7-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dubrovnik traveling west to Metković, Zadar, and Makarska

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Bosanka, Dubrovnik, and Trsteno. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Metković. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Start your adventure at Lovrijenac. This up-and-coming castle is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.

Next, visit The Cathedral Of The Assumption Of The Virgin Mary, a curiosity-inducing church that offers a unique experience.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Trsteno. This drive usually takes around 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Trsteno Arboretum is a worthwhile botanical garden we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its standout features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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 Metković. Metković 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.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Pizzeria MARINO, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pizzeria Milano offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Konoba Lanterna. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Metković.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Carpe Diem Cafe, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Kave Bar Mb By Zvonko. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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 Grad Benkovac and Grad Biograd na Moru. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zadar, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Grad Benkovac and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Grad Benkovac beckons with new experiences!

Head to Vidikovac, Kamenjak, an underrated observation deck in Grad Benkovac. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking in Grad Benkovac’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Grad Biograd na Moru. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 32 min. When you arrive in Grad Biograd na Moru, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Plaža Dražica. Spend some time admiring the mesmerizing features of the beach before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Plaža Soline. This frequently visited beach is a traveler-favorite in the town. Not far away, you’ll also find Town Of Biograd. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the city hall.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated dining spot in Zadar. If you're in the mood for something new, try Harvatski restorant "Galiya", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zadar.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Yachting Bar & Club, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Caffe Bar Porthos is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Factory 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.

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Zadar for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Discover a day packed with a romantic, a mesmerizing, an instagrammable, a culturally significant, a remarkable, a history-steeped, and an inviting in Zadar. Begin your sightseeing with Sea Organ. This extraordinary art installation is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Roman Forum, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

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 underrated church is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Narodni Trg, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Conclude your day at Market Zadar and uncover why it's recognized as one of the city's most frequently visited attractions.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Croatia is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, a top-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pet Bunara Dine & Wine, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant 2Ribara. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

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

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

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Grad Skradin and Split. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Makarska, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Grad Skradin. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Zadar, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Grad Skradin may take around 1 hour 8 min. Upon your arrival in Grad Skradin, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Your self-guided tour starts at Skradinski Buk, a curiosity-inducing waterfall that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

When you’ve had your share of Grad Skradin, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Split. Your travel time is around 1 hour 25 min.

Take your self-guided tour to Diocletian's Palace, a top-rated palace that everyone visiting Split should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Marjan. This eye-catching park is one of the most notable attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Mestrovic Gallery, an instagrammable art gallery, popular among locals as well as travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Makarska. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant Riva | RIVA - MAKARSKA d. O. O. , highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Bonaca? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Konoba Novak as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Makarska.

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

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Makarska and Veliko Brdo. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dubrovnik, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Just a short distance away is St. Peter Forest Park, an eye-catching park that draws visitors from far and near.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Veliko Brdo. This drive usually takes around 10 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your journey at Vepric - Shrine Of Our Lady Of Lourdes and explore the breathtaking features.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Taverna Loggia, a top-rated dining destination in Dubrovnik. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Maskeron, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Magellan, Restaurant & Caffe Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dubrovnik this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Caffe & Night Bar Amor, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Celtic Bar Belfast Dubrovnik offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Dubrovnik. Seven Sins is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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