6-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Rijeka traveling south to Zadar
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Explore the best of Croatia on a 6-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Rijeka, Pula, Senj, Općina Jasenice, and Zadar. This road trip itinerary in Croatia seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Croatia takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 4 nights in Rijeka and 1 night in Zadar. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Croatia. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Rijeka, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Croatia on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Croatia. Pula Arena and Sea Organ are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Rijeka, Pula, Senj, Općina Jasenice, and Zadar, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Croatia. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Croatia.
Throughout your road trip in Croatia, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Croatia.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Croatia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Croatia today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Rijeka - arrival day
- Rijeka - Arrival day
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- City Clock Tower
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Say hello to Rijeka! Your exciting road trip through Croatia is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Rijeka for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!
Rijeka is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out City Clock Tower or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Rijeka. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Rijeka. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Antonio, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Capote y Ole. Offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Baćo. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Rijeka.
Continue your lively evening at Charlie Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Wine Bar "kod Zajca" is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Phanas Pub Rijeka Est.2001 ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Croatia!
Day 2 – Rijeka
- Rijeka
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Drive 21 km, 50 min
- Trsat Castle
- Church of Mary of God of Trsat
- Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast
- Islamic Center of Rijeka
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Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Rijeka has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Rijeka by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Rijeka allows for both. Start by heading to Trsat Castle. This interesting castle provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Church Of Mary Of God Of Trsat, a history-steeped church, promising a delightful encounter.
Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Maritime And History Museum Of The Croatian Coast, an underrated museum. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the curiosity-inducing Islamic Center Of Rijeka.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Croatia is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Rijeka. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Rijeka by booking a table at Nebo by Deni Srdoč. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Zelena Dolina, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Teatro Lounge Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Book Caffe Dnevni Boravak, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Pub "bačva". This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!
Day 3 – Rijeka and Pula
- Rijeka
- Pula
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Drive 225 km, 3 hours 18 min
- Aquarium Pula
- Forum Square
- Temple of Augustus
- Pula Arena
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At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Rijeka, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Pula. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await.
Pula’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rijeka behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 33 min. Pula welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Aquarium Pula is a locally renowned aquarium we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour to Forum Square, a visually striking public square that’s well-regarded in the area. Next, stop by Temple Of Augustus, a photogenic monument. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Pula Arena, a historic and truly unique archeological site.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rijeka.
As you explore more of Rijeka, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Restoran Morčić, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Bowling Center Rijeka offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Seafood restaurant Feral is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Rijeka.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Pet Jedan Tapas Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, "metropolis" Caffe Bar & Night Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Caffe Bar Kosi Toranj is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Say good night to Rijeka and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!
Day 4 – Rijeka, Senj, Općina Jasenice, Rupine, Parići, and Zadar
- Rijeka
- Senj
- Maslenica
- Zadar
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Drive 295 km, 4 hours 2 min
- Nehaj Fortress
- Maslenica Bridge
- Pariževačka glavica
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On day 4 of your road trip in Croatia, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Senj, Općina Jasenice, Rupine, and Parići. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zadar, where you will stay for 1 night.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Senj. This car ride takes around 1 hour 1 min.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Nehaj Fortress, an intriguing castle that draws visitors from near and far.
After soaking in Senj’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Općina Jasenice. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 37 min. When you arrive in Općina Jasenice, it's time to take a break from the road.
Maslenica Bridge is an underrated deck arch bridge we recommend making time to visit today.
When you’ve had your share of Općina Jasenice, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Rupine. Your travel time is around 8 min.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Pariževačka Glavica. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the cliff before you continue to your next stop.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Zadar's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Pizzeria Šime, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Harvatski restorant "Galiya" offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restoran Zadar - Jadera. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zadar.
Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Yachting Bar & Club, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Caffe Bar Porthos offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out The Factory Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!
Day 5 – Zadar and Rijeka
- Zadar
- Rijeka
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Drive 307 km, 3 hours 18 min
- Market Zadar
- Sea organ
- Roman Forum
- People's Square
- Kolovare Beach
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Zadar, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Rijeka. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Zadar, featuring a visually striking, a romantic, a breathtaking, a majestic, a masterful, a historic, and a peaceful. Start at Market Zadar, a frequently visited market in the city. Then, head to Sea Organ and soak in the ambiance of this culturally significant art installation.
There are many interesting places to see in Zadar and when you are ready for more, go to Roman Forum. This is one of the city’s most frequently visited spots. After exploring the archeological site, visit the often recommended Narodni Trg. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the underrated Kolovare Beach, an underrated beach in the city.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Rijeka. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Rijeka. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely meal at ŠtoRija, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Conca d'oro is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restoran Spagho. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Rijeka tonight.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Public Pub stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Kancelarija Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Beertija Klub is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Croatia!
Day 6 – Rijeka - departure day
- Rijeka - Departure day
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- Petar Kružić Stairway
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Day 6 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Rijeka before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Make the most of your final day in Croatia by visiting Rijeka’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Croatia.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several an enchanting, a photogenic, a respected, a stunning, and a majestic. Whether you decide to explore Rijeka on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Petar Kružić Stairway is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect monument before continuing your journey.
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're eager to try something different, consider Konoba Ribica, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.
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!
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