Coasting Through Croatia

You know what hates to see me coming? A dang 4-day weekend! I live for weekends that give me enough time to really conquer a city. Enough time to figure out the public transportation, have one day dedicated to absolutely no itinerary, and not feeling guilty for getting back to the AirBnb before 10pm to watch Bridgerton after a yummy dinner.

Veteran's Day weekend this year was just that.

I had two cities on my mind - Split & Dubrovnik. I pulled up my RyanAir app to check out prices and after a few searches something crossed my mind...roadtrip.

In order to hit both cities and a few more gems on the Croatian coast, I decided to pack up the Mini Coop (her name is Margot, if you're one of those people who name your car like me) and head south...and east!

Here is a quick breakdown of the road trip & hours:

• Friday - after work, drove 2.5hrs to Rijeka, Croatia

• Saturday - woke up early and drove 4hrs to Split, Croatia

• Sunday - drove 3hrs to Dubrovnik, Croatia

• Monday - drove 4hrs to Zadar, Croatia

• Tuesday - drove 5hrs back to Italy

Each city truly only needed a day and I didn't feel rushed at all the whole trip.

Split Highlights

Sights - The Old Town, Diocletian Palace, Riva Promenade, and Saint Domnius Bell Tower (best views of the city).

Eats - ZOI is a must! It is a Michelin star on the Riva Promenade. The Chef is from southern Spain. I did the 3 course tasting (they have an 8 option as well) and everything was perfect...arugably one the best meals I've ever had.

AirBnB -

https://www.airbnb.com/l/pebtnXaH

Dubrovnik Highlights

Sights - Pay the $40 and walk the city walls - it is worth it! The old city is beautiful and something around every corner.

Eats - Dubravka, Lucin Kantun (great tapas), & Holy Burek

AirBnB - https://www.airbnb.com/l/n7ZrLuqD

Zadar Highlights

Sights - The Forum, The Greeting to the Sun, & the Sea Organ

Eats - Pet Bunara was really great. They have a seasonal menu and I did the pumpkin soup to start with one of their Amber wines...so dang good!

AirBnB - https://www.airbnb.com/l/7i5wdd3L

This trip was the perfect blend of relaxing and engaging. Croatia is such a beautiful country with so many gems. I loved hopping in the car every morning eager to seek out another city. I guess this time it wasn't "text you when I land"...but more of a, "I'll text you when I get there!"