Cheap 5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka to Karlovac County and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Rijeka, where you'll stay for 2 nights. 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 City Clock Tower. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,349 visitors.

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. Rijeka has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Start your foodie adventure at Restaurant Capote y Ole. , where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Seafood restaurant Feral, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Conca d'oro, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Charlie Bar is an excellent example of a great bar in Rijeka offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Wine bar "kod Zajca", another of locals’ go-to bars in Rijeka. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Rijeka, Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001 is for you.

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

Day 2 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in Croatia. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Rijeka! You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Rijeka and conclude your journey with a lovely dinner, enjoying your remaining 1 night in the area.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Trsat Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,592 reviews.

Continue your journey at Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This church is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,505 travelers from near and far.

Rijeka is also the home of Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,049 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Islamic Center of Rijeka. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 969 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

For a truly remarkable cheap holiday experience in Rijeka, join budget-friendly activities on this day of your vacation. Tours offer you a chance to take a closer look into Rijeka and the culture of past or present-day Croatia.

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 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.

Visit Teatro Lounge Bar, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Book caffe Dnevni boravak 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 Pub "Bačva".

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Croatia!

Day 3 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Vela Učka, Opatija, Bela Vodica, and Lokve. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Karlovac County, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Vela Učka. This drive usually takes around 34 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Nature Park Učka. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,471 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Opatija. This car ride takes around 26 min.

Take the opportunity to see Maiden with the Seagull. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,003 visitors.

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

Drop by the renowned Risnjak National Park. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,835 visitors.

Karlovac County 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.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Karlovac County is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Ćevabdžinica Behar offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Konoba Črni kos, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Choco Caffe Bar. Alternatively, go to Kazališna kavana, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, R Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the city of Rijeka, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Rijeka, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Krasno, Senj, and Pijavica.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Krasno. This car ride takes around 1 hour 26 min.

Make Velebit House one of your first sightseeing stops in Krasno. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,091 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Northern Velebit National Park is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,503 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Krasno, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Senj may take around 43 min. Upon your arrival in Senj, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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 point of interest with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,086 visitors.

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

When you're ready to see some sights, Sundial on the 45th parallel is a great place to start. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 135 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Rijeka. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Rijeka, 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 Rijeka offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Na Sušaku, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Konoba Ive, 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 Lovorka Restaurant, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Pet Jedan Tapas Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, "Metropolis" Caffe Bar & Night Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Caffe Bar Kosi Toranj is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On your last day in Croatia, take time to indulge in shopping at Rijeka’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Croatia. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Croatia forever.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Rijeka is the remarkable Petar Kružić Stairway. This point of interest and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 806 visitors.

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 Bistro Mornar, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. King’s Caffe food pub is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Konoba Tarsa, 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!