9-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka to Zadar, Šibenik, and Zagreb

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 5 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Rijeka has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible City Clock Tower. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,256 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 Rijeka, Konoba Tarsa. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Barbacoa. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Locals recommend Konoba Fiume as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

Rijeka also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Rijeka is The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Rijeka is Pajol bar Pecine. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 644 customers.

Locals also enjoy Bar Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

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

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Rijeka has to offer. Cherish the 4 nights you have left in Rijeka by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Rijeka. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Rijeka, like the extraordinary Trsat Castle. This attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,964 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Rijeka is the spectacular Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,415 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Petar Kružić Stairway. This top-tier point of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 743 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Rijeka.

Your discovery of Rijeka does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Rijeka on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Boonker, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Rijeka is the popular Bistro Mornar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Rijeka is King’s Caffe food pub. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,389 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, River is one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

Pet Jedan Tapas Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Rijeka is Pub "Bačva". Pub "Bačva" has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Rijeka!

You still have 3 nights left in Rijeka.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Baredine Cave. This incredible attraction is a show cave and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,561 visitors.

Church of Saint Euphemia is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,157 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Golden Cape Forest Park. This amazing attraction is a forest park and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,014 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Park forest Zlatni Rt. This park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,140 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 Rijeka.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka, like Submarine Burger Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,653 customers.

Maslina is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,219 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka, Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 753 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Public pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 521 customers.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Rijeka, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Rijeka.

Today you'll explore the city of Rijeka. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Temple of Augustus. This incredible attraction is an archaeological site and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,656 visitors.

Forum Square is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Rijeka. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,697 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Rijeka is Pula Arena. This amazing attraction is a roman amphitheatre and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 57,714 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 Rijeka.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka, like Conca d'oro. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,238 customers.

Restoran Spagho is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,199 customers.

Locals enjoy Seafood restaurant Feral, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Rijeka. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka, Kancelarija Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 260 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Celtic Caffe Bard. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 239 customers.

Caffe bar "SAMOVAR" is another of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 223 customers.

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

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 5 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Rijeka. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zadar. You’ll stay in Zadar for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Rijeka’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Rijeka, start your day with a visit to the amazing Sea organ. This much-appreciated tide organ and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 55,793 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Roman Forum. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,478 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Church of St. Donatus to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Church of St. Donatus is a church building that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,543 visitors.

The lovely Narodni trg is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,370 visitors have left this must-see tourist destination average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Rijeka has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Zadar. Zadar 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 Restoran 4 Kantuna. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,300 reviews.

The remarkable Konoba Rafaelo is another top restaurant in Zadar we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zadar, the fantastic Deja Brew Pub Zadar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful BackStage Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Harbor CookHouse & Club. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

You’ll stay in Šibenik for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Paški most. This excellent attraction is a road bridge that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,305 visitors.

Around 3,469 travelers rated this attraction with 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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. 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 74,369 visitors.

This outstanding mountain has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,259 travelers.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Šibenik, Restoran Pjat. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 597 customers.

Locals recommend Argola Sibenik Restaurant - Pizzeria as one of the best restaurants in the city of Šibenik. Argola Sibenik Restaurant - Pizzeria is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,128 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Šibenik, Azimut. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Vintage Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 534 customers.

Bronzin is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Šibenik. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 7 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Šibenik and embark on a scenic drive to Zagreb, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Šibenik and Šibenik-Knin County before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Šibenik. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Šibenik Cathedral. This attraction is a cathedral that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,282 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible St. Nicholas’ Fortress. This attraction, a beloved must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,824 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Šibenik is the stunning St. John's Fort. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 662 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Krka National Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 57,687 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Roski waterfall. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,445 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Šibenik-Knin County, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Zagreb. When you arrive in Zagreb you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,369 customers.

After dinner, visit Vintage Industrial Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zagreb, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Hub Cooltura Pub has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Mr. Fogg is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 8 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Rijeka for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Rijeka is the amazing Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,038 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible catholic cathedral, Zagreb Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,260 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Rijeka is the outstanding Park Maksimir. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,435 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 Rijeka, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran Morčić, one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 831 customers.

Locals also recommend Borik Tavern as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. Borik Tavern is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 754 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Restaurant Capote y Ole. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 351 customers.

After dinner, visit Rakhia bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 464 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Caffe Bar Kosi Toranj. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 454 customers.

Alternatively, Wine bar "kod Zajca" is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 234 customers.

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

Day 9 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Rijeka 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.

Kružna ulica is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Rijeka. This top-tier point of interest and popular site of interest has an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars by 2 visitors.

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

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