12-Day Croatia road trip from Zagreb to Rijeka, Pula, Senj, and Zadar

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Zagreb has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Park Maksimir. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,174 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, mekPer's. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,654 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb is Pri zvoncu. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,325 customers.

Locals recommend Restaurant Zelen Dvor as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,571 customers.

Zagreb also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Vintage Industrial Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Locals also enjoy Mr. Fogg. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in Croatia!

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zagreb, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Zagreb.

Today you'll explore the city of Zagreb. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Zagreb Zoo. This incredible attraction is a zoo and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,886 visitors.

Stone Gate is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Zagreb. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zagreb is St. Mark's Church. This amazing attraction is a church building and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,997 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Bundek. This lake and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,180 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like Bota Šare Zagreb restaurant - oyster & sushi bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,778 customers.

HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

Locals enjoy Roots - juice & cocktail bar, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zagreb. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Swanky Monkey Garden. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Dubravkin put. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

Cheese Bar is another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Zagreb. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zagreb’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Zagreb, start your day with a visit to the amazing Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,381 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is a park that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,528 visitors.

The lovely Technical Museum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,180 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zagreb has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Rijeka. Rijeka offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Konoba Tarsa. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,076 reviews.

The remarkable Barbacoa is another top restaurant in Rijeka we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Konoba Fiume is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Rijeka, the fantastic Book caffe Dnevni boravak. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,024 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Beertija Klub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Teatro Lounge Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 738 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Rijeka, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

One of the best travel destinations in the village of Vela Učka is Nature Park Učka. This amazing attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,438 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Croatia more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Croatia’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Rijeka.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Boonker. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

Bistro Mornar is one of the top restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Konoba Ribica. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,872 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka, River. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Rijeka, we recommend the cocktails at Pet Jedan Tapas Bar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Rijeka is Pub "Bačva". This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Rijeka!

Day 5 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Gedići and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Pula. You will stay in Pula for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Gedići is the amazing Baredine Cave. This attraction is a show cave that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,659 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Gedići by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Pula, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Veritas Food&Wine, one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,550 customers.

Locals also recommend Taj Tavern as one of the best restaurants in the city of Pula. Taj Tavern is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,079 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Pula is Pizzeria Jupiter. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,601 customers.

After dinner, visit Rock Bar Mimoza, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Pula. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 613 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Shipyard Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,622 customers.

Alternatively, Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Pula. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 6 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Pula. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Senj. You’ll stay in Senj for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Pula’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Pula, start your day with a visit to the amazing Pula Arena. This much-appreciated roman amphitheatre and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 58,562 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Forum Square. This top-tier point of interest and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,726 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Temple of Augustus to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Temple of Augustus is an archaeological site that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,904 visitors.

The lovely Aquarium Pula is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 9,716 visitors have left this aquarium average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Pula has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Senj. Senj offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restaurant Uskok. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,133 reviews.

The remarkable Tavern Kod Veska is another top restaurant in Senj we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 822 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant-pizzeria Tropicana is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Senj, the fantastic Pirassa Caffe Gelateria. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 120 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Cafe Bar Julijus. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 109 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Restoran "Krešimir". This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 146 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Rise and shine on day 7 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Senj and embark on a scenic drive to Zadar, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Senj before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Senj. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Nehaj Fortress. This attraction is a fortress that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,527 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Kolovare Beach. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,177 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Sea organ. This tide organ and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,635 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Monument to the Sun. This monument and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,820 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 customers.

Locals also recommend Konoba Rafaelo, another of the best restaurants in Zadar. Konoba Rafaelo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Deja Brew Pub Zadar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zadar, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like BackStage Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. BackStage Bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Harbor CookHouse & Club is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Zadar, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

You can also make your new day in Croatia more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Croatia’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

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

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 customers.

Pizzeria Šime is one of the top restaurants in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,176 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar is Restoran Bruschetta. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Beach Bar Bamboo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Zadar, we recommend the cocktails at La Famiglia. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zadar is The Garden Lounge. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Zadar!

Day 9 of your road trip through Croatia is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Općina Jasenice and the city of Split. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the village of Općina Jasenice is the amazing Maslenica Bridge. This attraction is a deck arch bridge and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,517 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Općina Jasenice is another excellent way to spend your new day in Croatia. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Croatia’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Croatia’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Croatia’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Diocletian's Palace in the city of Split for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a museum and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,911 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Split is the outstanding Golden Gate. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,783 visitors, this memorial gates and arches deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Marjan. This attraction, a stunning mountain, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,428 travelers.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Šibenik.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Konoba Vinko, one of the best restaurants in the city of Šibenik. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,094 customers.

Locals also recommend Kod Starog Bistro as one of the best restaurants in the city of Šibenik. Kod Starog Bistro is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 810 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Šibenik is Atrium. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 882 customers.

After dinner, visit Azimut, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Šibenik. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Vintage Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 534 customers.

Alternatively, Fjaka Beach Bar is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Šibenik. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,140 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

Rise and shine on day 10 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Šibenik and embark on a scenic drive to Ogulin, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Šibenik and Skradin before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Šibenik. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Krka National Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 58,359 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Roski waterfall. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,525 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Drniš and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Skradin has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Skradinski buk. This attraction is a waterfall that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,042 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Skradin, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Ogulin. When you arrive in Ogulin you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Marché Dobra - Zapad. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,579 customers.

Locals also recommend Slastičarnica & FastFood Korzo, another of the best restaurants in Ogulin. Slastičarnica & FastFood Korzo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 247 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pizzeria Bonino. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,181 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Cafe COCKTAIL to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Ogulin, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 219 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Caffe bar Bačva. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Caffe bar Bačva has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 91 customers.

Caffe bar JAZZbina is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 456 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!

Rise and shine on day 11 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Ogulin and embark on a scenic drive to Zagreb, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Ogulin and Mihaljekov Jarek before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Ogulin. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Museum of Neandertals in Krapina. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,565 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Grad Krapina and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Mihaljekov Jarek has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Muzej Oldtimera. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 171 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Mihaljekov Jarek, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Zagreb. When you arrive in Zagreb you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restoran Vegehop. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 760 customers.

Locals also recommend McDonald's Vrbani, another of the best restaurants in Zagreb. McDonald's Vrbani is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,850 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Mali Medo. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,203 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Valhalla beer bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zagreb, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Roots - juice & cocktail bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

BarBar XXL is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 924 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 12 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Zagreb before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Zagreb. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,945 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Zagreb and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Zagreb at Vinodol before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica for your last chance at a meal in the city of Zagreb. The Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,925 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!