One-Week Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zadar to Plitvička Jezera, Rovinj, and Split and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Zadar. You’ll stay in Zadar for 1 night.

No visit to Zadar is complete without Narodni Trg. This worthwhile public square is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Market Zadar, another must-visit attraction.

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 National Museum Zadar. This underrated museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Church Of St. Donatus, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Archaeological Museum Zadar is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers. Conclude your day at Roman Forum and uncover why it's recognized as one of the city's most curiosity-inducing attractions.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Croatia. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Pirate Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Caffe Bar Bizarre is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Backstage Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Croatia includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Rovinj. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Rovinj, where you'll spend 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Plitvička Jezera, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Rovinj. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 34 min.

Golden Cape Forest Park is a worthwhile park we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Park Forest Zlatni Rt, a majestic park that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Church Of St. Euphemia, a history-steeped church.

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

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 Rovinj, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Kantinon Tavern, a top-rated dining destination in Rovinj. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Scuba restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at La Vigna. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rovinj this evening.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Mediterraneo Cocktail Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Blue Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Havana Rovinj Cocktail Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Rovinj, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Pula is brimming with adventures.

After soaking in Rovinj’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Pula. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 37 min. When you arrive in Pula, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Pula Arena, an impressive archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Zerostrasse and admire its instagrammable features.

When you’re ready, continue to Pula Citadel, a curiosity-inducing castle beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Historical And Maritime Museum Of Istria, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Forum Square, a history-steeped place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rovinj.

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

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

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

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Split. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Split, where will spend 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Rovinj, 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 5 hours 2 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Split is Saint Domnius Bell Tower, an increasingly popular monument that draws attention for its history-steeped features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Diocletian's Palace, a symbolic palace that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Split City Museum, an underrated museum that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Golden Gate, a nearby historical landmark, highly recommended by other travelers.

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

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

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, La Linea is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Fabrique Pub also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Trogir. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zadar, where you'll spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Trogir and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 37 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Trogir beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Trogir Ciovo. Spend some time admiring the UNESCO world heritage-designated features of the beach before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Chapel Of St. Sebastian. This up-and-coming church is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Sjeverna Vog. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the historical landmark. Next, take your journey to Trogir Old Town, an up-and-coming historical landmark. Conclude your sightseeing at Church Of St. Dominic, known for its visually striking features.

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.

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

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

Round off your dining experience by visiting The Garden Lounge, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Down Town, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Beach Bar Bamboo likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!