7 days, 6 nights · From Belfast
7 day Croatia road trip from Belfast
A central Dalmatia loop starting and ending around Split, avoiding a rushed Dubrovnik detour. Use three bases—Split, Šibenik and Zadar—and reserve a car only for the driving days if the flight schedule allows.
Published · Costs are indicative, not live quotes.
Trip highlights
- Split and Trogir old towns
- Krka National Park
- Zadar’s waterfront
- A manageable Paklenica canyon walk
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Split
Morning: Travel from Belfast and transfer to Split. If arrival is early, walk the seafront Riva before dinner.
Afternoon: Explore Diocletian’s Palace lanes and Peristyle without trying to cover the whole city after flying.
Evening: Sleep in Split; delay car collection until morning if practical.
Places and stops
- Diocletian’s Palace — Follow the lanes around Peristyle and the old gates.
- Riva promenade — Easy first-evening walk beside the harbour.
Day 2: Trogir to Šibenik
Morning: Collect the car and drive the short first leg to Trogir. Walk its compact island old town before roads become busy.
Afternoon: Continue north to Šibenik, park outside the pedestrian core and climb towards St James Cathedral.
Evening: Stay in Šibenik and eat by the waterfront.
Places and stops
- Trogir old town — Walk the waterfront and cathedral quarter.
- St James Cathedral — The centrepiece of Šibenik’s old town.
Day 3: Krka from a Šibenik base
Morning: Drive to a current Krka entry point such as Lozovac or Skradin; check which transport connects to Skradinski Buk on your date.
Afternoon: Walk the marked waterfall circuit, then return to Šibenik for a slower late afternoon.
Evening: Keep the same room rather than repacking after the park.
Places and stops
- Skradinski Buk — Allow time for the boardwalk and park transfer, not just the waterfall photo.
- Šibenik old town — Return for a second, less hurried evening.
Day 4: Coastal drive to Zadar
Morning: Leave Šibenik after breakfast and follow the coast north, stopping for lunch before entering Zadar.
Afternoon: Walk the Roman Forum and St Donatus area, then head to the waterfront.
Evening: Watch sunset near the Sea Organ and sleep in Zadar.
Places and stops
- Roman Forum, Zadar — Begin the old-town circuit here.
- Sea Organ — A good endpoint for the waterfront walk.
Day 5: Paklenica without a summit push
Morning: Drive from Zadar to Paklenica Entrance 1 at Velika Paklenica. Check the forecast and start early in warm weather.
Afternoon: Take a marked canyon or shorter educational trail that matches your fitness; turn around with enough daylight for the return drive.
Evening: Return to the same Zadar base for dinner.
Places and stops
- Velika Paklenica Canyon — Stay on marked paths and carry water.
- Paklarić viewpoint trail — A shorter signed option near Entrance 1.
Day 6: Back to Split via Primošten
Morning: Drive south with a coastal break at Primošten rather than rushing straight down the motorway.
Afternoon: Return the car in Split if convenient and use the remaining hours for a Marjan viewpoint walk.
Evening: Sleep in Split near transport for departure.
Places and stops
- Primošten old town — Stretch your legs on the peninsula between longer driving legs.
- Marjan Hill — Choose a short viewpoint walk if the weather is comfortable.
Day 7: Split and flight home
Morning: Use a spare morning for Split’s market or a last palace walk, depending on flight time.
Afternoon: Travel to Split Airport with a buffer; do not plan a far-flung excursion on departure day.
Evening: Fly back to Belfast, connecting if needed.
Places and stops
- Split Green Market — Quick local stop near the eastern palace wall.
- Split Airport — Return journey starts here; check car return arrangements.
Indicative budget
£1,350 per person
Indicative per person sharing a car and rooms; includes a flight allowance, six nights, fuel, parking, meals and park entry. A connection from Belfast or seasonal schedule may change the total.
Where to stay
- Split old town fringe · Split, nights 1 and 6
Easy for arrival and departure without driving into the pedestrian palace lanes.
- Šibenik town base · Šibenik, nights 2–3
Practical for Krka and a walkable evening; confirm parking before booking.
- Zadar base · Zadar, nights 4–5
Good access to Paklenica while keeping the old town within a short walk or bus ride.
Getting around
Outbound: Fly from Belfast to Split on a suitable date, connecting if required. Collect the car after arrival or the next morning if landing late.
Local transport: Drive Split–Trogir–Šibenik–Zadar–Paklenica–Split. Allow extra time for summer traffic, tolls and old-town parking; do not drive in pedestrian centres.
Return: Return the car at Split Airport and leave a generous buffer after the final drive.