Split to Noto Road Trip Guide: Coast, Mountains, and Baroque

The road from Split, Croatia, to Noto, Sicily, is one of Europe’s great trans-Adriatic journeys. It spans roughly 1400 kilometers, crossing three countries and two ferry crossings, weaving from the rugged Dalmatian coast through the Apennine spine of Italy, then onto the sun-baked baroque towns of southeastern Sicily.

You’ll begin in Split, a 1700-year-old city built inside the palace of Roman emperor Diocletian. From there, you’ll drive south along the A1 highway past Biokovo mountain, then take a ferry from Ploče or Dubrovnik to the Italian port of Bari or Ancona. The Italian leg takes you down the autostrada A14 and A3 through the instep of the boot, crossing the Strait of Messina by ferry, and finally onto the A18 Sicula highway to Noto.

This guide details every aspect of the journey: the best stops between Split and Noto, driving times, fuel strategy, hidden off-route spots, and family-friendly logistics. Use the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities approach to tailor your itinerary.

The total drive time excluding ferries is about 7–8 hours, but with ferry crossings (choose overnight options to save a day) and stops, plan for at least 2–3 days. The A1 in Croatia is a modern toll road; tolls from Split to Ploče cost about 50 HRK (€7). In Italy, the A14 from Bari to Reggio Calabria costs around €35 in tolls. Sicily has tolls on the A18/A20 from Messina to Catania/Noto, about €5.

Fuel economy: Diesel is common and cheaper in Croatia (€1.40/L) and similar in Italy (€1.60/L). Tanks will last 500–600 km; fill up in Croatia before the ferry, and again near Bari. There are no fuel stations on the ferry itself.

• Recommended route: Split → A1/E65 → Ploče (or Dubrovnik if you want a longer scenic leg)
• Ferry options: Ploče–Bari (overnight, car €50–100) or Dubrovnik–Ancona (longer but scenic). Book ahead in summer.
• Alternative: skip the Croatia–Italy ferry by driving via Slovenia and Venice (adds 300 km and no sea crossing).

Road quality is excellent on toll roads, but secondary roads in Italy’s inland can have potholes or narrow mountain passes (e.g., the SP ex SS18 in Calabria). Croatian highways are well-maintained and have SOS phones every 2 km. Always carry a reflective vest and warning triangle (mandatory in both countries).

For families: Plan a stop at the Castel Gandolfo viewpoint in Bari or the educational Grotta Gigante near Trieste (if you take the northern route). In Sicily, the Taormina amphitheater (10 km off the A18) is a kid-friendly historical site with panoramic gardens. Pet-friendly: Most ferries allow pets in cabins or kennels; Italian autogrills have shaded parking. Many official (how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities) recommend the Agriturismo near Matera for a pet stay.

• Fatigue tips: Take a break every 2 hours. Use the Croatian “odmoriste” rest areas (free coffee with fuel purchase). The Italian “Area di Servizio” on the A14 are frequent (every 30 km).
• Hidden off-route: the ghost town of Craco (Matera province) is a 45-min detour from the A14; utterly unique and photogenic.
• Rest zones: Overnight at a “Hotel Ristorante” near Sibari (Calabria) offers direct beach access and a quiet night.

The Croatian stretch offers views of the Dinaric Alps meeting the Adriatic. The Biokovo mountain range looms above Makarska, with the 1,762 m peak Sveti Jure accessible via a toll road. Further south, the Neretva valley delta near Ploče is a patchwork of mandarin orchards and wetlands, a haven for birdwatchers.

In Italy, the drive from Bari south passes through the Murge plateau – a karst region of olive groves and trulli houses. The Pollino National Park near the border with Calabria offers rugged peaks and deep gorges. The final leg in Sicily traverses the Ionian coast, with views of Mount Etna (if clear) and terraced lemon groves near Giardini Naxos.

• Between Split and Ploče: stop at Makarska promenade for fresh seafood and a swim at Brela beach.
• Near Bari: visit Alberobello’s trulli (UNESCO) – a 30-min detour.
• Calabrian detour: take the SS106 coastal road from Sibari to Reggio (instead of A3) for views of the Riace Bronzes exhibition at Reggio’s museum.