Cheap 11-Day Croatia Road Trip from Dubrovnik to Metković, Zadar, Lika-Senj County, and Makarska

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Dubrovnik, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Dubrovnik and begin your adventure in Croatia.

Dubrovnik is a popular cheap holiday destination in Croatia with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Dubrovnik and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park will make your cheap holiday in Croatia truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,642 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik. An excellent example is the popular Pantarul. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,208 customers.

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 3,837 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

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

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

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Dubrovnik Cable Car. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,355 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Porat Dubrovnik. This popular place of interest is a stunning best-rated sightseeing destination that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,594 visitors.

To make your trip to Dubrovnik more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Sponza Palace. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,600 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Sponza Palace is often mentioned in Croatia road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This museum and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 2,437 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. More than 3,589 visitors have rated this church and tourist destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Dubrovnik does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Dubrovnik 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.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Croatia, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Urban & Veggie - Vegan Restaurant Dubrovnik, one of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 671 reviews.

Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Dubrovnik for an after-dinner drink.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Dubrovnik!

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia, Dubrovnik. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Dubrovnik!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Lovrijenac. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in over 8,073 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable fortress is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Onofrio fountain. This attraction is a fountain that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,091 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible Fort Bokar. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination in Dubrovnik has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 420 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Tvrđava Minčeta. This best-rated sightseeing destination and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 778 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Dubrovnik?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Dubrovnik. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Dubrovnik offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Croatia worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Dubrovnik has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Dubrovnik is Restaurant Maskeron. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 527 customers.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Dubrovnik as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Dubrovnik, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Peppers Eatery+Cocktails, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 691 customers.

This bar is popular in Dubrovnik for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

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

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Dubrovnik and end your day in the city of Metković, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Dubrovnik is the amazing Lokrum. This travel destination is an island that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 646 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Fort Royal. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 574 travelers, a visit to this well-known fort and sightseeing spot in Dubrovnik is likely to make your vacation in Croatia even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Dubrovnik is the outstanding Plaža Sveti Jakov. This natural feature has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,475 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia, drop by the popular Trsteno Arboretum. This attraction, an amazing arboretum, has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,066 travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Metković. Metković is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Metković that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Metković is Pizzeria Milano. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 573 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Metković, Konoba Lanterna is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 318 diners.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Metković enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Metković’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit Carpe Diem Cafe. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 261 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Industry Pub. This popular bar in Metković has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 153 bar-goers.

You can also go to Kave bar MB by Zvonko as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Kave bar MB by Zvonko is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 143 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Šibenik and end your day in the city of Zadar, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Šibenik is the amazing Krka National Park. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 58,359 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Roski waterfall. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,525 travelers, a visit to this well-known park and sightseeing spot in Šibenik is likely to make your vacation in Croatia even more memorable.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Zadar. Zadar is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Zadar that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Zadar is Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Zadar, Konoba Rafaelo is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,104 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Zadar enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,856 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Zadar’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit Deja Brew Pub Zadar. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is BackStage Bar. This popular bar in Zadar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 508 bar-goers.

You can also go to Harbor CookHouse & Club as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Harbor CookHouse & Club is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 3,272 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 6 of your exciting, laid-back road trip across Croatia is proof that there's more to the city of Zadar than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Zadar and discover what this fabulous and cheap holiday destination offers. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 1 night left in Zadar.

You’ll begin this day’s adventure with a visit to the top-rated Sea organ. This incredible attraction is a tide organ that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 56,635 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Roman Forum. This spectacular best-rated sightseeing destination and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,627 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Church of St. Donatus during a vacation in Zadar. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Church of St. Donatus has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,633 reviews.

This day of your road trip in Croatia is also the perfect opportunity to see the outstanding Narodni trg. This popular place of interest in Zadar is a valued top-tier point of interest that has a rating of 4.7 out of a 5-star rating from 6,549 visitors.

You’ll be making the most of your time in Zadar when you include the fantastic Market Zadar to your road trip itinerary. This local attraction is a captivating top-tier point of interest with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,601 travelers.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package to make your road trip in Croatia more special. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

After taking in the best of Zadar, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zadar for a well-deserved rest. When you’re ready to eat, indulge yourself to a nice meal at one of the top-rated restaurants in the city.

Trattoria Mediterraneo 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 762 customers.

Restoran Bruschetta is another great restaurant option for budget travelers in Zadar. 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 4,370 customers.

After a lovely dinner at one of the best places to eat in Zadar, visit one of the most popular drinking spots in the city. Relax, grab a drink or two, chat with friendly locals, and enjoy the rest of your evening in Zadar.

Beach Bar Bamboo is a fantastic bar many locals in Zadar recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at La Famiglia, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,083 customers.

The Garden Lounge is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Zadar. Customers have rated the exciting The Garden Lounge an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,269 reviews.

Raise your glass and savor every moment of your cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

On day 7 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Lika-Senj County and end your day in the city of Lika-Senj County, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Lika-Senj County is the amazing Velebit House. This travel destination is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,080 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Northern Velebit National Park. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,504 travelers, a visit to this well-known park and sightseeing spot in Lika-Senj County is likely to make your vacation in Croatia even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Lika-Senj County is the outstanding Nehaj Fortress. This fortress has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,527 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Lika-Senj County. Lika-Senj County is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Lika-Senj County that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Lika-Senj County is Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,954 customers.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Lika-Senj County enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Lika-Senj County’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit The Highlanders pub. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 928 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Bistro @ izletište Travel. This popular bar in Lika-Senj County has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 175 bar-goers.

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

On day 8 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Split and end your day in the city of Makarska, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Split is the amazing Diocletian's Palace. This travel destination is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,911 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Diocletian's Cellars. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 892 travelers, a visit to this well-known top-tier point of interest and sightseeing spot in Split is likely to make your vacation in Croatia even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Split is the outstanding Marjan. This mountain has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,428 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Makarska. Makarska is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Makarska that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Makarska is Tempera Streetfood & Bar. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,117 customers.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Makarska enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Makarska’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit Pivnica Pivac. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,076 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

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

On day 9 of your road trip adventures in Croatia, you’ll go deep into Makarska, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Makarska, and meet locals along the way!

Makarska offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Aminess Khalani Hotel to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Makarska. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,241 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Hotel Biokovo. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Makarska. Hotel Biokovo has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 875 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Makarska should also consider Maritimo. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Maritimo has been rated by 695 guests with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Makarska offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Makarska the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding top-tier point of interest, Parasailing Makarska. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 391 visitors.

The famous St. Peter Forest Park is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible park and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,912 visitors.

Makarska is also the home of the extraordinary Botanical garden. Around 235 travelers have rated the spectacular Botanical garden an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Makarska prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Croatia. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Makarska.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Makarska, Vicenco Grill Bar - Makarska. Locals enjoy eating at Vicenco Grill Bar - Makarska for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 562 diners.

Curious about the nightlife in Makarska? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Makarska after dinner. Locals recommend Špina bar, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 332 customers.

Caffe Bar Smile is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Croatia. Caffe Bar Smile has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 181 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Makarska.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Croatia!

On day 10 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Makarska and end your day in the city of Dubrovnik, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Makarska is the amazing Malacological Museum. This travel destination is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 421 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Osejava Forest Park. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,226 travelers, a visit to this well-known park and sightseeing spot in Makarska is likely to make your vacation in Croatia even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Makarska is the outstanding Vepric - Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. This church has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 2,158 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Dubrovnik that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Dubrovnik enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Dubrovnik’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit Promenada. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 725 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Love Bar. This popular bar in Dubrovnik has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 373 bar-goers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Croatia as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 11 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dubrovnik.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Croatia.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Dubrovnik is the remarkable Park Orsula. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 751 visitors.

You’ll then say farewell to Dubrovnik and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Croatia!