Zagreb to Dubrovnik By Car: The Best Drive in Europe You’ve Never Heard Of
If you want to experience medieval and modern Europe in 3 days while traveling on a budget, consider driving from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Tracing the A1 along Croatia’s iconic coastline you’ll enjoy well-maintained highways, tour ancient forts and medieval seaside villages while upgrading your stay with all the modern amenities by enjoying Croatia’s chic, modern hotels and world famous beach clubs.
Here is a simple, 3-day itinerary you can follow to make the most of a short trip to Croatia. The itinerary can be modified and extended to suit your preferences and timeline. To save money, I recommend that you book your rental vehicle one-way from a broker like Auto Europe Car Rental (where I work). Here’s why:
In Croatia, a country with a rental car market that is predominantly serviced by local companies that are not well-known to American travelers, working with a broker that can quote rates from all of the local companies can be a huge advantage and can ensure you are working with a reputable local service.
Now on to the itinerary!
Zagreb to Rovinj — Day 1 Drive to Rovinj’s Iconic Harbor
You will often save money by booking your flight into Zagreb, Croatia — the country’s capital city, and when you pick up your rental, set off for the coastal city of Rovinj, whose harbor overlooking the Adriatic will help you understand why Croatia is no longer the best-kept-secret in Europe.
The historic seaport in Rovinj offers you a diverse taste of local history, and its azure waters and picturesque shoreline has been fought for and won by Byzantines, Franks, Romans, Hapsburgs and Illyrians. The Venetians adored it and for 500 years made Rovinj a vassal state. Even in the past century, the idyllic seaside gem has passed hands between 4 nations (Italy, Yugoslavia, Austria and Croatia), and the architecture, dining, and dialects here reflect the town’s tumultuous ancient and recent history.
The road to Rovinj through Istria is unique, and worth driving. You’ll wind through vineyards bordered by ancient stone walls, your road zipping through charming hill towns renowned for its wonderful taverns, earthy olive oils and truffles. If you’re a foodie, and you have the time, draw out this drive and spend as much time as possible in Istria.
If your schedule allows, try to arrive in Rovinj in late afternoon, and walk the cobbled streets to a seaside restaurant where you can enjoy an epic Croatian sunset. Plan on a leisurely 3.5 hour drive through Istria to Rovinj on the first day of your trip.
Rovinj to Prvic Luka — Day 2 Drive South Along the Coast
A four and a half hour drive awaits you on Day 2 of your journey, which I recommend breaking up into two legs. You can stop at the Plitvice National Park to explore a series of cobalt pools and picturesque waterfalls (just inland, along the A1), or in the quaint village of Slunj for a different taste of local cuisine which veers into the savory depths of the wooded landscape it occupies.
On the drive to the Dalmatian Coast and Prvic Luka, you’ll pass through the Dinaric Alps, enjoying inspiring views of the Velebit range to your west and Mount Dinara to your east. The landscape changes so much, so quickly on this stretch of road, where you’re likely to encounter countless cheese vendors on the side of the road. If you park in the medieval village of Sibenik, you can take a ferry to Prvic, a small island where you’ll encounter few tourists, even in the high season. On the island you can expect amazing seafood at a local restaurant for dinner, and I recommend taking after-dinner cocktails under the stars, which will be transcendent from your island vantage point.
Prvic Luka to Dubrovnik — Day 3 Split and Dubrovnik in a Single Day
Take a leisurely breakfast on the island and soak in the Croatian sun before hopping a ferry back to your car in Sibenik. From Sibenik enjoy the views offered by the Magistrala road toward Split, one of Croatia’s most beautiful coastal cities.
Despite Split’s popularity with tourists, it’s a great city to visit any time of year. By day you’ll find locals and tourists lounging on the beach or playing Picigin and in the evenings the Diocletian Palace springs to life — a melting pot of energy where rustic taverns and shops offer a steady flow to Split’s legendary beach clubs.
Split is an excellent place to enjoy lunch and some time on the beach before returning to your rental car for the final three hours of your journey.
Dubrovnik’s 13-century walls may look familiar if you’re a Game of Thrones fan (It’s the real-life King’s Landing), and it’s a city worth exploring for as much time as you have left on your Croatian adventure.
At dinner, indulge and order a chilled bottle of local Champagne (Posip) to celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and enjoy stunning views of the Dalmatian coastline as you reflect on all of the wonderful memories you’ve made.
