Cheap 5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka to Lovinac and Zadar

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Rijeka, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Rijeka and begin your adventure in Croatia.

Rijeka is a popular cheap holiday destination in Croatia with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Croatia, Rijeka 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.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Petar Kružić Stairway. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 806 visitors.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Rijeka, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Restaurant Capote y Ole. , where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Seafood restaurant Feral, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Conca d'oro, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Visit Charlie Bar, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Wine bar "kod Zajca" serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Rijeka. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001.

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

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Rijeka. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the village of Lovinac, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Lovinac and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 19 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lovinac beckons with new experiences!

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,049 visitors.

Next, make your way to Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 2,505 reviews.

While in Rijeka, we also recommend a visit to Trsat Castle. This castle has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,592 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Islamic Center of Rijeka. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 969 travelers, this mosque is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Rijeka.

Lovinac 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 village.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Lovinac has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the village of Lovinac!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the city of Zadar, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Zadar, you'll explore 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Zadar.

When you're ready to see some sights, Market Zadar is a great place to start. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,657 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Narodni trg. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,636 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Church of St. Donatus. The church building has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,708 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Sea organ. This tide organ is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 57,178 reviews.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Krka National Park. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 58,673 reviews.

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.

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.

Discover the heart of Zadar through its culinary scene, starting with Pizzeria Šime. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Хърватски ресторант "Галия", where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Restoran Zadar - Jadera, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Yachting Bar & Club, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Caffe bar Porthos provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Factory Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Senj, Krasno, and Pijavica. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Rijeka, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Senj. This car ride takes around 43 min.

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

Next, make your way to Plaža Prva Draga. This top attraction is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,086 visitors.

After soaking in Zadar’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Krasno. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 56 min. When you arrive in Krasno, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Velebit House, a remarkable sightseeing destination where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,091 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Northern Velebit National Park. This park has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,503 travelers.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Senj and set your GPS to Pijavica. 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 min. Upon reaching Pijavica, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Sundial on the 45th parallel. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 135 reviews.

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

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.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Restoran Spagho, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Barbacoa, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Konoba Ribica, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Teatro Lounge Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Book caffe Dnevni boravak, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Pub "Bačva" also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Rijeka.

Make the most of your final day in Croatia by visiting Rijeka’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. Take home a piece of Croatia with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Rijeka, consider a top-rated restaurant like Na Sušaku, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Konoba Ive is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Lovorka Restaurant, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Rijeka.

You’ll then say farewell to Rijeka. 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!