D8 Coastal Road (Jadranska Magistrala)
Croatia, europe
650 km
300 m
moderate
May to October
The D8, known as the Jadranska Magistrala or Adriatic Highway, is Croatia's famous coastal road stretching approximately 650 kilometers from Rijeka in the north to Dubrovnik in the south. Built in the 1960s, it follows the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, hugging the coastline through a landscape of rocky coves, pine-forested headlands, and ancient walled towns.
The road passes through some of the Adriatic's most celebrated destinations: the island-dotted waters around Zadar, the historic city of Split with Diocletian's Palace, the Makarska Riviera beneath the towering Biokovo mountain, and finally the walled city of Dubrovnik. For much of its length, the sea is visible on one side while the Dinaric Alps rise on the other. The road is well maintained but can be extremely busy during the summer tourist season, particularly around the Split and Dubrovnik sections. Several ferries connect the mainland road to Croatia's many islands.
Where is it?
D8 Coastal Road (Jadranska Magistrala) is located in Dalmatian Coast, Croatia (europe). Coordinates: 43.5081, 16.4402
Driving Tips
Drive north to south for sea-side views. Traffic is heavy in July and August. The stretch between Omis and Makarska is particularly scenic. Stop at the Biokovo Skywalk for vertigo-inducing views.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Croatia
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Dalmatian Coast
- Length
- 650 km
- Max Elevation
- 300 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- May to October
- Coordinates
- 43.5081, 16.4402
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