Adriatic Highway Croatia Road Trip + Map: The Ultimate Coastal Drive (Rijeka to Dubrovnik) 🚗
This is the Croatia road trip that turns your camera roll into a full-time job. The Adriatic Highway (D8) is basically one long ribbon of sea views, cliffy pull-offs, and “just one more stop” moments. I’d do it north to south, so the scenery builds and you finish in Dubrovnik feeling smug and sun-kissed. Also, you’re not backtracking at the end when you’re tired and living off petrol station snacks. Been there, ate the sad croissant. I love Croatia! 💙
If you’re sorting the boring-but-important bits:
- Grab our recommended car hire early (peak dates disappear fast) 🚙
- Book coastal bases on our favourite Booking.com Croatia so you’re not parking 2km away and “accidentally” hiking in sandals 🏡
Adriatic Highway Croatia Road Trip
🚗 Quick Trip Facts
- 🚗 Route style: One-way, north → south (Rijeka/Opatija to Dubrovnik)
- 🗓️ Best trip length: 7 days (10–12 if you want islands without stress)
- 🛣️ Driving vibe: Scenic and slower than it looks. Plan for stops, not speed 😌
- 🅿️ Parking: Old towns can be chaos. Stay just outside and walk in
- ⛴️ Island add-ons: Easy, but book ahead in summer if taking the car
- 🌬️ Winter reality: Wind can be spicy on exposed coast roads
- 💶 Budget note: Fuel + parking adds up, but the views feel free 😄
Route outline (links up nicely):
Rijeka/Opatija → Senj → Zadar → Šibenik/Krka → Split/Trogir → Makarska Riviera → Ston/Pelješac → Dubrovnik 🗺️
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Pack a “car beach kit” (towel, swim stuff, flip-flops, snacks). You’ll stop for random swims. It’s inevitable 🏖️🧃
🚗 Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars
The Itinerary 🗺️✨
Day 1: Rijeka or Opatija → Zadar (coastal drive day) 🌊
Start with Kvarner Bay vibes and ease into the trip. This is the day you realise the D8 is not a “get there fast” road, it’s a “stop constantly because your eyes are greedy” road. Take it slow, pull over often, and arrive in Zadar ready for sunset. If you try to rush, you’ll just arrive stressed and hungry, which is not the vibe. 😅
📍 Things to do (en route + evening):
- Quick wander in Novi Vinodolski 🏘️
- Stop in Senj for fortress views and a coffee ☕
- Pull over near Karlobag for sea-cliff drama 📸
- Zadar sunset: Sea Organ + waterfront stroll 🌅
👉 Good to know: In colder months, wind can make some stretches feel a bit wild. If it’s gusty, drive chill and allow extra time 🌬️
🚗 Recommended Tour to get you started: Plitvice Lakes Tour
🗺️ Related Article: Plitvice Lakes National Park: A Guide
Day 2: Zadar + Nin (easy day, big payoff) 😌
Zadar is one of those places that feels laid-back but still gives you loads. You can do the old town without racing, then head out to Nin for beaches and that “I could live here” moment. It’s also the perfect day to catch up on sleep, laundry, or doing absolutely nothing except eating pastries. Strongly recommend. 🥐✨
📍 Things to do:
- Old Town wander (lanes, sea views, cute cafés) ☕
- Nin for lagoons + beaches 🏖️
- Optional: Pag Island for surreal landscapes and cheese 🧀
🔹 Pro tip: If you want one organised day on this trip, Zadar is a great base. Otherwise, keep it free and floaty 🌊
🗺️ Recommended Read: Discover Zadar, Croatia: A Traveller’s Guide
Recommended Tours and Tickets From Get Your Guide
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Day 3: Zadar → Šibenik + Krka detour → Split 💦🏛️
Today is your “waterfalls then city buzz” combo. Šibenik is a perfect stop to break the drive, then Krka gives you your nature fix before you roll into Split. Wear comfy shoes. Croatian stone streets are gorgeous, but they do not care about your ankles. I learned this the hard way. 😭👟
📍 Things to do:
- Šibenik old town leg-stretch 🏘️
- Krka detour for that green-and-river glow 🌿
- Evening in Split: Riva promenade + old town wander 🍷
💡 Fact: This coastal drive is famous for being scenic and curvy, so it often takes longer than expected. That’s normal, not you “driving wrong” 😄
🔥 Recommended Tour: Krka Waterfalls Tour
🗺️ In the Area: Krka National Park Guide: Prices, Opening Hours and Best Routes
Day 4: Split + Trogir (slow day, maximum charm) 🌞
Split is best when you don’t treat it like a checklist. Wander, snack, sit, repeat. Then pop over to Trogir for that medieval island-town magic. This is also the day I’d do one proper viewpoint, because nothing beats a “look at my life” photo when you’ve genuinely earned it. 📸✨
📍 Things to do:
- Split old town + palace area wander 🏛️
- Marjan Hill viewpoint walk 🌿
- Late afternoon in Trogir for golden hour + gelato 🍦
👉 Good to know: Parking in Split can test your personality. If you can, book accommodation you can walk from via Booking.com Split 🅿️😅
Day 5: Split → Omiš → Makarska Riviera (beach day energy) 🏖️
This is pure coastal joy. You’ll bounce between little coves and bigger beach towns and it’s hard not to stop constantly. Omiš is a great quick hit, then the Makarska Riviera turns the “wow” dial up. Expect pebbles, clear water, and a sudden desire to buy a snorkel you’ll use twice. 😂🤿
📍 Things to do:
- Stop in Omiš (river meets sea scenery) 🌊
- Brela for iconic turquoise water 💙
- Sunset dinner in Makarska 🍽️🌅
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Keep swim stuff accessible. The best dips are always the unplanned ones 🏊♀️
Day 6: Makarska → Ston → Pelješac → Dubrovnik 🦪
Today feels like you’re entering “southern Croatia” properly. Ston is the best kind of stop: tasty, easy, and breaks up the drive. Then it’s on to Dubrovnik, where the views are unreal and the stairs are… a personality test. 😅
📍 Things to do:
- Ston for oysters and a wander 🦪
- Optional: Pelješac detour for wineries 🍷
- Evening Dubrovnik old town stroll (cooler, calmer) 🌙
💡 Fact: This stretch can be one of the prettiest, so don’t rush it. Give yourself room for pull-offs and snack stops 🧃
Day 7: Dubrovnik (the grand finale) 🏰
Dubrovnik is stunning, yes, but the trick is timing. Early morning or late afternoon is your best friend, otherwise it’s crowds + heat + “why did I wear this” regret. Pick a couple of highlights, then slow down and enjoy it. Finish with a long dinner and the smug satisfaction of a road trip done right. 🍷✨
📍 Things to do:
- Walls early or late 🧱
- Lokrum for a calmer escape 🌿
- Viewpoint moment for the send-off 📸
💡 Good to know: Dubrovnik accommodation can get pricey. Booking early on Booking.com helps massively 🏡
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
ℹ️ Add the map to your Google Maps app.
After opening Google maps, click YOU and then scroll down to MAPS. It should be located there. Any issues, just get it touch, it’s no problem!
Pit Stops & Side Detours 🚗✨
- Paklenica area (mountains near the coast) 🏔️
- Klis Fortress (near Split, big views) 🏰
- Korčula add-on (if you want an island day without chaos) ⛴️
- Cavtat (near Dubrovnik, calmer vibes) 🌊
If you’re adding islands and taking the car, plan ahead in summer so you’re not stuck bargaining with a ferry queue at 7am 😅
🍽️ Local Eats Worth Chasing
- Pag cheese (snack it, buy it, become obsessed) 🧀
- Peka (slow-cooked goodness, worth the wait) 🍖
- Black risotto (tastes better than it looks, promise) 🖤
- Ston oysters (fresh and famous) 🦪
- Rozata (Dubrovnik dessert situation) 🍮
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If the place is called a konoba and locals are sat outside laughing loudly, stop thinking and sit down 😄
🎶 Road Trip Playlist
- Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way
- Dua Lipa – Levitating
- Coldplay – Adventure of a Lifetime
- Florence + The Machine – Dog Days Are Over
- The Beatles – Here Comes the Sun
- Kygo – Firestone
- Calvin Harris – Summer
- The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
- George Ezra – Shotgun
- Lorde – Solar Power
- Plus a little Croatian coastal flavour for vibes 🇭🇷🎶
👉 Good to know: Download offline. Mountain signal can be patchy and your playlist deserves better. 📲
🎙️ Podcasts to Queue Up
- The Travel Diaries
- Off Menu (dangerous if you’re hungry) 😂
- 99% Invisible
- Stuff You Should Know
- Casefile (maybe not for night drives in the rain… your call 😅)
Road Trip Essentials (All Year Round) 🎒🚗
Keep these in the car and you’ll dodge 90% of road trip annoyances:
- 🧥 Light layers (not just one big coat): Coastal weather loves a mood swing. A thin jumper + packable jacket wins.
- 🌧️ Rain jacket or poncho: Quick showers happen, and nobody enjoys being soaked while “just popping to the viewpoint”.
- 🕶️ Sunglasses + SPF: Even outside peak summer, the glare off the sea is no joke.
- 👟 Comfy grippy shoes: Old town stone streets can be slick, uneven, and generally out to humble you.
- 🔋 Power bank + charging cable: For maps, music, parking apps, and “where did we save that beach pin?”
- 🧻 Tissues + wet wipes: For snack hands, beach feet, and emergency “there’s no soap” situations.
- 💧 Water + snacks: You’ll always find a bakery… until you don’t. Keep backup supplies.
- 🧺 Microfibre towel + swim stuff: Random swim stops are basically mandatory on this route.
- 🧢 Hat + a warm beanie: Sounds dramatic, but the wind can flip the temperature fast.
- 🧯 Mini first-aid kit: Plasters for blisters, painkillers, travel sickness tablets, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺️ Offline maps downloaded: Signal drops happen on twisty coastal stretches and rural detours.
- 🪙 Cash + a card: Handy for small parking machines, bakeries, and tiny konobas.
- 🚘 Car basics: Screenwash, phone holder, and a small bin bag (your car will become a snack museum).
🔹cTinker’s Tip: Pack a little “front seat kit” (charger, wipes, sunglasses, snacks). Saves you rummaging in the boot like a raccoon at every stop 🦝😅
Rent a Car
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
FAQs
How many days do I need for this route?
7 days is a great sweet spot. If you want islands and slower mornings, 10–12 days is dreamy 😌
Is the coastal road hard to drive?
Not hard, just slower and curvier. Take your time, plan fewer miles, stop often 📸
Should I stay in a new place every night?
You can, but I prefer 2–3 bases to avoid constant packing. Your future self will thank you 🧳
Do I need to book accommodation and car hire early?
In peak season, yes. For sanity (and better prices), book ahead on Booking.com and sort car hire early 🚗🏡
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If you can, drive Grossglockner on a weekday and enter early. Same views, fewer “who parked this bus here?” moments. 😄
🚗 Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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