Cheap 5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka traveling west to Pula

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.

Make City Clock Tower your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,349 reviews.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Rijeka. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

Restaurant Capote y Ole. Offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Seafood restaurant Feral. Or, try Conca d'oro, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Charlie Bar is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Wine bar "kod Zajca" is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.

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

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Croatia, you’ll go deep into Rijeka and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Rijeka — 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Trsat Castle. This popular castle has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,592 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Church of Mary of God of Trsat. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,505 visitors, this church deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. This museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,049 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Islamic Center of Rijeka. This mosque and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 969 local and international travelers.

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 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.

Start your foodie adventure at Restoran Spagho, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Barbacoa, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Konoba Ribica, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Teatro Lounge Bar is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Book caffe Dnevni boravak is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at Pub "Bačva", a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.

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 Gedići, Rošini, Rovinj, and Fažana. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Pula, 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 Gedići. This drive usually takes around 10 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make Baredine Cave your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this show cave an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,737 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rijeka and set your GPS to Rošini. 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 21 min. Upon reaching Rošini, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is MOTODROM POREC. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,748 reviews.

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

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Church of Saint Euphemia. This church is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,255 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Park forest Zlatni Rt. This park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,273 reviews.

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

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

Start your foodie adventure at Pizzeria Samantha, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Restoran "Stari grad 02", a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Epulon Food & Wine, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

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

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

Day 4 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 touring 1 wonderful destinations — Pula. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Rijeka, where you'll be spending 1 night.

After soaking in Pula’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Rijeka. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 27 min. When you arrive in Rijeka, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Pula Citadel. This much-appreciated point of interest is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,576 reviews.

Next up is Pula Arena. This roman amphitheatre has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 58,989 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Forum Square. This sightseeing destination has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,776 reviews.

Temple of Augustus is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This archaeological site has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,021 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Aquarium Pula. This aquarium is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,849 reviews.

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.

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.

Na Sušaku offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Konoba Ive. Or, try Lovorka Restaurant, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

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

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

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.

Maximize your last day in Croatia and go on a shopping spree in Rijeka’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Croatia, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Croatia home with you through these charming souvenirs.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Rijeka, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Bistro Mornar, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, King’s Caffe food pub features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Konoba Tarsa is a highly recommended spot.

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!