5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka traveling south to Pula and Senj

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Rijeka and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Rijeka 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.

Rijeka 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 City Clock Tower or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Rijeka. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Rijeka. 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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Rijeka by booking a table at Nebo by Deni Srdoč. This popular restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Seafood restaurant Feral, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Conca d'oro. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rijeka this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Charlie Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Wine bar "kod Zajca", another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001 also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-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, Rijeka. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Pula, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Make Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast one of your first sightseeing stops in Rijeka. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,049 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Church of Mary of God of Trsat is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This church is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,505 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Trsat Castle. This castle has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,592 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Islamic Center of Rijeka. A trip to this popular mosque is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 969 previous visitors.

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

As you explore more of Pula, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pizzeria Samantha, a top-rated dining spot in Pula. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restoran "Stari grad 02", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Epulon Food & Wine. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Pula.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Beach Bar LaPlaya, known for its lively atmosphere. The Shipyard Pub is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Say good night to Pula and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Pula. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Senj, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Make Pula Arena your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this roman amphitheatre an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 58,989 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Forum Square. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,776 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this point of interest every year.

Temple of Augustus is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This archaeological site has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,021 visitors.

When you’re finished at Temple of Augustus, the perfect next stop is Aquarium Pula. This aquarium is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,849 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Senj. Senj 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.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Pizzeria King, a highly-rated dining destination in Senj. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bistro i Caffe bar "Kod tri mornara", another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Uskok. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Senj this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Pirassa Caffe Gelateria stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Cafe Bar Julijus offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Erna is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Senj and Krasno, 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 Rijeka. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Senj City Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 120 reviews.

Continue your journey at Nehaj Fortress. This fortress is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,558 travelers from near and far.

Senj is also the home of Plaža Prva Draga. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,086 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Krasno.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Northern Velebit National Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Krasno, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,503 visitors.

Velebit House is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,091 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rijeka, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Rijeka's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Teatro Lounge Bar. Alternatively, go to Book caffe Dnevni boravak, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Pub "Bačva" provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Day 5 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Rijeka before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in Croatia by visiting Rijeka’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Croatia. Take home a piece of Croatia with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

Drop by the renowned Petar Kružić Stairway. This popular point of interest has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 806 visitors.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Na Sušaku, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Konoba Ive? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Rijeka. 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!