Cheap One-Week Croatia Road Trip from Split to Makarska, Dubrovnik, and Metković

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Split, where you'll stay for 2 nights. 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.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Perivoj restoran i kavana. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,279 customers.

Villa Spiza is another local-favorite restaurant in Split. Villa Spiza serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,322 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Šug Restaurant is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Split. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 of 5 stars from around 1,279 customers.

Visit The Daltonist Craft Bar, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,191 customers.

Tennis Bar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Split. Customers have rated Tennis Bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,185 reviews.

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

Day 2 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Split!

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Split. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

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

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Fig Split, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,263 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Downtown Grill Split steak & seafood, so you'll want to drop by this place. Downtown Grill Split steak & seafood serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,044 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Split is PORTOFINO Steak - Pasta - Seafood. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 892 customers.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Split, Makarun Split. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 532 bar-goers.

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Split, with its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,989 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Fabrique Pub, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,169 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Croatia with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience 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 2 wonderful destinations — Split and Makarska.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Golden Gate. This memorial gates and arches is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Split, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,820 visitors.

Diocletian's Palace is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 76,537 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Diocletian's Cellars. Visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 904 reviews.

Old Town Hall is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a sightseeing destination rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 574 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Froggyland, perhaps the most famous museum in Split. This attraction is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,077 travelers.

After soaking in Split’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Makarska. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 8 min. When you arrive in Makarska, it's time to take a break from the road.

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

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Makarska has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

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.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Restoran Bounty, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,426 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Špina bar, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 332 customers. This spot is known for its unique atmosphere and impressive selection of beverages, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.

Caffe Bar Smile is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average 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 4 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Makarska, Veliko Brdo, and Dubrovnik. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Dubrovnik.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. 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 town of Dubrovnik. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Dubrovnik, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

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 Pantarul. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,208 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Croatia is Shizuku -Japanese cuisine-. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,123 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 Urban & Veggie - Vegan Restaurant Dubrovnik. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 671 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe is one of the best bars in Dubrovnik and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,837 customers.

You may also want to check out Peppers Eatery+Cocktails. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. Peppers Eatery+Cocktails is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 691 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Promenada. Promenada has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 725 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

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

Day 5 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia, Bosanka. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the village of Bosanka!

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

Savor the culinary delights of Dubrovnik, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the town offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Restaurant Maskeron 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 527 customers.

TuttoBene Pizzeria & Fast Food 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 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,218 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Yacht Club Orsan, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,514 reviews.

One great example is Love Bar. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 373 customers.

Mr Foster bar is another popular bar in Dubrovnik. If you ask the 295 customers who have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars, Mr Foster bar is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the city of Metković, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Metković, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Dubrovnik, Trsteno, Bosanka, and Metković.

Make Onofrio fountain one of your first sightseeing stops in Dubrovnik. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,111 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Lovrijenac is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This fortress is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,189 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,663 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Dubrovnik, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Metković. Your travel time is around 1 hour 13 min.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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.

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, Metković 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.

We recommend a local favorite like Pizzeria Milano. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 573 customers.

Konoba Lanterna is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Metković. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 318 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Metković you might want to check out is Industry Pub. Industry Pub is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 153 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Metković. Carpe Diem Cafe is a fantastic option, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 261 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, don't forget to check out Kave bar MB by Zvonko. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 143 customers.

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 7 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Čelina, Borak, Mimice, and Split. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Split.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Čelina. This car ride takes around 1 hour 16 min.

Make Velika one of your first sightseeing stops in Čelina. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,334 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Croatia Rafting is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This sightseeing destination is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 768 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Zipline Croatia. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,186 visitors.

Set your GPS to Split and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 38 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Split beckons with new experiences!

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.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Split offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

Chops Grill - Steak & Seafood is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,663 customers.

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

Locals enjoy dining at Dvor, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,763 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Split, Zinfandel Food & Wine bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 989 customers.

Travelers and locals alike also recommend Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 787 customers.

Moon Bar is another popular place for a drink, considered one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,002 customers.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Croatia is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Split.

On your last day in Croatia, take time to indulge in shopping at Split’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Croatia. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

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 Nevera Tavern. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,143 customers.

Duje 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 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,027 customers.

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!