4-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zadar to Novalja and surrounding area

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Zadar and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Zadar for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Zadar is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Narodni trg or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Zadar. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Pizzeria Šime, an iconic dining spot in Zadar. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Хърватски ресторант "Галия", a popular restaurant in Zadar. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restoran Zadar - Jadera, a hidden gem nestled in Zadar. 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, Yachting Bar & Club offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Caffe bar Porthos is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Factory Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Croatia!

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Zadar. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Novalja, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Market Zadar. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Zadar, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,657 visitors.

Sea organ is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 57,178 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Roman Forum. Visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,709 reviews.

Church of St. Donatus is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a church building rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,708 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Novalja, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Novalja. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at LA PALOMA, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Timun offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, BISTRO PLAC is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Novalja.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at News Cafe, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Caska and Split, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zadar. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Caska.

Journey into the unknown at Zrce Festival Beach, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable natural feature has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,846 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Novalja, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Split. Your travel time is around 2 hours 31 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Diocletian's Palace. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 76,537 reviews.

Continue your journey at Golden Gate. This memorial gates and arches is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,820 travelers from near and far.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurant 2Ribara. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zadar tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Pirate Bar. Alternatively, go to BackStage Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Garden Lounge provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Day 4 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Zadar before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Maximize your last day in Croatia and go on a shopping spree in Zadar’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Croatia, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Croatia home with you through these charming souvenirs.

Make Kolovare Beach your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 6,257 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zadar.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restoran Urnebes, another premier location with a delectable menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Zadar. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Croatia!