Cheap 9-Day Croatia Road Trip from Pula to Karlovac County, Zagreb, and Roč

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Pula, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Pula and begin your adventure in Croatia.

Pula is a popular cheap holiday destination in Croatia with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Pula and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Verudela Canyon will make your cheap holiday in Croatia truly special. This attraction is a fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,620 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Pula. An excellent example is the popular Veritas Food&Wine. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,550 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Croatia is Taj Tavern. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,079 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Pizzeria Jupiter. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,601 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Rock Bar Mimoza is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 613 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Pula we recommend is The Shipyard Pub, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,622 customers.

Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,777 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Pula, proving that cheap holidays in Croatia can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Aquarium Pula. This attraction is an aquarium that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,716 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Temple of Augustus. This popular place of interest is a stunning archaeological site that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,904 visitors.

To make your trip to Pula more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Forum Square. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,726 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Forum Square is often mentioned in Croatia road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Pula Citadel is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This top-tier point of interest and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,536 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Pula Arena. More than 58,562 visitors have rated this roman amphitheatre and tourist destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Pula does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Pula on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Croatia.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Croatia, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Konoba Boccaporta, one of the best restaurants in Pula. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,823 reviews.

You can also check out Pizzeria Samantha. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,103 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is El Pulari. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,101 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Pula.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Pula for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Hook & Cook Pula and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,587 customers.

Old City Bar Pula is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,368 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Cabahia. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 664 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Pula.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Pula!

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Vela Učka and end your day in the city of Karlovac County, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Vela Učka is the amazing Nature Park Učka. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,438 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Karlovac County. Karlovac County is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Karlovac County that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Karlovac County is Restoran Mandić. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,119 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Karlovac County, Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,786 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Castle Bistro. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Karlovac County enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,552 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Karlovac County’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit Hollywood cafe. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 699 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Papa's Bar. This popular bar in Karlovac County has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,487 bar-goers.

You can also go to GP as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular GP is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,112 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Zagreb and end your day in the city of Zagreb, where you'll stay for 3 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Zagreb is the amazing St. Mark's Church. This travel destination is a church building that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,997 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Stone Gate. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 travelers, a visit to this well-known city gate and sightseeing spot in Zagreb is likely to make your vacation in Croatia even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Zagreb is the outstanding Museum of Broken Relationships. This museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,957 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia, drop by the popular Lotrščak Tower. This attraction, an amazing fortified tower, has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,480 travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Zagreb. Zagreb is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Zagreb that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Zagreb is mekPer's. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,654 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Zagreb, Pri zvoncu 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 3,325 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Restaurant Zelen Dvor. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Zagreb enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,571 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Zagreb’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit Vintage Industrial Bar. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Hub Cooltura Pub. This popular bar in Zagreb has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,249 bar-goers.

You can also go to Mr. Fogg as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Mr. Fogg is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 2,233 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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

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

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Park Maksimir. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,174 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Zagreb Zoo. This popular place of interest is a stunning zoo that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,886 visitors.

To make your trip to Zagreb more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Technical Museum. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,180 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Technical Museum is often mentioned in Croatia road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Bundek is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This lake and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,180 reviews.

Your discovery of Zagreb does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Zagreb on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Croatia.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Croatia, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Bota Šare Zagreb restaurant - oyster & sushi bar, one of the best restaurants in Zagreb. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,778 reviews.

You can also check out HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Roots - juice & cocktail bar. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 800 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Zagreb.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Zagreb for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Swanky Monkey Garden and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,237 customers.

Dubravkin put is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Cheese Bar. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Zagreb.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Zagreb!

Day 6’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zagreb, proving that cheap holidays in Croatia can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Ribnjak Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,263 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Zagreb Cathedral. This popular place of interest is a stunning catholic cathedral that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,381 visitors.

To make your trip to Zagreb more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,613 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Ban Josip Jelačić Statue is often mentioned in Croatia road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This top-tier point of interest and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,945 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. More than 6,528 visitors have rated this park and tourist destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Zagreb does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Zagreb on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Croatia.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Croatia, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Restoran Vegehop, one of the best restaurants in Zagreb. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 760 reviews.

You can also check out McDonald's Vrbani. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,850 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Mali Medo. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,203 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Zagreb.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Zagreb for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Valhalla beer bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,010 customers.

Roots - juice & cocktail bar is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit BarBar XXL. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 924 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Zagreb.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Zagreb!

Day 7 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Rijeka and the enchanting Karlovac, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Rijeka and end the day in Karlovac, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 7 of your affordable vacation in Croatia will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Rijeka is the magnificent Trsat Castle. Around 11,516 visitors have rated this excellent castle and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Church of Mary of God of Trsat on this leg of your self-drive tour in Croatia. This attraction is a well-known church that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 2,485 travelers.

The remarkable Rijeka Tunnel is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Croatia. This attraction, an amazing tunnel, is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 287 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Rijeka, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Karlovac.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Croatia. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Croatia. Make your cheap holiday experience in Croatia more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Roč offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Croatia. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Roč offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

Pizzeria Ježić is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,049 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Roč is Pizzeria & Grill Smile Buzet, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 942 customers.

Konoba Vrh offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Roč. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 548 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Roč’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Caffe Bar Melody is an excellent example of a great bar in Roč offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 148 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at KONOBA KOLINASI, another of locals’ go-to bars in Roč. KONOBA KOLINASI is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,486 customers having rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Slasticarna Hajduk is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Roč. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 239 bar-goers.

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

On day 8 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Gedići and end your day in the city of Pula, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

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

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Pula. Pula is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Pula that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Pula is Grill bar Campo. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,879 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Pula, Bistro Alighieri is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,688 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Grill restaurant "Odisej". Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Pula enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,787 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Pula’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit Ribarska Koliba Resort. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 598 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Beach Bar LaPlaya. This popular bar in Pula has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 539 bar-goers.

You can also go to Bass bar Pula as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Bass bar Pula is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 349 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Croatia as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Pula.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Croatia.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Pula is the remarkable Šijana/Siana Forest. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,182 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Pula, consider a top-rated restaurant like Pizzeria Peperoncino. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,251 customers.

Kažun Tavern 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,186 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Pizzeria In Forno. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,049 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Croatia and your fun memories in Pula.

You’ll then say farewell to Pula and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Croatia!