7-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zagreb traveling south to Lovinac, Split, and Lika-Senj County

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Zagreb and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 2 nights 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.

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 Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb 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.

Savor the flavors at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Roots - juice & cocktail bar beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Cheese Bar. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Zagreb tonight.

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 7-day road trip in Croatia!

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Zagreb for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Zagreb Zoo. This extraordinary zoo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 24,176 visitors.

Next, make your way to Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 16,419 reviews.

While in Zagreb, we also recommend a visit to Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,840 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Bundek. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,257 travelers, this lake is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Zagreb.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Zagreb on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zagreb.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pri zvoncu, a top-rated dining spot in Zagreb. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restoran Vegehop, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Mali Medo. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zagreb.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at A’e Craft Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Mr. Fogg, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Swanky Monkey Garden provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

On day 3 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 Lovinac, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Make Lotrščak Tower your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this fortified tower an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,513 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Museum of Broken Relationships. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,032 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this museum every year.

Stone Gate is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This city gate has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,640 visitors.

When you’re finished at Stone Gate, the perfect next stop is Zagreb Fountains. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,216 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,593 reviews.

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

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

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip 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 Grad Skradin and Split. In the evening, you’ll end up in Split, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Krka National Park is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 58,673 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Split. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Skradinski buk. This waterfall is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Grad Skradin, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,227 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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Split.

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.

Keep the evening going at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Fabrique Pub, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Caffe bar Mythos, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Zadar. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lika-Senj County, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Zadar. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 45 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Market Zadar. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,657 reviews.

Continue your journey at Sea organ. This tide organ is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 57,178 travelers from near and far.

Zadar is also the home of Roman Forum. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,709 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Church of St. Donatus. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,708 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Narodni trg. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,636 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this point of interest.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lika-Senj County, 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 Lika-Senj County's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Highlanders pub, a highly-rated dining destination in Lika-Senj County. If you're eager to try something different, consider Kavana Milinković, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Lika-Senj County this evening.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Kaniža Gospićka, Smiljan, Perušić, and Senj, 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 Zagreb. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Kaniža Gospićka, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Kaniža Gospićka, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Public institution "Velebit Nature Park". This much-appreciated park is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars in 108 reviews.

Set your GPS to Smiljan and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Smiljan beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned Nikola Tesla Memorial Center. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,955 visitors.

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

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Submarine Burger Frankopanska is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Zagreb.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at BarBar XXL after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Vintage Industrial Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Hub Cooltura Pub is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!

Day 7 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.

Make Park Maksimir your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 19,379 reviews.

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

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Dubravkin put, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Restaurant Zelen Dvor is another top choice with a popular menu.

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!