5-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split traveling north to Lika-Senj County and Zadar

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Photo of beautiful Adriatic Beach and Lagoon with Turquoise Water near Split, Croatia.
Photo of Laguna beautiful beach surrounded by rocks and forests, Pisak Split Dalmatia, Croatia.
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Photo of amazing beach of split  Dalmatia, Croatia.
Photo of woman traveler enjoying the view of the beach and old town of Split in Dalmatia, Croatia.
Photo of the best Split beaches Kastelet, Dalmatia, Croatia.
Photo of Kastel Stafilic landmarks and turquoise beach view, Split region of Dalmatia, Croatia.
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Photo of Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) is a popular beach in the Town Bol which is on the south of the island of Brac in the Split-Dalmatia County of Croatia.
Photo of Adriatic sea coast with small boats tied to the pier in traditional town, Split, Croatia.
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Photo of Upward view of Bell tower of Cathedral of St. Domnius in Diocletian's Palace, Split, Croatia.
Gradinsko jezero lake at Plitvice lakes nationa park in Lika-Senj county, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in between Lika-Senj County and Karlovac County in Croatia
Photo of aerial panoramic view of the cityscape and waterfront of Zadar, Croatia.
Photo of Zadar archipelago. Kali on Ugljan island turquoise sea and walkway view, Croatia.
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Photo of Saint Anastasia Cathedral, (Katedrala Sv. Stosije), Zadar, Croatia.
Photo of Fisherman's red house on the water, Croatia, Zadar.
Photo of sea gate in the historical center of Croatian town Zadar, Croatia.
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Photo of Church of St. Donatus in Zadar, Croatia at sunset.
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Experience the freedom of the open road in Croatia as you embark on an unforgettable 5-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Split, Lika-Senj County, Smiljan, Općina Jasenice, Općina Ražanac, and Zadar.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Croatia takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Split, 1 night in Lika-Senj County, and 1 night in Zadar. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Croatia. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.

Upon arriving in Split, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Croatia on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Croatia. Diocletian's Palace and Sea Organ are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Krka National Park, learn more about the unique Marjan, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Church Of St. Donatus.

As you hit the open road and drive through Split, Lika-Senj County, Smiljan, Općina Jasenice, Općina Ražanac, and Zadar, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Croatia. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Croatia.

Throughout your road trip in Croatia, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Croatia.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Croatia fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Croatia today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Bacvice
Golden GateDiocletian's PalaceWest BankKašjuni BeachForest Park Marjan
Nikola Tesla Memorial CenterPaklenica National ParkPariževačka glavicaMaslenica BridgePag Bridge
Market ZadarPeople's SquareChurch of St. DonatusSea organKrka National Park
Marmontova Street

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Split - Arrival day
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  • Bacvice
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Welcome to Split, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Croatia! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Split's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Split is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Bacvice, a must-see neighborhood, and taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Split. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Croatia. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Split, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Nevera Tavern, a popular restaurant in Split. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Split at Perivoj restoran i kavana, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Konoba Laganini. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Split tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to La Linea. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Fabrique Pub, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Croatia!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Split
  • Lika-Senj
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Drive 235 km, 3 hours 7 min

  • Golden Gate
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • West Bank
  • Kašjuni Beach
  • Forest Park Marjan
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Split. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lika-Senj County. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Split is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites! Start at Golden Gate, an underrated historical landmark that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Diocletian's Palace, enchanting visitors with its visually striking appeal. Continue your exploration at West Bank. This boardwalk is one of the city’s most locally appreciated spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Split at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Kašjuni Beach. After exploring the beach, head to the locally renowned Marjan.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lika-Senj County, 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 Lika-Senj County's best restaurants.

Have a fantastic dining experience at The Highlanders pub, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Kavana Milinković offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Bistro & Pizzeria Tomislav is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Lika-Senj County.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Caffe Bar Fortuna, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Caffe Bar Amadeus is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Caffe Bar Bevanda also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Lika-Senj
  • Zadar
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Drive 196 km, 3 hours 21 min

  • Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
  • Paklenica National Park
  • Pariževačka glavica
  • Maslenica Bridge
  • Pag Bridge
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you will make 5 stops and experience some of the highlights of Smiljan, Parići, Rupine, Općina Jasenice, and Općina Ražanac. 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 route brings fun adventures, picturesque spots, and historic treasures. The first attraction of today is Nikola Tesla Memorial Center. This worthwhile museum is an instagrammable place to see in Lika-Senj County. Continue your discovery at Paklenica National Park, an awe-inspiring national park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Lika-Senj County, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this village so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Pariževačka Glavica. This worthwhile cliff offers a majestic encounter with Lika-Senj County. Next, make your way to Maslenica Bridge to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Paški Most, a beloved road bridge 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 Lika-Senj County.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Zadar. Zadar 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 Zadar, 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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Pizzeria Šime, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Harvatski restorant "Galiya" is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restoran Zadar - Jadera. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zadar tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Yachting Bar & Club. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Caffe Bar Porthos offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook The Factory Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

Head back to your accommodation in Zadar and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Croatia!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Zadar
  • Split
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Drive 195 km, 3 hours 4 min

  • Market Zadar
  • People's Square
  • Church of St. Donatus
  • Sea organ
  • Krka National Park
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Zadar. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Split, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in Zadar covers several incredible sights, including a market, a public square, a church, an art installation, a national park and much more! Start your adventure at Market Zadar. This beloved market is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the romantic wonders of Narodni Trg, a must-see public square in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Church Of St. Donatus. This frequently visited church offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Sea Organ, where you can take in culturally significant features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Krka National Park. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Split. 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 Split. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Split by reserving a table at Šug. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of regional cuisine. Looking for something different? DeListes restaurant Split offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Split.

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

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Split - Departure day
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  • Marmontova Street
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Day 5 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Split before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Marmontova Street, a street 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.

As your final day in Croatia unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Split's best shopping area, Pazar Market. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Croatia.

Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Split.

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!

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