9-Day Croatia road trip from Split to Lika-Senj County, Zagreb, Rijeka, and Zadar

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

Split has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Marjan. This attraction is a mountain and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,428 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 Split, Villa Spiza. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,322 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Split is Šug Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,279 customers.

Locals recommend Fig Split as one of the best restaurants in the city of Split. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,263 customers.

Split also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Split is Perivoj restoran i kavana. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,279 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Split is The Daltonist Craft Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

Locals also enjoy Tennis Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,185 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 Split. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Lika-Senj County. You’ll stay in Lika-Senj County for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Split’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Split, start your day with a visit to the amazing Golden Gate. This much-appreciated memorial gates and arches and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,783 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Saint Domnius Bell Tower. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 376 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Diocletian's Palace to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Diocletian's Palace is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,911 visitors.

The lovely Old Town Hall is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 570 visitors have left this must-see tourist destination 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 Archaeological Museum in Split. This attraction is a museum rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 761 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Split has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Lika-Senj County. Lika-Senj County 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 Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,954 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Lika-Senj County, the fantastic The Highlanders pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 928 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Bistro @ izletište Travel. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 175 customers.

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 Zagreb for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Zagreb is the amazing Park Maksimir. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,174 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible catholic cathedral, Zagreb Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,381 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 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 Zagreb, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

After dinner, visit Vintage Industrial Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average 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 has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Alternatively, Mr. Fogg is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

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

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zagreb’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Zagreb, start your day with a visit to the amazing Stone Gate. This much-appreciated city gate and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. This top-tier point of interest and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,945 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is a park that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,528 visitors.

The lovely Technical Museum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,180 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.6 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 Bundek. This attraction is a lake rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,180 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zagreb has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Rijeka. Rijeka 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 Konoba Tarsa. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,076 reviews.

The remarkable Barbacoa is another top restaurant in Rijeka we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Konoba Fiume is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Rijeka, the fantastic The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

On day 5 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 1 night left in Rijeka.

Today you'll explore the city of Pula. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Trsat Castle. This incredible attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,516 visitors.

Church of Mary of God of Trsat is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Pula. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,485 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Pula is City Clock Tower. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,339 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 Boonker. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

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

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka, River. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Pet Jedan Tapas Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

Pub "Bačva" is another of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Rijeka and embark on a scenic drive to Zadar, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Rijeka and Lika-Senj 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 Rijeka. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Trsat Castle. This attraction is a castle that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,516 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This attraction, a beloved church, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,485 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Rijeka is the stunning City Clock Tower. This best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,339 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Plaža Prva Draga. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,077 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Nehaj Fortress. This fortress and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,527 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Northern Velebit National Park. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,504 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Lika-Senj County, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Zadar. When you arrive in Zadar 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 Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 customers.

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

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Deja Brew Pub Zadar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zadar, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like BackStage Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. BackStage Bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Harbor CookHouse & Club is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 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!

On day 7 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 1 night 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.

Roman Forum is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Zadar. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,627 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zadar is Church of St. Donatus. This amazing attraction is a church building and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,633 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 Market Zadar. This must-see tourist destination is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,601 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 Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 customers.

Restoran Bruschetta is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Beach Bar Bamboo. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like La Famiglia. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

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

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

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Plaža Dražica. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,940 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Plaža Soline. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,527 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Zadar is another excellent way to spend your new day in Croatia. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Croatia’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Croatia’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Croatia’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Roski waterfall for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,525 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Krka National Park. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 58,359 visitors, this park deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Skradinski buk. This attraction, a stunning waterfall, has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,042 travelers.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try PORTOFINO Steak - Pasta - Seafood, one of the best restaurants in the city of Split. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 892 customers.

Locals also recommend Chops Grill - Steak & Seafood as one of the best restaurants in the city of Split. Chops Grill - Steak & Seafood is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,663 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Split is Dvor. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,763 customers.

After dinner, visit Makarun Split, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Split. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 532 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,989 customers.

Alternatively, Fabrique Pub is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Split. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,169 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 Split 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.

West Bank is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Split. This top-tier point of interest and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,337 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Split at Nevera Tavern before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,143 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Duje for your last chance at a meal in the city of Split. The Duje restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,027 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try To Je Tako Mexican Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,011 customers.

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