6-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka traveling east to Lika-Senj County, Split, and Zadar

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.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Rijeka. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Rijeka by securing a reservation at Nebo by Deni Srdoč. This renowned restaurant offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. Or, for a change of pace, Seafood restaurant Feral boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Conca d'oro. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Rijeka.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Charlie Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Wine bar "kod Zajca" is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001 provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-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 Lika-Senj County, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rijeka and set your GPS to Lika-Senj County. 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 2 hours 5 min. Upon reaching Lika-Senj County, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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.

Petar Kružić Stairway 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 806 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This church has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,505 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Trsat Castle. A trip to this popular castle is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 11,592 previous visitors.

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

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

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at The Highlanders pub, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Kavana Milinković is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Lika-Senj County tonight.

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

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

On day 3 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 and Bogatić. In the evening, you’ll end up in Split, where you will stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Diocletian's Palace. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Split, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,537 visitors.

Marjan is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,490 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Take the opportunity to see Krka National Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 58,673 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Split. Split 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 Split. 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 Nevera Tavern, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Perivoj restoran i kavana offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Split.

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

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Croatia.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Zadar and Parići. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zadar, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Kick off the day at Market Zadar, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,657 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Sea organ. Sea organ is a tide organ with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 57,178 reviews.

Church of St. Donatus is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This church building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,708 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Narodni trg. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,636 visitors.

Set your GPS to Parići and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 51 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Parići beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready to see some sights, Paklenica National Park is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,842 visitors.

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 you explore more of Zadar, 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.

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

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Yachting Bar & Club is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Caffe bar Porthos, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Factory Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Senj, Pijavica, and Krasno. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rijeka. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Krasno, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Senj may take around 43 min. Upon your arrival in Senj, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Nehaj Fortress. This much-appreciated fortress is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,558 reviews.

Next up is Plaža Prva Draga. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,086 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Senj, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Pijavica. Your travel time is around 1 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Sundial on the 45th parallel. This extraordinary point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 135 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.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Restoran Spagho, an iconic dining spot in Rijeka. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Barbacoa, a popular restaurant in Rijeka. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Konoba Ribica, a hidden gem nestled in Rijeka. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Teatro Lounge Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Book caffe Dnevni boravak provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Pub "Bačva" offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Day 6 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.

On your last day in Croatia, take time to indulge in shopping at Rijeka’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Croatia. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Croatia forever.

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

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Konoba Ive, another premier location with a delectable 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!