North Croatia is a region rich in coastal beauty, historic charm and vibrant culture, ideal for discovering behind the wheel of a luxury car. From Roman arenas to lively festivals, serene fjords and picture-perfect seaside promenades, here are four exotic destinations to explore in a sensational car. Whether you dream of driving a convertible, a high-end SUV or a classy spacious family van, we will find the perfect model for you in North Croatia.
Pula – Cruise the Coast in a Ferrari Portofino
Pula, known as North Croatia’s ‘Crown Jewel’ offers visitors a stunning blend of Roman history and Adriatic beauty. There is no better way to explore than to slide behind the wheel of a Ferrari Portofino rental and cruise the coastal roads to Cape Kamenjak. With its head-turning, sleek low-slung silhouette and seating for 2+2, it is your passport to luxury living. Powdered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the Portofino provides the Ferrari experience in top-down form, with stylish elegance.
Explore the Temple of Augustus, a beautifully preserved Roman monument dedicated to Emperor Augustus, standing as a graceful reminder of the city’s ancient past. On summer evenings, the waterfront promenade becomes a social runway, perfect for showing off your Ferrari Portofino.
Plan to visit in July, when you can enjoy the Pula Film Festival, a magical open-air cinema event held in the Roman amphitheatre known as the Pula Arena. For dance enthusiasts, the Latina Istriana Festival in August brings the rhythms of salsa, bachata, and kizomba to Pula’s seaside venues. With international DJs, world-famous instructors, specialised workshops, masterclasses, and open-air parties on the beach, it’s a vibrant celebration of dance and culture that cannot be missed.
Zadar – Urban Meets Wild in a Range Rover Sport
Zadar is a unique location where ancient history, urban culture and rugged nature all collide, and a Range Rover Sport rental is your perfect model for the drive. It seats 5 in a plush, spacious cabin wrapped in premium leather and featuring a signature panoramic sunroof. The Range Rover Sport is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine offering astounding performance and a refined drive. The driver will enjoy the 13.1-inch curved touchscreen and dual-screen infotainment system with Haptic feedback, enhancing control and luxury.
Set off to visit the Roman Ruins, including the Forum and ancient columns, which offer a striking glimpse into the city’s 2,000-year-old past, right in the heart of the Old Town. Then cruise to the amazing Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun installations for a sensory experience on the water. To test your car on the open road, head south to Nin’s sandy lagoons, and enjoy a slow drive with the sea on one side and salt fields on the other.
In August, you can attend the Zadar Sunset Festival, where international DJs take over the waterfront, and the atmosphere is alive with music, dance, and colourful beach parties. For outdoor lovers, the Zadar Outdoor Festival in June offers sport, nature and adventure with activities like trail running, kayaking, cycling, and hiking, all set against the stunning Dalmatian coastline.
Rovinj – Timeless Charm in a Porsche 911 Carrera S
Match the Mediterranean romance of Rovinj with the perfect car – a curvaceous, seductive 4-seater Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet with a thrilling 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering razor-sharp handling on the coastal curves. Drive to the Golden Cape Forest Park for a peaceful cruise under the pines. In the Old Town, park your car for all to admire, and stroll up to St. Euphemia’s Basilica for a panoramic view that matches the thrill of the drive.
In May, the Rovinj Photodays Festival attracts creatives from around Europe, and you can show off your sleek Porsche at the waterfront galleries or café-lined piazzas. The event features exhibitions, workshops and lectures led by renowned international photographers.
When the sun sets, take the winding coastal road to Lim Fjord, one of Croatia’s most scenic routes, to see towering, dramatic cliffs and a sensational fiery skyline.
Rijeka – Big City Style in a Mercedes V-Class
If you are visiting Rijeka with a large family, we highly recommend a luxurious Mercedes V-Class van for your road trip. It comfortably seats 8 people, in a premium cabin designed with rotating seats for flexibility. The driver has a relaxed drive with the 10.25-inch touchscreen MBUX infotainment system with intelligent voice control. With ample legroom and luggage storage space, it is perfect for group travel.
Rijeka is Croatia’s cultural powerhouse, with a vibrant urban heartbeat, historic architecture and fantastic festivals. Drive to Korzo, Rijeka’s lively pedestrian street lined with cafés, boutiques and historic façades. Take a scenic coastal drive north to Opatija, a 19th-century spa town once loved by Habsburg royalty. Your Mercedes V-Class glides along the Lungomare promenade route with grace, comfort and class. Then, explore nearby Trsat Castle for sweeping views of Rijeka below.
Don’t miss the Rijeka Carnival that starts in mid-January and continues to Ash Wednesday at the end of February. Colourful parades, concerts and events take place, which culminate in the burning of the Pust, a traditional Croatian carnival figure symbolising evil spirits. If you are visiting mid-year, the Rijeka Summer Fest is held in Nugentov Park near Trsat Castle in late June. This vibrant festival features a diverse lineup of music genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, disco and electronic, performed by renowned regional artists. Enjoy live performances and tasty traditional food in an open-air atmosphere. Travelling in a Mercedes V-Class is an understated, yet powerful way to get around in style.
