Our 7 to 10-day coastal road trip in Croatia

Day 1: Split - Ancient treasures and Mediterranean ambience

9 am - Exploration of Diocletian's Palace

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this palace is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. Built in the 4th-century by the emperor Diocletian, it served as both imperial residence and fortress. Its scale is exceptional: more than just a palace, it's a veritable ancient city integrated into the heart of Split, and was even used as a film location for the Game of Thrones series. The architecture is impressive, blending Roman, medieval and Venetian influences.

Please note: access to the exterior is free, but some buildings are subject to a fee. A must on any week-long road trip in Croatia.

11:30 am - Stroll through the fish market

After a visit to the Pazar, the fruit and vegetable market where you can nibble on arancini and sugar-coated almonds, head for the Peskarija, the fish market. Europe's second oldest market, it occupies a building over 120 years old. The stalls feature picarels, sea bass and other salted anchovies, an essential Dalmatian brunch speciality.

12:30 pm - Lunch by the sea: Konoba Fetivi

In the picturesque district of Varoš, just behind the Church of St. Francis, this family-run tavern perpetuates a culinary tradition handed down for 300 years. Awarded a Bib Gourmand, it celebrates local gastronomy with meat and seafood specialties: grilled fish, octopus salad or squid ink risotto.

Konoba Fetivi
Ul. Tomića stine 4, 21000, Split, Croatia | @KonobaFetivi

2 pm - Stroll on Marjan Hill

Nicknamed "the lungs of Split", this natural park, as vast as Central Park, rises to 178 meters, spreading its shady paths through a forest of fragrant pines. Benches all along the way invite you to take in the panoramic views.

4 pm - Swimming break: Kašjuni Beach

After your walk, it's time to relax. Farniente is also in the spotlight on a Croatia itinerary. Nestled in a bay, this partly shaded beach offers the perfect setting.

5 pm - Kayaking at sunset

From Stobreč, we embark for two hours of gliding on a transparent kayak equipped with LED lights. First on the estuary of the Žrnovnica river, then in the middle of the Adriatic bay, the water lights up under the hull, revealing the seabed in an almost unreal atmosphere. A fun way to explore Split after dark.

9pm - Gourmet dinner: Zrno Soli

Just 20 minutes from the city center, this chic restaurant on the second floor of the ACI marina offers one of the best evening views of the harbor. Recommended by the Michelin guide, it offers classic cuisine with a six-course tasting menu featuring fish and seafood of impeccable quality.

Zrno Soli
Uvala Baluni 8, 21000, Split, Croatia | zrnosoli.hr

Day 2: Medieval escapade in Trogir

10 am - Discover the historic center of Trogir

Thirty minutes from Split, Trogir is a Unesco-listed city with a rich past. Its historic center lies on a small island between the mainland and the island of Čiovo. Founded by the Greeks, marked by the Romans and embellished by the Venetians, it reveals a blend of medieval, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Its intact labyrinth of cobbled streets makes it one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Central Europe. On the main square, the ^13th-century St. Lawrence Cathedral stands out for its sculpted portal. Another must-see is the Cipiko Palace, the former residence of a powerful family, which elegantly combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, with fine carvings and a chiseled marble door. The less-frequented western part of the old town is just as charming, with St. Michael's Church and its quiet, unspoilt lanes.

12 pm - Lunch with a view: Il Ponte

Just a stone's throw from the center, this elegant Michelin-rated restaurant stands out from the crowd. The five-course menu revisits Mediterranean cuisine, blending traditional dishes with more contemporary touches. For the perfect experience, sit on the terrace and let yourself be enchanted by the view of the sea and Trogir's historic rooftops.

Il Ponte
Kardinala Alojza Stepinca 15a, 21220, Trogir | ilponte.com

2 pm - Swimming and strolling on the Riva

To the south of the old town, the seafront promenade rolls out its wide, palm-lined avenues. With its unobstructed views of the island of Čiovo, yachts and picturesque terraces, it's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. If you fancy a dip, head for nearby Pantan beach, with its clear, refreshing waters. Another option is Kava beach, a little wild gem accessible by a dirt track, offering crystal-clear water and tranquility even in the height of summer.

4 pm - Return to Split and free time

Take this opportunity to do a little shopping and pick up some souvenirs. Handmade jewelry, nautical bracelets, local designers with clothes, bags and decorative objects, there's something for everyone. Game of Thrones fans will want to head to Iron Throne, where you'll find plenty of merchandising and merchandising products, including a replica of the Iron Throne.

8 pm - Dinner with a view: Zoi

Set against the walls of Diocletian's palace and awarded 3 Gault&Millau toques (16.5/20), this restaurant in an 18th-century house is one of Split's most elegant, flanked by a superb terrace overlooking the port and the Riva. Contemporary, refined cuisine, à la carte or on the tasting menu, enhanced by divine Croatian wines.

Zoi
Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23, 21000, Split | zoi.hr

Day 3: Primošten and Šibenik, the pearls of the Dalmatian coast

09:45 am - Primošten: visit the hilltop church of St. George

Some say this is the most beautiful town you'll see on a road trip in Croatia. Primošten, an hour's drive from Split, seduces visitors with its unique setting: a peninsula linked to the mainland by a thin causeway, where cobbled streets wind between white stone houses topped with red-tiled roofs. A former fortified island, Primošten has preserved its medieval soul. Climb up to the 15th-century church of St. George for a spectacular view of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding vineyards.

10:45 am - Beach and swimming: Mala Raduča

Primošten boasts over twenty beaches, all of them more magnificent than the last. The most popular is Mala Raduča beach, which stretches peacefully across a small, protected bay. Its white pebbles and crystal-clear water regularly place it in the top 10 of Croatia's best beaches. Popular with families, it offers straw umbrellas for protection from the sun (which hits hard in summer). A short distance away, Velika Raduča beach offers space to relax under the pine trees, as well as deckchairs for hire.

11:45 am - Wine tasting in the vineyards of Bucavac

In the hinterland, the landscape undergoes a metamorphosis: a mosaic of centuries-old vineyards. The Bucavac vineyards are the birthplace of Babić, a powerful red with silky tannins. To discover this wine of character, head for the many wineries and family-run businesses in the region that offer cellar tastings.

2:30 pm - Afternoon in Šibenik

Unlike Split or Zadar, Šibenik, nicknamed "King Krešimir's town", is the only city not to have been founded by the Romans. Despite its modest size, it abounds in architectural and historical treasures. The Cathedral of St. James, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece, and the St. Nicholas Fortress are not to be missed. When it comes to shopping, the streets are lined with galleries showcasing local craftsmanship, with a selection of ceramics, sculptures, jewelry and more, all handmade, with a wide choice and fair prices.

7 pm - Star dinner: Pelegrini

Housed in a 14th-century palace facing St. James's Cathedral, this one-star restaurant is the realm of chef Rudolf Štefan, who boldly reinvents Croatian tradition: anchovy terrine, oysters glazed with mint granita, duck prosciutto with goat's cheese... create a subtle fusion of terroir and creativity. One of Croatia's finest restaurants.

Pelegrini
Ul Jurja Dalmatinca 1, 22000, Šibenik | pelegrini.hr

Day 4: Zlarin, the island of red coral

To the south-west of Šibenik, Zlarin is a small, unspoilt island bathed in sunshine all year round. This 8 km² island, shaped by limestone and dolomite, is committed to an exemplary ecological approach: the first plastic-free island in Croatia, it has banned disposable bags and containers to protect its environment. Accessible only by boat, it can be reached in fifteen minutes thanks to regular ferries.

10 am - Stroll through the village: the Church of the Assumption

No cars, no asphalt roads, just cobbled lanes winding between stone houses. Far from the overcrowded seaside resorts you come across on a road trip in Croatia, Zlarin retains a raw, authentic charm. At the heart of the village, the Church of the Assumption houses the relics of Saint Fortuné, the island's protector. A little further on, the clock tower marks the meeting point of the inhabitants. For a 360° view, climb to the top of the island, Klepac (170 meters). From here, you can see the Šibenik canal and the Velebit mountains.

Divers once plied the Adriatic Sea to harvest the red coral that protected against the evil eye. Today, coral harvesting is more rational: the coral is taken from greater depths and its reproduction is preserved. The Coral Museum retraces this age-old tradition, from diving to cutting and polishing techniques, right through to jewellery-making. The island's last master craftsman handcrafts necklaces, rings and earrings.

12 pm - Swimming on secret beaches: Magarna

Explore the island without GPS, get lost and discover its sandy and pebble beaches. Some secret coves, like Magarna on the southeast coast, are only accessible by boat. No deckchairs here, just crystal-clear water and a forest that plunges into the sea.

Day 5: Kornati Archipelago - An unspoilt marine paradise

09:30 am - Boarding for Kornati National Park

Off the coast of Šibenik, the protected Kornati archipelago is an immense labyrinth of wild islands and rocks sculpted by wind and sea. There are several options for discovering this unique treasure. The simplest and most popular is the organized cruise, which includes the crossing, park entrance ticket, lunch and swimming and hiking stops, but you can also opt for a private tour or hire a boat.

10 am - Snorkeling in Lojena lagoon

The excursion begins on the island of Levrnaka, home to one of the archipelago's few sandy beaches. Nicknamed "the pearl of the Kornati", Lojena lagoon offers a maximum depth of 40 meters and turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling.
To buy your ticket to Kornati National Park

2 pm - Back on board for a final Kornati immersion

In the afternoon, the boat resumes its journey through the park's rugged islands, with their arid, almost lunar landscapes. Before returning to port, a final stop is made on the island of Kornat to discover the Church of Our Lady of Tarac, a place of pilgrimage hidden in the midst of a mineral landscape.

17 pm - Return to Šibenik or Murter

Murter, a small island linked to the mainland by a drawbridge, is well worth a stopover on our Croatian road trip. Here you'll discover ancient remains, including the fortress of Tureta, built in the 6th century under the Emperor Justinian, as well as sublime beaches such as Slanica or the magnificent pine-lined bay of Podvrške.

Day 6: Zadar and the island of Pag - Between modernity and tradition

10 am - Old town: Roman remains and medieval churches

The tour inevitably begins on Kalelarga, Zadar's main thoroughfare. The Forum, founded 2000 years ago under Augustus, reveals columns, sarcophagi and ruins testifying to the city's ancient past. A stone's throw away, the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus boasts exceptional acoustics. In summer, it plays host to a series of superb classical music concerts. To take in the city in a single glance, climb the 180 steps to the bell tower of Sainte-Anastasie Cathedral. The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea and the Velebit mountains. On the way back down, take a stroll through the market to discover mature cheeses from the island of Pag, local olive oils, dried figs and the famous maraschino liqueur, a Croatian specialty made from Morello cherries.

1 pm - Lunch at Foša

Located in the charming little port of Foša, at the entrance to Zadar's old town, the eponymous restaurant welcomes lovers of fine cuisine to its terrace overlooking the sea in fine weather. Chef Damir Tomljanović, awarded 3 Toques Gault&Millau, has created a Mediterranean menu with Dalmatian influences, featuring noble fish, seafood and fresh produce. The tasting menu offers a culinary score of great finesse: fresh oysters, fillet of sea bass with sea urchin coral, carpaccio of Saint-Pierre with caviar, creamy risotto with pistachio pesto and scallops, or fillet of denti with tangy fennel. An airy strawberry dessert brings the meal to a brilliant close.

Foša
Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 2, 23420, Zadar

6 pm - Marine organ and sunset on the Adriatic

Just a few steps from the center, the waterfront unveils one of Zadar's most astonishing experiences. Designed by architect Nikola Bašić, the Marine Organ is a marble staircase descending into the sea. Under the steps, a system of pipes allows water to flow through, creating a melody to the rhythm of the waves. An aquatic "concert" to be enjoyed at sunset. Just next door is another work by Bašić, Salut au Soleil. This large glass disc, inlaid with solar panels, absorbs the sun's energy during the day and lights up at nightfall.

Day 7: Island of Pag - Lunar landscapes and gourmet delights

09:30 am - Discover the town of Pag

Linked to the mainland by a bridge, the island of Pag fascinates with its lunar landscape, sculpted by the bura wind. First stop: the town of Pag, where we explore the church of Sainte-Marie and the lace gallery, housed in the former ducal palace. This exceptional skill, handed down since the 15th-century, is listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site. Another of the island's riches is salt, nicknamed "white gold". Harvested for centuries, it is the subject of a dedicated exhibition that traces its key role in local culture.

8 pm - Star dinner at Boškinac

In the heart of the vineyards and olive groves of the island of Pag, Boškinac offers a gastronomic interlude as poetic as it is ambitious. Housed in an elegant country house that also doubles as a boutique hotel, chef Matija Bregeš's Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates the flavors of its terroir with masterful inventiveness. Pag lamb, Adriatic fish, cheeses, wild herbs and olive oil are featured on two tasting menus: one dedicated to the island, the other inspired by the chef's career. The cuisine is modern and sensitive, highlighting the very essence of the products in an artistic interpretation of Dalmatian tradition. In summer, the terraces set amidst the gardens offer an idyllic setting. For a more convivial experience, the tavern offers generous dishes cooked over a wood fire, served under garlands of lights.

Boškinac
Škopaljska 220, 53291, Novalja, Croatia

Day 8: Krk Island - An island of many faces

Croatia's largest island, Krk boasts 200 kilometers of coastline dotted with heavenly beaches, wild coves and sleepy villages. But behind its picture-postcard backdrop, the island hides a rich cultural heritage. It was here that the Baška tablet was discovered, the first written text to mention Croatia. Between centuries-old vineyards, ancient ramparts and hidden monasteries, Krk is a destination in itself, with its own international airport.

10 am - Krk town

The island's capital, Krk reveals its medieval past behind 2,000-year-old ramparts. Vela Place beats to the rhythm of cafés and small stalls, while the Cathedral of the Assumption, topped by its emblematic dome, dominates the landscape. Further on, the Frankopan Castle, an imposing stone fortress, reminds us that the island was once a strategic stronghold.

2 pm - Wine tasting in Vrbnik

This hilltop village with its weathered facades is the sanctuary of Žlahtina, a dry white wine found only on the island. For a proper tasting, head for the island's many wine cellars, where you can sip this unique grape variety, often with a view of the Adriatic. The good life.

Day 9: Krk between land and sea

08:30 am - Hike to Mount Obzova

Obzova, the highest peak on the island of Krk, has to be earned. It takes two hours' walk to reach the 568-metre peak. Three well-marked trails lead up to it, the most accessible being the Treskavac - Veli Vrh loop. The scenery is mineral, with white rocks, wild grasses and low drystone walls, with little shade to cool off in. But the effort is worth it: at the top, the view stretches over Cres, Lošinj, Rab, the Bay of Rijeka and the Velebit mountains. A view that's worth the climb.

5 pm - Private sunset cruise

To round off this Dalmatian escapade in style, embark on a two-hour private cruise along Krk's west coast. Wind-sculpted cliffs, stone villages, peaceful coves... a breathtaking sight in the golden evening light. In mid-August, don't miss Krk Sails, a regatta featuring traditional sailing boats, and the Nocturnal Boat Show, where illuminated boats glide along the ramparts of the old town. Our 7-10 day Croatia road trip comes to a magical close.

Article produced in partnership with the Croatian National Tourist Board