Croatia Road Trip: Dubrovnik, Split & Island Hopping

Contents of this post18 chapters

• 1Plitvice Lakes
• 2Zadar
• 3Biograd Na moru
• 4Murter Island & Tisno
• 5Šibenik
• 6Split
• 7Cetina River Spring
• 8Omis
• 9Trogir
• 10Hvar
• 11Dubrovnik
• 12Read more
• 13Island of Krk: Route for a three-day Croatia road trip
• 14Sights on Krk for your Croatia trip
• 15Planning a Croatia road trip: route and travel duration
• 16Practical information for traveling to Croatia by car or campervan
• 17More about the trip
• 18Frequently Asked Questions

11 Highlights in Croatia:

Plitvice Lakes

A day ticket for Plitvice Lakes National Park costs about 26 euros per person. On top of that, there are 15 euros in parking fees for a camper. With the fuel we used just to get inland in the first place, it was a somewhat pricey affair. Unfortunately, we also arrived on probably the worst day, a Sunday. Silly us… Of course it was packed! That's why I recommend visiting on a weekday & as early as possible! Despite all that, the visit was really worth it! The water was in places so blue and green, like I had never seen in my life before… There are various hiking trails through the park: We chose trail „H“. First we were taken into the national park by bus, then we followed the well-signposted paths & afterwards a small boat tour was included as well. Don't forget: bring snacks, lots of sunscreen & sturdy shoes!

Zadar

The beautiful old town really enchanted us! Especially at night, the city gives off its very own charm. You can shop in smaller stores (the quality is a bit questionable). The big shopping stores are outside the city center (Zara / H&M…). After the shopping trip, it's perfect to watch the gorgeous sunset by the sea. Looking for a bit of a party? Then hop around on the illuminated floor panels at the Greeting to the Sun – II Saluto al Sole first and afterwards head to a cool bar with live music. Here you'll also find 1-liter cocktail deals. There's supposedly a sea organ nearby as well. If you like churches, drop by the Zadar Cathedral. Best pizza? Don't get ripped off, avoid big tourist spots and eat a bit outside of them. I recommend the pizzeria “Broj 1“. Really so delicious and unbelievably cheap prices (they only take Kuna! No euros! & the jumbo pizza is enough for 2 people).

Biograd Na moru

On our walk along the harbor, vacation feelings hit right away. Endless souvenir shops! Unfortunately the beaches are packed in high season, but a bit further out you'll find a nice spot. One of my top highlights was the wine tasting tour from the Ilirija Resort (. ). There we also met new people right away, and together with them we did a boat tour to Vrgada (Don't forget your snorkeling gear! ). Best pizza? Casa Vecchia – I just love the pizzas in Croatia!

Murter Island & Tisno

On the Croatian island of Murter lies the small village of Betina. You can easily and freely drive over the drawbridge onto the island. There you'll find lots of lovely restaurants & bars. A perfect place to stroll through the alleys a bit and go get an ice cream.

Šibenik

A perfect stopover! Sibenik is located between the tourist towns of Zadar, Split, Vodice and Trogir. Maybe worth knowing is that this place is not really suitable for wheelchair users! Hardly anything is accessible… You shouldn't miss the beautiful sights, like the Cathedral of St. James and the various fortresses!

Split

One of my highlights in Croatia is Split. This city is beautiful! In the city center you'll find a fortress-like complex, Diocletian's Palace, which was built back in the 4th century by the Roman emperor Diocletian. All the old buildings mixed with modern restaurants, cafes & bars have their very own style! ACHTUNG: Avoid the high season! Otherwise you'll be overrun by crowds!

Cetina River Spring

We visited the source of the Cetina River. The spring water was really ice cold at around 7 degrees Celsius! Still, we grabbed our air mattress and took some amazing shots. Unfortunately, you can only see the true wonder of this spring from above, which is why I recommend visiting only with a drone. Nearby, you can go on a lovely hike up the highest mountain in Croatia, Mount “Dinara”. With its height of 1,831 m and steep ascent, you should be a bit fit, but it is definitely doable. Good to know: Swimming is not welcomed by the locals. Unfortunately, we only found that out afterwards.

Omis

The perfect place for a bit of action! Whether rafting, hiking or climbing, in Omis you'll find a variety of activities at a fair price!

Little ice cream tip:

The flavor “White Kinderbueno“ is super delicious!

Trogir

In Trogir we started our next adventure. We booked a sailing vacation for young people! Max & I were complete sailing beginners, which is why we were pretty nervous. One thing I can tell you: we weren't disappointed! We had an unbelievable amount of fun, especially when we sailed at a full heel! Additionally, we met great new people & partied quite a lot. A reunion with the crew is already being planned.

Hvar

We took a speedboat to the Croatian vacation island of Hvar. There we ate, with our sailing group, in a somewhat overpriced restaurant. From there we had a wonderful view of the luxurious yachts lined up in rows at the harbor. The place definitely represents wealth, which made itself properly noticeable in the price. In addition, you'll find one party strip after another here!

Dubrovnik

A city in the south of Croatia that probably everyone knows. The filming location of the series Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik had always been very high on my list and now it was finally time. While we strolled through the well-preserved old town, the new series of Vikings was being filmed. Totally exciting. Afterwards we of course checked out the highlights (city walls, Old Town, Placa, the churches….). You should also definitely look at Dubrovnik from above.

Island of Krk: Route for a three-day Croatia road trip

Krk is the largest island in the Croatian Adriatic and is connected to the mainland by a direct road. An approximately 80-kilometer-long island loop connects Malinska, Vrbnik, Baška, Punat, Stara Baška, Omišalj, and Krk Town. The route follows winding coastal and mountain roads. While it's possible to circumnavigate the roughly 38-kilometer-long island in a day, three days allow more time to explore the main towns and the island's interior. Those planning additional excursions to Cres or Rab should allow five to seven days.

Krk route: from Malinska via Vrbnik to Baška

On the first day, the route leads from Malinska to the east coast. Between Vrbnik and Baška, the road follows the cliffs, offering views of the sea and the offshore islands. Vrbnik, a medieval village, sits atop a 48-meter-high cliff. Its narrow streets are sometimes less than 50 centimeters wide. The journey then continues to Baška, where a two-kilometer-long pebble beach with turquoise waters lies, framed by rugged mountains; the road runs right alongside the beach.

Krk road trip: Punat, Stara Baška and the interior of the island

Day two connects Punat with the southwest coast and the island's interior. Punat has a marina. Just offshore lies the small monastery island of Košljun, reachable by boat in ten minutes. From Punat, a winding mountain road leads to Stara Baška, a fishing village with crystal-clear water and small pebble coves. The inland loop continues the drive through mountain villages. Near Dobrinj are places like Sužan and Dolovo; along these stretches, empty roads and panoramic views characterize the route.

Day three includes visits to Omišalj and Krk Town. Above Omišalj lies an abandoned military base from the Yugoslav era, overlooking the Kvarner Bay. Access is legal, but not signposted. At the northern tip stands the Glavina Lighthouse, a 20-minute walk from the parking area. Krk Town completes the day with its Venetian city walls, cathedral, and historic old town. The harbor promenade is a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Sights on Krk for your Croatia trip

Krk sights: Vrbnik, Baška and other destinations

Vrbnik and Baška combine historic alleyways, cliffs, and beaches in one leg of the journey. Beyond these two main stops, a three-kilometer olive trail near Vrbnik winds through centuries-old groves with sea views. Stara Baška offers a quieter alternative with unnamed pebble coves. For a rainy day, the Biserujka Cave in the north of the island is a good option. This stalactite cave provides a welcome break from the beaches.

The island can also be organized according to interests: Krk Town represents the old town and harbor promenade, Vrbnik the medieval townscape overlooking the sea, and Baška the beach and mountain scenery. The Glavina lighthouse and the olive trail complement the tour with short walking routes. This way, the sights remain directly connected to the route, instead of having to drive across the island multiple times for individual destinations.

Planning a Croatia road trip: route and travel duration

For a road trip across mainland Croatia, I recommend at least two weeks. A sample itinerary spreads 14 days between Zagreb, the Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Krka National Park, Split, Trogir, Omiš, and Dubrovnik. The itinerary includes two days in Zagreb, one day at the Plitvice Lakes, two days in Zadar, one day in Krka National Park, three days for Split and Trogir, two days in Omiš, and three days in Dubrovnik. With more time, islands, small villages, and lesser-known national parks can be added.

How to divide a 14-day Croatia itinerary effectively

Zagreb is the starting point. The inland leg of the journey then takes you to the Plitvice Lakes, before the route leads via Zadar to the Adriatic coast. From Krka National Park, the tour continues to Split and Trogir. These two coastal towns are close to each other and are often visited together. Omiš lies at the mouth of the Cetina River and is just a short drive from Split. Dubrovnik marks the southern end of the tour. This sequence combines neighboring destinations and allows three days for Split and Trogir together.

The best time to travel is May and June, as well as September and October, because temperatures are pleasant and there are fewer tourists. From June to August, however, it's peak season with larger crowds and higher prices. In spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), temperatures are milder. Accommodation, campervans, and activities should be booked well in advance, especially for the peak season.

Practical information for traveling to Croatia by car or campervan

Arrival, refueling and parking on Krk

Rijeka Airport is located directly on Krk. Alternative airports include Pula (90 minutes away) and Zagreb (two and a half hours away). The Krk Bridge has been toll-free since 2020, but can be closed in gusts exceeding 100 km/h. Therefore, checking the weather forecast is essential before traveling. Gas stations are mainly located in Krk Town, Malinska, and Baška; fill up your tank before driving inland. Parking is subject to charges in Vrbnik and Baška during peak season, but is usually free outside these towns.

Campsites and equipment for a Croatia road trip

Wild camping is generally not permitted in Croatia. Instead, there are more than 500 official campsites, located along the coast, in the mountains, and near lakes or rivers. Depending on the campsite, amenities include electricity, water, showers, toilets, and/or restaurants. There are also designated free camping areas. These offer basic facilities and lack electricity and water. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

• For changeable weather, clothing for both hot and cold temperatures should be packed.
• For hiking, comfortable hiking boots, a backpack and trekking poles should be packed.
• A power bank keeps devices charged on the go; a flashlight and window covers are also useful for the van.
• Those who cook for themselves should plan on bringing camping dishes, cutlery, a stove and a cooler.

For Tourism Boards, I develop content that visually tells the story of Croatia's routes, landscapes, and travel experiences. More information about potential productions and collaborations can be found on the page for collaboration.

More about the trip

• Krk Island Croatia: Road trip route, sights and insider tips (on max-haase.com)
• Van Life Croatia: Route, campsites and tips (on max-haase.com)