All (Scenic) Roads Towards Northern Dalmatia
Three things await you on holiday in Zaton: sea, sun & endless fun. Three is also the number of roads that take you there. Scenic. Fast. Convenient. Each has its charms and advantages, so choose wisely just the right option for both the driver and passengers:
State road D8
Woooow! While driving along D8 you cannot get enough of the amazing landscape. This D8 state road, generally known as Jadranska magistrala (‘Adriatic Highway’, even though it isn’t a motorway) is considered to be one of the most beautiful roads on the Mediterranean coast. It stretches from northern to southern Adriatic and follows the coastline, which is why it has many winding sections, some of which may feel less cosy for travellers. It’s a toll-free road that gives you a glimpse of local life, unforgettable sights of the sea and islands on one side and Velebit mountain on the other.
Stop, chill and take pics! A part of D8 that attracts the travellers the most is between Senj and the Maslenica Bridge, less than an hour away from Zaton. So, when travelling along D8 from Rijeka southwards towards Zaton, take a break in Senj and a picture by Sunčanik sculpture which marks the 45 parallel (halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole), or at Nehaj fortress and park. You may also be interested to visit a charming village Karlobag on a calm day, since it’s famous for the strong bora wind. Another option is the ancient village Starigrad-Paklenica, close to Paklenica National Park and then the lovely Maslenica Bridge.
Motorway A1
Vroom! The A1 motorway may be the fastest road to northern Dalmatia, but it is by no means less scenic with mountains, hills, forests, valleys and then finally the sight of the sea as you come closer to the coast. It also generally doesn’t have curves, which makes the journey more pleasant and cosy. On the other hand, it includes tolls which makes it the most expensive option.
Stop, rest and play! Rest areas on the motorway offer a different range of services, but families travelling with children might be particularly interested in the ones that include a playground, such as Dobra, Brinje and Zir. The motorway doesn’t pass through, only close to, places of interest, from national parks Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica to Nikola Tesla’s birthplace and memorial centre in Smiljan, not far from Gospić.
State road D1
Simply irresistible! A two-lane freeway, parallel to A1 motorway, is a great choice for everyone who wants to travel at their own pace (slower than motorway, faster than other state roads), pass through breathtaking landscape, mountains and valleys, lakes and rivers, towns and villages and past restaurants offering the famous lamb meat.
Stop, breathe and enjoy! Roughly halfway between Karlovac and Plitvice Lakes National Park there is a village Rastoke, near Slunj, with lovely scenery and traditional watermills. The national park is also a great reason to make a stop just a couple of hours before reaching your holiday destination. Once you continue on state roads, why not visit Obrovac, Zrmanja river and canyon, the Maslenica Bridge along the way?
Pick your A or D
Regardless of the alphabet letter and the number you choose, roads A1, D1 and D8 are sure to take your breath away. So, all you have to do is decide on the right place to stop, rest and enjoy the wonderful scenery, a great introduction (or a farewell) to your holiday in Zaton!
