Split, Croatia
Split is the kind of place that sneaks up on you. You arrive thinking you’ll spend a day or two exploring Diocletian’s Palace and end up staying a week, seduced by the rhythm of coastal life, the seafood, and the sheer convenience of having some of Europe’s most stunning destinations right on your doorstep. Croatia’s second-largest city is a living museum where Roman ruins house bustling cafes and bars, and the Riva waterfront promenade fills with locals and travelers alike as the sun dips behind the islands.
Here’s the thing about Split, though: as brilliant as the city is, the real magic happens when you get mobile. Renting a car here opens up the entire Dalmatian coast. You can wake up in Split, swim at a hidden beach in Makarska by lunch, and be watching the sunset over the islands by dinner. The ferry terminal connects you to islands like Hvar and Brač, but having wheels means you can explore the dramatic coastline, national parks, and historic towns that most visitors never reach. It’s genuinely one of the best bases for a Croatian road trip.
Picking Up Your Rental Car
Most rental companies operate from Split Airport, officially known as Resnik Airport, which sits about 24 kilometers west of the city center in Kaštela. It’s a small airport, which means picking up your car is refreshingly straightforward. The rental desks are located in the terminal building, and the cars are parked just a short walk across the lot. During peak summer months, queues can build up, so I’d recommend booking in advance and having your confirmation details ready to speed things along.
If you’re already in Split or arriving by ferry, several rental companies have offices in the city center, particularly around the port area and near the main bus station. Just keep in mind that downtown locations often have limited opening hours compared to the airport, and parking in Split’s old town is, well, challenging. The good news? Your rental will come with the necessary vignette for Croatia’s highways, and most companies include basic insurance in the quoted price. You’ll need a valid driver’s license (an International Driving Permit if your license isn’t in Latin script), a credit card in the main driver’s name, and your passport or ID. Simple as that.
Where to Go
Trogir is just 30 minutes west along the coast, and honestly, it’s criminal to skip it. This UNESCO World Heritage site is essentially a perfectly preserved medieval town on a tiny island connected by bridges. Park outside the old town and wander the labyrinth of narrow streets. The drive takes you along the scenic coastal road, though you can also zip there faster via the D8 highway.
Krka National Park is about an hour’s drive north and absolutely worth the trip. The waterfalls here are spectacular, and you can swim in designated areas, unlike at Plitvice. Take the A1 highway north to Šibenik, then follow signs to the park. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour bus crowds.
Makarska and the Riviera sit about an hour southeast along one of the most stunning coastal drives you’ll ever experience. The D8 road hugs the coastline with Biokovo mountain rising dramatically on one side and the glittering Adriatic on the other. Makarska itself is a lovely town with beautiful beaches, and you’ll pass countless hidden coves perfect for a spontaneous swim stop.
Omiš is just 45 minutes south and offers something completely different. This dramatic town sits at the mouth of the Cetina River canyon, surrounded by sheer cliffs. It’s famous for pirate history, zip-lining over the canyon, and rafting trips. The drive along the D8 is gorgeous, with plenty of pull-offs for photos.
Dubrovnik is the big one, about three hours south if you take the coastal road, or closer to four with stops. Fair warning: the drive includes a brief crossing through Bosnia and Herzegovina (Neum corridor), so have your passport handy. You can also take the A1 highway and cut inland for a faster route. Either way, it’s one of Europe’s great road trips.
Tips for Driving
Driving in Croatia is generally a pleasure, but there are a few things worth knowing. First, headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. It’s the law, and you will get pulled over if you forget. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on highways. The police are quite strict, especially during summer, and speeding fines are hefty.
Speaking of highways, the A1 is a toll road, and you’ll pay based on distance traveled. Most rental cars have an electronic tag, or you can pay by card or cash at the toll booths. The coastal D8 road is free and spectacularly scenic, but it’s twisty and can get congested in July and August. If you’re not confident driving narrow mountain roads, stick to the highway for longer journeys.
Parking in Split and other coastal towns can be tricky. Look for public parking lots rather than trying to squeeze into street spots, and always pay for your full estimated time because fines are common. Blue zones are paid parking, white zones are free (rare), and yellow zones are usually reserved for residents.
One more thing: Croatian drivers can be aggressive, particularly on narrow roads where they might tailgate or overtake in questionable spots. Just stay calm, use pull-outs to let faster traffic pass, and don’t feel pressured to drive faster than you’re comfortable with. The views are too good to rush anyway.
Ready to explore the Dalmatian coast? Book your Split car rental today and start planning the Croatian road trip you’ll be talking about for years.