Northern Dalmatia: Paklenica, Krka and Trogir
From Plitvice down to the Velebit canyons of Paklenica, through Nin and Zadar to the waterfalls of Krka, Šibenik’s stone cathedral and old Trogir.
- Distance
- 315 km (195 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 21 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Croatia
- Updated
- June 5, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 315 km (195 mi) with 9 stops, from Rakovica to Split. About 4 h 21 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Croatia
Route description
From the Plitvice area at Rakovica, drive south through Korenica and Gračac and down to the coast at Starigrad, about 140 km. Paklenica National Park rises right behind the coast road: the Velika Paklenica canyon has trails between limestone walls popular with climbers, and paths lead up to the Velebit mountain huts. Start early in summer, as the canyon heats up quickly.
Follow the D8 coast road, the Adriatic Highway, south towards Zadar, detouring to Nin, a small town on an island in a lagoon with sandy beaches, salt pans and the 9th-century Church of the Holy Cross. In Zadar, walk the Roman forum and the waterfront to the Sea Organ, where waves play pipes under the steps, and stay for the sunset.
From Zadar, the A1 motorway or the slower D8 leads to Krka National Park, about 80 km. Park at Lozovac and take the shuttle, or park in Skradin and take the park boat upstream to Skradinski buk, the largest of the Krka falls. Swimming there is no longer allowed. Nearby Šibenik has a maze of stone lanes around the UNESCO Cathedral of St James.
South of Šibenik, the D8 passes Primošten on its small peninsula surrounded by vineyards on stone terraces. Trogir, about 35 km further, is a walled island town with a Romanesque cathedral, reached by a bridge. It is 30 km more to Split. The D8 is winding and busy in July and August; leave early, and use campsites rather than parking overnight along the coast.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Rakovica
Croatia - 296 km
Paklenica National Park
NatureStarigrad, CroatiaThe limestone canyon of Velika Paklenica cuts into the Velebit range right above the coast road, famous for rock climbing and trails to mountain huts. The entrance is signposted from Starigrad; park fee, cooler in the morning.
- 329 km
Church of the Holy Cross, Nin
HistoryNin, CroatiaA tiny 9th-century church, often called the smallest cathedral in the world, in the lagoon town of Nin. The old centre sits on an island reached by stone bridges; sandy beaches and salt pans are nearby.
- 418 km
Zadar
Croatia - 585 km
Skradinski buk
NatureSkradin, CroatiaThe largest waterfall of Krka National Park, a wide cascade of travertine steps crossed by boardwalks. Swimming has been banned since 2021; reach it by the park boat from Skradin or the shuttle from Lozovac.
- 612 km
Cathedral of St James
HistoryŠibenik, CroatiaA Renaissance cathedral built entirely of stone, including its roof, with a frieze of 71 carved heads on the outer walls; a UNESCO site. It stands on the old town square by the waterfront; park by the harbour.
- 721 km
Primošten
Croatia - 834 km
Trogir
Croatia - 919 km
Split
Croatia
FAQs
How long is Northern Dalmatia: Paklenica, Krka and Trogir?
5-day road trip of about 315 km (195 mi) with 9 stops, from Rakovica to Split. About 4 h 21 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Northern Dalmatia: Paklenica, Krka and Trogir?
We suggest 5 days: about 4 h 21 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Northern Dalmatia: Paklenica, Krka and Trogir start and end?
It starts in Rakovica and ends in Split.
Which countries does Northern Dalmatia: Paklenica, Krka and Trogir pass through?
Croatia.
