Cheap 5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Split traveling north to Karlovac County and Zadar

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

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

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 spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

You could check out Perivoj restoran i kavana, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,279 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Villa Spiza is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,322 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Šug Restaurant. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Šug Restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,279 customer reviews.

One great example is The Daltonist Craft Bar. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,191 customers.

Tennis Bar is another popular bar in Split. If you ask the 1,185 customers who have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars, Tennis Bar is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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

Day 2 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the city of Karlovac County, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Karlovac County, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Split and Karlovac County.

Make Kašjuni Beach your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this beach an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,800 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Diocletian's Palace. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,537 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this museum every year.

Diocletian's Cellars is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 904 visitors.

When you’re finished at Diocletian's Cellars, the perfect next stop is Golden Gate. This memorial gates and arches is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,820 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Karlovac County, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Split to Karlovac County may take around 3 hours 25 min without traffic disruptions. 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 Karlovac County. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Karlovac County, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Karlovac County, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

Restoran Mandić 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 1,119 customers.

Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac 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 2,786 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Castle Bistro, 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 2,552 reviews.

Hollywood cafe is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 699 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Karlovac County we recommend is Papa's Bar, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

GP is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,112 bar-goers have rated it an average 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 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Korenica, Perušić, Plitvica Selo, and Zadar. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Zadar.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Plitvica Selo. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Grabovača, a remarkable protected area where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,204 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Zadar, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Perušić to Zadar may take around 1 hour 20 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Zadar 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.

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 Zadar that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One musty-try restaurant is Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 customers.

Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,856 reviews. Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 762 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Deja Brew Pub Zadar is one of the best bars in Zadar and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You may also want to check out BackStage Bar. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. BackStage Bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Harbor CookHouse & Club. Harbor CookHouse & Club has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your 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 exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Zadar, Drniš, Grad Skradin, and Split.

Drop by the renowned Skradinski buk. This popular waterfall has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,227 visitors.

Set your GPS to Split and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Split beckons with new experiences!

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

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

Savor the culinary delights of Split, 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.

We recommend a local favorite like Fig Split. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,263 customers.

Downtown Grill Split steak & seafood is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Split. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,044 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Split you might want to check out is PORTOFINO Steak - Pasta - Seafood. PORTOFINO Steak - Pasta - Seafood is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 892 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. Makarun Split is a popular option with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 532 customers.

Another top option is Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,989 customers.

Fabrique Pub is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,169 customers.

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

As your final day in Croatia unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Split’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Croatia.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Split, consider a top-rated restaurant like Chops Grill - Steak & Seafood. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,663 customers.

Restaurant Bajamonti 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,569 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Dvor. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,763 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Croatia and your fun memories in Split.

You’ll then say farewell to Split. 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!