Cheap 9-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pula to Senj, Split, Zadar, and Zagreb

On day 2 of your cheap holiday travels in Croatia, you’ll tour 1 destination: Pula. You'll stay in Senj for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Set out on a day brimming with an enchanting, an instagrammable, a respected, a grand, and a charming. Start at the spectacular Pula Arena, a standout archeological site in Pula. Next, go to Forum Square.

After visiting Pula Arena and Forum Square, take time to explore Pula's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Temple Of Augustus. This photogenic monument offers a unique experience. Aquarium Pula is another noteworthy stop.

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

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

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Pizzeria King, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Bistro i Caffe bar "Kod tri mornara" - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Restaurant Uskok promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Pirassa Caffe Gelateria offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Cafe Bar Julijus is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Erna is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Makarska, Podgora, and Bogatić. 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 Makarska today.

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

Set your GPS to Makarska and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 11 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Makarska beckons with new experiences!

Begin your journey at St. Peter Forest Park and explore the serene features.

Set your GPS to Podgora and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Podgora beckons with new experiences!

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Biokovo Nature Park - Skywalk, a worthwhile observation deck that draws visitors from near and far.

Head to Krka National Park, a widely recognized national park in Makarska. Explore its serene features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Zadar is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Pizzeria Šime, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Harvatski restorant "Galiya" is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Restoran Zadar - Jadera, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Yachting Bar & Club, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Porthos offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Factory Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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 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.

Discover a day packed with a charming, a mesmerizing, an instagrammable, a majestic, a noteworthy, a history-steeped, and a stunning in Zadar. Begin your sightseeing with Sea Organ. This astonishing art installation is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Roman Forum, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Zadar, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Church Of St. Donatus. This underrated church is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Narodni Trg, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Conclude your day at Market Zadar and uncover why it's recognized as one of the city's most worthwhile attractions.

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.

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.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Restaurant 2Ribara.

Pirate Bar is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Bizarre is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at Backstage Bar, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the city of Zagreb, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Zagreb, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Parići and Zagreb.

Immerse yourself in Parići’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Zadar, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Parići. This drive usually takes around 49 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Zagreb. This car ride takes around 3 hours 5 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ribnjak Park. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Zagreb Cathedral. This locally renowned church is a traveler-favorite in the hamlet. Not far away, you’ll also find Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the monument.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Zagreb, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

Zinfandel's Restaurant stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Rougemarin City, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Tesla New Generation is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Caffe Bar Destino, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Booze And Blues. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Day 7 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in Croatia. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Zagreb and its top sights! Conclude your day with a lovely dinner.

Prepare for a day full of a charming, a beautiful, a breathtaking, a picture-perfect, and a historically significant. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Park Maksimir. This interesting park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Zagreb Zoo, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Botanical Garden Of The Faculty Of Science, University Of Zagreb, one of the most often recommended places to see in Zagreb. This botanical garden is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Croatian National Theatre In Zagreb. Wander around and soak in the romantic atmosphere this performing arts theater offers. Finally, take the path to the well-known Bundek, the last of our attraction recommendations for today.

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.

A cheap, budget vacation in Zagreb should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Zagreb, try some of our top recommendations.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Restoran Taurus, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Pizzeria Park, 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 Roots - juice & cocktail bar, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Visit Krolo, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Kavana Corso serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Zagreb. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Valhalla Beer Bar.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Day 8 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 touring 2 wonderful destinations — Rovinj and Fažana. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Pula, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rovinj. This car ride takes around 3 hours 3 min.

Plaža Balota is a beloved beach we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its serene features before continuing your self-guided tour to Church Of St. Euphemia, a culturally significant church that’s well-regarded in the area. Next, stop by Park Forest Zlatni Rt, a mesmerizing park.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Rovinj, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Fažana may take around 35 min. Upon your arrival in Fažana, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Fasana, an up-and-coming beach known for its idyllic features.

Pula 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.

A cheap, budget vacation in Pula should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Pula, try some of our top recommendations.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Fine fast food Piantina, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Street Food Two offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Restoran "Stari grad 02" is the perfect spot for you!

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Ulysses, known for its inviting atmosphere. Caffe Bar "dvojka" is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Bolero provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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