12-Day Croatia road trip from Rijeka to Pula, Senj, Zadar, and Šibenik

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Rijeka has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible City Clock Tower. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,339 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka, Konoba Tarsa. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Barbacoa. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Locals recommend Konoba Fiume as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

Rijeka also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Rijeka is The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in Croatia!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Rijeka has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Rijeka by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Rijeka. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Rijeka, like the extraordinary Trsat Castle. This attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,516 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Rijeka is the spectacular Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,485 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Petar Kružić Stairway. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 799 visitors.

Natural History Museum Rijeka is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This natural history museum is a popular destination among visitors in Rijeka. Rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 792 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Rijeka does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Rijeka on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Boonker, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Rijeka is the popular Bistro Mornar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, River is one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

Pet Jedan Tapas Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Rijeka is Pub "Bačva". Pub "Bačva" has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Rijeka!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Pula. You’ll stay in Pula for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Istria County’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Istria County, start your day with a visit to the amazing Baredine Cave. This much-appreciated show cave and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,659 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Dvigrad ruins. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,206 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Church of Saint Euphemia to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Church of Saint Euphemia is a church that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,222 visitors.

The lovely Park forest Zlatni Rt is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,231 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Fasana. This attraction is a shopping mall rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,543 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Istria County has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Pula. Pula offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Veritas Food&Wine. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,550 reviews.

The remarkable Pizzeria Jupiter is another top restaurant in Pula we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,601 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Pula, the fantastic Rock Bar Mimoza. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 613 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Shipyard Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,622 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 4 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Pula and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Senj. You will stay in Senj for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Pula is the amazing Pula Citadel. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,536 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible roman amphitheatre, Pula Arena. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 58,562 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Pula is the outstanding Temple of Augustus. This popular archaeological site and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,904 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Pula by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Senj, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Tavern Kod Veska, one of the best restaurants in the city of Senj. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 822 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant-pizzeria Tropicana as one of the best restaurants in the city of Senj. Restaurant-pizzeria Tropicana is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Senj is Pizzeria King. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 841 customers.

After dinner, visit Pirassa Caffe Gelateria, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Senj. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 120 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Restoran "Krešimir". This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 146 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Senj and embark on a scenic drive to Zadar, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Senj before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Senj. This attraction is a fortress that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,527 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Kolovare Beach. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,177 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,288 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Sea organ. This tide organ and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 56,635 visitors.

The lovely Monument to the Sun is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 3,820 visitors have left this monument an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 customers.

Locals also recommend Konoba Rafaelo, another of the best restaurants in Zadar. Konoba Rafaelo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Deja Brew Pub Zadar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zadar, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like BackStage Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. BackStage Bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Harbor CookHouse & Club is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Zadar, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

One of the best travel destinations is Roman Forum. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,627 visitors.

Church of St. Donatus is another popular attraction you could visit. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Church of St. Donatus has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,633 visitors.

To make your time more memorable, we recommend you visit Narodni trg. This outstanding attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,549 visitors.

If you’re up for something incredible, then consider a visit to the outstanding Market Zadar. More than 7,601 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

You can also make your new day in Croatia more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Croatia’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Zadar.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 customers.

Restoran Bruschetta is one of the top restaurants in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Beach Bar Bamboo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Zadar, we recommend the cocktails at La Famiglia. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zadar is The Garden Lounge. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Zadar!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Šibenik. You’ll stay in Šibenik for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zadar’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Zadar, start your day with a visit to the amazing Paški most. This much-appreciated road bridge and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,358 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Town of Biograd. This top-tier point of interest and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,614 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Plaža Dražica to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Plaža Dražica is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,940 visitors.

The lovely Plaža Soline is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,527 visitors have left this best-rated sightseeing destination average ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zadar has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Šibenik. Šibenik offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Šibenik, the fantastic Azimut. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Vintage Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 534 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

You still have 1 night left in Šibenik.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Statue of Our Lady Of Loreto. This incredible attraction is a place of worship and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 3,302 visitors.

Plaža Velika Raduča is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 932 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Beach Mala Raduča. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,107 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Skradinski buk. This waterfall and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,042 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Krka National Park. This park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 58,359 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Šibenik.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Šibenik, like Restoran Pjat. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 597 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Šibenik, Bronzin. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

Day 9 of your road trip will take you to the city of Šibenik and the city of Split. You’ll stay in Lika-Senj County for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the town of Šibenik today is St. Nicholas’ Fortress. This excellent attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,853 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Šibenik Cathedral, an outstanding cathedral, in the town of Šibenik. Around 7,405 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

To experience the local culture, see more of Croatia, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the town, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Croatia. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Diocletian's Palace for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Split. This popular attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,911 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Lika-Senj County.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Lika-Senj County, Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,954 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Lika-Senj County, The Highlanders pub. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 928 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Bistro @ izletište Travel. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 175 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia with a toast!

Day 10 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Zagreb for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Zagreb is the amazing Bundek. This attraction is a lake that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,180 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park Maksimir. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,174 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,528 visitors.

The spectacular Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,945 visitors.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Zagreb, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

After dinner, visit Vintage Industrial Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Alternatively, Mr. Fogg is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zagreb’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Zagreb, start your day with a visit to the amazing Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This much-appreciated best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Lotrščak Tower. This fortified tower and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,480 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Stone Gate to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Stone Gate is a city gate that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 visitors.

The lovely Ribnjak Park is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,263 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Zagreb Cathedral. This attraction is a catholic cathedral rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 16,381 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zagreb has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Rijeka. Rijeka offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular King’s Caffe food pub. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,389 reviews.

The remarkable Submarine Burger Rijeka is another top restaurant in Rijeka we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,653 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Rijeka, the fantastic Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 753 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 12 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Rijeka before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Kružna ulica is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Rijeka. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars by 2 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Rijeka and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Rijeka at Maslina before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,219 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Rijeka. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!