9-Day Relaxed Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka to Zagreb

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Croatia begins when you reach Rijeka, where you’ll stay for a total of 5 nights.

Rijeka is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Venetian House. Around 24 visitors have rated this fascinating top-tier point of interest and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Rijeka 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.

An excellent example is Konoba Tarsa. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 customers.

Barbacoa serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Rijeka has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,487 reviews.

Konoba Fiume is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 933 customers, Konoba Fiume is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Rijeka looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at The Beertija Klub, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,087 reviews.

Pajol bar Pecine offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Rijeka. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 644 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Bar Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Croatia! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Croatia!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you'll explore the best attractions in Rijeka at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Rijeka, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 4 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Trsat Castle. This incredible castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,964 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Croatia by seeing another popular site in Rijeka, the wonderful Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,964 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Petar Kružić Stairway. This top-tier point of interest has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 743 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Islamic Center of Rijeka. This mosque is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 906 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Croatia. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Rijeka itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Croatia extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Rijeka. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Boonker. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Bistro Mornar, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Bistro Mornar is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 3,156 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended King’s Caffe food pub. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,389 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Rijeka and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular River. This vibrant bar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Pet Jedan Tapas Bar. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Pub "Bačva". Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Pub "Bačva" has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Croatia gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Rijeka and visit more of its attractions.

Rijeka has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Croatia. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Rijeka Cathedral, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Rijeka Cathedral has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 775 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing PEEK&POKE Computer Museum. This city feature got an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from its 719 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Rijeka is the notable Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. The popular Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast is a highlight of many travel packages in Rijeka. As a matter of fact, this remarkable museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 1,024 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Rijeka, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Natural History Museum Rijeka. Take your time exploring this wonderful natural history museum and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 760 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Rijeka by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Rijeka.

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 Rijeka, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Submarine Burger Rijeka is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Rijeka-based food place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,653 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Maslina is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Maslina proved an excellent choice for around 1,219 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Rijeka, Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars given by 753 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Public pub. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.3 over 5 stars by 521 customers.

This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.

Toast to an amazing time in Rijeka and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Croatia on a great note!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you’ll explore the area around Rijeka, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights.

Around 7,561 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing park that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,140 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Fasana will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Croatia more memorable. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,504 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Croatia is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Rijeka. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Rijeka and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Rijeka that will make your self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Rijeka for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Croatia by eating at one of the best restaurants in Rijeka.

With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,238 customers, the dining experience Conca d'oro offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Croatia.

Restoran Spagho is another pleasant place to eat in Rijeka. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,199 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Seafood restaurant Feral and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,111 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Kancelarija Bar, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Rijeka is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 260 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Celtic Caffe Bard, another well-known bar in Rijeka. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 239 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Caffe bar "SAMOVAR". Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 223 customers, Caffe bar "SAMOVAR" is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Rijeka.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Croatia is all about!

Day 5 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Zagreb, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Sundial on the 45th parallel is waiting for you. This best-rated sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 133 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Plaža Prva Draga. This unique must-see tourist destination is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,065 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Nehaj Fortress. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,440 visitors, this fortress is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Northern Velebit National Park. This popular park and attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,487 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Rijeka has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Zagreb. In Zagreb, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,369 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Vintage Industrial Bar. Vintage Industrial Bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Hub Cooltura Pub. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Mr. Fogg. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Mr. Fogg is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Croatia!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you’ll explore the area around Rijeka, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights.

Around 18,435 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing park that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,150 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Bundek will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Croatia more memorable. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,007 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Croatia is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Rijeka. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Rijeka and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Rijeka that will make your self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Croatia by eating at one of the best restaurants in Zagreb.

With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,365 customers, the dining experience Dubravkin put offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Croatia.

Cheese Bar is another pleasant place to eat in Zagreb. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Roots - juice & cocktail bar and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 800 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Swanky Monkey Garden, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Zagreb is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Croatia is all about!

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you’ll explore the area around Rijeka, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night.

Around 6,559 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing church building that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,829 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Lotrščak Tower will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Croatia more memorable. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,336 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Croatia is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Rijeka. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Rijeka and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Rijeka that will make your self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Croatia by eating at one of the best restaurants in Zagreb.

With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 760 customers, the dining experience Restoran Vegehop offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Croatia.

Vinodol is another pleasant place to eat in Zagreb. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,156 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Valhalla beer bar, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Zagreb is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Roots - juice & cocktail bar, another well-known bar in Zagreb. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 800 reviews.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Croatia is all about!

Day 8 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Rijeka, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Ban Josip Jelačić Statue is waiting for you. This best-rated sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,038 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Ribnjak Park. This unique park is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,091 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Zagreb Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,260 visitors, this catholic cathedral is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Technical Museum. This popular museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,713 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Rijeka has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Rijeka. In Rijeka, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Croatia.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 831 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Restoran Morčić.

Locals also recommend Borik Tavern as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Borik Tavern as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 754 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Restaurant Capote y Ole. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 351 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Rakhia bar. Rakhia bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 464 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Caffe Bar Kosi Toranj. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 454 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Wine bar "kod Zajca". This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Wine bar "kod Zajca" is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 234 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Croatia!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Rijeka.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Rijeka once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Croatia on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Gat Karoline riječke is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Rijeka. This top sight is a popular must-see tourist destination, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Rijeka or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Rijeka and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Croatia is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.