Dalmatian Coast Road Trip: The Ultimate Car Hire Guide
The Ultimate Dalmatian Coast Road Trip – Split to Dubrovnik by Rental Car
Forget everything you think you know about European road trips. The Dalmatian coast — that stretch of Croatian shoreline running from Split down to Dubrovnik — is something else entirely. We’re talking 350 kilometres of winding coastal road, the Adriatic Sea glittering on one side, and sheer limestone mountains rising up on the other. This isn’t a drive; it’s a experience.
The D8 coastal road (technically the Jadranska Magistrala) follows what was once a Roman trade route. Some sections are still narrow and hair-raising, especially around the Makarska Riviera. But that’s precisely the point. This is road tripping the old-school way — windows down, salt air streaming in, no motorway barriers between you and the sea.
Day 1 – Start in Split
Pick up your rental car at Split car hire and spend your first day in this gorgeous Roman city. The Diocletian’s Palace is the real deal — not a reconstructed tourist trap but an actual 1,700-year-old palace built by a Roman emperor. Wander through the cellars, climb the bell tower for views over the old town, then head to Bačvice beach for an evening swim. This is a pebbly city beach with a proper local vibe — no resort nonsense, just locals playing paddleball and kids diving off the rocks.
Eat dinner in the old town. Restaurant Diocletian is excellent if you want to splash out, or grab ćevapi from a street vendor for €5. Either way, you’re off to a good start.
Day 2 – Omiš and Makarska
Drive south from Split (about 30 minutes) to Omiš. This small town sits at the mouth of the Cetina River, and the canyon leading into it is genuinely spectacular. You can rent a kayak or boat here and paddle into the canyon — far cheaper than the boat tours in the bigger towns.
Continue another 30 minutes down the coast to Makarska. The town has a decent sandy beach (Makarska Beach) but the real draw is simply being here — it’s a proper working town with great restaurants, not just a tourist conveyor belt. Stay overnight here.
Day 3 – Brela and Biokovo
Wake up early and drive five minutes north to Brela. This is home to what many call the best beach in Croatia — Punta Rata. It’s a narrow strip of pebble beach framed by pine trees and those iconic white cliffs. Get here before 9am in summer to beat the crowd.
After beach time, drive up Mount Biokovo. The road snakes up through the mountains and rewards you with views spanning the entire coast. On a clear day, you can see the islands of Brač and Hvar. There’s a viewing platform near the top — pull over where you see cars stopped.
Day 4 – Pelješac and Ston
Today’s drive takes you to the Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia’s premier wine region. The road around the peninsula is stunning — vineyards tumbling down to the sea on one side, mountains on the other. Stop at a winery and try Dingač, the region’s famous full-bodied red. It’s been made here for centuries.
Continue to Ston, a small town famous for two things: its medieval walls (the second longest in Europe after Hadrian’s Wall) and its oysters. Yes, really. The waters around Ston produce incredible oysters, and you can eat them fresh at restaurants along the waterfront for a fraction of what they’d cost back home.
Day 5 – Dubrovnik
Your final day brings you to Dubrovnik. Drop your bags, then tackle the old town. Walk the city walls (allow 2-3 hours) — they’re spectacular, especially at sunset. Take the cable car up to Mount Srđ for panoramic views, then watch the sun sink over the Adriatic with a drink in hand.
If you have time, consider the ferry to Hvar as a side trip — it’s a quick jaunt across the water and makes for an unforgettable day.
Practical Tips
- When to go: May, June, September or October are ideal. August is chaos — roads are packed, accommodation doubles in price, and finding parking in Dubrovnik is a nightmare.
- Toll road vs coastal road: The A1 motorway runs inland and saves time (about 2 hours from Split to Dubrovnik). But you miss all the coastal scenery. In shoulder season, take the coastal D8. In August, take the motorway.
- Parking in Dubrovnik: Horrific in summer. Book accommodation with parking, or use the Ilijina Glavica car park (the large one below the old town). It fills by 8am in July-August.
- Car hire: Book through Dubrovnik car hire or Makarska car hire to compare prices.
This is one of Europe’s great road trips. Do it properly — rent a car, take your time, and soak it all in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Split to Dubrovnik road trip take?
Driving the coastal D8 road directly takes about 4-5 hours without stops. But with recommended stops in Omiš, Makarska, Brela, and Ston, you should plan for 5-7 hours of driving time over 5 days. The A1 motorway shortens this to 3.5 hours but you miss the scenic coastal route.
Is the Dalmatian coast road trip suitable for families?
Absolutely. The beaches at Brela and Makarska are family-friendly, there are plenty of restaurants catering to children, and having your own car means you can set your own pace. Just avoid August if possible — the crowds and heat can be overwhelming for young kids.
Do I need an international driving permit in Croatia?
If you’re from an EU country, your national licence is fine. If you’re from outside the EU (including the US, UK, Australia), you technically need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home country’s licence. Most rental companies will ask for this at pickup.
What’s the best time of year for this road trip?
May or September are ideal — warm weather, lower prices, fewer crowds, and the sea is swimmable. October is also excellent, especially for wine lovers. July and August should be avoided if you want a relaxed trip.
