7-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split traveling west to Zadar, Zagreb, and Novalja

On day 3 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Zadar. You’ll stay in Zadar for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Get ready for an exciting day in Zadar. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a public square, a market, an art installation, an archeological site, a church and much more! Begin your adventure at Narodni Trg. This is a locally appreciated public square you should not miss. Another must-see is Market Zadar, an often recommended market in Zadar.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Sea Organ. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Roman Forum, another of the city’s frequently visited attractions. We recommend ending your self-guided tour of the city with a standout church. Church Of St. Donatus is a truly remarkable place to visit in Zadar.

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.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pet Bunara Dine & Wine offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant 2Ribara. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zadar.

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

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Općina Ražanac, Općina Jasenice, Parići, and Općina Starigrad. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Zagreb. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Općina Ražanac. This drive usually takes around 31 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Your self-guided tour starts at Paški Most, a locally appreciated road bridge that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Općina Jasenice’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Općina Ražanac behind. This drive usually takes around 24 min. Općina Jasenice welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Head to Maslenica Bridge, an underrated deck arch bridge in Općina Jasenice.

After soaking in Općina Jasenice’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Parići. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 17 min. When you arrive in Parići, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your self-guided tour starts at Paklenica National Park, a worthwhile national park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

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.

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

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

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Tesla New Generation stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Destino offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Booze And Blues is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!

On day 5 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 Zagreb. In the evening, you’ll end up in Novalja, where you will stay for 1 night.

Prepare for a day full of a visually striking, a history-steeped, a majestic, a noteworthy, a charming, a majestic, and an awe-inspiring. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This popular monument is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Zagreb Zoo, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Park Maksimir, one of the most notable places to see in Zagreb. This park is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Botanical Garden Of The Faculty Of Science, University Of Zagreb. Wander around and soak in the mesmerizing atmosphere this botanical garden offers.

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

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

Make sure to book a table at LA PALOMA, a popular restaurant in Novalja. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Novalja at Restaurant Timun, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is BISTRO PLAC. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Novalja tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting News Cafe after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Caska, Bogatić, and Grad Skradin, 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 Split. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Caska. This car ride takes around 8 min.

Zrce Festival Beach is a beloved beach we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its enchanting features before continuing your self-guided tour.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Caska, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bogatić may take around 1 hour 55 min. Upon your arrival in Bogatić, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Roski Waterfall. Spend some time admiring the mesmerizing features of the waterfall before you continue to your next stop.

Head to Krka National Park, a widely recognized national park in Caska. Explore its serene features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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.

As you explore more of Split, 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 lovely meal at Babylon, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, DeListes restaurant Split is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Split tonight.

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Croatia.