{"id":40130,"date":"2022-12-09T14:32:31","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T13:32:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.sommertage.com\/?p=40130"},"modified":"2023-10-17T18:17:31","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T17:17:31","slug":"croatia-road-trip-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.sommertage.com\/en\/croatia-road-trip-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Croatia Itinerary: The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations for your Road Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Anyone who has made their way along Croatia\u2019s spectacular coastal road knows: Croatia is simply the perfect road trip destination<\/strong>! In Croatia you can not only look forward to an impressive scenic backdrop but also to lovely coastal towns and dreamy beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But once you start to plan a road trip through Croatia, you will quickly realise: The country is fairly overwhelming. There are simply so many incredible destinations<\/strong> worth seeing in Croatia that it\u2019s not so easy to decide which stops to take along the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have put together our perfect Croatia itinerary<\/strong> to make planning your trip easier. Our route is intended for around two weeks but you can however \u2013 thanks to a selection of options \u2013 extend to three weeks or make it shorter. Whatever suits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Croatia<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"Croatia<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Sibenik<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Itineary to the Most Beautiful Spots in Croatia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Small note in advance: We begin this itinerary in the north of Croatia. (For good reason, because we drive there from Vienna.) However, if you are flying to Croatia or arriving by train, then you can of course also begin the route at a different stop (e.g. in Split). You can find more info further down in this travel guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Istria (Rovinj)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Italian-influenced<\/strong> Istria is the perfect starting point<\/strong> for you road trip through Croatia. If you travel there with you own car (e.g. from Germany or Austria), Istria is located more or less towards the south.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Istria is the northernmost peninsula of the Adriatic Sea and one of the most well-known regions in Croatia. What awaits you there? You can look forward to picturesque coastal towns<\/strong>. Rovinj<\/a> in particular really did it for us. The charming port town may be very touristy, yet simply unbelievably worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also fantastic destinations inland<\/strong>, especially the medieval mountain villages, such as Motovun. In addition, Istria is one of the most exciting culinary regions in Croatia. In our opinion, there is nowhere else in Croatia where you will eat so well as here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More detailed blog article: <\/em><\/strong>Travel Guide to Istria (coming soon)
Recommended stay: <\/em><\/strong>3-4 nights
Our accommodation:<\/em><\/strong> The Melegran<\/a> (Rovinj) or San Tommaso Relais and Wine<\/a> (Bale)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Rovinj<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Rovinj<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Optional: Zadar & Dugi Otok<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The next stage of our itinerary takes you towards the south to north Dalmatia<\/strong>. A possible next stop is the port town of Zadar. Small warning: This section is one of the longer ones on our route. You will be on the road for about 4 hours from Istria (Rovinj).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zadar<\/strong> is the second largest city in Dalmatia<\/strong> (after Split). Meaning that many sights are waiting for you to explore them in the historic old town. The historical centre is comparatively small, so one day for exploring should be enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zadar is also the departure point for several Croatian islands. So if you would like to get a taste of a bit of island air<\/strong> early on in your road trip, you can take a detour to one of the islands. One of our favourites is the island Dugi Otok<\/strong>, which still remains a bit of an insider tip. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you are in the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended stay:<\/em><\/strong> 1-3 nights (depending on whether you just stay in Zadar or also transfer to an island)
Accommodation tip: <\/em><\/strong> Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel<\/a> (Zadar) and Charming Old Stone House<\/a> (Dugi Otok)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Croatia<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stopover: Krka National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before our road trip takes us further along the coast, we recommend a detour inland to Krka National Park. This natural gem<\/strong> with its countless waterfalls<\/strong> is really breathtakingly beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Krka National Park is fairly expansive. Nevertheless, a stop of several hours is enough to explore the most well-known part of the national park. This takes you (on foot) over wooden steps and in around two hours to the famous Skradinski Waterfall<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find more info in this blog article:<\/em> <\/strong>Krka National Park<\/a>
Recommended stay: <\/em><\/strong>ca. 3-6 hours (depending on how much you would like to see)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Krka<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u0160ibenik<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The coastal town \u0160ibenik<\/strong> is a likeable mix of impressive sights (including the striking Cathedral of St. James) and picturesque alleyways. The historic town centre is small but promises plenty of photo opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A specialty in \u0160ibenik are the four fortresses<\/strong>. From the most famous, St. Michael\u2019s Fortress, you can enjoy a lovely panorama view over \u0160ibenik and the sea. Overall, \u0160ibenik is definitely a very worthwhile stop on a road trip through Croatia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More detailed blog article:<\/em><\/strong> Travel Guide to \u0160ibenik<\/a>
Recommended stay:<\/em><\/strong> 1-2 nights
Recommended accommodation:<\/em><\/strong> Villa Pergola<\/a> or Hotel Armerun<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sibenik<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stopover: Primo\u0161ten & Trogir<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the way south, we definitely recommend avoiding certain sections of the inland highway and take the coastal road instead. This takes you to two towns worth seeing: Primo\u0161ten and Trogir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around half an hour outside of \u0160ibenik you will come to the sleepy fishing town of Primo\u0161ten<\/strong>. Primo\u0161ten is a wonderfully situated on a peninsula and surrounded by water on almost all sides. You can, for example, take a stroll to the Sveti Juraj church or simply enjoy the flair in a caf\u00e9 at the port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around a 40-minute drive beyond Primo\u0161ten you will find the comparatively touristy, but very worthwhile, port town of Trogir<\/strong>. It is noticeably more lively here. We can really recommend going up the clocktower of the St Lawrence cathedral. The view from up here over Trogir is simply fantastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is more info about both places: <\/em><\/strong>Primo\u0161ten<\/a> & Trogir<\/a>
Recommended stay:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Approx. 2 hours each<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Primosten<\/a>
Primo\u0161ten<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Trogir<\/a>
Trogir<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Split<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It wouldn\u2019t be a Croatian road trip without a stop off in Split! Split is, in our eyes, a jewel of a city<\/strong> and should definitely should not be skipped on your itinerary. The old town around the famous Diocletian’s Palace is breathtakingly beautiful. Split is incredibly rich in history and at the same time, a modern coastal metropolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because Split is one of the most fascinating destinations in Croatia, we would recommend you stay at least two nights. Believe us: The flair in Split<\/strong> is really something quite special and definitely remains in your memory. For anyone who wants to dive into the Mediterranean, there are also plenty of beaches around Split.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This way to our detailed blog article:<\/em><\/strong> Travel Guide to Split<\/a>
Recommended stay: <\/em><\/strong>2-3 nights
Our accommodation:<\/em><\/strong> Heritage Hotel Fermai<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Peristyl<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Split<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Optional: Hvar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Split is the departure port for a few islands in southern Dalmatia<\/strong>. Of course, there is always one thing with the islands: The ferry ride takes time and needs a little planning. However, if you would like to take a detour to an island, then we can highly recommend Hvar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hvar is one of the most expensive and most beautiful islands in Croatia<\/strong>. You can find some incredibly stylish, but also very expensive, accommodation here. You can also look forward to one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia \u2013 the island\u2019s main town, Hvar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended stay:<\/em><\/strong> 3 nights
Accommodation tip: <\/em><\/strong>Town House Rosario<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Croatia<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stopover: Omi\u0161<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The road trip carries on down the mainland towards the south. Here we recommend, once again, skipping the highway inland and opting to take the spectacular coastal road<\/strong> instead. It takes you from Split to Omi\u0161, a coastal town well worth seeing, in around 45 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Omi\u0161 is pretty impressively situated at the foot of the mountains. (But it gets even more impressive in Croatia, just as a wee spoiler.) We definitely recommend you climb up to the Mirabella Fortress<\/strong>. You get a fantastic view over Omi\u0161 from up here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find more info here:<\/em><\/strong> Omi\u0161<\/a>
Recommended stay: <\/em><\/strong>around 2-3 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Omis<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Makarska Riviera<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The itinerary takes us from Omi\u0161 along the coastal road once more. Now it gets really impressive, as we get closer to the Makarska Riviera \u2013 a coastal section characterised by the spectacular Biokovo Mountains<\/strong>. The picturesque towns are tightly nestled at the foot of the mountain range \u2013 a brilliant scenic backdrop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The largest town, which the region is also named after, is the beautiful Makarska.  The dreamy beaches that you find here are very unique, especially Punta Rata beach<\/strong> in Brela, which is often voted the most beautiful in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, Makarska Riviera is a great destination for a beach holiday<\/strong> with enough options for active tourists as well, thanks to the Biokovo Mountains. We really enjoyed it here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find a more detailed article here: <\/em><\/strong>Makarska Riviera<\/a>
Recommended stay: <\/em><\/strong>2-3 nights
Our accommodation:<\/em><\/strong> Villa Basca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Makarska<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Makarska<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dubrovnik<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Last but not least: Dubrovnik, the spectacular port town at the southernmost tip of Croatia, is the last destination on our Croatia Itinerary. A new bridge (Peljesac Bridge) openend in 2022, so you don’t need to cross over the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/strong> (and back again to Croatia) via the so-called Neum corridor anymore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journey is certainly worth it: Many consider the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Dubrovnik to be the most beautiful city in Croatia<\/strong>. Since the series \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d was filmed here, Dubrovnik has grown in popularity once again. You probably already know what that means: Dubrovnik is without a doubt one of the most touristy travel destinations in Croatia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, if you have enough time, then you should definitely plan to stop off in Dubrovnik for a few days. The medieval flair<\/strong> is really something special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional info: <\/em><\/strong>You can find a detailed blog article about Dubrovnik in the travel blog Julesandaway<\/a> (German) 
Recommended stay: <\/em><\/strong>2-3 nights
Accommodation tip:<\/em><\/strong> The Byron<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Travel<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Croatia<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Map: Overview of our Croatia Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We have marked all the stops<\/strong> on this map, so that you can get a better idea of what the travel route looks like. As you can see: Croatia is very long. To break up the journey back from Dubrovnik, it is of course advisable to plan another stopover on the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have two options here: Either you take out one or two of the stops along the route and pick them up on your way back. Or you take the direct inland route over the highway. Then you can plan to stay overnight at the famous Plitvice Lakes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n