2 Weeks in Croatia: Pula to Dubrovnik Road Trip

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The best part about this Dubrovnik to Pula road trip along the Dalmatian Coast is that you’re sampling many regions of Croatia. What’s more, end to end, the road trip doesn’t require hours upon hours of driving – more eating, exploring little towns and wineries, and taking it easy – or like the Croatians say “pomalo“.

I spent about a month exploring Croatia, mainly sticking to the city of Split as my home base, and so I learned quite a bit about how things are, the food, the nightlife, and the complicated relationship to their history of Communism.

In this post, I will stick close to the Dalmatian Coast and show you the variety of Croatia, guiding you on the 14-day road trip I went on. Steal it and make it your own!

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2 Weeks in Croatia: Pula to Dubrovnik Road Trip

As a heads up, you could totally make this road trip in reverse and go from Dubrovnik to Pula. I chose to start in wine country and end on the beaches. Here’s the route from Pula to Dubrovnik along the Dalmatian Coast.

Day 1: Arrive in the Istria Region

Pula is a small city in the northern region of Istria, which is known for the Malvasian wine I learned to love. While I liked it, I loved the nearby cuter, more medieval town of Rovinj, so this is where I decided to base myself for a couple of days as I explored.

There are a few ways to get to Rovinj:

• Fly to Pula, Drive to Rovinj (Driving Time: 1 hour)
• Fly to the capital of Zagreb, Drive to Rovinj (Driving Time: 3 hours)
• Rent a car for 7 days either way, making sure to pay the extra fee for picking it up in one location (either Pula or Zagreb) and dropping it off in Split.

Rovinj was the prettiest place and the absolute highlight of the Istria region for me. The small town sits high on a hill near the coast and is full of winding cobblestone streets, cute bars and restaurants, and charming little houses. So I want you to explore the town, unwind a bit and have some gelato at Gelateria Italia – it was my favorite!

Where to Stay in Rovinj [3 nights]

You’ll be in Rovinj for 3 nights. I recommend booking a small B&B or Hotel south of the Old Town so you will have the advantage of being in a picturesque area within walking distance of the town and having a place to park your car. As you may imagine, the Old Town itself is a car-free area.

📍 Luxury: Dal Pescatore – More spacious and more adorable than the pictures give it credit for. I also loved the light in the space!
📍 Mid Range: Hotel Casa Garzotto – While this little boutique is in the Old Town center, I recommend it because they do take care of your parking (it’s included), and it is SO cute and cozy to be right in the middle of everything!

Day 2: Explore Pula & Rovinj

If you’re up for a half-day adventure, take a drive in the morning down to Pula and explore. My favorite was the Pula Colosseum which is remarkably better preserved compared to the one in Rome – I enjoyed a nice coffee in the sun at the nearby cafe right before the tour.

My second favorite was the Golden Gate (Arch of Sergii), which blew my mind because it used to be the old town gate built before Jesus Christ – and yes, you can touch it.

PRO TIP: There is a cool little bar right in front of the Golden Gate where famous author James Joyce used to drink. Most known for books like Ulysses and Finnegans Wake – spot his statue and look for cocktails.

In the afternoon, drive back up to Rovinj. Here are a few places you’ve got to see in Rovinj:

• La Grisia – This is the most popular (and biggest) street in Rovinj, and it leads up to the big church of St. Euphemia. You can’t miss it as it’s full of shops, restaurants, and cuteness.
• The Church of St. Euphemia – Get to the top and enjoy the views of the town and the sea from the little hidden gem Caffe Bar XL, especially at sunset!
• The Old Town – Explore inside the city walls – this is how you will fall in love with Rovinj.
• Punta Corrente Forest– This is a 15-minute walk from the old town and is a great park for a leisurely walk in a forest by the sea. Take a snack and a bottle of wine with you!

Day 3: A Day in Motovun

Wake up early and put on your day-drinking shoes – we’re exploring Motovun and the wineries around the hilltop village. The driving time should only be 1 hour from Rovinj, and the town itself is a typical example of Venetian architecture – plus, it is wonderful to walk around inside the city walls.

A few wineries I loved:

• Tomaz Winery: A little outside of town, my favorites were their rosés.
• Fakin Winery: Great tour of the cellars and delicious aged Malvasia. Pairs splendidly with their meat and cheese boards!
• ROSSI Winery & Distillery: Beautiful views, good wine selection, and even better gin cocktails!

➡️ This is a wonderful all-inclusive guided tour: Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Rovinj. ⬅️

FUN FACT: Motovun is known as the city of Veli Jose (Big John), the gentle giant. Written by Vladimir Nazor in the early 1900s, the fairytale is a commentary on the national struggles of the Croatian people for equality. In fact, quite a few Croatian stories are about this topic of independence and national pride.

Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park

We say goodbye to the Istria region and head southeast to one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia – Plitvice Lakes National Parks. I recommend getting an earlier start and driving along the beautiful Dalmatian Coastline on E65 as you pass Rijeka. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Rovinj to the park.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of stunning green & blue pools, over 90 waterfalls, and tons of caves. This will be a welcome change from the first few days of eating, drinking, and small-town life.

Once you settle into your lodging, you’ll want to drive into Plitvice Lakes National Park and spend the afternoon exploring and walking up and down its many trails. Don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch and that bottle of wine I hope you purchased in Motovun yesterday! 🙂

Where to Stay in Plitvice

This is only an overnight stay on this Croatia road trip, and I recommend the local bed & breakfasts around Plitvice Lake National Park.

📍 Luxury: Plitvice Falls Cottage – Newer built cottages with a bunch of little luxuries, large beds, and bathtubs. It’s a beautiful property and does not break the bank!
📍 Mid Range: Plitvice Lakes Etno Garden Houses – You’ll notice this hotel as you head down to the dock to start your trail around the lakes. They gave me Colorado winter cabin vibes – I stayed here!

Day 5: Explore Zadar

The driving time from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Zadar is about 1.5 hours. If you’re looking for a morning rush, add a stop along your Croatia road trip itinerary and Bungee Jump from Maslenicki Bridge – schedule ahead!

Once you get to Zadar, there are a few places to explore:

• Sea Organ – This was my favorite! Essentially, it’s an organ mounted underneath a staircase and played by the waves of the sea. Great for a nice calming walk.
• The Land Gate – as you walk around the little peninsula, you’ll definitely walk past the gate that used to be the entrance to the city.
• The Park of Vladimir Nazor – Remember that story from Motovun about the gentle giant. Well, here’s a lovely park named in his honor. At night, there is a magical little bar that opens up in the park – Ledana Lounge Bar & Club.
• Narodni Trg (People’s Square) – Yes, the Croats need more vowels in their lives! Ha, get you an adult beverage and read a book here.

Where to Stay in Zadar

I loved the lodging selection inside the Old Town of Zadar. Most apartments are newly remodeled and quaint. You’ll likely need to park your car outside the city walls, but as the old town is compact, it will be a short walk to your lodging.

📍 Luxury: Bastion Heritage Hotel – Right in the historic town, and the location of the famous fine dining restaurant Kaštel. Super elegant interiors and a spacious terrace overlooking the garden.
📍 Mid Range: Riva Palace – A stylishly renovated 100+ year old building, now a 4-star hotel right in the heart of Old Town overlooking the water.

Day 6: Krka National Park

👉 NOTE: This is the day I returned my car in Split. You won’t need it after Split.

Today we’re driving from Zadar to Split (1.5 hr drive), with a special stop at Krka National Park – Google will take you right to the entrance. I would plan to stay around 3 hours here, and as always, because this is a road trip, pack a lunch and a wine! The hiking trails and waterfalls at Krka National Park are stunning and the wooden boardwalks are super well-kept.

Once you arrive in Split, take the night off (or see a show) and get lost inside the Diocletian Palace.

PRO TIP: If you want to add an artistic stop along your Croatia road trip itinerary, check the schedule for tickets at the Croatian National Theater in Split. I saw a wonderful ballet called Esmeralda.

Where to Stay in Split [3 nights]

You are staying in Split for 3 nights, and there is no shortage of fantastic spots to stay within the walls of the Diocletian Palace, where you are walking distance from everything.

📍 Luxury: Piazza Heritage Hotel – The Croatians have truly mastered turning an ancient building into an elegant, modern space without losing its old-school charm. This is one I recommend, in the middle of everything.
📍 Mid Range: ID Regal Residence – Another charming property, with a cozy feel to it, in the middle of the Diocletian Palace.

Day 7: Explore Split

Welcome to my favorite city on our Croatia road trip – this little slice of history feels more authentic, has fewer tourists, and has a lot of history to offer compared to Dubrovnik in my opinion. The old town of Split is very walkable, and I recommend booking this Small-Group Walking Tour of Split so you have the full story.

The highlights are Diocletian’s Palace (which most of the city is built on), but you can also go into the passageways and courtyards, climb up to the bell tower near the cathedral, or just wander around the city.

Restaurants I love in Split:
👉 Uje Bar – An olive oil bar with great wines
👉 Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar – Yes, a bit touristy, but top-notch food & wine. Not to mention the atmosphere. Yes to the lamb!
👉 Pandora Greenbox – Great for a healthy brunch or lunch.
👉 Luka Ice Cream & Cakes – This place right here won my heart. And was dangerously close to my Airbnb.
👉 Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar – The owner is Argentinian/Croatian and what a cute little alleyway for a bar.

Day 8: The Island of Mljet

Grab a quick morning ferry from Split to one of the largest islands off the Dalmatian Coast, the Island of Mljet (pronounced Mil-yet).

I like this island because it’s off the beaten path when it comes to the usual Croatia road trip things to see, and has remained largely unspoiled, covered in forests, and surrounded by the sea.

Most of the island is a national park, so today is going to be a day of hiking, snacking on your packed lunch, napping in the sun, and swimming. The island has two main lakes to enjoy at your own pace, the Veliko Jezero (large lake) and the Malo Jezero (small lake).

The coolest part about these lakes is that they are saltwater lakes – a natural phenomenon that happens only in a few places around the world – mind blown!

PRO TIP: Check ferry times here. Don’t miss the boat back, there are not a lot of options off this island.

Day 9: The Island of Vis

Take the ferry from Split to Vis (2.5 hours) and explore the old town in the afternoon. I rented a scooter for the 2 days I was on the island and it was well worth it. Check the ferry times for your dates.

Some of my favorite restaurants on the island:

• Lola Konoba & Bar – The perfect dinner date and atmosphere!
• Restaurant Vatrica – Great for a seafood lunch by the sea!

Where to Stay on Vis [2 nights]

I recommend 2 days on Vis. The island has 2 main towns on opposite ends, the little town of Vis where your boat will land, and the town of Komiza, where you can get a boat and explore the Blue Caves.

📍 Luxury: Studio Apartments Kuljiš – No matter where you lodge in the little port town of Vis will be within walking distance of everything in town!
📍 Mid Range: Studio In The Heart Of The Town – right on the beach in the port area.

Day 10: Blue Cave on Vis

The Blue Cave is the type of natural gem that actually looks better in person than in pictures, and is a must-see when island hopping in Croatia. The boat tour to the cave itself is a short 30 minutes, best done on a sunny day in the mornings!

Logistically, you can book the trip in the town center of Komiza, on the other side of Vis Island. It should be about a 1-hour slow and steady scooter ride from one end of the island to the other.

Once you’ve done the Blue Cave tour, you can take your time exploring Komiza. I loved walking around and eating at Konoba Barba for dinner.

Day 11: The Island of Hvar

Grab the morning ferry from Vis to Hvar and settle into the city. This island is known for its party scene and is both a port and resort town. As you only have one night, I recommend enjoying the city, sampling the foods in the local Konobas, and getting lost.

If you’re aching to add a beach day to your Croatia road trip itinerary, this is the day – check out Pokonji Dol beach (25 min walk from town). If you’re into the scenic views, follow the signs from St. Stephens Square up to Spanjola Fortress (Hvar Fort). And bring your camera!

Where to Stay in Hvar [1 night]

Stay overnight for 1 day in Hvar Town. Many options exist, from resorts to B&B, hotels, Hostels, etc. Choose your own adventure here, but book ahead of time, as this is a popular spot on our Croatia road trip!

 📍 Luxury: Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel– In the heart of the city, this is one of those well-done remodels of a heritage stone hotel from way back when. The views, terrace, and gardens are stunning!
📍 Mid-Range: Apartment Lilly with Amazing City View – phenomenal property close to everything!

Day 12: Stay in Dubrovnik

Today is another ferry ride, this time from Hvar to Dubrovnik. You have the option to leave in the morning with Krilo Ferry or in the afternoon with Jadroliniaja Ferry. I personally took the afternoon boat, opting for more time in Hvar – and went to the beach again! Again, check the ferry times for your dates – both options will take about 3.5 hours time.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik [2 nights]

Staying in Dubrovnik is a bit tricky, as the town is very condensed and old. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel (and to save some money), you will need to stay outside of the city walls and take the bus in.

📍 Luxury: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad – A blow it out of the water property, wow! Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands.
📍 Mid-Range: Studio Doklestic – More reasonable and just as cozy and centrally located. I think the true hero here is the washing machine. 🤗

Day 13: Explore Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a beautiful stop on the Croatia road trip itinerary, but Game of Thrones has made it very touristy. Nevertheless, jump on a Walking Tour of Dubrovnik to get a better sense of what you’re looking at and the history inside the city walls.

You can take a boat out to Lokrum, a small island with tons of rabbits and peacocks, and a little museum area with an iron throne.

You can also go up by cable car to get a good view of the entire city from Mount Srdj. The war museum is supposed to be excellent – the history of the region and politics is fascinating.

Day 14: Fly Home

You can fly home from Dubrovnik. Don’t forget to post your favorite pictures to inspire all the haters out there! 🙂

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Driving in Croatia

Here are a few FAQs about driving in Europe, especially from Pula to Dubrovnik. There are also a few tips on planning this road trip logistically.

I recommend getting the smallest car you can because the streets of Croatia are narrow – parking something like an SUV will be a nightmare! I paid the extra fee to pick it up in one location and drop it off in another – wasn’t that expensive for the added convenience.

What are ways of getting around in Croatia?

• Flying – The main airports in Croatia will be Zagreb (the capital), Pula (northwest), Split (center), and Dubrovnik (southeast). Check to see which one has the better flight options and local connections – I flew into Zagreb and rented a car from there.
• Rent a Car – This is pretty common, and it’s what most travelers do.
• Ferry – Check the ferry times for all islands and ports as you go and be on time. My route makes sure you have already returned the car when you start using ferries/boats – cost-saving at its best!
• Scooter – And in some cases, rent a scooter – especially when you are island hopping!

Is it safe to drive in Croatia?

Yes! And as always, be mindful of speed traps. I did get pulled over for speeding not once – but 2x! I simply showed my US Drivers’ License and Passport upon request.

A fun fact that is definitely NOT American – you can settle the ticket with cash, right then and there, with the officer, for a discounted price! I also got a few parking tickets, which you can easily pay at the post office or by using the PayDo.hr app.

Do I need travel insurance for my Croatia road trip?

Despite the scary’ish history of being part of the former Soviet Union umbrella, Croatia is a beautiful country with good people.

The towns are quaint, the pickpocketing is definitely less of a worry compared to Italy, and in general, most people speak English and are very helpful to tourists.

Regarding driving, the roads are in good condition and Croatian drivers are rule-abiding. That said, it’s important to be aware of safety before you hit the open road. If you’re traveling from the USA, you can review this FAQ on Travel Medical Insurance for any eventuality – I recommend this one because it’s inexpensive (around $40 a month).

This is what I use:
 SAFETYWING: Nomad Travel Insurance 

How long does it take to drive the coast of Croatia?

If you drive this route end to end without stopping, you’ll be traversing about 450 miles (~725 km) in about 7.5 hours. While I hope you don’t do that, for those long stretches of time in the car, here are a few Ways I Passed the Time to avoid boredom.

It is super easy to hear about 300 must-see places on the coast of Croatia, and the cool part is – with this Croatia road trip itinerary, you won’t need to go hours out of your way to do just that!

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2 Weeks in Croatia: Travel Tips

There are so many little trips worth exploring in Croatia that I think you could spend many vacations exploring this gorgeous country and still not be bored.

Is Pula worth visiting?

I think it’s worth a day of exploration, especially since there are 2 super cool things to explore.

• The Pula Colosseum – Is remarkably better preserved compared to the one in Rome and worth a tour.
• The Golden Gate (Arch of Sergii) – This blew my mind because it used to be the old town gate built before Jesus Christ – and yes, you can touch it! There’s a cool little bar right in front of the gate where James Joyce used to drink. He’s a famous writer known for Ulysses and Finnigans Wake– spot the statue and look for cocktails!

Is island hopping in Croatia worth it?

Islands have a special place in my heart, and hell yes it’s worth hopping to a few. I loved exploring:

• Vis – A small, quaint, and romantic island and home of the Blue Cave!
• Mljet – My favorite island for unspoiled nature, hiking, and swimming.
• Hvar – A great party town, and I definitely get the hype – its beautiful.

Next up on my bucket list is an Adriatic Sea sailing trip from the northern parts of Istria to the southern islands of Croatia. A girl can dream…

Is Croatia expensive?

No. The greatest part about Croatia is that it is very affordable compared to other European destinations. As a reference, a meal costs about $10 per person, and short-term accommodation costs about $50-70 a night per person.

Be mindful to avoid tourist trap restaurants and lodging. And don’t road trip this region during high season tourist months.

What is the best time to visit Croatia?

I would avoid the high season of July – August, as costs and traffic are higher. I made this road trip from Pula to Dubrovnik in May, but I also recommend the months of June and September.

To that point, I’ve put together a few tips for Cute and Comfy Road Trip Outfits that may save you some time when deciding what to pack!

What should I eat and drink in Croatia?

Croatian cuisine is a fun mix of Italian and Eastern European. Try the pizza, pasta, black risotto, and anything with the local truffles. Don’t forget the fresh fish and grilled meats – you are on the coast!

Tipping it’s usually 10% in Croatia.

Wines are a hit or miss for me here, as my comfort zone is French, Spanish, and Italian varieties. That said, here are my top 3 go-to Croatian wines:

• Posip – A white wine from the Island of Korcula.
• Malvasia – A Mediterranean grape that grows great on the Dalmatian coast.
• Dingac – A solid red wine for dinner.

If wine is not your cup of tea, just grab the local beer, Ožujsko. Cheers!

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2 Weeks in Croatia: What should I avoid?

❌ Don’t stay in the Old Town area.

This is mostly due to cost, especially during peak season, but also the practicality of parking your car when you have it. Most old towns are car-free zones. That said, most of my lodging recommendations are within walking distance of the old town.

❌ Don’t debate the history of Yugoslavia and the War with Serbia.

This is a fairly fresh (think ’90s) and touchy subject for some Croatians. I advise a bit of cultural awareness – you are a guest in this country, so listen and learn. 🙂

❌ Don’t get trapped by tourist restaurants.

Yes, they are cute and have decent food, but it’s all the same menu and the prices are inflated for people like you and me. There are more authentic spots on the side streets, just make sure you read the reviews – and check out my recommendations!

❌ Don’t forget your water shoes.

You’ll thank me later. Croatia has rocky beaches. Walking around the pebbles and getting in the water is tricky – this isn’t the sands of Hawaii.

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Conclusion: Pula to Dubrovnik Road Trip

Croatia is a gem! This was my first time in the region, and I fell in love with everything from the people’s hospitality, how easy it was to navigate, and the beautiful coastlines.

Outside of taking more time in each spot, I think this was a solid 2 weeks in Croatia along the coast without feeling rushed. It showed the variety of the area and hit the top highlights of the region with Rovinj & Pula (Italian influences), Split (Venetian influences), Hvar (Greek and French influences), and Dubrovnik (the “Pearl of the Adriatic”).

If I did have a few more days, I would add the capital of Zagreb (Austro-Hungarian influences) to my itinerary – it is supposed to have a great food scene. I would also spend a night in Bosnia and Herzegovina, right in the cute town of Mostar.

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