A coastal country combining paradisiacal islands, cities thriving with historical sights, awe-inspiring national parks and so much more, Croatia is firmly on the list of must-visit places. With over 1,700km of mainland coastline to explore in this south-eastern European destination, visitors who seek an adventurous holiday will surely want to hop in a luxurious car and discover the wealth of sights and experiences Croatia has to offer for themselves.
If this sounds exactly like the type of trip you are after, then read on to discover our 10-day itinerary designed to highlight the best of the country by car.
How to spend 10 days in Croatia?
Of course, 10 days isn’t a huge amount of time to explore such a wondrous country, but it will afford you some incredible experiences across a range of destinations in this welcoming destination.
Anyone who has ever driven along Croatia’s spectacular coastal road knows that it is simply the perfect road trip destination and there are also amazing accommodation options, offered by the likes of Villas Guide, that will make your stay between drives oh-so luxurious and relaxing.
The most popular time to travel to Croatia is between July and August, however, these are the peak travel months and you can count on some crowds in the old towns and the beaches. We recommend visiting Croatia in May or September, which still offer great weather, but not nearly as many other tourists. Having said that, whatever period you choose, you are certain to have an unbelievable time.
If you’re looking for guidance on a perfect road trip itinerary then read on for the perfect way to spend a week and a half in this stunning sunny destination.
Zagreb (1 day)
The inland capital city offers everything from shopping to historical buildings and museums to parks, so it makes perfect sense to start your journey here. You’ll also have good transport connections and will be able to hire your transport easily from here.
Start your tour in Croatia’s capital at Ban Jelačić Square and you’ll find that all the sights are within walking distance from there. We also recommend that you take the cable car to reach the upper town of Zagreb, where you can enjoy the sights and visit St. Mark’s Church, and don’t miss out on this food-lovers haven by booking a table at one of the city’s top restaurants.
The Plitvice Lakes (1 day)
Two hours outside of Zagreb and deep in the forest, sixteen hidden lakes flow into each other at different heights to form the most beautiful waterfalls that constantly change colours. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a real natural beauty, just make sure you don’t miss the largest waterfall in the park, or ‘Veliki Slap’, which is a whopping 78 metres high.
The Istria Peninsula (3 days)
Drive just over three hours to the northwest coast and you’ll find yourself in the seaside pearl of Rovinj with its historic old town and colourful houses which conjure up a picture-perfect panorama. In this city, you can discover romantic squares and get lost in a labyrinth of stone alleys, while the city of Pula and its huge colosseum, which is still well preserved, are also worth a visit. Istria offers some amazing beaches and other picturesque cities, such as Motovun, Umag, and Poreč, making it well worth the journey.
Zadar (1 day)
Hop back in the car for a four-hour drive to Zadar, one of the liveliest cities on the Adriatic with a rich history, dynamic cultural life and extraordinary attractions, such as the Sea Organ and the Monument to the Sun. In Zadar, you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets in the world and explore the Old Town with its Roman and Venetian ruins.
Islands (2 days)
Croatia boasts some amazing islands, such as Hvar, Brač and Korčula with their stunning coastlines, local wineries, ancient sights and breath-taking beaches. Easily accessible from Split (which is one and a half hour’s drive from Zadar) you can spend your days exploring, sunbathing or enjoying the sunsets from your wonderful villa.
You should also visit the National Park on the island of Mljet, where you can find amazing untouched forests, salt lakes and numerous cliffs, bays and small islands which make the island an amazing spot for an active vacation.
Split (1 day)
A fixed point on every road trip through Croatia is the UNESCO port city of Split, and the second-largest city in Croatia. The old town is truly beautiful and you can admire numerous historical sites, including the world-famous Diocletian’s Palace. Another highlight is the promenade, where you can take in the lively hustle and bustle over a coffee.
Dubrovnik (1 day)
If you continue your road trip to southern Dalmatia, you absolutely need to see Dubrovnik, which can be reached from Split in two hours 45 minutes. This fascinating UNESCO World Heritage city features the historic old town which is surrounded by a gigantic city walls, a tour of this spectacular wall is a highlight of any round trip. There are also numerous breath-taking beaches, some of which are among the most beautiful in the country.
