9-Day Croatia Road Trip from Dubrovnik traveling north to Metković, Zadar, Lika-Senj County, Šibenik, and Makarska

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach Dubrovnik and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Dubrovnik for 1 night 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.

Dubrovnik 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 Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park 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 Dubrovnik. 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 Dubrovnik. 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.

Esteemed for its , this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of cuisine. This esteemed -recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. With its recognition, it guarantees an unforgettable dining adventure. Savor the flavors at TuttoBene Pizzeria & Fast Food, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurant Maskeron beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Magellan, Restaurant & Caffe Bar. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Dubrovnik tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Promenada, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Love Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Sports Pub Mario provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Bosanka and Dubrovnik. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Metković. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bosanka.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Dubrovnik Cable Car. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,443 visitors.

Porat Dubrovnik is another popular attraction you could visit today. This sightseeing destination has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,634 visitors.

Sponza Palace is also highly recommended by travelers. This palace has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,613 visitors.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This church is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,611 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Metković. This car ride takes around 1 hour 34 min.

Journey into the unknown at Lovrijenac, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable fortress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,189 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Metković, 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 Metković's best restaurants.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. This acclaimed -recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. With a recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure. Dine in style at Pizzeria MARINO, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Pizzeria Milano boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Konoba Lanterna. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Metković.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Carpe Diem Cafe after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Kave bar MB by Zvonko, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Nin, Općina Jasenice, and Rupine, 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 Zadar. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Nin, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Rupine to Nin may take around 43 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Nin, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Solana Nin Salt Museum. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,343 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Općina Jasenice, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Metković to Općina Jasenice may take around 2 hours 28 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Općina Jasenice, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Maslenica Bridge. Previous visitors have rated this deck arch bridge an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,555 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Zadar. Zadar 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 Zadar.

Celebrated as a restaurant, it boasts an exceptional menu. This establishment consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Nestled in the city's heart, is a perfect choice for discerning cuisine enthusiasts seeking a new experience. Enjoy a sumptuous meal at Pizzeria Šime, a highly-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're eager to try something different, consider Хърватски ресторант "Галия", another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Yachting Bar & Club, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Caffe bar Porthos offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Zadar. The Factory Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

On day 4 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.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Sea organ, a remarkable tide organ where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 57,178 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Roman Forum. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,709 travelers.

Church of St. Donatus is another must-visit attraction. This renowned church building offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,708 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Narodni trg. This well-loved sightseeing destination boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 6,636 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Market Zadar awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a sightseeing destination, this is a top pick rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,657 previous visitors.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Zadar, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Zadar below.

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

Esteemed for its , this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of cuisine. This esteemed -recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. With its recognition, it guarantees an unforgettable dining adventure. Savor the flavors at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Pet Bunara Dine & Wine beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restaurant 2Ribara. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Zadar tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Pirate Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, BackStage Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Garden Lounge provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day 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 Žabica, Perušić, Krasno, and Smiljan. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lika-Senj County, where you will stay for 1 night.

Upon reaching Žabica, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take the opportunity to see Jasikovac, Park Suma. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 217 visitors.

After soaking in Krasno’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Perušić. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 57 min. When you arrive in Perušić, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make Grabovača your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this protected area an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,204 reviews.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Lika-Senj County. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. This acclaimed -recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. With a recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure. Make sure to reserve a table at The Highlanders pub, an iconic dining spot in Lika-Senj County. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Kavana Milinković, a popular restaurant in Lika-Senj County. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav, a hidden gem nestled in Lika-Senj County. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

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

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Grad Skradin, Murter, and Bogatić. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Šibenik, where you’ll be staying 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 Šibenik. This drive usually takes around 37 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make Skradinski buk your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this waterfall an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,227 reviews.

Murter’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lika-Senj County behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 35 min. Murter welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Murter Čigrađa. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,577 visitors.

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

As you explore more of Šibenik, 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.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. This venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Located in the heart of the city, is an ideal pick for cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Atrium, a top-rated dining spot in Šibenik. If you're in the mood for something new, try Gastro Italiano, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at buffet Šimun. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Šibenik.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Caffe PALMA, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Mystic, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Azimut likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Head back to your accommodation in Šibenik and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Croatia!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Šibenik and Split. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Makarska, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

After soaking in Šibenik’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Split. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 9 min. When you arrive in Split, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready to see some sights, St. Nicholas’ Fortress is a great place to start. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,867 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Šibenik Cathedral. This cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,478 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Šibenik, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Split may take around 1 hour 9 min. Upon your arrival in Split, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Kick off the day at Diocletian's Palace, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 76,537 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Golden Gate. Golden Gate is a memorial gates and arches with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,820 reviews.

Marjan is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This mountain is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,490 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Makarska. Makarska 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.

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

Renowned for its , this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of cuisine. This distinguished -recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. With an acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Riva | RIVA - MAKARSKA d. O. O. , an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Konoba Novak offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Jež. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Makarska.

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

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Makarska and Veliko Brdo. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Dubrovnik. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Makarska.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to St. Peter Forest Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,923 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Osejava Forest Park. This park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,233 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Botanical garden. This park has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 237 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Parasailing Makarska. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 392 visitors.

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

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Vepric - Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, a remarkable church where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 2,177 reviews.

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

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

This -awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Yacht Club Orsan, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Hotel Lapad is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Taj Mahal hotel Lero. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Dubrovnik tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Caffe-bar VAN is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Caffe & Night Bar AMOR, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Celtic Bar Belfast Dubrovnik. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Day 9 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dubrovnik before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Croatia unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Dubrovnik’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Croatia. Keep the spirit of your trip to Croatia alive with these special souvenirs.

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

This -awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Shizuku -Japanese cuisine-, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe is another top choice with a popular menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Dubrovnik. 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!