Driving Zadar County
Scenic Routes, Island Roads & Cinematic Landscapes
For tourists who rent a car, Zadar County is one of Croatia’s most rewarding regions to explore on four wheels. Within relatively short distances, you can experience dramatic coastal highways, historic towns, island crossings, panoramic viewpoints, and even landscapes famous from international automotive commercials.
Driving here is not just transport — it’s part of the experience. With good road infrastructure, varied terrain, and multiple island connections by bridge and ferry, Zadar County is perfectly suited for flexible road-trip style travel.
The Adriatic Highway
Jadranska magistrala
One of the highlights of any drive in this region is the legendary Adriatic coastal road — locally called Jadranska magistrala (road D8).
This historic coastal highway delivers:
- Continuous sea views
- Elevated curves above the shoreline
- Photogenic pull-offs and panoramas
- Direct access to small coastal settlements and beaches
The section running through Zadar County is especially enjoyable for relaxed daytime cruising. It’s ideal for travelers who want a classic Mediterranean coastal drive with frequent opportunities to stop, explore, and photograph.
Pag Island
Moonlike Terrain & Famous Car Commercial Roads
A must-drive destination is the island of Pag, reached by bridge from the mainland. The transition is dramatic — green coastal scenery gives way to stark, wind-carved rock landscapes that many visitors describe as lunar.
Driving Pag offers:
- Wide open visibility
- Textured stone terrain and strong light contrast
- Long, clean road lines through barren scenery
- Excellent photo and video conditions
Because of this unique visual character, Pag has been used repeatedly as a location for international automotive commercials and vehicle promo shoots. Global car brands choose these roads for their cinematic minimalism and striking geological backdrop. When you drive here, you’re often following routes seen in professional car campaigns.
Key stops include Pag town and Novalja, with multiple scenic detours toward the coast.
Coastal Heritage Drives
Zadar, Nin & Vir
Shorter regional routes are perfect for half-day drives with cultural and beach stops.
A popular loop runs from Zadar toward Nin and onward to Vir.
This drive includes:
- Historic architecture and old town centers
- Lagoon and salt-field landscapes
- Causeway access to Vir island
- Multiple swimming and walking stops
It’s an easy, relaxed route — ideal after arrival day or as a warm-up drive.
Ferry + Drive Adventures
Island Extensions
One of Zadar’s advantages is direct ferry access for cars to several nearby islands, letting you extend your road trip beyond the mainland.
Dugi Otok
Cliffs, Curves & Open Horizons
By ferry from Zadar you can reach Dugi Otok, where a single main road runs along much of the island’s length.
The drive features:
- Elevated sea viewpoints
- Curving rural stretches
- Village pass-throughs
- Access to the dramatic Telašćica cliffs area
It’s a favorite among travelers who want a quieter, nature-focused driving day.
Suggested 3-Day Rent-A-Car Driving Itinerary
Zadar → Nin → Vir Loop
- Explore Zadar old town area by car access points
- Drive to Nin for history and lagoon views
- Continue to Vir island via bridge
- Beach and viewpoint stops
- Return at sunset along the coast
Jadranska magistrala + Pag Island
- Take a scenic stretch of Jadranska magistrala
- Cross the Pag Bridge
- Drive the island spine road
- Stop at panoramic points
- Visit Pag town and Novalja
- Sunset return drive
Ferry Trip + Dugi Otok Drive
- Morning car ferry from Zadar
- Cross-island drive on Dugi Otok
- Visit cliff and bay viewpoints
- Explore small settlements
- Evening ferry return
A Unique Driving Destination
Diversity & Freedom
Zadar County stands out because it combines:
- Coastal highways
- Bridge-connected islands
- Car ferries to larger islands
- Historic towns close to scenic roads
- Landscapes ranging from green coast to stone desert
Few regions offer this level of driving variety within such compact distances. For tourists with a rental car, it’s one of the most rewarding road-trip destinations on the Adriatic.
