Cheap 6-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Lika-Senj County and Zadar

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Smiljan, Perušić, and Korenica. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Zadar, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Smiljan today.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Smiljan’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lika-Senj County behind. This drive usually takes around 8 min. Smiljan welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Nikola Tesla Memorial Center, a worthwhile museum that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Smiljan, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Perušić. This drive usually takes around 21 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Grabovača is a locally appreciated cave system we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its picturesque features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Perušić and set your GPS to Korenica. 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 4 min. Upon reaching Korenica, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Plitvice Lakes National Park. Spend some time admiring the serene features of the national park before you continue to your next stop.

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.

Savor the culinary delights of Zadar, 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.

Discover the heart of Zadar through its culinary scene, starting with Pizzeria Šime. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Harvatski restorant "Galiya", where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Restoran Zadar - Jadera, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

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

A road trip vacation in Smiljan can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia!

On day 4 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Croatia, you’ll go deep into Zadar 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 Zadar — 1 night.

Zadar is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a public square, a market, an art installation, an archeological site, a church and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the underrated Narodni Trg. Just a short distance away is Market Zadar, an eye-catching market that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Sea Organ, one of the city’s most widely recognized spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the up-and-coming Roman Forum. Last up on today’s itinerary is a church. Make your way to Church Of St. Donatus for some final sightseeing. Each attraction will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Zadar.

Make your vacation in Croatia more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Croatia and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Pet Bunara Dine & Wine - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on Restaurant 2Ribara, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Pirate Bar offers many snacks and liquors at different price points. But if you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Zadar, check out Caffe Bar Bizarre. You can also ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination at Backstage Bar.

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

On day 5 of your cheap holiday travels in Croatia, you’ll tour 4 destinations: Općina Ražanac, Općina Jasenice, Parići, and Grad Benkovac. You'll stay in Split for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Set your GPS to Parići and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 17 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Parići beckons with new experiences!

Head to Paklenica National Park, an underrated national park in Parići. Explore its peaceful features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Split 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.

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

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Babylon, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is DeListes restaurant Split, 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 Bokeria Kitchen & Wine, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Caffe Bar Mythos, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Caffe Bar Legis offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Split. Caffe Bar Tik is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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