9-Day Croatia road trip from Dubrovnik to Metković, Zadar, and Makarska

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Dubrovnik. You’ll stay in Dubrovnik for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Dubrovnik has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,642 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dubrovnik, Pantarul. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,208 customers.

Dubrovnik also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Dubrovnik is Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,837 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Croatia!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Dubrovnik. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Metković. You’ll stay in Metković for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Dubrovnik’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Dubrovnik, start your day with a visit to the amazing Dubrovnik Cable Car. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 9,355 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Porat Dubrovnik. This top-tier point of interest and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,594 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a church that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,589 visitors.

The lovely Lovrijenac is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 8,073 visitors have left this fortress average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Trsteno Arboretum. This attraction is an arboretum rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,066 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Dubrovnik has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Metković. Metković offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Pizzeria Milano. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 573 reviews.

The remarkable Konoba Lanterna is another top restaurant in Metković we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 318 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Metković, the fantastic Carpe Diem Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 261 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Industry Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 153 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Kave bar MB by Zvonko. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 143 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 3 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Zadar for 4 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Zadar is the amazing Vidikovac, Kamenjak. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,609 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible top-tier point of interest, Plaža Dražica. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,940 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zadar is the outstanding Plaža Soline. This popular must-see tourist destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,527 visitors.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Zadar, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran 4 Kantuna, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,300 customers.

Locals also recommend Konoba Rafaelo as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar. Konoba Rafaelo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar is Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.

After dinner, visit Deja Brew Pub Zadar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like BackStage Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Alternatively, Harbor CookHouse & Club is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Zadar, where you'll stay for 3 nights more.

One of the best travel destinations in the town of Zadar is Roman Forum. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,627 visitors.

Church of St. Donatus is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Zadar. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Church of St. Donatus has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,633 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Croatia more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Croatia’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Zadar.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 customers.

Restoran Bruschetta is one of the top restaurants in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Beach Bar Bamboo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Zadar, we recommend the cocktails at La Famiglia. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zadar is The Garden Lounge. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Zadar!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zadar, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Zadar.

Today you'll explore the city of Zadar. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Sea organ. This incredible attraction is a tide organ and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,635 visitors.

Monument to the Sun is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Zadar. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,820 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zadar is Market Zadar. This amazing attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,601 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Narodni trg. This best-rated sightseeing destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,549 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Kolovare Beach. This top-tier point of interest is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,177 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zadar.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar, like Restaurant 2Ribara. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,703 customers.

Restaurant Malo Misto is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,645 customers.

Locals enjoy Proto Food&More, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zadar. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,389 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Yachting Bar & Club. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,289 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Restaurant Taverna. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 825 customers.

Caffe Bar Kult is another of the best bars in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 675 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

You still have 1 night left in Zadar.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Manojlovački slapovi. This incredible attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 679 visitors.

Roski waterfall is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,525 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Krka National Park. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 58,359 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Skradinski buk. This waterfall and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,042 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zadar.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar, like Kornat Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 858 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Back Door. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 164 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Arsenal Zadar MS. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 918 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the city of Šibenik and the city of Split. You’ll stay in Makarska for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the town of Šibenik today is Šibenik Cathedral. This excellent attraction is a cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,405 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Croatia, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the town, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Croatia. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Diocletian's Palace for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Split. This popular attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,911 visitors.

This outstanding mountain has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,428 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Kašjuni Beach in the town of Split. This attraction, a stunning beach, has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,777 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Makarska.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Makarska, Tempera Streetfood & Bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,117 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Makarska, Pivnica Pivac. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,076 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia with a toast!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Makarska. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Dubrovnik. You’ll stay in Dubrovnik for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Makarska’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Makarska, start your day with a visit to the amazing Osejava Forest Park. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,226 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Botanical garden. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 235 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular St. Peter Forest Park to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular St. Peter Forest Park is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,912 visitors.

The lovely Vepric - Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 2,158 visitors have left this church average ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Makarska has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Urban & Veggie - Vegan Restaurant Dubrovnik. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 671 reviews.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 9 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Dubrovnik before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Onofrio fountain is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Dubrovnik. This fountain and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,091 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Dubrovnik and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Dubrovnik at Restaurant Maskeron before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 527 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Dubrovnik. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!