Cheap 9-Day Croatia Road Trip from Dubrovnik to Metković, Zadar, and Makarska

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible town of Dubrovnik, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Dubrovnik and begin your adventure in Croatia.

Dubrovnik is a popular cheap holiday destination in Croatia with something to offer every traveler. More than a town in Croatia, Dubrovnik is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Croatia shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Dubrovnik is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the town's best places to eat and drink.

Eat at Pantarul. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,208 reviews.

You can also check out Shizuku -Japanese cuisine-. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,123 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Urban & Veggie - Vegan Restaurant Dubrovnik. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 671 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe. This bar is considered one of the best in Dubrovnik and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,837 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Peppers Eatery+Cocktails, rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 691 customers. Alternatively, go to Promenada. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Dubrovnik and boasts an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 725 reviews.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Dubrovnik, Bosanka, Trsteno, and Metković. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Metković.

When you're ready to see some sights, Lovrijenac is a great place to start with. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,189 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Metković. This car ride takes around 1 hour 13 min.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Metković. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Metković, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Metković, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Metković is Pizzeria Milano. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 573 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Metković, Konoba Lanterna is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 318 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Industry Pub. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Metković enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 153 customers.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Carpe Diem Cafe, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 261 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Kave bar MB by Zvonko. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 143 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Croatia with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Croatia!

Day 3 of your road trip across Croatia is another proof that cheap holidays in Croatia can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 3 wonderful destinations — Grad Benkovac, Grad Biograd na Moru, and Zadar.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Grad Biograd na Moru, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Zadar may take around 40 min. Upon your arrival in Zadar, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

While exploring Croatia is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Zadar has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Zadar on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Savor the culinary delights of Zadar, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Restoran 4 Kantuna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 customers.

Another dining option is Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Pet Bunara Dine & Wine has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,856 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Trattoria Mediterraneo for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 762 customers have rated the irresistible Trattoria Mediterraneo an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in Zadar. Deja Brew Pub Zadar is a popular option, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

Continue your evening at BackStage Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 508 customers.

Harbor CookHouse & Club is another place you could check out tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Croatia. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Croatia!

On day 4 of your affordable vacation in Croatia, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Zadar. You’ll start exploring in Zadar. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Croatia, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Roman Forum. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,709 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Church of St. Donatus. This church building has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,708 reviews.

Set your GPS to Parići and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 49 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Parići beckons with new experiences!

Take the opportunity to see Paklenica National Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,842 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Parići and set your GPS to Općina Jasenice. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 16 min. Upon reaching Općina Jasenice, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

A cheap, budget vacation in Zadar should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Zadar, try some of our top recommendations.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Restoran Bruschetta. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,370 customers.

Konoba Rafaelo is another local-favorite restaurant in Zadar. Konoba Rafaelo serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,104 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, La Famiglia is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Zadar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 of 5 stars from around 2,083 customers.

Caffe bar Porthos is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,615 customers.

The Garden Lounge is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. The Garden Lounge has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,269 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Zadar.

You might also want to cap the night off at Pirate Bar, a fascinating bar that 925 customers have rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Croatia with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Croatia!

Day 5’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zadar, proving that cheap holidays in Croatia can be extraordinary.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Zadar. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Zadar has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Visit the popular Restaurant 2Ribara. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,703 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Croatia is Restaurant Malo Misto. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,645 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Proto Food&More. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,389 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Caffe Bar Kult offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 675 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Zadar, check out Back Door. This bar is an excellent place to hang out in and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 164 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Beach Bar Bamboo. Beach Bar Bamboo offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,578 reviews.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Croatia. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Croatia!

On day 6 of your affordable vacation in Croatia, you’ll start and end your day in Zadar, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city.

When you’ve had your share of Zadar, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Ivoševci. Your travel time is around 1 hour 8 min.

Make Manojlovački slapovi one of your first sightseeing stops in Ivoševci. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 689 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bogatić, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Ivoševci to Bogatić may take around 30 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Journey into the unknown at Skradinski buk, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable waterfall has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,227 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Zadar. This drive usually takes around 58 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions. When you arrive, take a break from the road to indulge in some sightseeing.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Zadar and your accommodation.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Croatia shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Zadar is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Zadar is Kornat Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 858 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Zadar, Restoran Zadar - Jadera is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 771 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Restaurant Tinel. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Zadar enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 761 customers.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Yachting Bar & Club and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,289 customers.

Restaurant Taverna is another great place to hang out in and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 825 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Sphinx, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 487 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Croatia! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Zadar!

Day 7 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Šibenik, Split, and Makarska. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Makarska.

Set your GPS to Šibenik and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Šibenik beckons with new experiences!

Set your GPS to Split and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Split beckons with new experiences!

Kick off the day at Diocletian's Palace, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 76,537 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Marjan. Marjan is a mountain with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,490 reviews.

Kašjuni Beach is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This beach is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,800 visitors.

Set your GPS to Makarska and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 11 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Makarska beckons with new experiences!

Makarska offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Croatia. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the town.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the town's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Makarska offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

Eat at Tempera Streetfood & Bar. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,117 reviews.

You can also check out Pivnica Pivac. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,076 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Restoran Don Antonio. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 900 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience.

One of travelers' and locals' favorite bars in the city is Restoran Bounty. This claim is supported by 3,426 customers who have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

If you want to continue your night somewhere else, head to another popular place like Špina bar. This bar is a local favorite, with great drinks, lovely service, and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 332 customers.

The options in Makarska don’t end there. You could also spend some time at the excellent Caffe Bar Smile. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 181 customers, this bar is one of the best places to relax after a long, adventure-filled day.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Croatia with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Croatia!

Day 8 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the town of Dubrovnik, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Dubrovnik, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Makarska, Veliko Brdo, and Dubrovnik.

When you arrive, take a break from the road to indulge in some sightseeing.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the town of Dubrovnik. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Dubrovnik, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

A cheap, budget vacation in Dubrovnik should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Dubrovnik, try some of our top recommendations.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Restaurant Maskeron. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 527 customers.

TuttoBene Pizzeria & Fast Food is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,218 customers.

Yacht Club Orsan has a menu of delectable and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,514 reviews.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Love Bar, one of the top bars you could visit in the town. Love Bar is an excellent place for a refreshing evening drink and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 373 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at Mr Foster bar. Around 295 customers have rated their experience at Mr Foster bar an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Hotel Lapad also belongs to the list of the best bars in the Dubrovnik, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 999 bar-goers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Your budget road trip vacation in Croatia is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dubrovnik.

As you approach the end of your journey in Croatia, take a moment for some retail therapy in Dubrovnik’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the town’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Croatia, a variety of items are waiting for you.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Dubrovnik, consider a top-rated restaurant like CHIHUAHUA Cantina Mexicana. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,001 customers.

Taj Mahal hotel Lero is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 853 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Culto Restaurant. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 592 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Croatia and your fun memories in Dubrovnik.

You’ll then say farewell to Dubrovnik. 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!