5-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split traveling north to Lika-Senj County and Zadar

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Photo of beautiful Adriatic Beach and Lagoon with Turquoise Water near Split, Croatia.
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Explore the best of Croatia on a remarkable 5-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Split, Lika-Senj County, Smiljan, Općina Jasenice, Općina Ražanac, and Zadar.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Croatia. You will spend 2 nights in Split, 1 night in Lika-Senj County, and 1 night in Zadar. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Croatia. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Split, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Croatia on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Croatia. Diocletian's Palace and Sea Organ are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Krka National Park, learn more about the unique Marjan, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Church Of St. Donatus.

As you hit the open road and drive through Split, Lika-Senj County, Smiljan, Općina Jasenice, Općina Ražanac, and Zadar, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Croatia. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Croatia.

Throughout your road trip in Croatia, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Croatia.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Croatia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Croatia today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
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Day 1

Day 1

  • Split - Arrival day
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  • Bacvice
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Welcome to Split, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Croatia! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night discovering what to see in Split before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Split 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 Bacvice, a must-see neighborhood, and 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 Split. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Split, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining 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.

Keep the evening going at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to La Linea, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Fabrique Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Croatia!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Split
  • Lika-Senj
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Drive 235 km, 3 hours 7 min

  • Golden Gate
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • West Bank
  • Kašjuni Beach
  • Forest Park Marjan
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Split. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Lika-Senj County, where you'll spend 1 night.

Golden Gate brings Split's character to life. This heritage-rich historical landmark is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Diocletian's Palace, another UNESCO world heritage-listed attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to West Bank, one of the city’s most worthwhile attractions, known for its instagrammable features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Kašjuni Beach. This romantic beach is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Marjan, a notable park, and take a stroll around the area.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Lika-Senj County. Lika-Senj County offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Lika-Senj County's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at The Highlanders pub, a top-rated dining spot in Lika-Senj County. If you're in the mood for something new, try Kavana Milinković, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Lika-Senj County.

Continue your lively evening at Caffe Bar Fortuna, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Caffe Bar Amadeus is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Caffe Bar Bevanda 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.

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Lika-Senj
  • Zadar
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Drive 196 km, 3 hours 21 min

  • Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
  • Paklenica National Park
  • Pariževačka glavica
  • Maslenica Bridge
  • Pag Bridge
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On day 3 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 5 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Smiljan, Parići, Rupine, Općina Jasenice, and Općina Ražanac are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zadar, where you will stay for 1 night.

Let Nikola Tesla Memorial Center set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this photogenic museum before continuing your journey. Paklenica National Park is your next stop. This underrated national park is one of the best-rated sights in Lika-Senj County.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Pariževačka Glavica. This idyllic cliff is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Maslenica Bridge and Paški Most.

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

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.

Dine in style at Pizzeria Šime, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Harvatski restorant "Galiya" boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restoran Zadar - Jadera. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Zadar.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Yachting Bar & Club, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Caffe Bar Porthos, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, The Factory Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Zadar
  • Split
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Drive 195 km, 3 hours 4 min

  • Market Zadar
  • People's Square
  • Church of St. Donatus
  • Sea organ
  • Krka National Park
  • More

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Croatia includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Zadar. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Split, where you'll spend 1 night.

No visit to Zadar is complete without Market Zadar. This worthwhile market is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Narodni Trg, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Zadar, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Church Of St. Donatus. This often recommended church is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Sea Organ, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Krka National Park is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious 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.

Split 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 Split.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Šug in Split by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, Šug offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious regional menu. If you're looking to mix things up, DeListes restaurant Split offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Caffe Bar Mythos after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Caffe Bar Legis for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Caffe Bar Tik is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

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

One of the best things to do on your last day is to explore Marmontova Street, a street that you shouldn't miss while in Split. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

Take some time to indulge in shopping at Split’s popular marketplace, Marmontova Street. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip. Browse boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces.

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

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Kadena, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Split. 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!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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