9-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dubrovnik traveling west to Makarska, Split, Zadar, Lika-Senj County, and Šibenik

On day 3 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 Makarska, Veliko Brdo, and Split. In the evening, you’ll end up in Split, where you will stay for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in Makarska. Begin your sightseeing with Osejava Forest Park. This beloved park is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to St. Peter Forest Park, another must-visit attraction that enhances the town’s allure.

After soaking in Makarska’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Veliko Brdo. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 10 min. When you arrive in Veliko Brdo, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Vepric - Shrine Of Our Lady Of Lourdes, a frequently visited church known for its picture-perfect features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Veliko Brdo, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Split. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 7 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Marjan and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Diocletian's Palace, another highlight in the town.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Split. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Šug in Split by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Šug delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious regional cuisine. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Perivoj restoran i kavana? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

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 La Linea, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Fabrique Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Općina Jasenice, Rupine, Parići, and Nin. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zadar, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Općina Jasenice, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Rupine. This drive usually takes around 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Maslenica Bridge is a locally appreciated deck arch bridge we recommend making time to visit today.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Općina Jasenice, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rupine may take around 8 min. Upon your arrival in Rupine, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Pariževačka Glavica and explore the romantic features.

Set your GPS to Parići and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Parići beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing isPaklenica National Park. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the national park before you continue to your next stop.

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

Savor the flavors at Pizzeria Šime, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Harvatski restorant "Galiya" beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restoran Zadar - Jadera. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Zadar tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Yachting Bar & Club, known for its inviting atmosphere. Caffe Bar Porthos is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Factory Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Day 5 of your road trip across Croatia promises a magnificent time exploring Zadar. You have 1 night left in Zadar. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Zadar is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Monument To The Sun, an often recommended art installation that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Sea Organ, enchanting visitors with its visually striking appeal. Continue your exploration at Roman Forum. This archeological site is one of the city’s most underrated spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Zadar at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Church Of St. Donatus. After exploring the church, head to the up-and-coming Zadar Cathedral. This church will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Croatia is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Zadar, 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.

Dine in style at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Pet Bunara Dine & Wine boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurant 2Ribara. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Zadar.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Pirate Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Bizarre offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Backstage Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Zadar, 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 Lika-Senj County. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, picturesque spots, and budget-friendly activities. Whether you decide to explore Zadar on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Market Zadar is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this photogenic market before continuing your journey. Narodni Trg is your next stop. This often recommended public square is one of the best-rated sights in Zadar.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. This romantic park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit The Five Wells Square and Kolovare Beach.

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

As you explore more of Lika-Senj County, 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Highlanders pub, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Kavana Milinković offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Lika-Senj County.

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

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Šibenik, Vid, and Trsteno. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dubrovnik, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today's adventure in Šibenik promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at St. Nicholas’ Fortress. This enchanting castle is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Šibenik Cathedral, another enchanting attraction that never fails to captivate visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Vid. This car ride takes around 2 hours 1 min.

Start your self-guided sightseeing tour at Archaeological Museum Narona, a beloved museum that draws attention for its eye-catching features.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Vid, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Trsteno may take around 1 hour 19 min. Upon your arrival in Trsteno, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Trsteno Arboretum, a curiosity-inducing botanical garden known for its mesmerizing features.

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

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Taverna Loggia, a top-rated dining destination in Dubrovnik. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Maskeron, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Magellan, Restaurant & Caffe Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dubrovnik this evening.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Caffe & Night Bar Amor, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Celtic Bar Belfast Dubrovnik. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Seven Sins, another top-rated place in the area.

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