Ten years ago, Croatia was still pretty much a hidden gem and an amazing place to visit on a lower budget. But the time when the country was one of the cheapest destinations in Europe is long gone, and you could definitely use my tips for getting the most for your money when visiting this summer paradise.
Because, despite the huge increase in prices we’ve seen in recent years (just look at the cost of living or the salaries in Croatia to see how much they’ve gone up!) you can still find great deals here and build unforgettable memories even if the money is tighter.
And this is what we’re going to talk about today: everything you need to know about visiting Croatia on a budget!
#1 Rule: Don’t Let Your Budget Get Sunk in the Hotspots
This is probably the most important tip if you want to get the most out of your Dollars or Euros when visiting Croatia: stay away from the hotspots!
Sure, Dubrovnik, Hvar Town or Split can offer plenty of eye-candy and are true “must visit” places here, but they’re also very expensive.
Here’s how I handle it – and I recommend you to do the same: I skip the overpriced old towns at peak times and look for nearby spots where the only crowds are seagulls and the prices drop fast.
For example, the villages around Dubrovnik offer the same Adriatic air for a fraction of the cost. Hvar too expensive? Try Jelsa, or hop to less-hyped islands like Vis or Cres, where I’ve paid half for a beachfront room and had a quieter, more authentic, but equally amazing stay.
You can still make things work even in the more touristy areas, as we’ll see below, but more creativity will be required. If you’re ready for that, though, you can also check out my 5 Days in Dubrovnik itinerary.
Now, let’s get into other ways to make Croatia a budget-friendly destination!
Use My Trick to Save on Plane Tickets!
There are plenty of low-cost companies flying to Croatia, but depending on where you come from, your plane ticket prices could be highly inflated – especially if you don’t book in advance.
So, apart from trying to book your flight as early as possible, I have to tell you that I’ve found some of the my best bargain flights to Croatia by flying first into nearby European hubs – Vienna, Milan, Bratislava or Budapest.
From here, you can find plenty of low-cost carriers (or grab a Flixbus or other buses) and save a ton. Buses are extremely fast and comfortable, as Croatia has invested a lot in the infrastructure.
Other times, it’s cheaper to buy two separate flights than one direct ticket – not as comfortable, but if money is tight, it might be worth it.
Private Accommodation: The Classic Croatian Bargain
Locals have been renting out rooms for decades, and honestly, it’s still the best value you’ll find.
I usually book apartments with a kitchen, which means breakfast on the balcony with market-fresh fruit (much cheaper and tastier than hotel buffets), cheap coffee and even the option to prepare other meals.
Now that my son is getting older and the three of us can’t share the same bed anymore, we’re usually renting a one-bedroom or two bedroom flat, with kitchen and it’s always cheaper that getting two tiny hotel rooms (or a suite).
And even though AirBnb remains the king of short-term rentals from locals, we’ve been almost exclusively booking apartments from Booking.com – often at even lower prices than those on AirBnb, and sometimes even for the same property! So definitely check all options before booking!
Where to Eat Well for Less
If you know where to look, you can eat out in Croatia for very little, but still enjoy high quality food – fresh, locally made, tasty.
The golden rule of thumb is to go for the local taverns (konobe) where locals eat, as far away from the touristy areas/spots as possible. Apart from that, I am recommending a few goodies in each of the major cities (but expect to find something similar everywhere, even in the smaller towns):
Split: Grab a classic ćevapi sandwich at Kantun Paulina (around €5) or hit Bobis bakeries for fresh burek and pastries.
Dubrovnik: While Old Town can be pricey, Barba still serves up delicious seafood sandwiches for under €10, while the local taverns away from the old town are visited by locals for daily menus at around €8 for three courses. Check out my article about the best Dubrovnik restaurants, where I include some budget options as well.
Zagreb: Check out La Štruk for homemade štrukli (cheese pastries) at lunch, and keep an eye out for daily “gableci” lunch deals at traditional bistros – plates go for around €8 for a filling meal. Also check out my recommended restaurants in Zagreb here.
Rijeka: King’s Caffe is a student favorite for burgers and pizza, but bakeries like Mlinar will fill you up on the cheap, too. Check out the travel & food prices in Croatia here.
Local tip: “Marenda” is an affordable lunch special (or a heartier snack, to be fair) that is usually served between 11:31AM-2PM. Ask around or your host for nearby spots, as these are usually unmarked, but always tasty and affordable.
How Much Should You Actually Budget?
While sky is the limit here, you’re reading this article because you’re not ready to splurge. So, let me estimate a daily budget for you to better understand what you need.
On a shoestring budget, you might be able to get by on as low as €40 per day (hostels, self-catering, public transport and free entertainment). Go to €60 per day, and you’ll have a few more options – but not a lot.
Mid-range travelers will probably spend €80-120 daily, especially if you want private rooms and the occasional dinner out. This is what we usually spend as a family of three sharing a private apartment with self-catering, but usually eating out once each day.
Keep in mind that peak months (mid-June to the end of August) push prices up by 20-40%, so if you can, travel in late spring or early fall for the best deals. Plus, in early fall, the weather is still pleasant and the water’s temperature perfect for bathing.
You can get a bit more in-depth and read my previous article about visiting Croatia during autumn.
Stretch Your Stay, Not Your Budget
One way I squeeze extra value is by staying longer in one place. Most apartment owners will drop their prices if you book four nights or more. Short stays (1–3 nights) often come with a 30% surcharge, especially in peak season, to cover cleaning and laundry.
With private apartments, weekly rates are cheaper, and monthly rates are even more affordable, so always try to go for these.
All-Inclusive Resorts Aren’t for Big Spenders!
I did the math a couple of years ago, and I found out that you don’t end up spending a lot more when visiting an All-Inclusive resort when compared to a DIY holiday. But you get more/better food and drinks, and overall a more relaxing and recharging experience instead, which is always worth the extra money.
There are some amazing all-inclusive resorts in Croatia – make sure to check out my recommendations for this year. I often go for an AI stay with my family in the fall (as prices plummet), and a week-long (or longer) stay earlier in the summer at a private accommodation spot.
Public Transport Should Become Your Best Friend
I briefly touched on this earlier, but I have to say it again: Croatia’s bus network is extensive, frequent, high quality, and far cheaper than renting a car.
Buses are usually clean, comfortable, and reliable (though usually crowded in peak season).
Check out the routes and timetable on Bookaway or local boards in your area. You can read more about buses in Croatia here.
Free Fun: What To Do Without Spending Much
You don’t need to splurge to enjoy Croatia’s best sights and build unforgettable memories.
When we first visited the country back in 2015 (and fell in love with it irremediably), we were on an extremely tight budget and still consider the 10 days we spent there one of the best times in our lives!
While prices have increased now, you can still achieve what we had by taking advantage of all the free goodies Croatia offers. There are plenty more that what I’m listing below, but here are just some ideas for inspiration:
- City beaches are always free – just bring a towel and sunscreen and that’s all. You’ll find at least one in any summer resort, with popular ones being Bačvice in Split, Banje Beach in Dubrovnik, and Sablićevo in Rijeka.
- Open-air concerts and festivals: Many towns have free summer concerts or various events. Check local tourism boards for dates and know that it’s usually the weekends when something’s happening.
- National parks in shoulder season: Entrance fees are much lower (sometimes free) outside July/August – Plitvice, Krka, and Mljet are all worth a visit.
- Hiking and biking: The coastal paths and island trails are spectacular and completely free. Try the Marjan Hill loop in Split or the Staza Dobre Vode trail on Hvar.
- Free walking tours operate in almost every city; just tip your guide what you can afford – or check out Google Maps, mark the attractions on it and walk to them yourself!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, traveling in Croatia on a budget takes a bit of planning, but it’s still perfectly doable. Even with the rising prices, if you’re careful and have a solid plan, you can save a ton of money and not trade much (if any) fun or comfort for that!
Do you have additional tips for people looking to visit Croatia on a budget? Let us all know by sharing your thoughts down below!