Road Trip & 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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The places in Croatia and Montenegro were nice and the organisation was great. Had no problems checking into hotels. There was a surprise charge for second driver on the car hire and to take the car on ferries which we needed. In general the hotels were fine but we paid the upgrade for 4 star hotels but they weren’t all 4 star. The one in Bosnia was quite disappointing and dirty and smelt of smoke. The other hotels were great though, particularly in Trogir. Also the drive took a lot longer than described in the itinerary.
Adventures Along the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro & Bosnia, Self-DriveWe really loved this trip. Hotels are well-located, close to main attractions and beaches. Transfers were easy. Communication with company was awesome. Everything about the travel was handled with great care. We just missed one point about the rental car: We recommend you to upgrade automatic transmission. We also want to thank you our guide Maria in Athens. She was adorable.
Athens - Mykonos - Santorini - CreteGreat itinerary. Hotels were quite nice with breakfast included. Highways in Portugal may be the best in the world.
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
Our traveler's Moments
10 best Road Trip & Self-Drive Mediterranean tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMediterranean travel expert at TourRadar
- Adventures Along the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro & Bosnia, Self-Drive
- 2nd RALLY EUROPE 2026
- Albania comprehensive - self-drive tour
- Tour De Alps | Exclusive Alpine Mountain Biking
- Discovering Crete, Self-drive
- Athens - Mykonos - Santorini - Crete
- Portugal Meets Spain, Self-drive (Multi country)
- Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
- Classical Greece, Self-drive
- Croatia Express, Self-Drive
Adventures Along the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro & Bosnia, Self-Drive
“The hotels in all of the locations were perfect.”
Emma, traveled in May
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 $983
15% Off- US$836You save $148
Duration 21 days Destinations Spain, Portugal, France, Switzerland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator EUROLATINO Tour Operators From
15% Off- US$3,392
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$2,398
Duration 9 days Destinations Slovenia, Italy, Austria Age Range Ages 20+ Operator LIFE Adventures From
15% Off- US$3,411
Discovering Crete, Self-drive
“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 $605
10% Off- US$545You save $61
Athens - Mykonos - Santorini - Crete
“The islands were absolutely gorgeous and the hotels were nice too. There's so much rich history in GREECE, beautiful landscapes and very nice people.”
Timothy, traveled in August
Duration 10 days Destinations Athens, Piraeus, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, Thera, Nea Kameni Island, Palea Kameni Island, Heraklion, KnossosSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Eskapas From $2,630
3% Off- US$2,551You save $79
Portugal Meets Spain, Self-drive (Multi country)
“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 $2,000
10% Off- US$1,800You save $200
What our customers ask about Road Trip & 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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