Day 6 Zagreb to Zadar

 

April 22

Apr 22 Zagreb to Zadar

We wrapped up our time in Zagreb the same way we came in—right in front of the Zagreb Cathedral—but this time under clear skies. No rain, no rush, just an easy Uber pickup and a clean start to the day.

From there it was out to the airport to grab a rental—splurging a bit on a Land Rover Discovery from Alamo Rent a Car (definitely not cheap, but solid for the drive ahead). Our Uber driver suggested a more scenic inland route toward Plitvice Lakes National Park, cutting through smaller roads instead of the highway. It turned out to be the right call—two-lane country roads, light traffic, and a steady soundtrack of ‘80s rock made for an easy, enjoyable ride.

Our first stop was just outside the town of Slunj, in the village of Rastoke—and it honestly felt like stepping into a fairytale. Often called a “mini Plitvice,” Rastoke is built right into the water itself. The clear, emerald-green Slunjčica River tumbles over limestone shelves and spills into the Korana, creating a network of waterfalls and cascades that run directly beneath and around the town. The houses aren’t just near the water—they’re literally built over and among the falls.

What makes Rastoke so memorable is how naturally everything fits together. Wooden homes and centuries-old watermills sit right on top of rushing streams, some still powered by the current below. Dating back to the 17th century, this was once a working milling village, and you can still feel that history as you walk the narrow footbridges connecting paths over the water. Everywhere you turn, there’s the sound of rushing falls. It’s peaceful, unpolished, and incredibly photogenic—a place that slows you down without even trying. A true living postcard.

From there, we pushed on to Plitvice Lakes National Park, and within minutes of stepping out of the car, the mood shifted completely. Fresh air, open space, and that immediate sense of being surrounded by nature—it hits fast.

The hike itself was incredible. We hoofed it about three miles along mostly hewn log walkways that skim just above the water, weaving through a chain of crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls. The water was unreal—shades of deep emerald and bright turquoise—and so clear you could see through to the bottom. With that much water everywhere, the karst springs provide such an abundance .

Everywhere you looked, water was moving. Big waterfalls, small cascades, streams connecting lake to lake—it just keeps going. At times you’re climbing up along the edge for sweeping views, and then suddenly you’re back down at water level, walking right alongside it. We made our way up to the top of the lake chain, then caught a couple of the boat shuttles for the return, which was a nice break after covering ground on foot.

The weather couldn’t quite make up its mind—cool in the shade, warm and sunny in bursts—but no rain, which felt like a win. Crowds came and went, but there were still plenty of stretches where it felt quiet enough to just take it all in.

Leaving the park, we continued south along Route 1, passing through the edges of the Dinaric Alps and alongside the dramatic Velebit mountain range. Eventually we merged onto the A1, hit a long tunnel cutting straight through the mountains, and emerged on the other side just in time for sunset.

The descent toward Zadar was something else—the light dropping low over the Adriatic Sea, the landscape opening up, and that first glimpse of the coast after a full day inland.

From city streets to waterfalls to mountains to the sea—all in one day.