Croatia Vacation by Car: Enjoy Your Holidays Independently and Mobile

Spending your Croatia vacation by car has several significant advantages, as it allows you to be completely free in your movement and reach places you might otherwise miss. Croatia is undoubtedly a beautiful country and is brimming with insider tips waiting to be discovered by you.

One of the most important factors in a Croatia vacation by car is planning in advance. Are you aware of the traffic regulations? Have you planned your route, or do you just want to drive off and let yourself be surprised?

Once you have asked and sufficiently answered these questions, nothing stands in the way of a successful Croatia vacation by car.

What you should consider when traveling to Croatia by car

Apart from route planning, there are many other factors and details you should think about before starting your trip to Croatia by car.

Traveling to Croatia by car: The driving rules in Croatia

To drive a car in Croatia, you must be over 18 years old and, of course, you also need a valid driver's license. The speed limit for roads within cities is generally 50 km/h, on country roads 90 km/h, and on highways 130 km/h. However, always adhere to the signage and local speed limits.

Traveling to Croatia by car: Car rental in Croatia

Renting a car in Croatia is generally quite straightforward. Car rental companies are abundant, and for 30-40 euros a day, you can get a decent and well-maintained rental car. Regarding the deposit and other details, each car rental company has its own rules. It's best to compare a few providers before embarking on your trip to Croatia by car.

Croatia Vacation by Car: Accommodation in Croatia

There are numerous hotels, holiday apartments, and campsites in Croatia, but the best way to spend your Croatia vacation by car is, of course, a villa on the beach. This offers you plenty of space, you can cook your own meals (or have them cooked for you), and you have a quiet retreat to relax.

Even if you plan a longer road trip and want to stay in different places, we can offer you top-notch accommodation throughout Croatia. On a Croatia vacation by car, you are absolutely flexible and do not necessarily have to stay only in the city center or rely on a bus to take you home.

Another advantage of having your own accommodation is that you usually get a free parking space.

Panoramic view of a winding road along the Croatian coast, meandering through the rocky landscape. In the background, the Adriatic Sea sparkles under the clear, blue sky.

The Best Routes for a Croatia Vacation by Car

If you want to spend your Croatia vacation by car during the peak season, from June to September, it is important to adequately inform yourself in advance. During this time, attractions and tours are quickly booked up, which can make spontaneous planning a bit more difficult.

If you want to see as much as possible, you could drive through the entire country within five days, but that would be quite stressful. Instead, you should either choose a trip through Northern Croatia or a trip through the south of the country for your Croatia vacation by car – or take a bit more time to experience both.

Croatia Vacation by Car: Road Trip on the Northern Route

This route primarily leads through the picturesque national parks and less along the famous Adriatic coast. It is about 1,000 km long if you drive along the coast between Pula and Zadar and includes a total of about 14 hours of driving time. If you want to avoid toll fees on the highway during your Croatia vacation by car, you will need to take some detours from Zagreb to Pula and plan a bit more time.

Day 1: Start in Zagreb
Day 2: Pula or Rijeka
Day 3: Zadar
Day 4: Skradin + Krka National Park
Day 5: Back to Zagreb

Croatia Vacation by Car: Road Trip on the Southern Route

If you want to use your Croatia vacation by car to explore classic cities like Dubrovnik and islands like Hvar, a Croatia road trip through the southern part of the country is just right for you. The route is a little over 600 kilometers long and the total driving time is about 12 hours. If you do not want to pay toll fees, you will also need to plan a bit more time for this route.

Day 1: Start in Dubrovnik
Day 2: Makarska
Day 3: Split
Day 4: Skradin + Krka National Park
Day 5: Ferry to Hvar
Day 6: Back to Dubrovnik via Hvar

Important: If you drive from Dubrovnik towards Split, you will need to briefly pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since this involves both an entry into Bosnia and an exit from Bosnia, you must have your passport or ID card ready for inspection. You should always carry this with you anyway when you are on a Croatia vacation by car.

Croatia Vacation by Car: Plan Your Route and Book Directly with Crovillas

The best way to start your Croatia vacation by car is to choose one or more suitable accommodations. Whether you choose the northern or the southern route – we at Crovillas have luxurious villas for rent all over Croatia where you can recover from the strains of your journey.

So, it is best to book directly with Crovillas and focus on the rest of your Croatia vacation by car. If you have any further questions, just get in touch with us via Contact.