Relaxed 12-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Split to Zadar and Šibenik

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Croatia, you’ll go deep into Split, where you'll stay for 3 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Split, and meet locals along the way!

Split is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a boardwalk, an archeological site, a monument, a palace, a historical landmark and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular West Bank and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Diocletian's Cellars, a heritage-rich archeological site that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Saint Domnius Bell Tower, one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the extraordinary Diocletian's Palace. When you're finished at the palace, Golden Gate awaits your visit. This historical landmark is a heritage-rich highlight on today's itinerary.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Croatia more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Split offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Split, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Split by booking a table at Šug. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of regional cuisine. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider DeListes restaurant Split, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

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

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Croatia!

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Croatia, you’ll go deep into Zadar, where you'll stay for 3 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Zadar, and meet locals along the way!

Zadar is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Monument To The Sun, an increasingly popular art installation that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Sea Organ, enchanting visitors with its romantic appeal. Continue your exploration at Roman Forum. This archeological site is one of the city’s most beloved spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Zadar at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Church Of St. Donatus. After exploring the church, head to the underrated Zadar Cathedral.

Croatia makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Croatia also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Zadar has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pet Bunara Dine & Wine offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant 2Ribara. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zadar.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

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

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Croatia!

Day 7 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zadar, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Croatia are extraordinary.

A blend of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders await you in Zadar on today’s itinerary. First up is the intriguing beach, Kolovare Beach. Afterward, continue to The Five Wells Square, a public square every traveler should visit.

As you explore Zadar’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. This intriguing park is an essential stop. Following that, head to Narodni Trg, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Market Zadar, an up-and-coming market in the city.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Croatia more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Zadar offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

Exploring the food culture in Zadar offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Savor the flavors at Roko, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Harbor CookHouse & Club beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restoran Urnebes. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Zadar tonight.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Zadar. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Garden Lounge, known for its lively atmosphere. Down Town is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Beach Bar Bamboo offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Croatia.

On day 8 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Zadar and visit amazing attractions in Nin, Općina Ražanac, Općina Jasenice, Rupine, and Parići destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 1 night left in Zadar. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Start your adventure at Solana Nin Salt Museum. This locally appreciated museum is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Paški Most located in Zadar for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Maslenica Bridge. After the deck arch bridge, continue your tour of the town with a visit to Pariževačka Glavica. Visitors usually appreciate the instagrammable features of this cliff. Next up is Paklenica National Park, a highly recommended national park.

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

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at GRICKO, a highly-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're eager to try something different, consider Konoba Rafaelo, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Konoba Misterija. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Zadar. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Caffe Bar Kult, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Teatro Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Sphinx. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Zadar as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Croatia with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Croatia!

Day 9 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the town of Grad Skradin. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Šibenik, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 2 nights.

Start by visiting Krka National Park, a prime spot to begin your journey. This romantic national park is sure to impress. Next on your list is Skradinski Buk, another must-visit landmark and up-and-coming waterfall renowned for its romantic features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Zadar by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Beach Mala Raduča. This eye-catching beach is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Zadar experience. We also recommend visiting Statue Of Our Lady Of Loreto, an intriguing monument.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Šibenik. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Start your culinary exploration in Šibenik by securing a reservation at Pelegrini. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Fry Guy, a popular restaurant in Šibenik. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Caffe Palma, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Mystic offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Azimut. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Grad Skradin can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Croatia!

Day 10 of your relaxed road trip through Croatia means 24 hours of making the best memories in Šibenik. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Šibenik. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Šibenik!

Today's adventure in Šibenik promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Šibenik Cathedral. This romantic church is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Šibenik City Museum, another photogenic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Aquarium Terrarium Šibenik, one of the city’s most increasingly popular attractions, known for its eye-catching features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of St. Nicholas’ Fortress. This visually striking castle is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Croatia. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Croatia and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Croatia, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Šibenik.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Gastro Italiano, a highly-rated dining destination in Šibenik. If you're eager to try something different, consider buffet Šimun, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Pub&wine bar Scala. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Šibenik this evening.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Šibenik and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

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

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Croatia.

Day 11 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the town of Makarska and drive in the direction of the village of Veliko Brdo for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Split, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Šibenik, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at St. Peter Forest Park, an increasingly popular park in the town. Then, head to Osejava Forest Park and soak in the ambiance of this eye-catching park.

There are many interesting places to see in Šibenik, and when you are ready for more, go to Vepric - Shrine Of Our Lady Of Lourdes. This is one of the town’s most worthwhile culturally significant spots of interest.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Split. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Croatia by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Croatia, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Split.

Don’t miss out on dining at PORTOFINO Steak - Pasta - Seafood, a top-rated dining destination in Split. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Art Gallery Cafe Music Bar Split, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Duje. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Split this evening.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Split.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Leopolds Craft Beer Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Leopold's Delicatessen Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Moon Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia!