9-Day Relaxed Croatia Road Trip from Pula to Rijeka

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Croatia begins when you reach Pula, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Pula is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Montezaro Park. Around 667 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Pula offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Veritas Food&Wine. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,550 customers.

Pizzeria Jupiter serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Pula has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,601 reviews.

If you’re curious about what Pula looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Rock Bar Mimoza, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 613 reviews.

The Shipyard Pub offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Pula. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,622 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Croatia! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Croatia!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you'll explore the best attractions in Pula at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Pula, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Pula Arena. This incredible roman amphitheatre has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 58,562 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Croatia by seeing another popular site in Pula, the wonderful Pula Citadel. This top-tier point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 58,562 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria. This museum has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,775 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Forum Square. This top-tier point of interest is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,726 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Temple of Augustus. This amazing site is a wonderful archaeological site with more than 9,904 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Croatia. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Pula itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Croatia extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Pula. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Konoba Boccaporta. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,823 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Pula and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Hook & Cook Pula. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Old City Bar Pula. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,368 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Cabahia. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Cabahia has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 664 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Croatia gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Pula and visit more of its attractions.

Pula has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Croatia. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Verudela Canyon, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Verudela Canyon has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,620 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Galebijana Cave. This city feature got an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from its 701 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Pula is the notable Naval Park. The popular Naval Park is a highlight of many travel packages in Pula. As a matter of fact, this remarkable park has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from around 421 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Pula, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Šijana/Siana Forest. Take your time exploring this wonderful park and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from 1,182 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Pula by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Pula.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Pula, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Grill bar Campo is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Pula-based food place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,879 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Bistro Alighieri is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Bistro Alighieri proved an excellent choice for around 1,688 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Pula, Beach Bar LaPlaya. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars given by 539 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Bass bar Pula. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.8 over 5 stars by 349 customers.

This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.

Toast to an amazing time in Pula and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Croatia on a great note!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Rijeka, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Nature Park Učka is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,438 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Maiden with the Seagull. This unique sculpture is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,947 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Forest Park Golubinjak. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,508 visitors, this park is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Risnjak National Park. This popular park and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,815 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Rijeka has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Rijeka. In Rijeka, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,076 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Konoba Tarsa.

Locals also recommend Barbacoa as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Barbacoa as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Konoba Fiume. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 933 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like The Beertija Klub. The Beertija Klub is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Croatia!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you’ll explore the area around Lika-Senj County, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights.

Around 1,077 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing park that has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,504 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Velebit House will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Croatia more memorable. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,080 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Croatia is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Lika-Senj County. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Lika-Senj County and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Lika-Senj County that will make your self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Rijeka for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Croatia by eating at one of the best restaurants in Rijeka.

With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,735 customers, the dining experience Boonker offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Croatia.

Bistro Mornar is another pleasant place to eat in Rijeka. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At River, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Rijeka is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Pet Jedan Tapas Bar, another well-known bar in Rijeka. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 898 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Pub "Bačva". Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers, Pub "Bačva" is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Rijeka.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Croatia is all about!

Day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Croatia serves as your introduction to Rijeka. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Croatia and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Rijeka, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 29 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,088 guests, Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 4-star Hotel Jadran offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Hotel Jadran is a top-rated budget hotel in Rijeka with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,909 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Rijeka. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Rijeka, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Trsat Castle. This castle and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Rijeka. The fascinating Trsat Castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,516 travelers.

Rijeka is also home to the captivating Church of Mary of God of Trsat, a local church and another popular attraction in the city. About 2,485 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.8 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Petar Kružić Stairway is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Croatia. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 799 travelers, Petar Kružić Stairway proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Kružna ulica. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction an average of 5 out of 5 stars in 2 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Islamic Center of Rijeka. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating mosque and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 952 visitors have rated the famous Islamic Center of Rijeka an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Rijeka, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Croatia.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Croatia. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Rijeka, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Rijeka is King’s Caffe food pub. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,389 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Submarine Burger Rijeka for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Rijeka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,653 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Rijeka. At Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 753 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Croatia!

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you'll explore the best attractions in Rijeka at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Rijeka, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. This incredible museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,043 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Croatia by seeing another popular site in Rijeka, the wonderful Natural History Museum Rijeka. This natural history museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,043 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Rijeka Cathedral. This cathedral has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 792 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable City Clock Tower. This top-tier point of interest is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,339 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 7 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Croatia. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Rijeka itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Croatia extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Rijeka. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Maslina. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,219 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Rijeka and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Public pub. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 521 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Kancelarija Bar. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 260 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Celtic Caffe Bard. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Celtic Caffe Bard has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 239 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 8 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Pula, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful MOTODROM POREC is waiting for you. This best-rated sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,706 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Baredine Cave. This unique show cave is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,659 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Church of Saint Euphemia. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,222 visitors, this church is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Park forest Zlatni Rt. This popular park and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,231 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Fasana. This attraction is a valued shopping mall in the area that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,543 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Istria County has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Pula. In Pula, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,186 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Kažun Tavern.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Caffe bar "Dvojka". Caffe bar "Dvojka" is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 228 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Ulysses. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 495 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Croatia!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Pula.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Pula once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Croatia on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Lighting Giants is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Pula. This top sight is a popular must-see tourist destination, rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 164 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Pula or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Pula and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Croatia is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.