Across Croatia by Car: A Roadtrip for the Books

There are road trips that feel like a checklist of destinations—and then there are the ones that imprint themselves on you, stitched together by unexpected moments, shared laughter, mild chaos, and scenes so beautiful they don’t need a camera to be remembered. Croatia was the latter.

With a loose plan, a car full of friends, and a playlist that became the soundtrack of the summer, we set off from Zagreb with no idea just how many emotions, mishaps, and magic the journey would hold.

💔 Zagreb & The Museum of Broken Relationships: An Emotional Warm-Up

Our first stop was Zagreb—charming, walkable, and buzzing with café culture. But the highlight? The Museum of Broken Relationships. It’s an intimate collection of real stories and objects donated by people from around the world, each symbolizing a relationship that ended.

It took us on a full emotional rollercoaster, as we laughed at the bizarre artifacts of love gone wrong and felt genuine sadness reading some of loves most tragic tales. I left feeling reflective, tender, and oddly connected to strangers I'd never meet.

It was the perfect way to begin a trip with friends—reminded of how deeply we all feel, love, lose, and grow.

⛺ Krk Island: Improvised Camping & Crystal Bays

From Zagreb, we drove to Krk Island, arriving at our campsite long after sunset. It was dark, and our energy was a mix of tired and excited. We’d brought two tents to spread out, but rain had other plans. One tent started leaking, and suddenly all of us were squeezing into the tiny remaining one, tripping over each other, dripping wet, and laughing at the unexpected cuddle session. It was exactly the kind of chaotic bonding moment that makes a trip unforgettable.

Morning brought sunshine, sea air, and a sense of triumph. We rented paddleboards and glided across a quiet bay toward a postcard-perfect town—no phones, no cameras, just us. The freedom of exploring without documenting felt rare and refreshing. We wandered, swam, ate, and explored with no evidence except our memories, which somehow made it even more special.

The water was Mediterranean perfection—clear, aqua, and impossibly inviting. Krk gave us the kind of day you wish you could bottle for later.

💙 Plitvice Lakes: Where Blue Doesn’t Begin to Describe the Water

Next, we headed to Plitvice Lakes National Park, and no photos—ours or anyone else’s—can prepare you for the shock of seeing that water in person. “Blue” doesn’t do it justice. It’s turquoise, emerald, sapphire, crystalline—like nature decided to show off every shade at once.

Wooden boardwalks weave through waterfalls, lakes layered like terraces, and water so clear you can spot every pebble and fish below. Walking through Plitvice feels like stepping into a fairytale set—tranquil, surreal, and overwhelmingly beautiful.

It was the kind of place that naturally quiets people. We found ourselves speaking softly without thinking, just trying to take in every ripple and cascade.

🍨 Split – Ice Cream, Sunsets & Storybook Streets

We wrapped the trip in Split, where winding stone streets met the Adriatic, and the light seemed made for wandering. We lingered in alleys, watched boats float by, and indulged in some of the best ice cream we’ve ever had. Simple, sweet, and just the right kind of indulgence after a week of adventures, laughter, and perfect chaos.

🚗 Why This Trip Lives Rent-Free in My Mind

Croatia surprised us—not because we didn’t expect it to be beautiful, but because of how the trip felt. It reminded me that the in-between moments—improvised tents, shared unfiltered experiences, leaving the phone behind—are what turn travel into something unforgettable.