If you’re planning a whistle-stop tour of Croatia, we recommend sticking to the Adriatic coast rather than trying to cover the undoubted attractions inland.
There are plenty of other amazing things and places to see and do in other parts of Croatia, such as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a true wonder of the Balkans, and Zagreb, to name just two. But, the Adriatic coast offers an incredible choice of beautiful locations, beaches, culture, and experiences that can easily fill a short trip on their own.
Driving from top to bottom down the whole country along the coast, you can experience the unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes Croatia such a special place. With limited time, it’s best to focus on just a few special places rather than trying to cover too much ground.
You’re not realistically going to have time to go to any of the islands either because a ferry transfer (there and back) can eat up most of the day. So, no Hvar or Brac this time, and you’ll be sticking to the coast only.
So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable whistle-stop tour of Croatia’s Adriatic coast – you can save the inland and island attractions for your next trip!
We’ll guide you on a fast-paced, immersive journey that lets you experience the best of each destination while covering as much ground as possible.
Getting Started in Ancient Pula
We start in Croatia’s most northern city, which is easy to get to from anywhere, Pula. This Istrian capital has a tiny but well-serviced airport just outside the town, and you’ll be able to get a local European flight here from many main hubs.
It’s just a 9km drive into the city and given you need to cover a lot of ground in a week, we’d suggest renting a car at Pula airport from the off. Car rental in Croatia is straightforward, but we‘d always recommend booking ahead as things can get more pricey, and some rental companies even run out of cars, in the high season.
Once you’re belted up in your rental, let’s hit the road.
Now, before heading into Pula, consider heading 30 minutes north to another beautiful town perched on a hill over a bay, Rovinj.
You’re in a part of Croatia called Istria that owes much to its Italian heritage, and Rovinj was a seaside holiday destination for Italians thousands of years ago. It has a charming old town and picturesque harbor, and there are many stone-paved alleyways leading to tiny bars and restaurants that overhang the sea right in the heart of the city.
As a first quick stop for a morning coffee, it’s hard to beat. If you stay until lunch, try Konoba Santa Croce in a romantic small square just off the harbor before heading back south to Pula.
Pula boasts some of Croatia’s most impressive Roman ruins, including an incredibly well-preserved amphitheater that’s well worth a visit. If you’re lucky, there might even be a concert (it has both modern pop and rock and classical events) on the day of your visit. That is a magical thing to be part of if it works out with your stay.
After exploring Pula’s ancient treasures, stroll through the picturesque old town with buildings and streets many hundred years old and made with local Istrian stone. Of course, the Roman remains are the reason for your visit to Pula, but a walk around the town is also a way to soak up the relaxed feel of this gorgeous place.
If you have time, you might nip out to the peninsula and have a sundowner at one of the many beach bars on the peninsula south of town. Here’s a tip from a regular – visit the Safari Beach Bar at Premantura. Then, take your time and have your first dip in the warm Adriatic and get a drink before heading back to Pula for the night.
Grab a bite at one of the many excellent restaurants in the town squares. Our favorite is Bistro Alighieri, where you can have a great meal and marvel at how much you managed to fit in on your first day!
Day 2: Rijeka and Novalja
Wake up early and get in your car for a dash to the town of Rijeka, which will only take an hour.
The third-largest city in Croatia is a bustling port town with a rich cultural heritage. On your way into the city, make a quick stop at Trsat Castle on the outskirts, a historic fortress that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding sea.
The Old Town is also worth exploring, with its winding streets, charming squares, and historic buildings, and we suggest you check out the City Tower, a historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the city. Another option is to visit the Ivan Zjac Croatian National Theatre, a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture.
A great pit stop for lunch is Cafe bar Botel Marina, a charming café on a boat permanently moored in the harbor, offering a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. You can sit out on the deck and take in the stunning views of the sea and the surrounding hills while enjoying a coffee or lunch before moving on.
After lunch, head out of town and drive towards Novalja, where you’ll want to stay the night. This is a reasonably long drive of about two and a half hours, but the coast road and view are spectacular. There’ll be so much to see you won’t get bored. As you drive, find a beach en route for a swim. No need to be picky – anywhere is likely to be perfect!
You’ll want to be in Novalja by early evening. If funds allow, stay at the Hotel Boskinac and eat in the Michelin restaurant. Alternatively, check out the other options for accommodation in Novalja, as there are plenty of choices.
Novalja is a great seaside town, and many come here for weeks at a time to sample the incredible beaches.
But, you’ve stopped here to go to Zrce Beach and experience the line of massive open-air super clubs strung down the long beach, and the world-class clubbing on offer here for 12 weeks of the summer season. The clubs are really quite extraordinary and if clubbing is your thing you’ll not be disappointed.
Day 3: Zadar and Sibenik
Head out of Novalja – and hopefully, you got some sleep! – and in an hour, you’ll be in Zadar, another city rich in history and culture with its stunning seafront promenade and Roman-era forum.
Take the chance to visit the Sea Organ, an innovative musical instrument powered by the waves of the sea. You can sit on the steps and listen to the haunting melodies created by the ebb and flow of the tides. It’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Zadar’s Old Town is full of narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and charming cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Roman-era forum, explore the St. Donatus Church, or check out the many shops and boutiques that line the streets.
An excellent spot for lunch is Restaurant Bruschetta, located right on the waterfront. This stylish restaurant offers delicious seafood, Mediterranean cuisine, and stunning sea and surrounding island views.
Refueled, hop back in the car and head south for Sibenik, another lovely coastal town with an impressive UNESCO-listed cathedral and a beautiful old town with winding alleyways and hidden courtyards. Be sure to take a walk along the Riva waterfront and take in the laidback early evening vibes.
We like to stay in the centuries-old stone boutique Life Palace Heritage Hotel just a few yards from the cathedral and grab dinner at Pelegrini, just around the corner. The hotel is excellent value, whereas the restaurant is pricier but well worth it!
Day 4: Trogir and Split
Visiting Trogir and Split in one day is definitely doable. Another early start will see you in Trogir in well under an hour.
Trogir is a beautiful town with an exceptionally well-preserved historic center designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can wander through the narrow streets and admire the stunning architecture laid out by the Venetians in the Middle Ages. There’s plenty to see and do, but Trogir is about wandering through the streets and soaking it all up rather than one stand-out attraction.
After exploring Trogir, head to Split, which is about another 30-minute drive away.
Split is the largest city on the Adriatic coast and is known for its rich history and beautiful seaside promenade. Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman fortress, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub with museums, galleries, and restaurants. You’ll recognize plenty of locations here if you’re a Game of Thrones fan. You can also stroll along the Riva promenade, which offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding islands.
A day of wandering through these two ancient towns should be rounded off with a great dinner and a great place to rest your head. So, keep it simple and book into the Hotel Vestibul Palace, a beautifully restored 18th-century palace right in the heart of Diocletians Palace. Eat at the excellent hotel restaurant Diocletian’s Wine House, which serves delicious Dalmatian cuisine.
Days 5 and 6: Dubrovnik
You will round off your coastal adventure with two days in Dubrovnik. Partly because you can get a later start in the fantastic hotel you’re waking up in and partly because it’s the longest drive to date.
It’ll take between 3 and 4 hours to get to Dubrovnik, but you will get to cross the Pelješac Bridge, which was only opened in July 2022, finally bypassing the need to travel over the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Once you’ve arrived, be prepared to be wowed by your final stop in Croatia.
Dubrovnik is a beautiful city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful coastal scenery. With two days to explore, there are plenty of things to see and do. Start by taking a walk around the ancient city walls, which offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding sea.
Along the walls, you’ll find the famous Buza Bar, a cliffside bar with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Be sure also to visit the Stradun, the main street in the old town, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Finally, don’t miss the chance to visit the Rector’s Palace, a beautiful Gothic-Renaissance palace now serving as a museum.
You can also take a cable car up to the top of Mount Srd for stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
For a great hotel, check out Hotel Excelsior, located just outside the city walls and offering stunning views of the sea and the old town. The hotel’s Prora Beach Restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine and is the perfect place to relax and take in beautiful surroundings.
On your last day, just take it easy, stroll the city, wander the harbor and the old port, and do any of the sights you missed.
Before you leave, get an outside table at Nautika offering stunning views of the Adriatic and the old town as a last lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is elegant and refined, and the locally inspired food is some of the best in all of Croatia.
This is a brilliant way to wind up your coastal whistle-stop tour before heading home. So rest easy. Next time you come to Croatia, you can do the national parks and tour the islands by boat!
