Plan an unforgettable road trip exploring Croatia and experience this small country packed with national parks, epic coastal roads, vibrant cities, and history at every turn. The top notch gastronomic pleasures will round off any style of holiday perfectly.
Four wheeled freedom – the joy of exploring Croatia by car
“And just like that, we’re on our way to everywhere.” – Emery Lord, Open Road Summer
Travel at your own pace by car and discover more of what treasures lie hidden between the larger cities and villages. Imagine unlimited access to pristine nature, beaches, and special places off the beaten track.
Pleasantly drivable, Croatia has miles of scenic roads that are safe and well signposted, making for a perfect destination to hit the road with your wanderlust in tow. There are new and impressive highways that connect the country from end to end, as well as efficient car ferry services to the idyllic islands. Take our advice and turn off onto the old roads for more authentic and memorable experiences.
Whether you have a week, or a month, Croatia is the perfect destination to map out a perfect driving holiday that includes all interests and activities. Be it a foodie trip, family holiday, romantic escape, outdoors adventure, or an exploration of historical and cultural sights – Croatia has it all.
Suggested driving routes in Croatia
Our suggested routes are bookended with historical cities offering accommodations, restaurants, nightlife and cultural events to begin and wrap up your trip nicely. You may just be spontaneous and choose to stay at one of the lovely spots that seduced you to stop along the way…
- SPLIT – DUBROVNIK
- PELJESAC PENINSULA WINE ROAD
- ISTRIAN PENINSULA – PLITVICE – ZADAR
Each route includes a national park or historic attraction, gastronomic specialties of the region, and more.
CROATIAN ROAD TRIPS: THE ADRIATIC COASTAL ROUTE D8 – DRIVING ROUTE – SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK
Get your road trip playlist ready!
The Adriatic coastal road D8 runs from Istria all the way to the Montenegrin border south of Dubrovnik. Here we feature the portion that connects the cities of Split and Dubrovnik.
You will drive some of the most spectacular and dramatic stretches of road that carry you along with the shores of the glittering Adriatic sea, flanked by the monumental ridges of the Dinaric alps the entire way.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Split
- Biokovo Nature Park & Skywalk
- Makarska Riviera beaches
- Hvar island ferry
- Drvenik old village
- Brac island ferry
- Mljet island ferry
- Neretva Valley
- Ston & Peljesac Peninsula
- Dubrovnik
Along this route are access points for ferries to various islands, parks, and the Peljesac peninsula.
Round trip Dubrovnik to Split via Hvar island
DUBROVNIK – HVAR ISLAND – SPLIT
A superb way to reach Hvar island, and not drive the same route back to Split. Take the D8 from Dubrovnik to the village of Drvenik (approx 2 hours), where the ferry connects frequently to the eastern end of Hvar island. The drive from the Sucuraj port to Hvar town is 79 km of winding roads – but again, what is in between is just as wonderful – beaches, villages, and ancient lavender fields. After enjoying the glory of Hvar – catch the car ferry from Stari Grad to Split.
TIP: For a unique experience, and perfect break from the drive before the ferry trip: Head up to the historic old village above Drvenik (Staro Selo). Stretch your legs and explore the abandoned village and enjoy an organic olive oil tasting and light lunch of local specialties in the shade of a peaceful terrace.
CROATIAN ROAD TRIPS: PELJESAC PENINSULA – WINE ROADS
Peljesac Peninsula – The southern Dalmatia region that boasts not only award winning wines, and fine shellfish – the oysters so superior that Roman emperors ordered them for delivery to their banquet tables. The 80 km peninsula has one road running along its spine and is a dream to drive.
The magic starts in the towns of Ston and Mali Ston, with medieval walls wrapping the hillsides, and bays full of oyster beds bobbing in the most turquoise of seas. Pass through valleys of vineyards, and family run wineries, beaches, and rustic charm beckoning you to pullover.
Plan an entire day of exploring, or a shorter stop in Ston for some remarkable history and heritage. Since the construction of the Peljesac bridge and highway; the trip between Split and Dubrovnik has become smoother, and access to the peninsula easier. Keep driving and you can hop on a ferry to Korcula island and not look back!
Interesting Fact: Napoleon’s army constructed many parts of this route during his time in Dalmatia.
Hint: Ston is only 1 hour from Dubrovnik, a good spot to kick of your road trip, or have a break before arriving in the bustling city.
MLJET ISLAND – THE GREEN OASIS – trip extension option
Near Ston, a ferry to Mljet island runs out of the bay of Prapratno; whisking you away to one of the most enchanting islands in Croatia. Most of the island is declared a National Park, and this is where you will become truly immersed in untouched Mediterranean nature.
CROATIAN ROAD TRIPS: ISTRIAN PENINSULA – PLITVICE – ZADAR
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Truffles, wine and gastronomy
- Medieval hilltop villages – Motovun, Groznjan, Hum
- Brijuni National Park
- Pula and Rovinj
- Plitvice Lakes National Park • Zadar
Take in the beloved Istrian region of Croatia where truffles, fine wines, and other gourmet specialties draw visitors from around the world. Let yourself be seduced by the storybook hilltop villages, stopping along the drive to indulge! Istria also has some of the most scenic driving roads in Croatia that will keep you driving one turn after another. Experience Roman history in Pula to romance in Rovinj, captivating nature and history of Brijuni Island National Park.
From Istra head to Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia’s most famous national park for its magnificent series of waterfalls spilling into emerald green lakes (by private car is absolutely the best way to reach Plitvice). Treat yourself by strolling through the natural splendor of the park.
Continue the next day to Zadar. A stunning coastal city of incredible architecture, culture, and history. Be sure to roll in before sundown to catch the sunset and the Sea organ and Greeting to the sun solar light show – two experiences unique to Zadar.
Tips for a Perfect Road Trip in Croatia
- Parking is expensive and difficult in cities like Dubrovnik, and Split – return your rental car upon arrival or when departing.
- If you plan to cross international borders of nearby countries – Montenegro, BIH, Slovenia – you will need papers from the rental agency.
- Some agencies offer one way trip drop offs in major destinations for a fee.
- New highways are a toll route in most parts
Info & links
- HAC – Croatian roadside assistance https://www.hac.hr/en/service-information/roadside-assistance
- Ferry info: https://www.jadrolinija.hr/en/about-us/ships/ferries
- Biokovo Nature Park – https://pp-biokovo.hr/en/home
- Brijuni National Park: https://www.np-brijuni.hr/en/plan-your-visit/excursions
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/
- Mljet island National Park: https://np-mljet.hr/?lang=en
- Split: https://visitsplit.com/en/1/welcome-to-split
- Peljesac peninsula: https://visitdubrovnik.hr/destinations/peljesac/
- Dubrovnik: https://tzdubrovnik.hr/lang/en/index.html
- Zadar: https://www.zadar.hr/en/experience/history-culture/sea-organ-sun-salutation
- Istria: https://www.istra.hr/en
