5-Day Relaxed Croatia Road Trip in Pula

Photo of  city of Pula, ancient Roman arena, historic amphitheater and harbor with ships from drone, aerial view.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 5-day road trip in Croatia with this laid-back self-drive vacation.

This self-drive package allows you to immerse in the local culture as you travel through the picture-perfect landscapes in Croatia at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Pula and Rijeka. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 4 nights in Pula. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Croatia.

Experience an easy 5-day self-drive tour across Croatia with this carefully arranged travel plan. We’ll help you from the beginning to the end of your vacation in Croatia so you can leave with the best road trip memories.

Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in Croatia. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Pula, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 5-day journey across Croatia and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.

You’ll choose among the best hotels and places to stay in Croatia. You could enjoy a lovely hotel experience at the popular 4-star Best View Pula in Best View Pula. Or, you could have a first-class room with a magnificent view at the 4-star Apartment for Special Getaway Nea. We’ll always offer you the best places to stay in Croatia that fit your budget and needs.

We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in Croatia. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Pula Citadel in Pula. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Pula Arena.

Traveling leisurely through Croatia means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Forum Square. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Temple of Augustus. Get close to the spectacular Trsat Castle and the wonderful Church of Mary of God of Trsat. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.

Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in Croatia. Tours offer a special way of discovering what else Croatia has to offer.

This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through Croatia's shopping hotspots. Here you can visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Check out all the souvenirs and gifts you can buy in the area and bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in Croatia.

By the end of your 5-day road trip through Croatia, you’ll return home feeling refreshed and enriched by your experience. You’ll have many stories about your pleasant and relaxed road trip vacation in Croatia and memories to cherish forever.

This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through Croatia. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 4 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best car rental you can use throughout the 5 days of your self-drive road trip in Croatia. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.

This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents. All taxes are included in your vacation package price.

Spend an amazing 5-day vacation in Croatia and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in Croatia today!

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Aerial drone photo of famous european city of Pula and arena of roman time. Location Istria county, Croatia, Europe.Pula / 4 nights
Grad Rijeka - city in CroatiaPrimorje-Gorski Kotar County

Map

Attractions

Photo of summer scenic view of ancient ruins Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, Istria croatian region.Pula Arena
Photo of aerial view of Trsat fortress in Rijeka, Croatia.Trsat Castle
Photo of the ancient Temple of Augustus, Pula, Croatia.Temple of Augustus
Photo of Aquarium Pula, Grad Pula, Istria County, Croatia.Aquarium Pula
Forum Square, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaForum Square
Fortress Kaštel, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaFortress Kaštel / Castello
Crkva Majke Božje Trsatske, Mjesni odbor Grad Trsat, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaChurch of Mary of God of Trsat
Historical and Maritime Museum of IstriaHistorical and Maritime Museum of Istria
Photo of Sea canyon with high sheer cliffs descending to turquoise water, place for jump in Verudela Canyon at Verudela Peninsula, south from Pula, Croatia.Verudela Canyon
City Clock Tower, Mjesni odbor Luka, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaCity Clock Tower
Pathway in Šijana woods, Croatia.Šijana/Siana Forest
Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast, Rijeka, Mjesni odbor Brajda-Dolac, Grad Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, CroatiaMaritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
Zerostrasse, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaZerostrasse
Galebijana Cave, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaGalebijana Cave
Montezaro Park, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaMontezaro Park
Istrian olive oil museum, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaIstrian olive oil museum

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Pula - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Pula - arrival day

  • Pula - Arrival day
  • More
  • Šijana/Siana Forest
  • More

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Croatia begins when you reach Pula, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Pula is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Šijana/Siana Forest. Around 1,164 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

In the city of Pula, nothing beats the comfort the incredible Apartment for Special Getaway Nea provides. This 4-star apartment is one of the most luxurious places to stay in the area and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 32 guests.

The best 4-star apartment we recommend in Pula is Best View Pula. This apartment offers many conveniences and is the perfect base for your relaxed road trip activities. Best View Pula has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 63 guests.

These excellent hotels ensure guests a safe and relaxing stay in Pula. If these popular options are not available for your time in the city, our system will automatically help you find the best alternatives.

Exploring the food culture in Pula 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.

An excellent example is Veritas Food&Wine. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,550 customers.

Pizzeria Jupiter serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Pula has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,601 reviews.

Konoba Boccaporta is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,823 customers, Konoba Boccaporta is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Pula looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Rock Bar Mimoza, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 613 reviews.

The Shipyard Pub offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Pula. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,622 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Croatia! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Croatia!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Pula

Day 2

Day 2 – Pula

  • Pula
  • More

Drive 3 km, 14 min

  • Fortress Kaštel / Castello
  • Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria
  • Zerostrasse
  • Istrian olive oil museum
  • Pula Arena
  • More

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you'll explore the best attractions in Pula at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Pula, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Pula Citadel. This incredible must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,405 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Croatia by seeing another popular site in Pula, the wonderful Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,405 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Zerostrasse. This top-tier point of interest has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 909 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Istrian olive oil museum. This best-rated sightseeing destination is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 499 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Pula Arena. This amazing site is a wonderful roman amphitheatre with more than 57,714 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Croatia. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Pula itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Croatia extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Pula. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Grill bar Campo. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,879 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Bistro Alighieri, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Bistro Alighieri is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 1,688 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Hook & Cook Pula. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,587 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Pula and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Old City Bar Pula. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,368 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Cabahia. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 664 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Pula

Day 3

Day 3 – Pula

  • Pula
  • More

Drive 22 km, 54 min

  • Aquarium Pula
  • Verudela Canyon
  • Forum Square
  • Temple of Augustus
  • Galebijana Cave
  • More

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Croatia gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Pula and visit more of its attractions.

Pula has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Croatia. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Verudela Canyon, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Verudela Canyon has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,591 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Forum Square. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 5,697 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Pula is the notable Temple of Augustus. The popular Temple of Augustus is a highlight of many travel packages in Pula. As a matter of fact, this remarkable archaeological site has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 9,656 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Pula, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Galebijana Cave. Take your time exploring this wonderful best-rated sightseeing destination and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 686 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Pula by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Pula.

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 Pula, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Old City Bar Pula is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Pula-based food place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,368 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Kažun Tavern is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Kažun Tavern proved an excellent choice for around 1,186 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Pula is Kantina Restaurant, which has an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 1,044 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Pula, Beach Bar LaPlaya. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars given by 539 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Bass bar Pula. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.8 over 5 stars by 349 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Caffe bar "Dvojka" may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 228 customers have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Pula and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Croatia on a great note!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Rijeka and Pula

Day 4

Day 4 – Rijeka and Pula

  • Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
  • Pula
  • More

Drive 226 km, 3 hours 5 min

  • Trsat Castle
  • Church of Mary of God of Trsat
  • Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
  • City Clock Tower
  • More

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you’ll explore the area around Pula, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Pula will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Croatia.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating castle, the stunning Trsat Castle. Around 10,964 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular Church of Mary of God of Trsat, a popular church and another top-rated attraction in Pula.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. This local attraction is an amazing museum that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,024 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding City Clock Tower will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Croatia more memorable. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,256 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Croatia is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Pula. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Pula and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Pula that will make your self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Pula to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Pula for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Croatia by eating at one of the best restaurants in Pula.

With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 736 customers, the dining experience Restoran Farabuto offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Croatia.

Restoran "Stari grad 02" is another pleasant place to eat in Pula. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Ulysses, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Pula is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 495 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Circolo, another well-known bar in Pula. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 456 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Bounty. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 411 customers, Bounty is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Pula.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Croatia is all about!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Pula - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Pula - departure day

  • Pula - Departure day
  • More
  • Montezaro Park
  • More

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Pula.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Pula once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Croatia on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Montezaro Park is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Pula. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 648 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 5 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Pula or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Epulon Food & Wine. Dining at Epulon Food & Wine is one of the best food experiences you can have in Pula. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 555 customers.

Another top recommendation in Pula is Valli Fine Bistro | Restaurant Pula. If you go to Valli Fine Bistro | Restaurant Pula, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 542 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Pula and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 5-day relaxed road trip in Croatia is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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Experiences

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