7-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zadar traveling west to Zagreb, Porec, Pula, and Rijeka

On day 2 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Zadar are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zagreb, where you will stay for 1 night.

Whatever your travel style is, Market Zadar is an essential stop in Zadar. This worthwhile market provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Narodni Trg, an enchanting public square, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Church Of St. Donatus, a frequently visited church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the intriguing Roman Forum.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zagreb. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Zagreb, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Zinfandel's Restaurant, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Esplanade Zagreb Hotel? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Rougemarin City as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Zagreb.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Tesla New Generation, known for its inviting atmosphere. Caffe Bar Destino is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Booze And Blues provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Croatia includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Zagreb. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Porec, where you'll spend 1 night.

Ban Josip Jelačić Statue makes a great addition to your morning plans. This popular monument is a heritage-rich place to see in Zagreb. Continue your discovery at Zagreb Cathedral, a symbolic church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Zagreb, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Park Maksimir. This well-known park offers a romantic encounter with Zagreb. Next, make your way to Zagreb Zoo to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Zagreb.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Porec. Porec offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Dine in style at Bacchus, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Willy Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Istrian House. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Porec.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Caffe Bar Corner after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Pub Spacio, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Beach Bar Tequila also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip 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 places, which are Rošini, Gedići, Rovinj, and Fažana. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pula, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Rošini, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Porec to Rošini may take around 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rošini, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Motodrom Porec and explore the picture-perfect features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Gedići may take around 10 min. Upon your arrival in Gedići, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Baredine Cave, a beloved cave known for its enchanting features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rovinj. This car ride takes around 43 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Rovinj is Church Of St. Euphemia, an often recommended church that draws attention for its visually striking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Park Forest Zlatni Rt, a peaceful park that stands out in the village.

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

Pula is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Pula.

Don’t miss out on dining at Pizzeria Samantha, a top-rated dining destination in Pula. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Fresh Sandwiches and Salads, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bistro Romantic Alley. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Pula this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Beach Bar Laplaya, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Shipyard Pub is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Zeppelin - Beach & Lounge Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Pula. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Rijeka, where you'll spend 1 night.

Experience Pula Citadel, an up-and-coming castle in the city. Then, head to Pula Arena and soak in the ambiance of this breathtaking archeological site.

There are many interesting places to see in Pula, and when you are ready for more, go to Forum Square. This is one of the city’s most up-and-coming enchanting spots of interest. After exploring the public square, visit the well-known Temple Of Augustus. Not far away, you'll also find Aquarium Pula. This aquarium is a visually striking highlight in Pula.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Rijeka. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Nebo by Deni Srdoč, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern and creative menu. Alternatively, experience a taste of Rijeka at Restaurant Capote y Ole. , another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated.

Keep the evening going at Charlie Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Wine Bar "kod Zajca", which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Phanas Pub Rijeka Est.2001, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Senj and Smiljan. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Zadar, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Rijeka, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Senj. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 2 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Sundial On The 45th Parallel. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the monument before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Plaža Prva Draga. This frequently visited beach is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Nehaj Fortress. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the castle.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Smiljan, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Senj to Smiljan may take around 1 hour 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Smiljan, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Nikola Tesla Memorial Center, an increasingly popular museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zadar. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Pirate Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Caffe Bar Bizarre provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Backstage Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!