Croatia Road trip: 15 Days to Discover the Jewels of the Adriatic

You've been talking about it for years, and you've finally decided to organize the Road trip to Croatia of your dreams. To help you make the most of this country and all it has to offer, our experts have put together the ultimate 15-day Croatia road trip itinerary for a memorable trip. From practical tips to activities, places to sleep and even good addresses, you'll find all the information you need to organize your vacation in this article.

15-day Croatia road trip itinerary:

• Day 1: Zagreb, discover the country's vibrant capital.
• Day 2-3: Plitvice Lakes, enjoy an enchanting region.
• Day 4: Zadar, first stop on the Adriatic coast.
• Day 5-6-7: Split, Croatia's flagship destination.
• Day 8-9: Hvar, for a turquoise-water island escape.
• Day 10-11: Brela, to enjoy one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
• Day 12-13-14: Dubrovnik, discover the pearl of the Adriatic

If once you've consulted this itinerary you still have questions, don't hesitate to consult our FAQ special road trip in Croatia. Our experts will answer all your questions to help you plan the perfect trip to Croatia.

The 15-day Croatia road trip itinerary to discover the pearls of the Adriatic

Croatia is a long country bordering the Adriatic, so the ideal route for your road trip is a one-way trip between Zagreb and Dubrovnik.

Discover our 15-day Croatia road trip itinerary cut into 7 stages that follows the coast and lets you discover all of Croatia's most beautiful places.

Day 1: Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital

First stop on your Croatian road trip, Zagreb, the Croatian capital. The city is medium-sized, and most of the places to visit are in the city center, easily accessible on foot. If you want to avoid paying for an extra day's drive, you can rent your car only from the second day onwards.

The historic city center is located at the top of the town. To reach it, you can take the world's smallest cable railway (only 66m long). A pretty blue color, you'll reach the top of Gradec hill in less than a minute. For the more athletic, you can take the stairs alongside the cable route. The climb takes no more than 5 minutes, and it's free!

Among the must-sees in Zagreb's old town for this first leg of your road trip in Croatia, we recommend visiting the following places:

• Lotrščak Tower: take in the view from the top of the tower with a 360° panoramic view.
• St Mark's Church: the town's landmark, this colorful tiled building is clearly worth a visit.
• Mirogoj Cemetery: stroll beneath the arcades that group together the various graves of famous Croatians.
• The pedestrian street of Strossmartre: bordering Gradec hill, it offers a breathtaking view of the city of Zagreb, this street has an air of French Montmartre with its street art and café terraces.

Once you've finished visiting the upper town, we recommend a stroll through the lower town, including a stroll through Zrinjevac Park and a visit to the Croatian National Theater.

What to do in Zagreb

If you want to enjoy some unusual activities on your first day of a road trip in Zagreb, we recommend booking one of the following activities:

• Visit the Gric Tunnel, a former Croatian refuge from the Second World War: learn a little more about Croatia's past as you explore this place steeped in history.
• Explore the city of Zagreb in an unusual way on a Food Tour: accompanied by your guide, sample Croatian specialties (from štrukli to Paški Sir)and discover Zagreb's famous green market.

Where to sleep in Zagreb on a road trip?

For your first night on a road trip in Croatia, we recommend booking an establishment close to the Old Town to be as close as possible to the city's attractions. Among our favorite establishments in Zagreb, the following 2 accommodations are perfect for your stay:

• Hotel Garden - Donij Grad district: with its 36 rooms, this small establishment is close to the city's historic center. Its minimalist decor and friendly staff will ensure that your first night in Croatia is a perfect one.
• Sheraton Zagreb Hotel - Donij Grad (5 stars): this hotel is one of our guests' favorites. Right in the city center and offering excellent value for money, you'll be perfectly located to reach all the main attractions.

Day 2-3: Plitvice lakes

Travel Time: Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes 2 hours drive (132km).

Once you've collected your rental car, hit the road for your first stop on your Croatia road trip, the Plitvice Lakes region. In our opinion, this is the most beautiful natural site in the country. With its 16 captivating blue-green lakes and over 90 waterfalls, you can admire this park made up of lush forest, rock polished by the years and captivatingly colored water.

If you decide to organize your road trip to Croatia during the summer, we strongly advise you to book your entrance tickets several days in advance and above all to choose time slots as early as possible. That way, you'll be able to enjoy the enchanting scenery and soothing atmosphere of the place before the peak crowds. Several hiking trails are available to suit all profiles (from 3 to 6 hours). They allow you to admire the Plitvices lakes from every angle.

A must-see in the park is close to entrance n°1. The Veliki Slap waterfall (Croatia's largest), over 87m high, will impress you with its grandeur and beauty. The best time to admire it is in late spring and early summer. The water flow is at its peak and will leave you speechless.

What to do in the Plitvice Lakes region?

Plitvice Lakes National Park isn't the only attraction to see in this part of Croatia on your road trip. If you want to experience unique adventures, we also recommend the following activities:

• A kayak trip on the Mreznica River: in the heart of a rural area far from the crowds, explore the mesmerizing waters of the Mreznica River and take the opportunity to swim not far from incredible waterfalls.
• An unusual visit to the abandoned Zeljava military air base: for aviation lovers, fans of video game universes or action films, a visit to this military base is a unique experience to be had on your Croatia road trip.

Where to sleep in the Plitvice Lakes region on a road trip?

For this second leg of your 15-day road trip in Croatia, here's our list of establishments we recommend you book for your stay:

• Etno Garden Exclusive - (4 stars): situated on the park's verdant hills and close to entrance no. 1, this establishment boasts incredible outdoor and communal areas for your stay. With just 6 rooms, the hotel's teams will be at your service.
• Fenomen Plitvice: if you want to enjoy an atypical stay in this region of Croatia, the Fenomen Plitvice hotel is the perfect establishment. You'll feel like you're sleeping in a cabin lost in the forest. The jacuzzi, sauna and yoga area are also highlights of the hotel.

Day 4: Zadar, a city far from the crowds

Travel time: Lake Plitvice - Zadar 1h30 drive (118km).

For your 3rd leg of your Croatia road trip, head for the Croatian coast to Zadar. Less popular with international tourists than Split and Dubrovnik, Zadar will charm you with its Venetian Republic architecture. Bordered by ramparts, you can stroll through alleys paved with the same stones used to build the Sacré Coeur in Paris.

Among the things to do in Zadar, the following sites are must-sees:

1. The Church of Saint Donat: the rounded shape of this pre-Romanesque and Byzantine construction will catch your eye.
2. Sveta Stosija Cathedral: on the peninsula, this Croatian Romanesque cathedral boasts sumptuous period furnishings. Climb to the top for panoramic views over the city.
3. The Sun Salutation to be seen at sunset/sunrise: a curious work of art composed of solar panels that produces a magnificent play of lights at dawn or dusk.

Our favorite experience: admire the sunset from the Orgue de mer. Unique seaside steps made up of 35 pipes that produce a harmonious melody with every wave movement. A moment out of time.

What to do in Zadar?

Once you've enjoyed downtown Zadar, and if you don't necessarily want to enjoy the city's beaches, you can opt for one of the following activities:

• Take a boat trip to discover the incredible Kornati Nature Park: this archipelago is a veritable paradise for diving enthusiasts. Admire the seabed with a mask and snorkel and stop off at one of the region's most beautiful beaches.
• Discover the magnificent island of Pag: known for its lunar landscapes, award-winning cheeses and Zrće beach (perfect for partying at clubs and festivals), enjoy a visit to this small island to discover all its secrets.

Where to sleep in Zadar on a road trip?

To make the most of this stage of your road trip in Croatia, staying in Zadar in one of the following establishments is highly recommended:

• Heritage hotel Bastion: right in the heart of the Zadar peninsula, enjoy an overnight stay in a luxurious establishment. With breathtaking harbor views, elegant decor and a rooftop terrace perfect for a late-night aperitif, the Heritage hotel Bastion is a real favorite.
• Falkensteiner Residences Senia: if you're looking for a little more privacy and to be one-on-one with the Adriatic Sea, the Falkensteiner Residence Senia is the ideal choice. With its 40 rooms, minimalist style and above all its outdoor spaces, you'll be able to enjoy this cocoon once your day is done.

Day 5-6-7: Split, Croatia's flagship destination

Travel time: Zadar - Split 1h40 drive (156km).

Continue your journey on day 5 to Split. Although the city's suburbs may initially surprise you on arrival, you'll quickly be charmed by the historic center of this coastal town. Built around the ruins of Diocletian's ancient palace, you'll be charmed by the Promenade de la Riva, the peristyle square, the Place de la Republique and by the temple of Jupiter.

In addition to the many things to do in the city center, you can also enjoy the city's beaches. Split boasts a number of beaches, each more different than the next, where you can bask in the sun. Some of our favorites include:

• Bačvice beach just 10 minutes from the city center
• Kašjuni beach in the heart of a cove surrounded by cliff pines and heavenly water (2.5km from the center).
• La beach at Trstenik perfect for a quiet swim and enjoy long stretches of sand.

What to do in Split

To make your Road Trip to Croatia unique and above all enjoy the best that Split has to offer, don't miss out on the following activities:

• Enjoy one of the most beautiful palaces on the Adriatic: whether you're a history lover or not, you'll be charmed by the beauty of Diocletian's palace.
• Discover the cult locations where the Game of Thrones series was filmed: in particular, you can see where Daenerys trained her dragons. An atypical visit to the heart of the Croatian city.
• Enjoy a day on a boat discovering Trogir and the island of Šolta: swim in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic.

Where to sleep in Split on a road trip?

For those few days spent in Split during your road trip in Croatia, several options are available to you in terms of accommodation:

• Heritage Palace Varos: less than 5 minutes' walk from Marmontova Street, you'll be charmed by the intimate atmosphere of this establishment. With its stone walls and comfortable rooms, this is one of our favorite establishments.
• Heritage Jupiter Luxury Hotel: right in the center of Split, this establishment is perfect if you want to be a stone's throw from the attractions. With its decor combining modernity and authentic Croatian charm, the hotel is perfect for a few days' stay in Split.

Day 8-9: Hvar, a true paradise in the heart of the Adriatic

Travel Time: Split - Hvar 1h45 (63km) including 1h ferry ride.

For the next leg of your 15-day Croatia road trip, you'll need to take the ferry to the island of Hvar. Depending on the company and the time of year, departure times for the ferry between Split and Hvar can vary. We therefore advise you to buy tickets in advance.

Hvar is a must on your Croatian road trip. The island is a perfect blend of beach paradise, quaint town center and convivial café-restaurant. With its small Pakleni Islands surrounding it, the island is ideal for going off to explore the seabed and enjoy magnificent days on board cruise ships.

As you can see, this stage of your road trip is a real invitation to relax. Enjoy the spellbinding beauty of these islets during your 2 days before hitting the road again for your next stop.

What to do in Hvar

While in Hvar during your road trip in Croatia, we recommend you do one of the following activities:

• Rental a boat to explore the Pakleni Islands and snorkel the seabed.
• Sunbathing on Dubovica beach: south of the old town, you'll be charmed by the picturesque atmosphere of this beach.
• Promise yourself in the lavender fields: around the village of Brusje on the old road leading to Stari Grad, you'll find numerous lavender fields with a view of the blue sea.

Where to sleep in Hvar on a road trip?

So that you can enjoy Hvar's heavenly ambience during your stay, we recommend staying in one of the following establishments:

• Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort: close to the Momo lagoon, this resort invites you to relax. Between fully-equipped rooms, an incredible outdoor pool and common areas open to the sea, your stay will be one of paradise.
• Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel: this hotel is the perfect combo of an ideal city-center location and a large open-air space. With a terrace area and a restaurant where you can enjoy long meals while admiring the view, this hotel is a rare gem.

Day 10-11: Brela, discover one of the world's most beautiful beaches

Travel Time: Hvar - Brela 2h35 drive (110km) including 1h Ferry.

The penultimate stop on your Croatian road trip, Brela. Another Croatian coastal town on this road trip, Brela is located on the Makarska Riviera. With its pebble beaches and crystal-clear water, you'll enjoy a dream setting for your swims. Punta Rata is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and the 6th most beautiful beach in the world. It's on this beach in particular that you'll be able to see the Kamen Brela, a rock on which grows a Mediterranean shrub that creates a perfect scene for photographers the world over.

On this stopover, you'll be far from the hustle and bustle of Split and Dubrovnik. Many outdoor activities are available in this region between jayak, sailing, diving and jet-skiing, you won't be bored during your stay in Brela.

What to do in Brela?

Brela is mainly a lazy town where you can enjoy the beaches and restaurants serving incredible local dishes. If you'd like to explore the surrounding area, we also recommend the following visits:

• Discover Biokovo Nature Park: many hikes are available in the heart of this park for the more active traveler. A must-see viewpoint is from the glass footbridge on the park's heights.
• Enjoy a jetskiing activity to fill up on adrenaline: take advantage of Brela's nautical base to book an unusual activity.

Where to sleep in Brela on a road trip

Brela has many incredible establishments offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic. Among our favorite establishments in this part of Croatia, we recommend the following:

• Bluesun Hotel Berulia: just a 4-minute walk from Baška Vod coastal promenade, this establishment is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful vacation in a heavenly setting. Between its swimming pool, restaurant, beach access and comfortable rooms, you'll enjoy a unique stay during your road trip.
• Bluesun Hotel Maestral: the decor of this establishment has been designed to blend in with the surrounding nature. Surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, this establishment is a true gem on the Adriatic coast.

Day 12-14: Dubrovnik, true pearl of the Adriatic

Travel Time: Brela - Dubrovnik 2h20 drive (185km)

Last stop on this road trip in Croatia, Dubrovnik, the real pearl of the Adriatic. In our opinion, 3 days is the minimum you need to spend in the heart of this city, as there are so many incredible things to see. Between its Fortress Lovrijenac, its Cathedral of the Assumption, its Rector's Palace and the sumptuous surrounding islands, you won't know where to turn.

For your road trip, we recommend that you organize your stopover in Dubrovnik as follows:

• Day 1: discover Dubrovnik's old town (ramparts, fortress, church of Ignatius, cathedral) and the island of Lokrum.
• Day 2: visit the Elafiti archipelago and the blue and green cave on the island of Koločep.
• Day 3 :enjoy a kayak tour around the city in the early morning to admire the city from the sea.

Our favorite experience: enjoy a drink at the Cave Bar in the heart of a natural cave. You'll hear the sound of the sea while sipping an incredible cocktail. Enough to mark the end of your Croatian road trip in style.

What to do in Dubrovnik

If, in addition to the unmissable things to do in Dubrovnik, you're looking for some unusual activities to do for your last road trip stop, here are some unique experiences to do around Dubrovnik :

• Take a trip to the Elaphite Islands: with their turquoise waters, you can enjoy a swim in the heart of an archipelago paradise.
• Taste the wines of the Konalve region: in the heart of a family-run vineyard discover another aspect of the Dubrovnik region and taste the Malvasija Dubrovačka wine.
• Visit the main filming locations of Games of Thrones: a guide will take you to the saga's cult locations, for a timeless moment at the heart of the series' poignant scenes.

Where to sleep in Dubrovnik on a road trip?

For your stay in Dubrovnik, it's best to opt for an establishment outside the historic city center, to enjoy better value for money. Among the establishments we recommend, you'll find:

• Hotel Splendid - (3 stars): next to Plage Lapad beach, this hotel has a heavenly setting for the end of your road trip. Its private beach and sea-view bar are our favorites.
• Valamar Tirena Hotel - (4 stars): this modernly decorated hotel complex features incredible facilities and services to enjoy the end of your trip. Between beach, pool and restaurant, you'll enjoy a unique setting once your day is over.

Once your 3 days in Dubrovnik are over, it'll be time to return the car and catch a flight back to France. One thing's for sure, though, and that's that you'll be returning to France with your head full of memories and a mad desire to go back!

FAQ roadtrip in Croatia: all our answers to the most frequently asked questions

To help you organize the perfect road trip in Croatia, our experts have selected the most frequently asked questions and tried to provide the best answers to all your queries.

What's the ideal duration for a Croatia itinerary?

To get the most out of a road trip in Croatia, we advise you to book at least 15 days on site. This will enable you to visit the country's must-see sites, but also enjoy some quiet time on the beaches of the Adriatic.

When to go on a road trip in Croatia?

Croatia boasts a Mediterranean climate that makes it an ideal destination for sunny vacations. The months of May and June as well as September to October are to be preferred if you want to enjoy the country without having to deal with the crowds of the summer months. Summer remains the season par excellence, with plenty of sunshine little or no rain and optimal sea temperatures.
The weather in Croatia

Is Croatia safe for a road trip?

Generally speaking, there are no particular safety risks to organizing a road trip in Croatia. Road conditions in Croatia are satisfactory over much of the country. Coastal roads are wide and easy to drive on. There are, however, a few two-way tunnels and winding roads that you can use to get to certain destinations.

If you're looking for more destinations to go on a road trip to this year, here are some unique itineraries to go on your vacation:

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