5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zagreb traveling west to Labin and Rijeka

Welcome to Zagreb, 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 immersing yourself in Zagreb's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Zagreb 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 Park Maksimir 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 Zagreb. 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 Zagreb. 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 delicious dinner at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Roots - juice & cocktail bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Cheese Bar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zagreb.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Booze and Blues, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Krolo is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Valhalla beer bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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, Zagreb. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Labin, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Kick off the day at Ban Josip Jelačić Statue, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,840 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Zagreb Cathedral. Zagreb Cathedral is a catholic cathedral with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,419 reviews.

Zagreb Zoo is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,176 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Bundek. This lake is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,257 visitors.

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

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Fast 66, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Restaurant Due Fratelli is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Hotel Peteani. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Labin tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Formula 1 Caffe Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Caffe bar Karbon is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Caffe Bar Valentino offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Pula, Gedići, and Rovinj, 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.

After soaking in Labin’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Pula. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 42 min. When you arrive in Pula, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make Pula Arena one of your first sightseeing stops in Pula. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 58,989 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Forum Square is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This sightseeing destination is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,776 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Temple of Augustus. This archaeological site has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,021 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pula and set your GPS to Gedići. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 44 min. Upon reaching Gedići, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Drop by the renowned Baredine Cave. This popular show cave has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,737 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Rijeka, 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Rijeka's best restaurants.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Rijeka by booking a table at Nebo by Deni Srdoč, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern and creative menu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Seafood restaurant Feral, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Conca d'oro. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Rijeka this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Charlie Bar. Alternatively, go to Wine bar "kod Zajca", the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001 provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day 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 Pijavica, Senj, and Brinje. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zagreb, where you will stay for 1 night.

Pijavica’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rijeka behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 2 min. Pijavica welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Sundial on the 45th parallel. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Pijavica, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 135 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Brinje. This drive usually takes around 37 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Journey into the unknown at Plaža Prva Draga, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,086 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Nehaj Fortress is a recommended place to visit. This fortress is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,558 reviews.

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

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

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

Continue your lively evening at A’e Craft Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Mr. Fogg is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Swanky Monkey Garden ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Head back to your accommodation in Zagreb and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Croatia!

Day 5 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Zagreb 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 Zagreb’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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,026 visitors.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. 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!