Kvarner Coast, Krk & Pag Islands
An island-hopping self-drive route heading south from Opatija along the coast, via Krk and Pag islands, to Zadar.
Avoid the crowded southern main routes and explore the Austro-Hungarian riviera, Krk Island (connected by bridge), and the moon-like landscapes of Pag Island as you head south to Zadar. The driving distances are manageable, though the route includes scenic coastal roads and a ferry crossing. Ideal for returning visitors who have already seen Dubrovnik. Summer offers the best conditions for swimming at the beaches.
Most island accommodations close during winter. The coastal road and Pag Bridge may be restricted during strong Bora winds.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Opatija & Lungomare Walk
Opatija（Villa Angiolina & Park、Church of St. James & St. James Park、Lungomare Opatija、Maiden with the Seagull）
Pick up your rental car at Rijeka Airport, cross the bridge, and drive about 45 minutes to Opatija. Explore on foot upon arrival.
Seaside parking is limited; confirm parking availability with your hotel when booking.
Stay: Opatija Center
Day 2 · Lovran & the Historic Village of Mošćenice
Opatija（Lovran、Mošćenice、Mošćenička Draga (Sipar Beach)）
Drive along the coastal road to Lovran (about 15 minutes), then continue for about 20 minutes to Mošćenice. Return via the same route.
Stay: Opatija Center
Day 3 · Half-Day in Rijeka & Onward to Krk Island
Rijeka（Rijeka Central Market、Korzo & City Clock Tower、Trsat Castle） → Krk（Krk Bridge）
Drive from Opatija to Rijeka (about 25 minutes). In the afternoon, cross the Krk Bridge to Krk town (about 50 minutes).
Stay: Krk Town
Day 4 · Krk Old Town & Vrbnik
Krk（Krk Island & Krk Town、Košljun Island、Vrbnik）
Explore Krk Old Town in the morning and take a boat to Košljun. In the afternoon, drive to Vrbnik (about 25 minutes).
Stay: Krk Town
Day 5 · Baška Beach & the Baška Tablet
Krk（St. Lucy Church & Baška Tablet、Baška (Vela Plaža)、Moon Plateau (Mjesečev plato)）
Drive from Krk town to Baška (about 30 minutes), stopping at Jurandvor along the way.
Stay: Baška
Day 6 · Coastal Road to Pag Island
Pag & Novalja（Novalja City Museum & Talijanova Buža）
Leave Krk Island and drive along the Adriatic Highway to Prizna, then take a 15-minute ferry to Žigljen (about 3 hours total).
Ferries may be suspended during strong Bora winds; you can detour via the Pag Bridge, which adds about 2 hours.
Stay: Novalja
Day 7 · Millennium Olive Gardens & Pag Cheese
Pag & Novalja（Lun Olive Gardens、Caska & Ancient Cissa、Zrće Beach、Gligora Dairy）
Drive from Novalja to Lun (about 30 minutes), then double back via Zrće to the Gligora Cheese Factory in Kolan (about 40 minutes).
Tours of the cheese factory must be booked in advance.
Stay: Novalja
Day 8 · Pag Old Town & Nin to Zadar
Pag Town（Pag Town、Pag Lace Gallery） → Zadar（Nin Old Town & Church of the Holy Cross、Sea Organ、Greeting to the Sun）
Drive from Novalja to Pag town (about 30 minutes), then cross the Pag Bridge and drive via Nin to Zadar (about 1 hour).
Stay: Zadar Old Town
Day 9 · Zadar Old Town & Departure
Zadar（Roman Forum、Church of St. Donatus、Land Gate & Venetian Walls）
Explore the Old Town on foot in the morning. In the afternoon, return your rental car and head to Zadar Airport (about 20 minutes).