Cheap 10-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zadar to Rijeka, Zagreb, Šibenik, and Split and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Zadar, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Zadar and begin your adventure in Croatia.

Zadar is a popular cheap holiday destination in Croatia with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Croatia, Zadar is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Zadar offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 customers.

Another dining option is Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Pet Bunara Dine & Wine has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,856 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Trattoria Mediterraneo for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 762 customers have rated the irresistible Trattoria Mediterraneo an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Deja Brew Pub Zadar. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 735 customers.

BackStage Bar is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zadar, proving that cheap holidays in Croatia can be extraordinary.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Zadar. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Zadar, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

We recommend a local favorite like Restoran Bruschetta. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

Konoba Rafaelo is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Zadar. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Zadar you might want to check out is La Famiglia. La Famiglia is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,083 reviews.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Caffe bar Porthos and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,615 customers.

The Garden Lounge is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Pirate Bar, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 925 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Croatia with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Croatia!

Day 3 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Zadar, Senj, and Rijeka. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Rijeka.

Make Market Zadar your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,657 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,296 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.

Narodni trg is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,636 visitors.

Set your GPS to Senj and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 5 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Senj beckons with new experiences!

Start your day with a visit to Nehaj Fortress. This extraordinary fortress is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,558 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rijeka. This car ride takes around 1 hour 4 min.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Rijeka offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Croatia. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Rijeka, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Konoba Tarsa, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,076 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Konoba Fiume, so you'll want to drop by this place. Konoba Fiume serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Rijeka is Boonker. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

Many locals go to Book caffe Dnevni boravak to have a good time. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,024 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option is The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Teatro Lounge Bar is another great option in Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 738 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Rijeka!

Day 4 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia, Pula. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Pula!

Your discovery of Pula does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Pula on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Croatia.

Savor the culinary delights of Rijeka, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Bistro Mornar is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,156 customers.

King’s Caffe food pub is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,389 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Submarine Burger Rijeka, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,653 reviews.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Rijeka, River. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 bar-goers.

Pet Jedan Tapas Bar is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Rijeka, with its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 898 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Pub "Bačva", where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Day 5 of your road trip across Croatia is another proof that cheap holidays in Croatia can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Zagreb and Zagreb.

After soaking in Rijeka’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Zagreb. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 46 min. When you arrive in Zagreb, it's time to take a break from the road.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Zagreb. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Zagreb, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Zagreb offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,369 customers.

Another dining option is Dubravkin put. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Dubravkin put has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,365 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Cheese Bar for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 1,097 customers have rated the irresistible Cheese Bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After dinner, visit Mr. Fogg, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Swanky Monkey Garden. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend Valhalla beer bar. This bar, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers, is one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Croatia! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Zagreb!

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Grad Skradin, Bogatić, and Šibenik. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the town of Šibenik.

Bogatić’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Zagreb behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 30 min. Bogatić welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Skradinski buk. Previous visitors have rated this waterfall an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,227 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Grad Skradin, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Šibenik. Your travel time is around 36 min.

While exploring Croatia is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Šibenik has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Šibenik on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the town.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Croatia, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Šibenik that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Šibenik is Restoran Pjat. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 597 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Šibenik, Konoba Nostalgija is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,069 diners.

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

Continue your evening at Vintage Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 534 customers.

Bronzin is another place you could check out tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Croatia with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Croatia!

Day 7 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the city of Split, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Split, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Šibenik, Dubrava kod Šibenika, and Split.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Šibenik Cathedral. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,478 visitors.

Šibenik City Museum is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 176 visitors.

St. Nicholas’ Fortress is also highly recommended by travelers. This point of interest has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,867 visitors.

St. John's Fort is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 705 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Šibenik, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Split. Your travel time is around 1 hour 5 min.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

Split offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Croatia. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Croatia shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Split is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Perivoj restoran i kavana is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,279 customers.

Villa Spiza is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,322 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Šug Restaurant, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,279 reviews.

To get a drink at one of the best bars in the city, go to The Daltonist Craft Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

If you’d like to continue your evening somewhere else, we recommend heading to Tennis Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,185 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Art Gallery Cafe Music Bar Split. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 616 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Croatia. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Croatia!

On day 8 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Croatia, you’ll go deep into Split, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Split, and meet locals along the way!

Touring the best attractions in Croatia offers you a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. But, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to Croatia you are yet to discover. Take part in an eye-opening experience to make the best of your affordable vacation in Croatia. Choose from all of the popular and budget-friendly tickets and activities available on this day of your cheap holiday in Croatia.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Croatia, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Split that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Eat at Fig Split. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,263 reviews.

You can also check out Downtown Grill Split steak & seafood. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,044 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is PORTOFINO Steak - Pasta - Seafood. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 892 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

One great example is Makarun Split. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 532 customers.

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine is another popular bar in Split. If you ask the 3,989 customers who have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, Bokeria Kitchen & Wine is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

A road trip vacation in Split can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia!

Day 9 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit 5 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Parići, Zadar, Grad Benkovac, Općina Jasenice, and Zadar. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Zadar.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Paklenica National Park. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,842 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Parići, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Općina Jasenice may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Općina Jasenice, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Zadar. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Zadar, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

A cheap, budget vacation in Zadar should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Zadar, try some of our top recommendations.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Restaurant 2Ribara. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,703 customers.

Restaurant Malo Misto is another local-favorite restaurant in Zadar. Restaurant Malo Misto serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,645 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Proto Food&More is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Parići. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 of 5 stars from around 1,389 customers.

We recommend Caffe Bar Kult for many reasons. But most importantly, this bar serves a variety of food and beverages and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 675 reviews.

You can also visit a popular bar like Back Door to have refreshing drinks and interact with locals and other travelers. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 164 bar-goers.

When you would rather go somewhere else, try Beach Bar Bamboo. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers, this bar is one of Zadar’s best places to relax after a long day.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Your budget road trip vacation in Croatia is about to end. Day 10 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zadar.

Make the most of your final day in Croatia by visiting Zadar’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Croatia.

Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zadar.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Zadar, consider a top-rated restaurant like Kornat Restaurant. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 858 customers.

Restoran Zadar - Jadera is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 771 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Restaurant Tinel. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 761 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Croatia and your fun memories in Zadar.

You’ll then say farewell to Zadar. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Croatia!