Croatia has become one of the most exciting destinations in Europe for a road trip because of its beautiful Adriatic coastline that spans more than 1770 km.
National parks, dramatic mountains, medieval hilltop towns and endless olive groves and vineyards can be found away from the Adriatic Highway.
Here are some of the best road trips in Croatia that you can take to explore the country's heart.
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The peninsula of Istria in Croatia's northwest is home to renowned delicacies such as cheese, wine, lamb, seafood and prosciutto. You can take the two-lane highway that hugs the Mirna River and drive through the dense forests surrounding the hilltop town of Motovun.
The UNESCO-recognized 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica is to the west of Pore, and the source of mussels and oysters is to the south. There is a tangle of cobbled streets framed by pastel-colored buildings. The town of Vodnjan is famous for small-scale, world-class olive oil and is where the Temple of Augustus is located.
Allow 7 days in the Plitvice Lakes National park.
Croatia's most famous attraction, the Plitvice Lakes National Park, is the starting point for this trip. In Northern Velebit National Park, you can walk along the wooden walkways that connect the lakes and hidden rivers that feed awe-inspiring waterfalls. On top of the nation's best-loved mountain range, you can see the panoramas of Adriatic sunsets.
If you want to get the island-hopping vibe, leave the car in the town of Murter and go to the Kornati archipelago, which protects 89 of the islets. The Krka River and its estuary are protected by the Krka National Park.
Allow 6 days in Zadar–Split, a distance of 163 km.
There is an incredible set of ancient ruins and sweeping Adriatic views to be found in this drive across the northern part of Croatia. From Zadar, you can go to the Venetian-era defensive walls and Roman forum. The 16th-century St James's Cathedral is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in ibenik.
The gorgeous old town in Trogir has many intact and beautiful buildings from its golden age between the 13th and 15th century. The palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian is the second largest city in Croatia.
Allow five days for Senj–akovec.
noble families used to go to the corridor along Croatia's northern edge to visit the castle. You can start in Senj, where the 16th-century Nehaj Castle stands guard over the sea, and then head northwest to the 13th-century castle of Ozalj. One of Europe's most active cities is Zagreb, which is home to a medieval Upper Town and a park-filled Lower Town.
Trakoan Castle is a 14th-century gem that combines Romanesque and Gothic features. The gothic-Renaissance fortress is located in the baroque city of Varadin. The regional Museum of Meimurje is located in the home of the Zrinski family, which was built in the 16th century.
Allow 4–5 days for Poega–Ilok, which is 207 km.
The fertile farmland of Slavonia has been the nation's breadbasket for many years. The region is still one of the most important cultural and gastronomic quarters in the country.
The drive east across this lush, vineyard-cloaked landscape begins in the wine-focused towns of Poega and Kutjevo before going through some of Croatia's most cherished small towns. The 19th-century neo-Romanesque cathedral and Osijek's 18th-century citadel are located in akovo. One of Europe's largest wetlands at Kopaki Rit Nature Park is home to more than 300 bird species.
Allow 6 days for Split–Popovii, a distance of 258 km.
The most popular section of the Adriatic Highway is the Dalmatian coast between Split and Dubrovnik. The islands of Bra, Vis, and Korula glitter below you on a blue horizon, making you feel like you are flying over the sea.
You can take a detour to the eastern tip of Hvar Island. On the Peljeac peninsula, you can find fresh Ston oysters and excellent red Plavac Mal wine. You will be able to drive across the Peljeac Bridge in the summer of 2022. The Konavle region is famous for its vineyards and the secluded beach of Pasjaa.
Allow four days in Rijeka–Jablanac.
Rijeka is more than just a jumping off point for island hopping in the Kvarner Gulf. Combining dignified architecture with the streak of anarchy that has always characterized this vibrant Habsburg port city, Rijeka has enough cultural attractions to more than merit its status as 2020 European capital of culture.
You can get to the island of Krk by following the road that goes over the bridge. After swimming at one of the town's beaches you can take the ferry to Rab.
Rab Town is one of the most beautiful settlements in Croatia, with nearly two dozen sandy beaches. The cliff-fringed inlet of Zavratnica is an amazing place to visit.
Croatia is a great place for drivers to visit. There are a few things to keep in mind.
The article was first published in June of 2021.
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