "bruno" is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

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

When you’ve had your share of Rovinj, 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 1 hour 17 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Trsat Castle. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Church Of Mary Of God Of Trsat. This frequently visited church is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Rijeka Cathedral. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the church. Next, take your journey to City Clock Tower, a worthwhile monument.

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Charlie Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Wine Bar "kod Zajca" is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Phanas Pub Rijeka Est.2001 is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Split. This car ride takes around 4 hours 27 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Split is Split Ethnographic Museum, a frequently visited museum that draws attention for its heritage-rich features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Diocletian's Palace, a visually striking palace that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Golden Gate, an often recommended historical landmark that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Old Town Hall, a nearby city hall, highly recommended by other travelers.

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

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

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

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

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 10 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Trogir. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Zadar, 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 Trogir. This drive usually takes around 37 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Trogir Ciovo, an increasingly popular beach 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 Chapel Of St. Sebastian and admire its culturally significant features.

When you’re ready, continue to Trogir Old Town, an up-and-coming historical landmark beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Sjeverna Vog, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Kamerlengo Castle, a history-steeped place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Roko, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Harbor CookHouse & Club offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restoran Urnebes. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zadar.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Garden Lounge. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Down Town, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Beach Bar Bamboo provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!