Welcome to Croatia, a country known for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful country is by embarking on a road trip. In this post, we'll guide you through a 1-week itinerary that takes you from the ancient city of Zadar to the breathtaking city of Dubrovnik, with plenty of exciting stops along the way.
Day 1-2: Zadar
Our road trip begins in the ancient city of Zadar, situated on the Adriatic Sea. Zadar is a great place to start your journey, as it has excellent connections to the rest of the country, with an airport and ports. Spend your first two days exploring this charming city, which has a rich cultural heritage and a lively atmosphere.
Some of the top things to do in Zadar include visiting the Roman Forum, exploring the medieval city walls, and strolling along the seafront promenade. You can also take a day trip to the nearby Pag Island, which is known for its stunning beaches, rugged landscapes, and delicious local cuisine.
Day 3: Plitvice Lakes
On day three, we'll head inland to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Croatia. The park features a series of cascading lakes and waterfalls, set in a lush forested landscape. You can spend the day hiking along the trails, admiring the stunning scenery, and taking a boat ride on the lake.
Day 4: Sibenik
From Plitvice Lakes, we'll head south to the historic city of Sibenik, which is situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Sibenik is known for its impressive medieval architecture, including the St. James Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can spend the day exploring the winding streets of the old town, admiring the historic buildings, and enjoying the local cuisine.
Day 5: Split
On day five, we'll make our way to the vibrant city of Split, which is the largest city on the Croatian coast. Split is known for its rich history and culture, with several impressive Roman ruins, including the Diocletian's Palace, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can spend the day exploring the old town, taking a dip in the sea on one of the many great beaches, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of this bustling city.
Day 6-7: Dubrovnik
Our road trip ends in the stunning city of Dubrovnik, which is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". Dubrovnik is known for its picturesque old town, which is surrounded by ancient city walls and offers stunning views of the sea. Spend your last two days exploring this beautiful city, visiting the iconic Game of Thrones filming locations, and taking a boat ride around the nearby islands.
Bonus: Magistrala Experience
As you embark on your Croatia road trip, you will find that driving along the coastal road known as the Magistrala is an experience like no other. This road stretches for over 1,000 kilometers along the Croatian coastline, taking you through some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery in the world. Along the way, you will pass by charming coastal towns, hidden coves and bays, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The Magistrala is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and you'll quickly see why as you wind your way through the picturesque landscape. Driving along the Magistrala is a must-do experience during your Croatia road trip, offering a truly unforgettable journey. Additionally, with the Peljeski bridge open in 2022, driving the Magistrala is even more accessible and convenient.
