9-Day Croatia Road Trip from Split traveling west to Šibenik, and Zadar

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 Split, and Šibenik. In the evening, you’ll end up in Šibenik, where you will stay for 2 nights.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Marjan. This mountain is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,622 reviews.

Continue your journey at Kašjuni Beach. This beach is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,872 travelers from near and far.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Split, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Šibenik may take around 1 hour 11 min. Upon your arrival in Šibenik, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Šibenik Cathedral one of your first sightseeing stops in Šibenik. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,654 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

St. Nicholas’ Fortress is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This sightseeing destination is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,888 reviews.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Antin Gušt Restaurant, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Fry Guy? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Atrium as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Šibenik.

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

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

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Grad Skradin, Knin, and Bogatić. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zadar, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Grad Skradin. This drive usually takes around 36 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Skradinski Buk, a remarkable waterfall where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,649 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Grad Skradin and set your GPS to Knin. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 1 min. Upon reaching Knin, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Kick off the day at Knin Fortress, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This fortress is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,787 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated dining spot in Zadar. If you're in the mood for something new, try Хърватски ресторант "Галия", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zadar.

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

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Zadar. You’ll stay in Zadar for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,314 visitors.

Next, make your way to Narodni Trg. This top attraction is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,796 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Market Zadar. This point of interest is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,813 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Church Of St. Donatus. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,882 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Roman Forum. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,872 travelers.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. 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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zadar. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurant 2Ribara. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zadar tonight.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Pirate Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Caffe Bar Bizarre offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Backstage Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zadar, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

When you're ready to see some sights, Monument To The Sun is a great place to start. This monument is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,953 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Sea Organ. This tide organ has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 58,697 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Kolovare Beach. The point of interest has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,560 visitors.

Set your GPS to Zadar and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 47 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Zadar beckons with new experiences!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Paški Most. This road bridge is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,513 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Parići and set your GPS to Zadar. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 47 min. Upon reaching Zadar, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Paklenica National Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Parići, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,897 visitors.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Zadar.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Zadar. 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.

Dine in style at Roko, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Harbor CookHouse & Club boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restoran Urnebes. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Zadar.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Garden Lounge, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Down Town is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Beach Bar Bamboo also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!