Croatia Scenic Drives: Coastal Roads, Inland Loops & Hidden Gems
Croatia is an ideal country for driving slow or fast. Our 1 770 km (1 100‑mile) Adriatic coastline is full of spots to stop and admire, while inland roads go through flatlands, hillsides and next to rivers and castles. You can choose between cliff‑top highways like the Jadranska Magistrala (D8), 643 km of winding coastal road or quiet backroads in Slavonia and Baranja, the far eastern parts of the country. This guide sets the scene for every kind of Croatian drive, whether you love seaside vistas, forest passes or hidden countryside loops.
In this article, we’ll talk about the best Croatian road trips and best Croatian scenic routes, both inland and on the coast. This article will be expanded with more routes as the blog grows and it will show only my favourite routes in Croatia.
Coastal Roads
Intro to Magistrala
The Magistrala, as we call it, is one of the historically most important roads in Croatia. It connects the norhternmost parts of the Croatian coast with the far south. The Magistrala continues on into Montenegro, but the Croatian segment is its largest one. Over the years, it has become a national treasure and the most authentic way to drive in Croatia. Many of the routes on this blog are in some way connected to it because its beauty and importance is hard to ignore. The Magistrala even has its own documentary on the Croatian National Television, and is a lifeline for the locals living in both Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia.
Rovanjska to Novi Vinodolski
This is the section of road that made me create this blog when I drove it more than five years ago. It’s a hidden gem road trip in Croatia which includes more than two hours of elevation changes, great views of the Adriatic, hairpins, fast corners and great asphalt. It really is the essence of a great Croatian (and any) road trip, making it an absolute must-visit stretch of road in Croatia.
Southern Dalmatia: Šibenik to Primošten
Another route I’d suggest you to try out is the short, micro route between Šibenik and Primošten. A very popular section, it’s very short but offers spectacular views, a big drop towards the sea and several places to park your car and jump into the sea. It might not be worth it to drive by itself, but make sure you remember it if you’re in the vicinity.
Inland Drives
Kutina to Našice (Slavonia backroads)
This was a big surprise to me, and a great way to avoid the highway while travelling across Croatia. It starts just 70km from Zagreb and takes you east towards the Slavonian mountains, where you’ll find mountain lakes, vacation homes, water parks, wine tastings and much more. The Požega region is one of the best hidden gems in Croatia if you’re into driving and experiencing life to the fullest: it’s so hidden that almost no Croatians stop and think about it!
Našice to Požega Micro Route
Turning around in Našice and going to Požega is a smaller section of the route above, focused on the very technical segment of the road which includes a hairpin and many twists and turns through the forest. This makes it one of the most interesting roads in eastern Croatia, and one that is definitely worth traveling.
Kneževi Vinogradi & Baranja Loop
The route closest to me personally due to my location, the Baranja loop shows you the beauty of the region while not being too technical or tough to drive. It’s essentially a great way to experience Baranja by car, its many wineries, fields and other natural wonders. If you’re looking for places to go in Baranja such as the Belje winery, make sure to bookmark this route and take a nice big lap around this beautiful region.
What Makes a Road Scenic?
A scenic road is, for me, the reason to travel. Ever since we invented the car, we wanted to drive it to cool places, park it, have a coffee and go on. A good route is exactly this: it might not be a logical and smart way to travel, but it puts a smile on your face and makes you fall in love with driving. I understand that a lot of people do not share the same passion towards twisty roads as I do, but all of us can appreciate a great view, a beautiful landscape or a calm Sunday. This is why this blog exists, and it’s what I’m always talking about: a road with good views, significance, good asphalt, landscapes and good vibes is what makes travel worth it.
Croatia vs. Other European Road Trips
Croatia is a very small country, but we have tons of diversity on that very small scale. Sure, we’re not as popular internationally as the Amalfi coast or the Stelvio pass and the Dolomites, but here you can start the day by drinking espresso by the sea, and then end it by drinking wine in a wineyard on the completely opposite side of the country, with completely different climate, geography and vibes. This is what makes Croatian road trips so memorable: the changes in scenery are often and dramatic, and require low to no effort to get to. Roads are good, everything is well-connected and waiting for you to drive it.
FAQ
The best scenic routes are those around D8, or Magistrala, since they combine the views of the sea, many corners and great asphalt.
The best road trip would be to take the old road from Zagreb to Rijeka, and then go by Magistrala to Dubrovnik.
No, Cratia uses a pay-per-use toll system.
While you’re here…
Explore other routes I’ve driven and read more of my thoughs on the best roads in Croatia
Visit the toolkit and get prepared for the start of your Croatian road trip!
