9-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Rijeka traveling south to Opatija, Rovinj, Plitvička Jezera, and Zadar

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Rijeka has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Rijeka by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Set aside time today to explore Korzo, a standout street that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Start by visiting Maritime And History Museum Of The Croatian Coast, a prime spot to begin your journey. This eye-catching museum is sure to impress.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Rijeka by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Rijeka Cathedral. This historic church is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Rijeka experience. We also recommend visiting Church Of Mary Of God Of Trsat, a curiosity-inducing church. Nearby, you'll also find Trsat Castle, ready to add charm to your journey.

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.

Visit City Center one Rijeka in Rijeka for an unforgettable shopping experience. Browse unique and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what City Center one Rijeka has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

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 delicious meal at Trattoria Krug, a highly-rated dining destination in Rijeka. If you're eager to try something different, consider Zelena Dolina, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Buffet "Cocco". With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Rijeka this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Teatro Lounge Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Book Caffe Dnevni Boravak provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Pub "bačva" offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Croatia.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Opatija. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Opatija. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming town of Rijeka. Your adventure starts at Mala Fortica, an up-and-coming local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Opatija.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Rijeka's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to The Wall Of Fame. Croatian Museum Of Tourism is also worth visiting, along with Maiden With The Seagull. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment. End your day at Slatina. This locally appreciated beach provides a fitting finale to your sightseeing.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Opatija. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

As you explore more of Opatija, 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Bistro Yacht club, a top-rated dining destination in Opatija. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Boćarija Grill, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ružmarin. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Opatija this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Mare Cocktail Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Choco Bar - Bonbonnière Kraš, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Colosseum Lounge & Beach Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!

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 Rovinj. In the evening, you’ll end up in Rovinj, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Immerse yourself in Opatija’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Golden Cape Forest Park. This eye-catching park is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the romantic features of Park Forest Zlatni Rt, a must-visit park in the town.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Batana Eco-museum, a locally appreciated museum. For a change of scene, check out Panorama, known for its visually striking features. We also recommend visiting Church Of St. Euphemia. This church is a must for anyone looking to experience the town to the fullest.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rovinj, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Rovinj's best restaurants.

Dine in style at Kantinon Tavern, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Scuba restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out La Vigna. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Rovinj.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Mediterraneo Cocktail Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Blue Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Havana Rovinj Cocktail Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Croatia. With 1 night left in Rovinj, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Rovinj allows for both. Start by heading to Fakin. This frequently visited sightseeing destination provides an insightful glimpse into the village's identity. Next, discover Town Gate, a history-steeped historical landmark, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Church Of St. Stephen, a curiosity-inducing church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the increasingly popular Laparenzana. Not far away from the hiking area, you will find the romantic Waterfall Butori, perfect for a quick visit. Round off your day at Town Loggia, another gem in Rovinj with historic features to discover.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rovinj.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Rovinj's best restaurants.

Savor the flavors at Da Piero, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, La Perla beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Balbi Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Rovinj tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Block Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Caffe Bar “sax”, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Caffe Bar "bruno" provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Croatia!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Zadar. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zadar, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today's adventure in Plitvička Jezera promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Sea Organ. This culturally significant art installation is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Monument To The Sun, another visually striking attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Roman Forum, one of the city’s most often recommended attractions, known for its historic features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Church Of St. Donatus. This monumental church is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit National Museum Zadar, an intriguing museum, and take a stroll around the area. If you want to extend your self-guided sightseeing tour, go check out Narodni Trg before you head back to your hotel.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zadar. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Zadar. 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 wonderful meal at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated dining spot in Zadar. If you're in the mood for something new, try Harvatski restorant "Galiya", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zadar.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Yachting Bar & Club is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Caffe Bar Porthos, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Factory Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Croatia!

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Pula. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Rijeka, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Zadar allows for both. Start by heading to Pula Arena. This top-rated archeological site provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Pula Citadel, a culturally significant castle, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Forum Square, an often recommended public square. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the well-known Temple Of Augustus.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rijeka, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restoran Morčić, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bowling Center Rijeka? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Seafood restaurant Feral as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Rijeka.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Pet Jedan Tapas Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. "metropolis" Caffe Bar & Night Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Caffe Bar Kosi Toranj offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Croatia.