ZADAR TO SPLIT DRIVE: BEST STOPS ALONG THE WAY

If you’re planning a Zadar to Split drive this summer, these are my favourite stops along the way that you really shouldn’t miss.

Croatia is best explored by car, and as a local, I always recommend renting one and driving yourself. If your itinerary takes you between Zadar and Split, there are several great places you can stop at, even briefly, to see and experience something new in Croatia!

Keep reading to find out if this route is worth it and which stops are absolute must-sees along the way!

ZADAR TO SPLIT DRIVE: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AND IS IT WORTH IT?

The Zadar to Split drive is short, scenic, and absolutely worth it. Without any stops, it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, but you’ll want to add a few extra hours so you can enjoy some of the highlights along the way. Make sure you take the coastal road D8, also known as the Jadranska Magistrala. This is the route that lets you experience so much more compared to just driving directly via the highway.

ZADAR TO SPLIT DRIVE: LOCATIONS ALONG THE WAY YOU CANNOT MISS

Instead of rushing straight to Split via the highway, take the coastal road and make a few stops along the way. These are some of my favourites, and while it’s unlikely you’ll stop at every single one, all of them are worth it, so just choose the ones that appeal to you the most. This way, your drive from Zadar to Split will be much more memorable and enjoyable!

SIBENIK

Sibenik is a lovely first stop because it has a beautiful old town. It’s very typically Croatian, full of narrow stone streets, small squares, and great viewpoints. It’s also home to one of the prettiest cathedrals in the country, the Cathedral of St. James. You can park near the old town, take a short walk through the streets, stop for a coffee or breakfast, and just wander around. If you have a bit more time, I’d definitely recommend heading up to St. John Fortress before continuing your drive. Here’s how to spend your time in Sibenik!

KRKA NATIONAL PARK AND SKRADIN

If you’re up for a longer stop, Krka National Park is the perfect one. It’s one of the most popular destinations in this part of Dalmatia, and many visitors go there from Split. This way, you can visit it on your drive and save time for another day trip, maybe to the islands. The waterfalls and wooden walkways are absolutely stunning, and you’ll need around 2 to 3 hours to explore the park properly. Here’s a detailed guide to Krka National Park!

Nearby, you can also stop in Skradin. It’s a small, peaceful town where many people start their visit to the park. It’s a great place for a short walk, some nice views, and maybe a lunch before continuing your drive.

PRIMOSTEN

Primosten is one of the prettiest towns along the coast, and this definitely needs to be one of your stops. The old town sits on a small peninsula surrounded by clear blue water, and it truly looks incredible. There’s a great viewpoint above the town that’s perfect for photos, so make sure you stop there on your way in.

Primosten is perfect for a shorter stop since there isn’t a huge list of things to do. You can walk around the old town and take in the views, but I’d actually recommend stopping for a swim. The beaches are stunning, and swimming here with views of the old town is hard to beat.

TROGIR

Finally, the last stop before Split is Trogir, a charming small town that’s definitely worth a short stop. The old town is small but full of character, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a lively Riva promenade. It’s easy to explore in an hour or two before continuing your drive to Split. Here’s a guide to Trogir!

CONCLUSION: ZADAR TO SPLIT DRIVE

I have to say that any drive along the coastal road is absolutely stunning, but this Zadar to Split route really has some unforgettable gems along the way. My personal favourite stops here would be Krka NP and Primosten! It’s definitely worth taking your time and stopping at a few (or even all) of the places on this list. In the end, this drive will feel far more memorable, scenic, and rewarding than simply taking the highway!