29. April 2024
Keine Kommentare
Traveling to Greece is an exciting and memorable experience that every traveler should have on their bucket list. From the stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and
A Memorable Roadtrip in Croatia – From Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes
If you’re looking for a road trip that combines stunning scenery, rich history, and cultural experiences, look no further than Croatia. This charming country on the Adriatic Sea offers a myriad of attractions, from ancient cities to idyllic beaches, waterfalls, and lakes. In this guide, we will take you on a journey to the most captivating destinations on a roadtrip in Croatia, including Dubrovnik, Split, Krka National Park, and Plitvice Lakes. We promise it will be worth it, not only if you’re a Game of Thrones fan. So pack your bags and let’s hit the road!
Jump to...
1. General Information for a roadtrip in Croatia
The best time for a roadtrip in Croatia is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. We did this roadtrip in May and we loved it. We think it’s the perfect time of the year as it’s not so crowded but the weather is already nice and warm. Also for the national parks it will be a big difference in the price, if you do this trip in the shoulder or high season.
You do not need a special driving permit to drive in Croatia if you have a valid EU driver’s license or an international driver’s license. Keep in mind that there are tolls on Croatian highways. The toll fees vary depending on the distance and the type of vehicle, but can be very high. The highways are in good condition but you can also avoid them and save some money.
We started our roadtrip in Croatia from the South but, of course, you can do the trip the other way round as well. We also loved to do it with a camper van. The campsites in Croatia are affordable and well-equipped. It’s also possible to camp wild in the low season but, don’t put your table and chairs outside and behave reasonably because, officially, it’s not allowed!
2. Dubrovnik - The Pearl of the Adriatic
Our roadtrip in Croatia begins in Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been dubbed the „Pearl of the Adriatic.“ This picturesque city is located on the southern coast of Croatia and boasts a rich history dating back to the 7th century. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Dubrovnik.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is a maze of narrow streets, stone walls, and red-roofed buildings that exudes medieval charm. Here you can explore the Rector’s Palace, the Dubrovnik Cathedral, and the famous Stradun – the main street that runs through the heart of the Old Town. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will also recognize the famous stairs, where Cercei did her walk of shame. You can also do a special Game of Thrones tour around the city.
For a breathtaking panoramic view of Dubrovnik, head to the City Walls, which encircle the Old Town. The walls stretch for over 2 km and offer stunning views of the sea, the Old Town, and the surrounding hills. For an even better view, take the cable car or drive with your vehicle up to the top of Srd Hill. You can see up to 60 km (37 miles) on a clear day. If that one is too crowded, go to the nearby Vedo Bosanka viewpoint (if you have a car or camper).
3. Makarska - A Hidden Gem on the Riviera
On your way to Makarska, we recommend taking a small detour to Ston. Here you can find Europe’s longest stone wall and the second-biggest preserved defense wall in the world (after the Chinese Wall). Makarska is a charming coastal town that is located between Split and Dubrovnik. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and stunning views of Biokovo Mountain, Makarska is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered. We just stayed there for one night to relax on Makarska Beach, a beautiful pebble beach that is surrounded by pine trees and crystal-clear water and to walk along the Riviera. If you walk into the town, we can recommend Bounty Restaurant-Steakhouse for a lovely dinner at the waterside.
Only 20min or 15km north of Makarska in the small village of Brela, you’ll find the famous Punta Rata beach. You just need to walk away from the main spots to enjoy little coves with crystal-clear water in the shade of Aleppo pines. Urlaubsguru says it is the best beach in the country, but we would say it’s not more beautiful than all the other bays around and heard that in the high season it is way to crowded.
4. Split - Ancient Meets Modern
Our next stop on our roadtrip in Croatia is Split, a vibrant city that blends ancient architecture with modern culture. Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and is located on the central Dalmatian coast. Here are some of the top attractions in Split.
- Diocletian’s Palace is the heart of Split and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive complex was built in the 4th century as a retirement home for the Roman Emperor Diocletian and now houses a labyrinth of shops, restaurants, and museums.
- The Riva Promenade is Split’s main waterfront promenade and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Here you can take a stroll along the seafront, enjoy a cup of coffee, or watch the sunset over the Adriatic.
- For a panoramic view of Split and the surrounding islands, head to Marjan Hill, a nature park that overlooks the city. The park boasts scenic trails, secluded beaches, and a 15th-century hermitage.
Bonus tip: You definitely have to try Bili San, they serve homemade natural ice cream and it was one of the best ice creams we had on our entire trip through Europe!
5. Trogir & Šibenik - Timeless Beauties
Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful and historic towns in Croatia. With its stunning Old Town, ancient fortress, and picturesque views of the sea, Trogir is a must-see destination. Again fans will notice, that some parts of the Game of Thrones series were filmed here. We parked our camper outside the city and stayed there overnight. We then just went for a morning walk through the beautiful old town.
From Split to Zadar, we can also recommend visiting Šibenik. It also is a charming coastal city in Croatia, renowned for its impressive medieval architecture and a picturesque setting nestled between the sea and the hills. The city’s landmark is the imposing Cathedral of St. Jacob, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You may also know it as the Iron Bank of Braavos in the Game of Thrones series. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets of the old town, rich in history and culture, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal gem.
6. Krka National Park - A Waterfall Wonderland
Our next destination on the road trip is Krka National Park, a pristine natural wonderland that is home to a series of breathtaking waterfalls and cascades. It is located in the central part of Dalmatia and Sibenik would be a good location to start your trip as it’s only a 1-hour drive (60km). Admission is cheaper in the lower season (7-20€) and 40€ in the high season from June until September. In the late spring, summer, and early autumn, the park opens at 8 am until 6-8 pm depending on your visiting month. Just check the main homepage for all the information and the current weather.
Skradinski Buk is the most famous waterfall in Krka National Park and a true masterpiece of nature. This stunning cascade is over 45 meters wide and drops 17 meters into a series of emerald pools. Visitors can’t swim anymore in the crystal-clear water, but it’s worth hiking the scenic trails, or enjoying a picnic in the shade of the trees.
Roški Slap is a hidden gem in Krka National Park that is less crowded than Skradinski Buk but no less impressive. This series of cascades and waterfalls is located in a peaceful forested area and offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers. The whole park is a must visit and you should not skip it! But be aware that it is a famous destination and it will get crowded in the high season. So better visit as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
7. Zadar - A City of Contrasts
Zadar is a vibrant city that perfectly blends history, culture, and modern amenities. To be honest, we preferred old towns of other cities like Split or Sibenik. But it’s still worth going on an afternoon walk through Zadar and having a nice dinner afterward. We can recommend the Hedonist Dining and Hangout.
Take a stroll along the Old Town and the Promenade, a beautiful waterfront area that is lined with cafes and restaurants. Visit the Sea Organ, an incredible art installation that uses the power of the sea to create music. It’s the only one in the world. Enjoy a beautiful sunset from the Promenade and cool off with some ice cream!
8. Plitvice Lakes - A Natural Wonder of the World
Our last stop on the roadtrip in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world. Located in central Croatia, the park is famous for its cascading lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests. You can also find Croatia’s highest waterfall here (87m/285 ft). Admission is 10-23€ in the low season and 40€ in the high season (June-September). Check all current conditions and prices here. There’s also a small visitor’s train and a boat included in the ticket price which will take you around the park as it is way bigger than Krka.
The Upper Lakes of Plitvice are a series of cascading lakes that are interconnected by waterfalls and rapids. This area is known for its crystal-clear water, rich flora and fauna, and stunning views.
The Lower Lakes of Plitvice are a series of larger lakes that offer a more dramatic and majestic scenery. Here visitors can witness the power and beauty of waterfalls unclose and wander around turquoise pools and cascades. We really liked the area around entrance Nr. 1.
9. Two special tips: Izvor Cetine and Rafting in Zrmanja Canyon
The source of the river Cetine is a bit off the beaten track. It’s located close to the Bosnian border and not that well-known. If you decide to go there, the best would be to go after the Krka National Park because the other stops are too far away. From Krka, it’s only a 1-hour drive to this hidden gem. The source is extremely cold and from above it looks like an eye! Can you believe this? That’s why it’s also called the eye of the world.
Another cool activity on your way from Krka to Izvor Cetine is going on a white-water rafting tour at the Zrmanja Canyon. If the water level is low, it’s only possible to go kayaking but it’s fun anyway. It’s definitely a must-do if you’re a fan of Winnetou as you’ll paddle through the canyons of the movies. The tours start at Obrovac or Bilišane, depending on the tour operator.
10. Conclusion
A roadtrip in Croatia is an unforgettable experience that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, this road trip is a journey through time and space. The route is approximately 700km (435 miles) one way with 10-11 hours of traveling time including toll roads. We recommend planning at least 10 days, better 12-14 days to make the most out of your trip. Before this trip we’ve only been to Istria and now we’ve seen the whole beauty of Croatia. Let us promise you that this gem of Europe will not disappoint you!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Newest
Blogging costs time and money. Do you want to value our work? We appreciate a tip in our virtual coffee fund at PayPal, so we can keep our website running.
Are you planning a trip?!
Then these platforms might help you. We use them for all our travels and if you use them, too by clicking the link we earn a small fee. Yet, you don’t pay extra, but we can keep this site running. Win-win!
Pinterest
Facebook
WhatsApp
More Adventures
28. Juni 2023
Keine Kommentare
Are you looking for an adventure-filled road trip? This small Balkan country boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe. From picturesque coastal towns
10. April 2023
Keine Kommentare
Athens, Greece, is a city that needs no introduction. Home to some of the most iconic ancient ruins in the world, Athens is a city