12-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Šibenik, Zadar, Gajac, Rijeka, and Pula

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

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Bacvice, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Split. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

Today's adventure in Split promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Marjan. This stunning park is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy West Bank, another eye-catching attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Split Viewpoint (belvedere), one of the city’s most often recommended attractions, known for its visually striking features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Diocletian's Palace. This romantic palace is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Split Breakwater Lighthouse, a beloved lighthouse, and take a stroll around the area.

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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Split. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Babylon, a top-rated dining destination in Split. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider DeListes restaurant Split, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Split this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Caffe Bar Mythos after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Caffe Bar Legis, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Caffe Bar Tik also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Trogir and Šibenik. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Šibenik, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Split, including a historical landmark, a castle, a museum, a church and much more! Start your day with a visit to Trogir Old Town. This underrated historical landmark is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Kamerlengo Castle, which may be one of the most majestic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Split on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Šibenik City Museum, an often recommended museum in the town. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Šibenik Cathedral and St. Nicholas Fortress.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Antin Gušt Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Fry Guy offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Atrium. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Šibenik.

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

Relax and reminisce about your day in Croatia and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Zadar. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Zadar. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Sea Organ. This astonishing art installation is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Monument To The Sun, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Roman Forum, one of the most intriguing places to see in Šibenik. This archeological site is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Church Of St. Donatus. Wander around and soak in the heritage-rich atmosphere this church offers. Then, head to National Museum Zadar, a top-rated museum that adds another dimension to your day. Finally, visit the beloved Narodni Trg, the last of our attraction recommendations for today.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zadar's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Savor the flavors at Pizzeria Šime, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Harvatski restorant "Galiya" beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restoran Zadar - Jadera. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Zadar tonight.

Keep the evening going at Yachting Bar & Club, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Caffe Bar Porthos, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Factory Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Caska and Lun. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Gajac, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today's adventure in Zadar promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Zrce Festival Beach. This enchanting beach is a highlight of any visit in the village. Then, enjoy Olive Gardens Of Lun, another mesmerizing attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Vrtovi Lunjskih Maslina / Olive Gardens Of Lun / Ulaz 2 / Entrance 2 / Recepcija / Reception, one of the village’s most curiosity-inducing attractions, known for its standout features.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Gajac. Gajac offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you explore more of Gajac, 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 Taverna Giardin, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Pizzeria More offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Street Food - BBQ Party is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Gajac.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Bacardi. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Straško Camping, Beach Bar Taxi offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Caffe Bar Jež Plaza, another top-rated bar in the area.

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.

On day 8 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 Rijeka. In the evening, you’ll end up in Rijeka, where you will stay for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Gajac, including a castle, a monument, a church, a museum and much more! Start your adventure at Trsat Castle. This notable castle is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Petar Kružić Stairway located in Gajac for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Rijeka Cathedral. Its breathtaking features will captivate you. After the church, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Natural History Museum Rijeka. Visitors usually appreciate the heritage-rich features of this museum.

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.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Antonio, a top-rated dining destination in Rijeka. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Capote y Ole. , another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Baćo. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rijeka this evening.

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.

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

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you will explore Pula, 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 Pula. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Rijeka, featuring family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at Pula Arena, a top-rated archeological site in the city. Then, head to Church And Monastery Of St. Francis and soak in the ambiance of this heritage-rich church.

There are many interesting places to see in Rijeka, and when you are ready for more, go to Forum Square. This is one of the city’s most locally appreciated romantic spots of interest. After exploring the public square, visit the interesting Temple Of Augustus. Not far away, you'll also find Historical And Maritime Museum Of Istria. This museum is a historic highlight in Rijeka. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to Pula Citadel, an intriguing castle in the city.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Pula. 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Pizzeria Samantha, a top-rated dining destination in Pula. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Fresh Sandwiches and Salads, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bistro Romantic Alley. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Pula this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Beach Bar Laplaya offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Shipyard Pub is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Zeppelin - Beach & Lounge Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 10 of your road trip in Croatia, you’ll start and end your day in Pula, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Pula for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Rovinj to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

A visit to Rovinj Old Town in Rovinj is a must on the agenda today. This neighborhood is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. The first attraction of today is Panorama. This beloved observation deck is an eye-catching place to see in Pula. Continue your discovery at Church Of St. Euphemia, a visually striking church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Pula, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Batana Eco-museum. This underrated museum offers an eye-catching encounter with Pula. Next, make your way to Golden Cape Forest Park to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Park Forest Zlatni Rt, an intriguing park that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Pula.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Pula. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Fine fast food Piantina, an iconic dining spot in Pula. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Street Food Two, a popular restaurant in Pula. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restoran "Stari grad 02", a hidden gem nestled in Pula. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Ulysses after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Caffe Bar "dvojka", another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Bolero also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!