Cheap 6-Day Croatia Road Trip from Dubrovnik to Metković, Zadar, and Makarska

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible town of Dubrovnik, where you'll stay for 1 night. 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. More than a town in Croatia, Dubrovnik 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.

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

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Pantarul. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,208 customers.

Shizuku -Japanese cuisine- is another local-favorite restaurant in Dubrovnik. Shizuku -Japanese cuisine- serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,123 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Urban & Veggie - Vegan Restaurant Dubrovnik is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Dubrovnik. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 of 5 stars from around 671 customers.

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,837 customers.

Peppers Eatery+Cocktails is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Peppers Eatery+Cocktails has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 691 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Dubrovnik.

You might also want to cap the night off at Promenada, a fascinating bar that 725 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

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

Day 2 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Dubrovnik, Bosanka, Trsteno, and Metković. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Metković.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Lovrijenac. This extraordinary fortress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,189 visitors.

After soaking in Dubrovnik’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Metković. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 13 min. When you arrive in Metković, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Pizzeria Milano. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 573 customers.

Konoba Lanterna is another local-favorite restaurant in Metković. Konoba Lanterna serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 318 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Industry Pub is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Dubrovnik. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 of 5 stars from around 153 customers.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Carpe Diem Cafe, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 261 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Kave bar MB by Zvonko. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 143 customers.

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

Day 3 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 3 wonderful destinations — Zadar, Split, and Zadar.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Metković, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Split. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 39 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take the opportunity to see Diocletian's Palace. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 76,537 visitors.

Marjan is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This mountain has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,490 travelers.

Zadar’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Split behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 55 min. Zadar welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation 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. Zadar has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Zadar on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Zadar, 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.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,300 customers.

Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,856 customers.

Trattoria Mediterraneo has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 762 reviews.

Deja Brew Pub Zadar is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 735 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 Zadar we recommend is BackStage Bar, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Harbor CookHouse & Club is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 3,272 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience 5 charming destinations — Drniš, Grad Skradin, Bogatić, Ključ, and Makarska. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the town of Makarska.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bogatić. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 6 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Journey into the unknown at Cikola Canyon, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 208 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Ključ, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Grad Skradin. Your travel time is around 32 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Skradinski buk. Previous visitors have rated this waterfall an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,227 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Grad Skradin, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Makarska may take around 1 hour 40 min. Upon your arrival in Makarska, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Makarska, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the town's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Tempera Streetfood & Bar, one of the top-rated restaurants in the town. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,117 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Pivnica Pivac, so you'll want to drop by this place. Pivnica Pivac serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,076 customers.

Another must-try in the town of Makarska is Restoran Don Antonio. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 900 customers.

When you’ve finished dinner and you’re in the mood for a drink, we recommend visiting one of the best bars in Makarska. Restoran Bounty offers plenty of drink options for every taste and budget. Around 3,426 customers have given this bar an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Alternatively, go to a bar that locals recommend, like Špina bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 332 customers.

If you're looking for something else, check out Caffe Bar Smile. This bar is one of the best places to enjoy a drink and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 181 customers.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the town of Dubrovnik, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Dubrovnik, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Makarska, Veliko Brdo, and Dubrovnik.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Dubrovnik 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 town.

A cheap, budget vacation in Dubrovnik should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Dubrovnik, try some of our top recommendations.

Visit the popular Restaurant Maskeron. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 527 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Croatia is TuttoBene Pizzeria & Fast Food. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,218 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Yacht Club Orsan. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,514 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

After dinner, stop by one of the best bars in Dubrovnik. Love Bar often offers travelers and locals alike a great time. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 373 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at Mr Foster bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 295 customers.

Hotel Lapad is another top-rated bar in the town. This place enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 999 customers.

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 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dubrovnik.

Optimize your last day in Croatia and go on a shopping spree in Dubrovnik’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.

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

For example, CHIHUAHUA Cantina Mexicana has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,001 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, Taj Mahal hotel Lero is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 853 customers.

Another restaurant popular among cheap holiday-goers is Culto Restaurant. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 592 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy unique flavors that will remind you of Croatia and your fun memories in Dubrovnik.

You’ll then say farewell to Dubrovnik. 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!