5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zadar traveling east to Split

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Zadar and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Zadar for 2 nights 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 Kolovare Beach 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Pizzeria Šime, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Хърватски ресторант "Галия"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restoran Zadar - Jadera as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Zadar.

Keep the evening going at Yachting Bar & Club, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Caffe Bar Porthos, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Factory Bar, 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!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zadar has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Zadar by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Sea Organ. This extraordinary tide organ is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 58,697 visitors.

Next, make your way to Roman Forum. This top attraction is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,872 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Church Of St. Donatus. This church building is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,882 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Narodni Trg. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,796 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Market Zadar. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,813 travelers.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Croatia that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Zadar has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. Scroll down and select tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, 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 Pet Bunara Dine & Wine, 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 Restaurant 2Ribara, a hidden gem nestled in Zadar. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Pirate Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Caffe Bar Bizarre is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Backstage Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

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

Journey into the unknown at Krka National Park, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 59,505 reviews.

Set your GPS to Grad Skradin and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 32 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Grad Skradin beckons with new experiences!

Make Cikola Canyon one of your first sightseeing stops in Ključ. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 215 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Split. Split offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. 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 Split's best restaurants.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Split by securing a table at Šug. An esteemed Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional regional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Perivoj restoran i kavana, another premier location with a delectable menu.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, La Linea offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Split. Fabrique Pub is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

On day 4 of your road trip in Croatia, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Split, Rupine, Općina Jasenice, and Zadar. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zadar, where you will stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Diocletian's Palace. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 77,945 visitors.

Next, make your way to Marjan. This top attraction is a mountain with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,622 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rupine. This car ride takes around 1 hour 52 min.

Drop by the renowned Pariževačka Glavica. This popular landmark has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,775 visitors.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zadar. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Roko, a top-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Harbor CookHouse & Club, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restoran Urnebes. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Garden Lounge. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Down Town, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Beach Bar Bamboo 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 5 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.

On your last day in Croatia, take time to indulge in shopping at Zadar’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,314 visitors.

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

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Konoba Rafaelo, another top spot with a mouthwatering 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!