Two ways to drive Split to Zadar
There are two main routes between Split and Zadar. The A1 motorway runs inland, is tolled, and is the quickest option: allow around an hour and a half to two hours. The D8, the old Adriatic coastal road (Jadranska magistrala), follows the shore through towns and villages. It is about 160 kilometres and takes around three hours without stops in normal traffic, but it is the route to take if you want to see the coast.
A good compromise is to drive the D8 for the most interesting stretch, between Trogir and Šibenik, and join the motorway if you are short of time. This guide follows the coast road north from Split.
Leaving Split: Kaštela and Trogir
Leaving Split, the D8 passes through Kaštela, a string of seven small settlements that grew around Renaissance-era castles built along the shore. Traffic is often heavy here, especially at rush hour and on summer weekends, so leave early.
About half an hour from Split, Trogir is the first essential stop. Its compact old town sits on a small island linked to the mainland and to the island of Čiovo by bridges, and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. The Cathedral of St Lawrence, with its Romanesque portal carved by Master Radovan in the 13th century, is the highlight. Park on the mainland side and walk in; the old town is car-free. An hour or two is enough for a first look.
Rogoznica and Primošten
North of Trogir the road climbs and the scenery opens up, with views over bays and islands. Rogoznica, just off the main road, is a quiet fishing village with a sheltered marina.
Primošten is one of the most photographed towns on this stretch: an old town on a small peninsula topped by a church, with dry-stone vineyards on the hills above. The vineyards of Bucavac, divided by long stone walls, produce the local red wine Babić. Stop for a walk up to the church and a coffee by the harbour.
Šibenik: St James Cathedral and the fortresses
Šibenik deserves at least half a day. The Cathedral of St James, built between the 15th and 16th centuries largely to designs by Juraj Dalmatinac and completed by Nikola Firentinac, is built entirely of stone, including its vaulted roof, and has a frieze of 71 carved stone heads on its outer walls. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Nearby, St Nicholas Fortress at the entrance to the Šibenik channel is part of the UNESCO-listed Venetian defence works, and St Michael's Fortress above the old town has wide views over the islands.
The old town is a maze of stepped lanes and is best explored on foot. Park outside the centre and walk in.
Detour: Krka National Park
From Šibenik, it is around twenty minutes to Skradin, one of the entrances to Krka National Park. From Skradin, boats run up the river to Skradinski Buk, the park's famous series of travertine waterfalls, and a boardwalk loop takes you around them. Swimming at Skradinski Buk has been banned since 2021. Krka is very busy in July and August, so arrive early or visit outside high season. Allow at least three hours for the visit.
Vodice to Biograd and Vrana Lake
North of Šibenik the coast becomes flatter, with holiday towns such as Vodice, Pirovac and Pakoštane. Between Pakoštane and Biograd na Moru, Vrana Lake Nature Park protects Croatia's largest natural lake, a shallow, brackish lake known for its birdlife. There is a cycling and walking path along part of the shore and a viewpoint at Kamenjak hill above it.
Biograd na Moru, once a royal town of medieval Croatian kings, is a busy sailing and holiday town with ferries to the island of Pašman. From here it is around half an hour to Zadar.
Arriving in Zadar and practical tips
Zadar's old town is on a peninsula. Parking inside is very limited, so use the car parks near the harbour or the Ravnice area and walk across. End the day on the western tip of the peninsula, where the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun installation are at their best around sunset.
In summer, start early: the D8 is busy, overtaking is limited on the winding stretches, and towns such as Trogir and Šibenik are hot in the afternoon. Watch for the bura wind, which can close the coastal road to some vehicles and occasionally affects bridges and exposed stretches. Fuel stations are frequent, and motorway tolls can be paid by card. For a relaxed trip, split the drive over two days with a night in Šibenik or Primošten.
