Self Drive Tours & Trips in Mediterranean
What if you could drive the Mediterranean at your own pace? Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, Italian Riviera, Greek islands with ferries, southern France between Nice and Monaco. Stop when you want, skip tourist traps, find beaches locals actually use. Amalfi Coast's crowded but those cliff roads are mind-blowing. Mediterranean self-drives beat tours because you control everything including when stopping for lunch overlooking the sea.
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Ted • traveled in November
Great itinerary. Hotels were quite nice with breakfast included. Highways in Portugal may be the best in the world.
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive - R
Rick • traveled in October
It would have been excellent if not for a major problem with the car rental. You advertise the tour good for 18 to 99 years but in fine print you have to be 69 or younger? I was not advised until days before I was too old to tent(71). In the end I found a car on my own and was refunded the car portion but needless hassle and frustration sorting it out. Otherwise trip great!
Discovering Crete, Self-drive - P
Paul • traveled in June
Communication was an issue as the hotel in Rhodes did not know what time to expect us which resulted in having to tow luggage 800m over cobbled streets resulting in damage to the wheels of 2 suit cases. Return trip was easy as hotel organised a pick up in a large community golf buggy for luggage and guests. Only one meal to arrange on the Santorini Sunset cruise but the menu was 2-3 years out of date resulting in few options for my wife who needs gluten free for coeliac disease.
Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Hydra: 11-Day Greek Island Adventure
10 best Self Drive Mediterranean tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMediterranean travel expert at TourRadar
- Adventures Along the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro & Bosnia, Self-Drive
- Albania comprehensive - self-drive tour
- Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
- Discovering Crete, Self-drive
- Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Hydra: 11-Day Greek Island Adventure
- Portugal Meets Spain, Self-drive (Multi country)
- Classical Greece, Self-drive
- Self-Drive Off-Road Adventure in Mountainous Greece - 8 Days, with Guided Rafting
- Croatia Express, Self-Drive
- Down South, Self-drive
Adventures Along the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro & Bosnia, Self-Drive
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
The Mediterranean coastlines unfold before you in an Opel Astra, from Dubrovnik to Split via Kotor. Hidden beaches, historic towns, and natural wonders like Krka waterfalls await. Carefully selected accommodations include Hotel Astoria and Hotel Tragos.
Duration 8 days Destinations Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Gulliver Travel From $1,008
15% Off- US$857You save $151
The coastal path leads from Durres to Ksamil. Ancient ruins, pristine beaches, and mountain passes highlight the journey, supported by reliable transportation and pre-arranged stays.
Duration 15 days Destinations Albania, Montenegro, Macedonia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator Ventus Touristik GmbH From
15% Off- US$2,458
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were quite nice with breakfast included. Highways in Portugal may be the best in the world.”
Ted, traveled in October
A VW Polo carries you from Lisbon's historic quarters to Porto's wine region. Charming fishing villages, medieval towns, and UNESCO sites reveal themselves at your pace. Nights are spent at 4-star Vila Galé properties.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Evora, Alter do Chão Municipality, Castelo De Vide, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes, Espinho, OvarSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Destination Services Portugal From $1,156
10% Off- US$1,041You save $116
Discovering Crete, Self-drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The car was ideal to suit our needs, and the hotels were lovely. There is excellent value for money, and I would use this operator again.”
Renee, traveled in April
The roads from Heraklion's ancient sites to Elafonissi's pink beaches tell stories of Crete. Chania's Venetian harbor and historic Spinalonga island complement stays at comfortable 3-star hotels like Hotel Arkadi and Hotel Olympic Palladium.
Duration 8 days Destinations Heraklion, Knossos, Chania, Elafonisi, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Spinalonga, Sitia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Greece From $620
10% Off- US$558You save $62
Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Hydra: 11-Day Greek Island Adventure
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour is unique for anyone seeking to combine mythology, gastronomic delights, beaches, and relaxation.”
The Greek islands beckon with this self-guided Mediterranean adventure. Well-planned logistics include flights between islands, ferry connections, and private transfers. Ancient sites and coastal beauty await your independent spirit.
Duration 11 days Destinations Athens, Piraeus, Santorini, Nea Kameni Island, Akrotiri, Oia, Heraklion, Knossos, Crete, RethymnonSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Private Tours Greece From $4,373
25% Off- US$3,280You save $1,093
Portugal Meets Spain, Self-drive (Multi country)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hotels picked for us were so great. The location of the hotels put us in the middle of the best areas.”
Wayne, traveled in May
A VW Polo guides you through Mediterranean landscapes, from Porto's wine lodges to Lisbon's monuments. Premium hotels like Hotel Axis Porto serve as base camps while discovering UNESCO sites and medieval towns across 1,255km of scenic routes.
Duration 12 days Destinations Porto, Guimaraes, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Vigo, Pontevedra, Santiago de Compostela, Ourense, Vila Real, MateusSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Portugal From $2,008
15% Off- US$1,707You save $301
Classical Greece, Self-drive
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Driving around Greece was awesome. We stayed off the toll roads so saw parts of the country we never would have seen.”
Leonard, traveled in June
Your Opel Corsa awaits to traverse from Tolo's beaches to Delphi's mountain sanctuary. Comfortable accommodations and unlimited mileage make this Greek adventure memorable across diverse landscapes.
Duration 5 days Destinations Athens, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Tolo, Nafplion, Olympia, Patras, Delphi, KalabakaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Greece From $434
10% Off- US$390You save $43
What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in Mediterranean
When is the best time to do a Self Drive tour in the Mediterranean region?
May through September offers the most reliable weather for Mediterranean Self Drive tours. Along Croatia's coast Split and Dubrovnik see temperatures of 75-85°F (24-29°C) making it comfortable for driving and exploring historic sites. Southern Spain's cities like Seville and Granada are better experienced in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) before the intense summer heat arrives. A TourRadar traveler noted about their September trip: "The weather was perfect for driving and exploring the beautiful countryside with lots to explore in each town as well as along the drive."
What's the typical driving distance per day on Mediterranean Self Drive tours?
Most routes cover 100-250km per day taking 2-4 hours of driving time. The Croatian coastal route from Split to Dubrovnik spans 230km with stops possible at Trogir and Makarska. In Spain the Andalusian route connecting Seville to Granada extends about 250km with time for exploring Cordoba. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Loved our self-drive tour driving distances were very manageable with lots of interesting places to stop along the way. Especially enjoyed the stretch between Split and Dubrovnik."
What kind of accommodation can I expect on Mediterranean Self Drive tours?
The routes feature 4-5 star hotels placed at convenient stopping points. Croatia's accommodations include the 5-star SUPERIOR Sacher Salzburg Hotel and the Amabilis Hotel on the Adriatic Coast. Sicily offers stays at the Hotel Villa Angela in Taormina and Hotel Baglio della Luna in Agrigento. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The hotels picked for us were so great and the locations put us in the middle of the best areas."
What's the best route for a first-time Mediterranean Self Drive tour?
The Spain Andalusia route stands out for beginners starting in Malaga then moving through Granada Cordoba and Seville with stays at hotels like Don Pedro and Silken Al-Andalus. Another good choice is Croatia's coastal route from Zagreb to Dubrovnik via Split. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Starting from Hotel Don Pedro in Malaga and following the route through Andalusia was perfect for our first self-drive experience."
What documents do I need for a Mediterranean Self Drive tour?
Essential documents include a valid driver's license (minimum 1 year) passport international driving permit for non-EU drivers and a credit card for vehicle deposit. Spain and Croatia require drivers to be between 25-75 years old and carry both original and international licenses. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The car rental process at the Silken Puerta de Madrid was smooth - just make sure to have all documents ready and your credit card for the deposit."
What are the must-see highlights on a Mediterranean Self Drive tour?
The routes include major UNESCO sites such as Dubrovnik's Old Town walls Split's Diocletian's Palace and the Alhambra in Granada. Natural attractions include Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia and scenic Adriatic coastal drives. Cultural stops feature the Great Mosque in Cordoba and Kotor's medieval architecture. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Our recent road trip through Southern Spain was unforgettable. Each place surprised us more than the last and every corner of Andalusia is worth seeing."
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