After soaking up all the seaside charm and engaging in the various things to do in Selce, from its picturesque beaches to leisurely coastal walks, day trips from Selce offer an exciting extension to your Croatian adventure. These excursions introduce you to the rich tapestry of natural beauty, historic towns, and cultural landmarks of the Kvarner Bay region and beyond, providing a deeper dive into Croatia’s diverse offerings.
The exploration beyond Selce uncovers a treasure trove of things to do in Croatia, from the majestic Plitvice Lakes National Park to the medieval streets of Rijeka and the aromatic vineyards of Istria. Each journey from Selce is an invitation to experience the country’s varied landscapes, its historical depth, and the culinary delights that Croatian cuisine has to offer.
Selecting where to stay in Selce becomes a strategic choice for travelers aiming to balance the tranquility of this seaside town with the ease of embarking on day trips to explore Croatia’s rich heritage. A comfortable base in Selce not only promises restful nights by the Adriatic Sea but also places you perfectly for discovering the enchanting surroundings and the myriad experiences they hold.
Discover Best Day Trips from Selce, Croatia
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning terraced lakes, interconnected by beautiful waterfalls and surrounded by lush forests. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Travel Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Stunning terraced lakes, beautiful waterfalls, lush forests
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: €20-€35 (varies by season)
Budget: Approximately €40-€70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Veliki Slap Waterfall, Kozjak Lake
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially during the peak summer months.
2. Rijeka, Croatia

Rijeka, a port city known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, offers a variety of attractions including the Trsat Castle, the Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral, and Korzo, a lively pedestrian street.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 40 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Trsat Castle, Maritime and History Museum, Korzo pedestrian street
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Trsat Castle: Free
- Maritime Museum: €5
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Trsat Castle views, Molo Longo promenade
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the city’s central market for a taste of local life and fresh produce.
3. Istrian Peninsula, Croatia

The Istrian Peninsula, known for its picturesque hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan, offers a blend of Croatian and Italian cultures. It’s also famous for truffles, olive oil, and wine.
Distance: Approximately 120 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan, truffles, olive oil, and wine
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Motovun Town Walls: €3
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Motovun vineyards, Grožnjan alleys
Travel Tip: Try local Istrian cuisine, especially dishes featuring truffles, and visit a local winery for a tasting.
4. Krk Island, Croatia

Krk Island, connected to the mainland by a bridge, boasts beautiful beaches, historic towns like Krk Town and Vrbnik, and a relaxed atmosphere. The island is also known for its wine production, particularly Žlahtina wine.
Distance: Approximately 30-45 km
Travel Time: About 30-45 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Beautiful beaches, historic towns like Krk Town and Vrbnik, Žlahtina wine
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Entrance Fees:
- Biserujka Cave: €5
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Vrbnik cliffs, Krk Town harbor
Travel Tip: Visit Vrbnik and taste the local Žlahtina wine, and explore the secluded bays for swimming.
5. Opatija, Croatia

Opatija, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is known for its historic villas and hotels, lush parks, and a charming seaside promenade, the Lungomare.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Historic villas, lush parks, Lungomare promenade
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Villa Angiolina: Free
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lungomare promenade, Angiolina Park
Travel Tip: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Lungomare and relax in one of the many cafes overlooking the sea.
6. Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, offers a blend of historic and modern attractions, including the medieval Upper Town, vibrant Dolac Market, and numerous museums and galleries.
Distance: Approximately 160 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Upper Town, Dolac Market, museums and galleries
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Museum of Broken Relationships: €6
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: St. Mark’s Square, Tkalčićeva Street
Travel Tip: Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships for a unique and emotional experience.
7. Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, Slovenia

Postojna Cave, one of the largest karst landmarks in the world, offers a unique train ride through stunning underground landscapes. Nearby is Predjama Castle, a remarkable fortress built into a cave.
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Postojna Cave: €25
- Predjama Castle: €12
Budget: Approximately €50-€80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Cave formations, Predjama Castle views
Travel Tip: Wear warm clothing for the cave as temperatures are consistently low, and combine your visit with the nearby Predjama Castle.
8. Venice, Italy

Venice, the iconic city of canals and bridges, is famous for its historic architecture, art, and unique urban design. It’s an ideal destination for a longer day trip to experience the magic of the Venetian canals, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace.
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Travel Time: About 3 to 4 hours by car (including a short ferry ride)
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Canals, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- St. Mark’s Basilica: Free
- Doge’s Palace: €25
Budget: Approximately €60-€100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge
Travel Tip: Consider a guided walking tour to discover hidden gems and learn about the city’s rich history.
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