croatia travel budget 2023

Is Croatia Expensive? Croatia Trip Cost Guide in 2024

Last Updated on December 11, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Croatia has become one of the most sought-after destinations in all of Europe, receiving countless tourists each year. But is Croatia expensive to visit? What would an average Croatia trip cost be?

Drawn by photos of picturesque seaside towns with crystal clear Adriatic waters, stunning natural scenery including lakes and waterfalls, or the desire to see the real-life King’s Landing, these are common questions many would-be visitors find themselves asking.

On average, you can expect your trip to Croatia to cost €55-275 per day (about $59-296 USD per day) if visiting the country on a budget but are still wanting to enjoy the occasional splurge.

However, this travel budget can vary significantly depending on your spending habits. Keep reading to understand how this average cost breaks down across accommodation, transport, food, entertainment and activities.

So is it expensive to travel to Croatia? If you’re comparing it to the cost of other Balkan countries , then yes. However, it is still possible to travel in Croatia while maintaining a tight budget.

Table of Contents

Croatia Trip Cost Guide

If you’re planning on visiting Croatia on a small budget, it is best to keep in mind that a vast majority of the coastal cities see quite a lot of tourists and it is time to shed the misconception that it will be a cheap, off-the-beaten-path destination.

However, if you are smart about where and how you spend your money, travel outside of the peak months of July and August, and try to head to smaller cities and towns rather than the popular tourist destinations in Croatia such as Dubrovnik and Split , then you don’t have to spend a lot to greatly enjoy your time in this beautiful country.

As of 1 January 2023, the currency in Croatia is the Euro, in which all prices here are listed. To see the current exchange rates to your home currency, look at xe.com

Accommodation Prices

The first aspect of your budget that needs to be considered are accommodation costs as this is likely to take up the largest percentage of your overall Croatia trip cost.

Because the country is so popular among tourists, there are numerous accommodation options in virtually every Croatian town and city. These range from high-end resorts to quaint country B&Bs to a dorm bed in a backpacker hostel and all come with a different price tag.

Generally, we recommend against staying in all-inclusive resorts as, while they might seem like a good value for money, they offer very little exposure to the culture, cuisine, and people of the country you are visiting and Croatia is no different.

Therefore, if it is a hotel you are after, we recommend finding a small, locally run hotel to rest your head instead.

Not only will they invariably be cheaper and allow more room in your Croatia travel budget for other activities, but you also get the added benefit of supporting a small local business and have a better chance of experiencing a different culture.

A room in a budget to mid-range hotel will probably set you back an average of €60 – 90 per night, depending on the city you are visiting.

If you’re looking for a luxury option during your time in Croatia, then plan to pay €150-300 per night depending on the season and where the hotel is located.

Another fantastic option if you want to save money while travelling in Croatia without forgoing privacy is to get a private room through Airbnb. Again, Croatia prices vary depending on which city you are visiting, however, you can expect to pay roughly €40-50 per night, which can save you a lot of money, particularly if you’re splitting the costs between two people.

A one-bedroom apartment on Airbnb or Booking.com will land closer to €60-100 per night, again, depending on the season and location of the property. In general, expect prices to increase in the high season, especially during the months of July and August.

If you’re on a tight budget and want to pinch pennies wherever you can, then you will be happy to know that there is a large array of hostels to choose from. There is usually at least one hostel in every major city with numerous options in tourist hotspots like Dubrovnik or Split and the bustling and edgy capital of Zagreb .

Again, depending on the city you are visiting ( Dubrovnik tends to be significantly more expensive than other cities in the country and can skew price averages), a dorm bed at a Croatian hostel will cost about €20-30 depending on how many beds are in the room and where it is located.

Transportation Prices

The second biggest aspect of your total Croatia travel budget you need to consider is the cost of transportation. It is unlikely that you will only visit one destination while in Croatia (though Zagreb makes a fantastic city break destination!) and, unless you plan on hitchhiking everywhere, you’re going to have to pay to get there.

Luckily, public transport prices in Croatia still remain relatively affordable. It is worth knowing that there isn’t a large train network in Croatia and therefore the most efficient inter-city transport (and often the only) that exists is the bus. Buses in Croatia are generally nice and comfortable and if they do not have toilets in them, they do make stops on longer journeys.

The cost of travelling between cities can vary depending upon the length of the journey, but it is safe to assume to spend about €15 – 20 per journey. If you have luggage that needs to go in the hold, be aware that there is usually a charge to do this — normally €1 – 2 paid directly to the driver.

It can sometimes be cheaper to book your bus tickets online in advance, but this varies depending on the city and region. If you’re curious, a quick Google search can answer most questions.

If you’re visiting any of the islands, then ferry tickets are also something to keep in mind in regards to costs in Croatia. Prices can vary drastically depending on the distance you are travelling, the type of boat you are taking and whether or not you’re including a car.

Another popular option for getting around Croatia is to rent a car. While this isn’t entirely necessary, having your own vehicle can give you the flexibility to visit more off-the-beaten-path areas of the country that might have fewer bus connections.

It also is a bit easier to have a car if you’re interested in taking some day trips without having to be at the mercy of erratic bus timetables and aren’t keen to join an organised tour.

As with virtually everywhere in Europe, it is significantly cheaper to hire a manual transmission rather than an automatic. Car hire prices can differ depending on the company you’re renting from (we recommend checking out Rentalcars.com to compare prices!), but you can expect them to start at about €25 – 30 per day and increase from there.

If there are some areas you want to visit that would be easier to get to with a car but you still want to save some money, it is worth considering just renting a car for a day or two. That will help you cut down on your total Croatia tourism cost.

Food Prices

Croatian food doesn’t get the international recognition it so badly deserves but you’re definitely going to want to sample some of it while visiting this beautiful country. But what is the cost of eating out in Croatia?

In general, the cost of food and drink is one area that increased the most since the Croatia currency changed to the Euro at the beginning of 2023, however, it doesn’t have to be overly expensive.

While it is totally possible to eat on the cheap in Croatia, it is also equally possible to splash out the cash on a high-end dining experience. With both ends of the dining spectrum available for tourists in Croatia, it can be difficult to figure out how much to budget for food while visiting.

If you want to save money but still want a good, authentic restaurant meal from time to time, eating out can be affordable in Croatia. The biggest thing you can do for your budget (and your taste buds, honestly) when dining out in Croatia is to avoid tourist-centric restaurants like the plague.

This means avoiding eating in the old towns of the cities where you are staying or walking at least a kilometre away from the main attractions in order to find a decent place to eat. You will be surprised at how much prices can change when the menu isn’t catered toward tourists.

If you follow this advice, it is likely that the cost of a main meal in Croatia won’t be more than €15-20 per person. If you want to cut costs even more, try to stay at a place that has access to a kitchen and cook yourself your own meals and only occasionally go out to eat.

If you like eating dinner out most nights, you can also save yourself some money by making breakfast and lunch for yourself — or choose to stay at a place that provides breakfast in the nightly rate!

Activity Prices

Now that we’ve covered the costs for the three main aspects of your Croatia that you are definitely going to need to spend money one, let’s cover the cost of the activities you are actually going to do there.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on day-to-day activities in Croatia — for instance, exploring an Old Town or spending the day swimming at the beach are all completely free activities.

However, if you want to go on a boat trip or visit a museum or historical site here and there, you’re going to have to fork over some of your hard-earned cash.

Museum entry varies from place to place, but you can expect to pay about €5 to enter most museums. If you are a student, senior, or under the age of 26, make sure to see if there is a discount available because, more often than not, there is and it can save you a lot of money.

If you want to go on a day tour or boat trip somewhere, as is popular in Croatia, these aren’t always cheap experiences. If you’re keen to go on a full- or half-day cruise for some swimming and snorkelling , expect to pay roughly €50-100 per person for this depending on what is offered. Often the full-day cruises do include lunch which is an added bonus.

Day tours to places like Krka National Park from Split may cost a little less, while if you’re going further to places like Plitvice Lakes National Park expect to pay more.

If you plan to do one or two of these tours while on your trip, your daily activity cost need not be more than about €20 per person per day, but your costs will obviously add up when you plan to do more tours such as these.

If you want to visit places such as wineries or olive oil manufacturers, it will be significantly cheaper for you to do this independently rather than going on an organised tour. Oftentimes, wineries will even give you a free tasting provided you buy some wine from them and the same goes for olive oil.

Entertainment Prices

The last thing you need to consider when calculating your total trip cost is the price of entertainment. There are certain places in Croatia (Split, Zagreb, and Hvar spring to mind) that are famous for their nightlife and it would be a shame not to go and experience it for yourself, wouldn’t it?

Even if going out and clubbing isn’t really your cup of tea and you would prefer to sit at a seaside bar while sipping a delicious Istrian wine, these things are still going to cost you. The good news, however, is that it doesn’t have to be much.

Booze prices in Croatia aren’t actually that expensive and you are more likely paying more for the location you are drinking in rather than for the drink itself.

For instance, the same glass of wine at a bar directly on the water in Rovinj will cost you almost 15-20% than it would even a few hundred metres away from the sea. If you are on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the occasional pre-dinner cocktail, then this is something to keep in mind.

It is also always cheaper to drink local rather than imported. A glass of Croatian wine (which is fantastic, by the way) will set you back an average of about €2.50-5 whereas an imported wine can be more than double that. The same pricing scale applies for local vs imported beer.

If you are after a cocktail, that is going to get a little bit more expensive and some places you will pay prices akin to what you might pay in Northern Europe. On average, a basic cocktail such as an Aperol spritz at a bar will set you about €7-10 depending on where you’re drinking.

Is Croatia Expensive? Average Croatia Travel Cost

Croatia is definitely more expensive than some of its neighbouring countries, however, it doesn’t have to be a place that will make you file for bankruptcy just for visiting.

If you’re smart about where you spend your money, avoid tourist traps, and only travel between cities every 3-4 days or so, you can easily manage to visit Croatia on a budget.

To help you better plan, here is an average of what you should expect to spend in Croatia per person per day, assuming costs like accommodation are split between two people.

Accommodation:  €20-150 / day

Transportation:  €5-30 / day

Food:  €20-50 / day

Activities:  €5-25 / day

Entertainment:  €5-20 / day

All in all, you can easily visit Croatia with a budget of about €55-275 per day if you find some ways to cut costs on some days.

Make sure you also factor in the cost of a travel insurance policy from a provider like Heymondo which offers flexible insurance policies.

Croatia isn’t the super budget destination it once was, however, that doesn’t mean a trip to this beautiful country has to be overly expensive. Your total Croatia trip cost really depends on where and how you choose to spend your money, but it is a destination that is still accessible for both budget and luxury travellers alike.

Are you planning to travel to Croatia? Have any questions about the prices? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Ultimate One Day in Zagreb Itinerary

7-Day Istria Itinerary: Explore Pula, Umag and Rovinj

Split or Dubrovnik: Which Croatian City to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Maggie I’m trying to surprise my wife and plan a trip to Croatia and want to do on budget. I love outdoors and want to visit national parks, seashore and small villages. several questions: 1. should I rent car for travel, 2 do national parks have accommodations to rent. 3. any suggestions on small quaint villages. 4. are hostels good option. 5. can you get around well using bus system. 6. what about camping?

I’m coming for 10-14 days. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Matt – you may find our Croatia itinerary helpful when planning your trip: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/perfect-croatia-itinerary/

Super helpful article, thank you. I’m trying to work out costs for a party of three adults (two parents and an 18-y-old son), and am working on your daily cost range. That wouldn’t necessarily triple for three people, would it? For example, with accommodation, do you pay per head or per room?

Happy you found the article helpful. The prices listed above are assuming costs are split between two people, so if calculating a per-person cost and you have 3 people, they will likely be lower (especially when factoring in accommodation or transportation). Hotels are typically charged per room but it’s always a good idea to verify that with the specific place you’re booking 🙂

What is the best currency to take to Croatia

Hi Sue – Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna as of right now, but it is set to adopt the Euro in 2023. ATMs are also prevalent so it is probably best to plan to withdraw local currency while there rather than relying on exchange offices and travelling with lots of cash.

Just returned from Cavtat. Great fresh seafood, clean air, and water, healing environment Highly recommended,

I agree the local white wines were incredible. We even visited the winery north of Split where Anthony Bourdain over sampled and fell off his chair! Only glitch was on arrival at Split harbor the bus driver pointed us to the car ferry and we had to sprint almost a mile to the passenger catamaran to the islands- even owned by the same company it took awhile to find te correct departure.

Sounds like you had a great trip, Greg! Thanks for your comment 🙂

What a fabulous article, thank you! I’m feeling much more prepared for our vacation now. Can you please let us know what type of shops we go to, to purchase bottles/boxes of wine and bottles of scotch? We live in Canada, and can only purchase from government regulated liquor shops. Thank you so much!

Hi Elizabeth, if you want to get the best prices on something like scotch in Croatia, I would honestly recommend browsing the duty free shops at the airport before you fly back to Canada. That’s where you will get the best deals.

Aside this – Unlike in Canada or Northern Europe every supermarket (Plodine, Konzum, Spar…) has a big alcohol selection here.

Hello Maggie. I will be traveling on april to europe and i want to go to croatia. But i just gonna have like 4 days or 3 to go. It´s worth it? Because i want to go to some other place like budapest. What do you recommend to me?

Hi Nayoli, if you just choose one city in Croatia and then explore a bit from there, I think that only 3 or 4 days should be fine so long as you don’t try to pack too much in!

Great pre travel information. I am planning to visit Croatia and am feeling more comfortable with the information provided.

Glad we could help, Dushyant! Hope you have a great trip to Croatia 🙂

Are you able to draw a plan for our first visit in Croatia.

Hi Sarah, we’ve written a detailed Croatia itinerary with a number of different routes to choose from here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/perfect-croatia-itinerary/

I just came from Croatia. I spent most of my time in the coastal region. This article is pretty accurate on pricing. But what a gorgeous place. Well worth to travel there. Capital Zagreb is amazing. Too many things to see.

Thanks for your comment, Brian! Glad you had a great time in Croatia 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Meet the Team
• Our Manifesto
• Work with Us
• Budget Travel
• Personal Development
• Work & Travel
• United Kingdom
• More of Europe
• Philippines
• More of Southeast Asia
• More of South America
• More of Central America
• South Korea
• More of Asia
• More of North America
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands
• More of Oceania
• South Africa
• More of Africa
• More of the Middle East
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Gear

Home » Europe » Travel Expensive

Is Croatia Expensive? (Budget Tips • 2024)

If your preconceived notion of Croatia is that it’s a cold, rainy Eastern European country, forget everything you think you know about it.

Nearly 15 million tourists flock to the sandy beaches and beautiful national parks every year. There are also lots of monuments and buildings worth discovering – like the Museum of Broken Relationships (no breakup needed).

The idyllic nature of the smaller villages draws in people from all over the world, as well as the chance to experience a stay in a traditional Croatian stone cottage. Croatia’s reputation as a prime holiday spot makes the answer to the question “ Is Croatia expensive ” seem like a solid yes, especially during peak times. This is because prices for accommodation shoot up and sometimes even double in high season.

But, fear not. You don’t necessarily have to end up with empty pockets after your trip, especially once you’re armed with a few of our tips and tricks.

So without further ado, let’s dive into everything you need to know about saving money when you visit Croatia!

Croatia Trip Cost Guide

Cost of flights to croatia, price of accommodation in croatia, cost of transport in croatia, cost of food in croatia, price of alcohol in croatia, cost of attractions in croatia, additional costs of travel in croatia, some final tips for saving money in croatia, so, is croatia expensive.

How expensive is travel in Croatia ? Let’s break it down. We’ll look at all the major cost factors of a typical trip to this amazing country, which include:

• Accommodation options
• Food and drink
• Transport around the country
• Other costs you may want to take into account

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

In 2023, Croatia dropped the Kuna and has since then been using the Euro . Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

For this article, we’ll estimate all the costs mentioned in US dollars (USD).

Is Croatia Expensive? 2 Weeks in Croatia Travel Costs

See what you can expect to be your total Croatia trip cost :

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $600-$2000 USD

Let’s talk about flights. Traveling to Croatia is probably the biggest single expense and the most difficult to accurately estimate, mainly because flights fluctuate in price throughout the year.

Croatia has nine international airports you can possibly fly into. The main airport in terms of arrivals is Zagreb. In fact, only Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik will receive international flights all year round.

Is Croatia cheap to get to, though? Many cities tend to have a “cheap time” to fly.

We’ve compiled a list of round-trip tickets to Croatia from some major cities:

• New York to Zagreb: 700 – 1000 USD
• London to Zagreb: 300- 600 GBP
• Sydney to Zagreb: 2000 – 3000 AUD
• Vancouver to Zagreb: 1200 – 1300 CAD

Remember that these fares are subject to change with time. You can sometimes score additional discounts by looking for special deals or error fares. Make sure to check flight to the different airports in Croatia to find the lowest cost possible.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $10-$350 USD per day

As we mentioned, Croatia travel is becoming very popular amongst travelers. As a result, prices are rising slightly every year. Fortunately, it’s still quite affordable, compared to popular destinations in Western Europe.

There are many different kinds of accommodations in Croatia. As the hotels become more crowded over tourist season, prices inevitably rise. Airbnbs and Hostels are also a great option, especially for travelers on a budget and backpackers.

Make sure you know where you want to stay in Croatia before you look deeper into possible accommodations. Once that’s clear, check out the best ones below, so you can find the right one for you.

Hostels in Croatia

Staying in hostels is the best way to lower your accommodation costs low. Choosing a dorm instead of a private room will save you even more money.

They are also good social spaces for those who don’t mind meeting other travelers and being surrounded by like-minded bunkbed buddies. And trust us, there are numerous amazing hostels in Croatia ! Another advantage of staying in a hostel is the great advice you can get from staff and other guests.

The prices of hostels vary quite a lot in Croatia – anywhere from $10 USD to $55 USD per night. But a fair price to look at for a standard hostel option is between $15-$25 USD per night.

You’ll want to be close to whatever you plan on seeing. So in a major city, it may be close to the city center. On the islands, it’ll probably be near the beach. Here are a few of the best ones we found:

• Chillout Hostel , Zagreb – An expertly-designed hostel with incredible common rooms, a 24-hour bar, a rooftop lounge, all in downtown Zagreb!
• Hostel Elena, Zadar – 20 Yards from the boardwalk, with access to the island ferries, and the party atmosphere of the beachfront nightlife.
• Split Guesthouse & Hostel, Split – They’ll make you feel like you’ve arrived at a friend’s house, complete with a free cup of coffee on arrival. Rated best hostel in Split for several years running, it’s definitely worth the stay.

Airbnbs in Croatia

There’s a quite big range of options on Airbnb when it comes to prices in Croatia. The cost mostly depends on where you’re looking to stay, and especially what part of the year. Island accommodation also tends to be slightly more expensive, so keep that in mind during your planning.

While you might be able to score an impressive $28 USD per night (lucky you), expect to pay a more typical $35 – $55 USD a night for a decent apartment.

On the upside, you’ll have the apartment to yourself, with the option to self-cater in a kitchen of your own. You can’t beat the feeling of having a home away from home. If you value privacy and independence, staying in an Airbnb is the right choice for you.

Here are a few gems we found that you may consider:

• Waterfront with an extraordinary view – In the old town of Dubrovnik, a studio with a truly extraordinary view of the bay.
• Cozy & Romantic Apartment with a Stunning View – Right by the seaside, and close to the romantic part of Sukošan old town.
• The best position in Hvar!   – Sitting on top of a hill, overlooking the town and sea, this is a view that’s absolutely breathtaking.

Hotels in Croatia

While hotel accommodation is definitely the most expensive of all the options, it comes with certain advantages and luxuries. Hotels probably offer the best on-call services, like room service, attached restaurants, laundry, gym, concierge, and even more.

The price range is incredibly big for hotels. You can find places for up to $350 USD per night, but you can also do some hunting and find great value rooms at around $80 USD. Hotels should only be considered if your travel budget allows it and if you don’t want your trip to end after a couple of days.

Here are some of the best hotel options in Croatia:

• Hotel Mlini – A picturesque view from a balcony can offer a great start to a day in Dubrovnik.
• Hotel Esplanade – Just twenty yards from the beach in Crikvenica, and often features live music on its terrace for some entertainment.
• Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera – Superb value at this Petrcane coast gem. Enjoy the bars the huge wellness area, and of course, the beach.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $5-$50 USD per day

In Croatia, the main form of public transport used in most cities is the bus. Zagreb and Osijek also have tram systems. The train system in Croatia is a little less reliable than other systems, due to by regular stoppages and delays.

Within the cities, a bus single ride costs $1.50-$2 USD on average (you can purchase a one-hour pass for this). For the most part, buses tend to run fairly regularly and efficiently and are the best way to save on transport costs.

If you’re bouncing around the islands, you’ll have to use boat services. Car Ferries or Catamarans (these ones are only for passengers) are the most popular and cost-effective ways to get to the islands.

You have the option of renting a car if you plan to travel around the country. The roads in Croatia are really good, but you may want to use the public transport options available when you’re in a city itself.

You can also choose to walk around – this is especially pleasant during the summer months.

Train Travel in Croatia

Trains only travel between certain cities in Croatia, and it must be noted that the network is limited and doesn’t go to every single town. You can get between a few main cities like Zagreb and Split, for example. To get to smaller towns or even villages, you have to switch it up to either busses or, in the worst case, taxis.

Bus Travel in Croatia

The bus system in Croatia is very extensive. You’ll be able to choose from many services and operators, depending on where you are in the country. There is no single national operator that works all routes. In most cities, the numerous central bus stations are very easy to find and get to.

Croatian bus prices aren’t the cheapest in Europe, but it remains the cheapest option, in general, to get around within a city, and between cities.

Within cities, various bus services run a number of routes, usually based on a single ticket system. For example, in Dubrovnik, you can get a ticket for about $2 USD, which is valid for 60 minutes of unlimited travel. You can also buy 24-hour ticket passes for just under $5 USD.

Choosing the bus as your transport option will definitely work out the cheapest. With its quite affordable tickets and reliability, it’s perfect for backpackers and travelers on a budget that want to see as much of Croatia as possible.

Getting Around in the Cities

Many of the cities in Croatia, especially the main ones, are completely walkable. And you’ll love getting around on foot wherever you are because it allows you to take in every detail of the charming city without rushing. That being said, there are few alternatives.

• Metros and trams – There are a few trams in Zagreb and Osijek – a 90-minute ticket costs about $1.50. They do not run 24 hours, but do a fair job of moving around the city every day between 4 am and midnight.
• Bus – Many locals and travelers prefer to use the bus to get from A to B, even if it does take slightly longer. A single ticket, valid for one hour, will cost around $2 USD. Day passes ($5 USD) are also an option. Bus tickets are separate to train, tram and metro tickets.
• Bicycles – You can find bikes rentals fairly easily in the major cities. You can also try a service like BimBim Bikes, which is a sort of aggregator for a number of service providers. Usually, around $14-16 USD per day is a fair price for standard bicycle rental.
• Taxi – Taxis will be an expensive option in Croatia. As an example, a taxi between the airport and Old Town Dubrovnik costs around $30 USD. If you plan to use a taxi to travel around, you’ll be making a serious dent in your budget, as a standard taxi rate is around $1 USD per km.

Renting a Car in Croatia

If you prefer the freedom of exploring the country at your own pace, you could also rent a car. This is only an option if you’re over 22 years old. The coastal roads in Croatia are exceptionally beautiful, great for photos.

To get the best rental car prices in Croatia, make sure to book your car well ahead .

Due to high demand, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself stranded without a car if you just show up at the rental. And even if you do manage to get your hands on one, you’re going to pay a pretty big rate.

The best services for rentals are Sixt and Rentalcars.com. They both offer the option to pick up in one place and drop off in another, but this is usually more expensive. Expect to pay around $60-120 USD for a four-day rental, excluding gas and insurances.

When taking the rental car on the ferry, you’ll need to pay extra insurance for this – about $20 USD. Be sure to let your rental company know whether you will be going to the islands with your car.

Want to save some cash and explore Croatia by rental car? Use rentalcar.com to find the best deal possible. There are some great prices on the site and they aren’t difficult to find.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $20-$100 USD per day

Food isn’t particularly expensive in Croatia, especially when compared to its neighbors. But like pretty much everywhere in the world, eat and drink in restaurants and hotel bars every night, and you’ll end up spending lots. Fortunately, there are ways to keep money in your pockets.

The easiest way to save money on food is to cook for yourself. Staying at an Airbnb or a hotel, you normally have a little kitchen with basic equipment, which allows you to prepare meals at home.

Take a look at these average Croatia prices for typical everyday food items compared to restaurant eating.

• 1 liter milk: $1 USD
• 12 eggs: $2.75- $3 US
• 2 lbs apples: $1.50 USD
• 2 lbs potatoes: $1 USD

Restaurants and bars :

• McDonald’s Medium meal: $6 USD
• Beer (17 fl.oz): $2.50-2.80 USD
• Standard cola (can):  $2.10 USD
• Mid range restaurant meal: $20 per person

If you have to eat out, time it for happy hour specials, or keep your eyes open for discounts or 2-for-1 days. This will work out a lot cheaper than regularly getting normal meals.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $10-$80 per day

As with most places catering to the tourist market, the alcohol prices in Croatia can vary from bar to bar, depending on where in Croatia you’re stepping out. How much you should expect to spend on drinks is completely dependent on your consumption and preference.

Beer is by far the cheapest option, and local beer tends to be cheaper than imported brands. You can usually find a pint of beer for around $2 USD at a local bar. Expect to pay slightly more for a brand name import.

A bottle of standard house wine at a restaurant or bar can cost around $10 USD, and a shot of vodka around $2 USD as well. Of course, you can buy the same alcohol for as little as half of these prices at a local store or market.

Our advice is to pick up a fair supply from a market and enjoy a few early drinks at home. If you’re still up to hit the town after that, check out the happy hours in the area.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $3-$200 USD

Croatia is full of the most wonderful attractions including the most incredible national parks . Many can be visited as part of a tour or on your own. Hotspots are ranging in pricing from absolutely free to quite expensive. Popular tourist destinations like Plitvice Lakes National Park are a bit pricy in summer–the park (famous for its incredible waterfalls) will set you back $45 USD per person from June-September.

Some of the cheapest include parks like Paklenica National Park for about $3. Other excursions, like boat rides to the blue caves, can cost as much as $130-150 USD or more.

Using the city of Dubrovnik as an example: a tour of the city walls will cost around $10 USD admission. The museum of the Rector’s Palace is a little less at $6 USD.

As we already mentioned, you don’t have to pay to get in everywhere. Beaches, town squares, many churches, and parks are free to visit.

Here are a few pointers on how to save money on attractions:

• It may sound odd but pay in kuna when given the choice. Paying in Euros means giving a sneaky little extra, which can be avoided by just sticking to the local currency.
• Do some research on everything that’s free in your area. Stick to the free attractions and keep the money in your bank account.
• Look at official websites for a discount or free days. Some museums, for example, have free days on certain days of the month.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Unexpected expenses can come up at any time, unfortunately, so being prepared is important when setting up your travel budget. Nobody likes to think abo0ut an emergency, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Set aside a portion of your budget to plan for “surprises”. A worst-case scenario would be a medical emergency – paying for a trip to the hospital shouldn’t cause a panic over how to afford dinner later, or even worse, how to get back home.

There’s also the unexpected must-have gift that you really need to bring back to your aunt. Doesn’t matter what comes up, better to have some funds in reserve – just in case.

Tipping in Croatia

As a rule of thumb, a decent restaurant service deserves a 10% tip. It’s pretty much the standard across Croatia. You can push that up to 15% if you’re really impressed with the service. Rounding up to the bill won’t hurt your wallet, but it’ll surely put a smile on someones face.

A $1-$2 USD tip is appreciated by a porter at your hotel. Carrying your bags can be a bit of work. Other than that, you can round up to tell a street vendor to “keep the change”, if you like, though it’s not expected.

As far as taxis go, no more than a rounded-up amount is expected, unless you’ve taken a long intercity ride. Then it’s ok to leave a normal tip.

Get Travel Insurance for Croatia

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Still not quite sure how to backpack through Croatia on a budget? Here are a couple of things to try:

• Walk when you can : Chances are you’ll be in a city or town that is wonderful to walk around. Go on and get some fresh air!
• Book ahead : Sometimes you can save a pretty penny by booking ahead. Tickets to theaters, museums, and other attractions do offer rewards for booking in advance.
• Happy hours and 2-for-1 : Almost every bar or restaurant has a time of the day or week for a particular special. Ask your local desk or consult the local web guide for advice.
• Carry a water bottle : Don’t waste money on plastic, or bottled waters carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL , which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
• Earn money while you travel : Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Croatia.
• Become a volunteer with Worldpackers : Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Croatia.

Here’s a general observation: In Croatia, the cost of travel tends to be more expensive in the high tourist season (summer) than in the off-seasons. Depending on where you’re flying from, flight costs may differ quite a lot.

If you’re able to visit in the low season, you’ll find Croatia travel costs affordable in terms of accommodation, food, and entertainment. Balance your budget with smart decisions like shopping for food at a market, or eating street food rather than at an expensive restaurant on the main street.

Use the bus – it’s a lot cheaper than taxis or car rentals. And enjoy the walkable towns and cities on foot whenever you can.

It may be overly optimistic to call Croatia a cheap vacation, but it’s not the most expensive, either. With that in mind, you should be able to visit with a reasonably-sized wallet and see quite a bit of the country. Croatia on a budget is totally possible.

What we think an average Croatia travel budget should be: $50-$100 USD per day .

Updated February 2023

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Agness and Cez

Share or save this post

Being in Croatia right now, I can tell you, that the prices you mentioned are pretty different now. A coke at a restaurant is 3,5 euros (about 4 USD). A pizza is about 12 USD. Car rental is about 45 USD a day + insurance and gas. Meat, cold cuts and vegetables at the supermarket is cheap though, and you can get a good homemade meal for a fraction of the cost at a restaurant. Meat is about 5 usd a pound. Vegetables are about 1 usd a pound. Cold cuts vary, but a cheese, sausages and dried ham is between 6-12 usd a pound. A big bottle of coke (2 liters) is 3 usd. And a 2 liter (cheap beer) is 5 usd. Buying at the supermarket is by far the cheapest solution. Marketplaces will rip you of. If you’re not planning to do your own cooking, expect to use as much as you would in the world’s most expensive countries… And I know what I’m talking about, as I’m danish. Prices are literally the same as in Denmark, if you don’t cook yourself.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Travel Croatia on Budget: Money-saving Tips

Visiting Croatia doesn’t need to be expensive, and our travel Croatia budget tips will help you better plan your holidays in Croatia . With these simple money-saving tips we show you how to travel in Croatia on budget.

These tips aren’t only for frugal travelers, but for everybody who likes to avoid unnecessary costs whether you travel on a tight budget, or planning to treat yourself to a luxury stay in Croatia .

Table of Contents

The 32 best travel Croatia budget tips

If you started budgeting your trip to Croatia, then check out our 32 tips to get a better idea of what to expect in Croatia in terms of costs, and how to avoid necessary spending.

Use the exchange rate to your advantage

Croatia started using the Euro as of January 1st, 2023. At the moment of this writing, 1 US$ equals 0.93 €, 1 CAD equals 0.7 €, 1 AUD equals 0.65 €, and 1 GBP is 1.13 €.

Check the exchange rate in your country, and if more favorable bring some Euros already with you. If you decide to buy some euros in Croatia, shop for the most favorable exchange rate. There are many currency exchange offices, and not all have the same rates. Ask locals to save time!

When paying with a credit card, always choose charges in a local currency

When you pay with a credit card in Croatia, at many places the cashiers will ask you if you prefer to be charged in your country’s currency or local currency. This is a tricky one, as it is counterintuitive to choose the local currency. But you better do it if you want to save money! The banks use something they call Dynamic currency exchange, and it is just a fancy name to take you a few extra euros from your account.

Know when to go

Croatia, when it comes to tourism, has a very seasonal demand. The main season runs from mid-June to the first week of September, but the peak time is from the last week of July to the last week of August. At this time of the year, prices are at their highest levels.

If you are flexible with your travel dates, try to visit Croatia before or after the main season . Prices of accommodation, tours, and activities drop dramatically.

Here are a few examples of how much you can save in June compared with August

• A double room with breakfast in a 4-star hotel in Rovinj will cost you 200 € the first week of June, while in the first week of August, for the same room, you’ll pay 350€.
• In August, renting an economy-class car will cost you 90€ a day, and the same car in September will cost you 30€ a day.
• An entrance fee for the Plitvice Lakes Nation Park costs 23.50 € per person in May, but 39.80 € per person in July or August.

How long you stay in a particular place matters

Trying to squeeze in as many places as possible in a short time is not always the smartest thing to do budget-wise. Many hotels and private apartments offer long stay discounts (long stay is usually considered any stay longer than 3 nights in the shoulder seasons, or stays longer than 5 nights in high season).

A long stays discount can save you up to 30% off an accommodation price. If you’d like to visit lots of sites during your travel to Croatia, consider choosing a centrally located place, and then do the daily excursions.

If you do them on your own, and using public transport, you’ll be able to save a considerable amount of money. For example, if you choose Split for your base, from there you can easily visit Omis, Trogir , islands Brac and Hvar , Krka Waterfalls, and Zadar for a day, even if using public transport.

Choose the right destination

Croatia is small, and most of the regions have a very good bus network. Stay out of the most popular destinations . They are often overcrowded, more expensive, and not always the best.

Choosing a smaller village in the vicinity of a famous place can help you save lots of money. Dubrovnik , for instance, is crazily expensive, way overcrowded, and short on parking. Instead, check out Dubrovnik Riviera, or the Konavle region . The small village of Zaton, and Cavtat can be great alternatives to Dubrovnik. And you can easily visit Dubrovnik daily using a local bus.

The same goes for any popular destination in Croatia. Instead of Split, stay in Stobrec, or in Omis. Save on your trip to Istria, by staying in Rupeni  instead of Porec, etc.

Cross to the islands on foot!

It is convenient to travel by car, but when it comes to visiting the Croatian islands, the costs of taking a car across on a ferry become ridiculously expensive.

For example, ferry-crossing from Split to Stari Grad on the island of Hvar costs 7.3 € (7.8 $, 6,5 GBP) per person. But if you decide to take a car on a ferry, that will set you back an additional 43.4 € (46.5 $, 38.5 GBP). Crazy, no?!

Use loyalty points where available

We don’t yet have many international hotel chains in Croatia, but we have some, and where available you can save money using your membership points.

In Zagreb, you’ll find Sheraton, Hilton’s DoubleTree and Canopy, Westin, and Best Western. In Dubrovnik, you have Hilton, Sheraton, and two members of the Leading Hotels of the World; in Split Radisson Blue, and Le Meridien; in Savudrija there is the Kempinski hotel.

Rovinj features two Leading Hotels of the World and one Design Hotel that belongs again to the Marriott group. There is a number of Relais & Chateaux hotels in Istria, Korcula, Zadar, Opatija, and Peljesac.

Member hotels of the Small Luxury Hotels you’ll find in Sibenik, Dubrovnik, Istria, and Split.

Some Croatian hotel chains, like Valamar Hotels & Resorts , and Maistra , also offer Loyalty program benefits and you obtain some of them already on a sign-up. Check them out, you might be able to save some money or obtain other perks!

Book your hotel before the end of February

The majority of hotels along the coast offer an Early Booking Discount . This discount applies to bookings made up until the end of February, sometimes mid-March (but valid for stays during the entire year).

Choose the right cancelation policy

Look for a flexible cancellation policy . The most common flexible cancellation policy allows you to cancel your booking without a penalty up to 48 hours prior to arrival. It also gives you an option to cancel your booking should you find a cheaper price at the last minute.

Check for the last-minute deals

Look for last-minute deals . Hotel prices are dynamic; this means that they change with demand. While in an ideal world this would mean that the prices increase as the stay period approaches, unfortunately, it isn’t always the case. You can end up with a much more expensive room that you booked at the early booking discount than the one that the hotel sells at the last minute. This is where a flexible cancellation policy comes in handy.

Check the non-refundable rates the sooner your travel date is

Many hotels offer a non-refundable or advanced purchase rate at a discounted price. This way the hotels try to minimize the risk of cancelations. We never book these rates when our travel dates are far ahead because travel plans can change. But once our travel date approaches, we always check the available rates and if we find any that is cheaper, we cancel our original reservation and rebook the same property but for a cheaper price.

Book directly

Don’t be afraid to book your stay directly with the hotel , vacation rental, or campsite. You can do so through its website or its call center. You can always ask for a small discount or special offer, or even find the deals that you normally won’t find elsewhere. Hotels often offer exclusive value-added packages or web-exclusive deals if you book directly through their websites.

Rent an apartment for your stay in Croatia

Private accommodations are great alternatives to hotels . Croatians have been renting out apartments to tourists forever. You should have no worries to book them! The apartment prices are mostly stated per apartment, regardless of the number of people staying. This can save you a lot of money (e.g. for four people, it’s way cheaper to rent a two-bedroom apartment than two hotel rooms).

Be mindful when choosing your location

Choose accommodation in the vicinity of popular tourist resorts, but not directly in the city center or by the sea . You can find much cheaper and better-equipped accommodations, as these properties try to compensate for the distance from the town with extra services and better rates.

Choose accommodation with free parking space

Look for accommodation that offers free private parking place . Parking fees can really increase the cost of your vacation rental, especially when staying in popular towns like Dubrovnik, Porec, or Rovinj.

Avoid hidden costs

Beware of hidden costs , like tourist tax, and a cleaning fee. Tourist tax in Croatia amounts to about 1.35 € per day per person, while the cleaning fee is anywhere around 30-50 € per stay. Check before you book if a property has these costs already calculated in the final price.

When staying in a hostel, make sure the price includes bed sheets or towels, as some hostels charge them separately.

Decide what perks are worth the money, and ditch the rest

Some room types are more expensive than others. Sometimes the difference between the two is obvious and worth the money, like a room with a sea view or a balcony.

But sometimes, it’s completely worthless to pay more. For example, paying extra for a room with a plunge pool in April or May when it’s cold enough not to be able to use the pool makes no sense.

Some hotels add simple in-room amenities , like a bottle of water, or a fruit basket, and they call that room Deluxe and charge you extra. It’s still the same room as the cheaper basic hotel room.

And the worst rip-off when it comes to room types is when a hotel charge you extra for a seaside room . You notice the nuance – side not a view . This often means that your room is facing the sea, but because of all trees, the view is so obstructed that you don’t even see the sea.

Before you pay extra for the seemingly better room type, make sure these extras are worth the money.

Go camping in Croatia

Campsites are extremely popular in Croatia, and they can be a great option for your holidays in Croatia. They are well-equipped, real holiday parks with lots of facilities, services, and activities.

Campsites along the coast  are located by the sea and come with their own beach. A pitch for two persons, a tent or camper van, equipped with electricity and water will cost you around 50 to 80 euros in high season  (although there are a couple of campsites that charge crazily high prices like 150 euros a night for a pitch). In the low season, it goes as low as 18 euros .

Don’t book a campsite in advance, simply walk-in

Some campsites charge a one-off non-deductible booking fee (around 50 €) when booking your place in advance. Others charge an advanced payment (around 100 €), non-refundable in case you cancel your booking.

So unless you really want a particular pitch on the ground, don’t book a campsite in advance. Anybody who ever camped in Croatia knows that there is always a free place at the campsite, even in the high season, even when reception tells you differently. Just drive around and look for that little piece of land you’ll call home for a couple of days.

Vacation rentals in Croatia are often cheaper than hostels

Hostels in Croatia are popular in larger towns, like Zagreb, Split, or Dubrovnik; while in small coastal towns, you’ll have many more vacation rentals to choose from, as well as private rooms. And, vacation rentals are often cheaper than hostels.

Prices of a hostel are based on the price per bed. While this can be really cheap if you travel solo, the costs can quickly add up if you travel as a family. Double-check if this is really your cheapest option for accommodation in Croatia.

Many hostels have private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. However, a private room in a hostel can cost you as much as a room in a proper hotel.

Use large booking sites to compare the prices of various properties

Use the big booking sites to compare the prices of different accommodation choices. This way you can narrow down your search, and then decide where to book your accommodation of choice: on the booking site or directly on the property’s website.

Sometimes it is cheaper to book your accommodation on big booking sites like Booking.com , Hostelworld , or Airbnb .

Use metasearch to compare rates of the same property across multiple sites

Sometimes the same room is sold through various distribution channels including Expedia, Booking.com, the hotel’s own website, etc… Metasearch websites like Kayak , Google Hotel Search , Trivago , and alike are good to compare rates across multiple sites and pick up the cheapest.

Before you decide with whom to book the accommodation make sure that the rates are actually comparable. For example, sometimes Expedia doesn’t calculate tax into the rate but adds it later. The seemingly cheaper rate can suddenly become more expensive.

Not all hotel rooms are distributed on all channels. Make sure you compare the price of the same room type.

Skip dinner, and eat lunch instead

We all like to eat out, and taste local food when we visit a new place. However, this can be expensive, especially if you travel as a family with kids.

We don’t say you should completely skip the experience of eating out in various restaurants in Croatia. We just say you can follow our simple travel Croatia budget tips to avoid unnecessary costs.

Many restaurants in Croatia offer lunch menus for a fixed price. Restaurants are often less busy during lunchtime (people are at the beach, or it’s too hot to eat anyway), and they run specials, like a full meal for 15 € a person.

Eat marenda

Another suggestion is to eat where locals eat. Many restaurants offer “marenda” or “gablec” . These are special meals prepared for local businessmen and workers for their lunch breaks.

Those meals are usually offered from 11 am to 3 pm, and the full meal (main course, side, salad, and sometimes even a dessert) cost around 6 to 10 euros. Don’t expect haute cuisine, just a simple, hearty meal that will keep you full for a good part of the day.

Get a dessert on the house

Many restaurants in Croatia (in Istria particularly) offer a dessert or a local liqueur on the house at the end of the meal. Dessert usually includes traditional dry cakes, like fritule, krostule, or apple, cheese, or walnut-filled pastry.

The quantities are not large, but hey, if you’ve already had a great meal, just a little sweet bite at the end that comes free of charge, can save you on dessert.

The same goes for local schnapps. Just skip the last drink, and ask the waiter for your complimentary liqueur. They usually have a variety of schnapps on offer: honey, walnuts, herbs, and cherries are the most common.

Stay at hotels offering a half-board

If you travel with children , you might consider staying at a hotel that offers either a half-board or all-inclusive meal plan.

The majority of hotels in Croatia have a half-board as their basic service. And the half-board will usually cost just a few euros per day more than a simple bed & breakfast. This means that you can get dinner for as little as 5 € a day. Do your research, and compare it. Look for cheap half-board options. Some hotels build their reputation around an excellent buffet they offer, in particular Valamar Hotels & Resorts.

Cook your own meals

An excellent way to save on food when in Croatia is to rent a private apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen. This way, not only that you save on accommodation, but you also can cook your own meals, and get your groceries at the local market, and supermarkets.

I personally, when traveling, love to try local restaurants, and eat out. But after a few days in a row of eating at the restaurants, my stomach doesn’t feel right, and I just long to cook something simple. I also like to shop at the farmer’s markets and feel like a local.

Book your flights as early as possible

If you plan on traveling to Croatia by plane, try to book your flight with a low-cost carrier as early as possible. The same goes for car rental and some activities.

Fly low cost

Many low-cost carriers, like RyanAir, EasyJet, Norwegian, or Eurowings, fly into Croatia seasonally from April to October. These companies offer really cheap rates especially off-season and the earlier you book. The busiest Croatian airports when it comes to low-cost carriers are Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, and Pula.

Consider package holidays to Croatia

If you are planning on flying to Croatia and staying at the hotel, particularly from the UK, you can check hotel package holidays with large tour operators like TUI UK, Jet2Holidays, or booking through Expedia. These companies usually offer better deals for certain destinations than if you book your flight and a hotel room separately.

Use buses in Croatia

The cheapest way to travel around Croatia is by bus. The Bus network in Croatia is pretty good, buses are comfortable, modern, and reliable, and they are very frequent to and from the major resort towns in Croatia.

The entire Dalmatia can be explored on the bus. If you plan on exploring Istria (especially inland Istria), Croatian islands , or you stay at a small and remote village anywhere in Croatia , then we suggest you rather rent a car, than rely on bus transport.

For the rest, you’ll be fine using this mode of transport. Don’t forget that students and senior citizens have a discount on the majority (if not all) of bus companies.

Avoid highways, travel on state roads instead!

If you travel by car in Croatia, keep in mind that highways have tolls. The highway toll from Zagreb to Split is 24 €. However, if you would like to avoid road tolls, you can use local roads. They are in good condition, although they can be winding (particularly along the Dalmatian coast), and slow considering the speed limits. Since the new highways have been built, the local roads get much less traffic and are not as bad as before to drive on.

We hope our budget tips for travel in Croatia helped you save money on your next Croatian trip. If you have any questions, or suggestions leave them in the comments below.   

Frankaboutcroatia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post might also contain affiliate links to other sites, like accommodation or activities. And if you purchase anything using these links, we earn a little commission with no extra costs for you. Thank you for supporting our blog! Read full disclaimer here.

Home / Croatia Travel Tips / Travel Croatia on Budget: Money-saving Tips

26 thoughts on “Travel Croatia on Budget: Money-saving Tips”

Driving from Slovenia to Croatia is super simple, and for the majority of the trip you’ll be driving on a modern, multilane highway

Many thanks for all the info I’ve just been reading through. We travel as a family of 5 with luggage in just under a weeks time and are all excited about our trip. We stay for the first week in Orebic and here is where I get a bit stuck! Could I ask what you would suggest for us all to travel from Orebic to Bol as that is where we are staying for the second week? Thanks ever so!

This was really informative! I have not traveled previously to Croatia, but am excited to this summer. How difficult is driving from Croatia to Slovenia? It looks very simple, but is that correct? Is there anything special to know. We will have a rental van. Thanks.

Really helpful tips Frank, thank you so much!! Love this website. I’m planning to visit Croatia in the beginning of October for 8-9 days, starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Pula. Do you think it may be too much? Could you please highlight the spots you consider the best in this route (doesn’t need to be the most turistic ones). Is the weather normally fine at this time of the year? Also, we are planning to rent a car, but maybe from Dubrovnik to Split we take the ferry and rent the car only in Split, since I read the coastline from Dubrovnik to Split by ferry is beautiful, and there is border in between which might not be very convenient. What do you think? Thank you so so much for your help! And congrats about the great job with the website.

Thanks so much for this information, I’m just starting the planning process for my trip and this was a great kicking off point! I am traveling end of September-beginning of October. What kind of weather can I expect? I’m looking to rent a car and wanted to do a two or three day trip to Albania, do you know of any car companies that allow travel to albania or would I be better off to take a bus? Also, have yyou been to Albania and do you have any recommendations?

Thanks so much, love the website!!

All your tips are absolutely spot on and amazing, throughout our planning they have helped us make awesome choices! I have chosen this gorgeous country for my honeymoon trip starting 29th may. we also plan to attend the Croatian spring break island from 2nd to 5th! Do you have any advice for us while in Novalja partying? like can we in those 4days of partying look around some place or a beach nearby(I am also particularly fond of lighthouses :) ). Also is there any boat trip which could take me island hopping on many good West coast islands? I am in Croatia until 11th June. Thanking you and appreciate your great tips!

Hi Vivian, we just came back from Vis. It’s stunning! If you decide to go there, stay in Komiza, not in Vis Town. Komiza is just so cool, and beautiful.

Hi Ruba, thanks for reaching out. Hm, not so easy to pick only three places in Croatia, but based on your preferences, you might check Split, Porec, or Hvar. Hope this helps. Cheers!

This website really helped. However, I wanted to ask you if you could suggest two or three of the best places I could visit. Its me and two of my other friends. We want to go to the beach, but also trek/hike, do watersports do some historical stuff (Roman ruins). We’re gonna be on a budget and I could really do with some suggestions/ideas of the best places to go to.

Thank you for all your Info… We will definitely be using it on our trip to croatia this summer. The only thing we are still unsure about is which islands to visit. We were thinking of two islands for our two-week holiday. Our top choices are Dugi Otok and Vis. What do you think? since we will be visiting Split and Dubrovnik we wanted to have a few quiet days on a nice island to have some peaceful and perfect beach-holiday-days. We’d love to hear your opinion on this, since locals know so much better… :-) Thank you so much in advance!!!!

This is an all-inclusive article, Frank! I will save it for when I travel to Croatia!

Thanks for reading, JoJean! Enjoy Croatia, and let us know if we can help with anything.

My husband, my 14 year old son and me are going for two weeks in May. We are so excited! Thank you for your helpful hints.

Hi Rahim, Flixbus started operating in Croatia on limited routes last year. You might check their website for the routes they cover and prices. They should be the cheapest. Other companies include Autotrans, Croatia Bus, and Cazma Trans. Let us know if we can help with anything else.

Very useful post indeed.I am going to Croatia in early May this year with my husbnad.We plan to go to Zagreb,Zadar and Dubrovnik then to Kotor.Can you suggest the cheapest yet the reliable bus company to go to these places.The luggage will be charge by the bus…is that true?

I find your site really useful, thanks. There are so many things you can do to save money, and to have a great time anyway. I enjoy good food, and in Croatia you can really surprise your palate. Local specialties can be found in numerous family restaurants, usually settled in smaller villages around larger touristic towns. Complimentary homemade Medica, a mixture of schnapps and honey is usually served in Istria, followed by very nice local white wine called Malvazija. In small, rustic restaurants called ‘konoba’, usually run by local fishermen, you can enjoy fresh fish or pasta with clams and chili, tagliatelle or black risotto for reasonable amount of money. There is another site I think provides valuable info about different places in Croatia, http://www.croatia-holidays.com , and this includes different accommodation possibilities. They also have detailed descriptions of beaches, places to see and explore and other things you might find useful while spending your holidays in Croatia.

Thanks for your comment, Dee! Congrats on your wedding (it must be a wedding sometime, if you travel for your honeymoon :). Let us know if we can help you with anything regarding your upcoming trip to Croatia.

Great post! I am so glad to have found your website – we are traveling to Croatia the first week in September for our honeymoon and I plan to spend a lot of time on your website guiding our activities. Thank you!

Useful tips here. We will be renting a car and driving from Dubrovnik to Zagreb over a week. Do you know if the car rentals there have the option of a window-mounted toll pass like they do here in the US? Or do we pay toll with cash? Any help is appreciated?

Thanks, Alain! Let us know if we can help with anything.

This is very helpful. Thanks, Frank. I’ll be there soon. :)

Great tips. We were just in Croatia at the end of September for 2 weeks and loved it.Not to many tourists and the prices weren’t terrible either!

Hi Katie, you definitely did the best thing regarding a visit to Plitvice. It’s just so convenient to take a regular bus either from Split, Zadar, or Zagreb. And as you said, it is about half price. How did you like Plitvice? Would you like to share your experience of Croatia with our readers? Let us know, and thanks for stopping by.

What a comprehensive and informative post. These tips are all so helpful. Thanks for including the portion on traveling with children. Glad to hear apartments are the way to go too. I’m bookmarking this and hopefully I can use it one of these days – soon.

Thanks for the tips, Frank! Pleased to say I actually followed most of these without knowing it when I was in Zadar a couple of weeks ago. My best cost-saving moment was definitely taking the regular bus to Plitvice Lakes, rather than going on an organised trip – it was about half the price, and I had much more freedom to look around at my own pace. So I’m all for taking the bus in Croatia!

Would love to go back someday and visit other parts of the country – it’s such a beautiful place. :-)

Thanks for the many useful budget tips Frank. I was actually debating of going camping in Croatia, but 35 to 50 euros make that sound quite unattractive all of a sudden. But staying outside the main tourist areas of Dubrovnik and Split seems like a really good advice, especially if it is still easy to visit on a day trip. Highway tolls is another issue I like to forget about, mainly because they don’t exist in Germany, but I guess it’s much more fun to cruise around on back roads anyway… :)

Leave a Comment

Croatia Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know About Traveling To Croatia

Planning a trip to Croatia, but not sure where to start? This Croatia travel guide is perfect for you!

Located on the Adriatic Sea, at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, you will find the beautiful country of Croatia. In recent years Croatia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why.

In Croatia you will find incredibly well preserved medieval towns, pristine beaches and stunning natural landscapes. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking for a varied and well-rounded holiday.

I visited Croatia three times, and always find myself going back. Whether you’re looking for your next party holiday, for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous escape, Croatia won’t disappoint you.

In this Croatia travel guide I have put together all the resources you need to plan the perfect Croatia trip. Here you will find all my blog posts about traveling to Croatia, as well as some additional useful information.

Including sample itineraries, detailed guides about every city, reviews on the best tours and hotels, packing suggestions and much more! I hope all this information will help you travel to Croatia and have the best time there.

So without further ado, let’s dive into my Croatia travel guide, and start planning your dream Croatia trip!

• 1 Croatia at a glance
• 2 My Croatia 10-day itinerary
• 3.1 Dubrovnik
• 4 Travel insurance for your Croatia trip
• 5 Where to stay in Croatia
• 6 Best time to travel to Croatia
• 7 How to travel around Croatia
• 8 Estimated cost of traveling to Croatia
• 9 What to pack for a Croatia trip
• 10 Where to book your Croatia trip
• 11 Croatia guides, books & resources to check out before you travel

The Old Town in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia at a glance

Where is Croatia?  Croatia is in Europe on the Adriatic Sea.

Currency:  Croatian Kuna (HRK) – see the latest exchange rate  here .

Capital City:  Zagreb.

Electrical plugs in Croatia: Types C&F (the ones you find throughout most of Europe) – I recommend an  international adapter  so you can use it on multiple trips.

Visa requirements:  Croatia is in the EU but is not part of Schengen. Most passport holders won’t need to apply for visas before travelling to Croatia. Check the visa requirements for your nationality  here .

Enjoying Diocletian’s Palace at 6am without the crowds

Exploring the side streets of the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik

My Croatia 10-day itinerary

If you’re looking for suggestions for how to spend 10 days in Croatia, check out my ultimate Croatia itinerary here !

Best places to visit in Croatia

Let’s start with the basics, and discover the must-see places in Croatia that you absolutely cannot miss!

KRKA NATIONAL PARK

PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK

HVAR ISLAND

ELAPHITI ISLANDS

Dubrovnik is one of my favourite places in Croatia. The Old Town of Dubrovnik is simply stunning, with its white brick walls, red rooftops and towering walls that surround it.

Walking through the streets of Dubrovnik feels like stepping back in time. There are a huge variety of Dubrovnik tours that you can do to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

From Old Town walking tours to island hopping tours, here are some of the highlights you shouldn’t miss.

GAME OF THRONES FILMING LOCATIONS TOUR

KAYAK SUNSET TOUR

OLD TOWN WALKING TOUR

ELAPHITI ISLANDS BOAT TOUR

After Dubrovnik, Split is without a doubt the next most popular Croatian destination. Split is home to Diocletian’s Palace, beautiful beaches and an old town with timeless streets at every corner.

Split is also a popular destination thanks to its proximity to other must-see Croatian sights. From Split you can go on epic day trips to the famous waterfalls of Krka or Plitvice National Parks, as well as the iconic beaches of Hvar Island.

Simply join one of the tours below to make the most of your time in Split and surroundings!

KRKA NATIONAL PARK FULL-DAY EXPERIENCE

HVAR, VIS & BLUE CAVE FULL-DAY BOAT TRIP

SPLIT CITY WALKING TOUR – DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE & MARJAN HILL

PLITVICE LAKES FULL-DAY TOUR

If you want to discover Croatia off-the-beaten track, then you have to add Omis to your bucket list. This small town is a short drive away from Split, and yet it doesn’t receive anywhere near the attention of its popular neighbour.

Omis has a gorgeous old town centre, a pristine turquoise beach on its doorstep, and a spectacular canyon right next to it. Omis sits on the mouth of the Cetina River, and is surrounded by the scenic mountains of the Cetina canyon.

If you love adventurous activities, you will love visiting Omis. From here you can go hiking, zip-lining, rafting and even canyoning! Simply check out one of the tours below to live these thrilling experiences!

ZIP-LINE OVER THE CETINA CANYON!

RAFTING ADVENTURE IN THE CETINA RIVER

VIA FERRATA HIKING TOUR

CANYONING EXPERIENCE IN THE CETINA RIVER

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, and a must-see for many travellers. I’ll admit I haven’t been to Zagreb, as I visited Croatia in summer and wanted to discover the Croatian coast.

In Zagreb you will have the opportunity to discover its unique 18 th and 19 th -century Austro-Hungarian architecture, as well as the famous twin spires of the Gothic cathedral.

There are also lots of cute pedestrian streets, lined with cafes, shops and museums. Joining one of these popular tours will give you the opportunity to fully experience this gorgeous city.

The twin spires of the Zagreb Cathedral and Zagreb skyline at sunset – Photo by Nina Varga on Scopio

Travel insurance for your Croatia trip

After ending up hospitalised in a private clinic in Tenerife for two nights and having to pay for it out of pocket (spoiler alert; it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trips.

Since then I always get travel insurance with HeyMondo , and can highly recommend them. HeyMondo has a very comprehensive Covid-19 policy, on top of the usual trip cancellation and medical assistance.

You might not end up using it, but at least you will visit Croatia with a carefree mind, without worrying of having to pay out of pocket for any complications that might arise.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you also get 5% off your HeyMondo insurance if you purchase it through this link !

Click here to purchase your travel insurance for your trip to Croatia!

Zip-lining in the Cetina Canyon

Where to stay in Croatia

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in each city of your Croatia trip, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Discover my top accommodation suggestions for every budget in the detailed guides below!

WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN HVAR ISLAND

WHERE TO STAY IN ZAGREB

Best time to travel to Croatia

The best time to visit Croatia ultimately depends on the experience you’re looking for. Summer is high season in Croatia. From June to September you can find warm and sunny weather, but also quite large crowds and high prices.

In spring (March to May) and autumn (September and October) you will still find fairly nice weather, with considerably less tourists. It won’t quite be beach weather, but you can explore the epic waterfalls and national parks of Croatia without the crowds.

Winter is low season in Croatia. Some travellers prefer it as the prices drop considerably and you might often be the only tourist in a location. However that also means many attractions might be closed.

Personally, I like travelling in shoulder season (late spring and early autumn). That means the crowds won’t be as huge as peak summer, so that you can enjoy the gorgeous sights with fairly good weather and a cheaper price.

Exploring the Old Town walls in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Admiring Skradinski Buk falls in Krka National Park

How to travel around Croatia

There isn’t one single best way to travel around Croatia. It ultimately depends on your itinerary and how long you plan to spend on the road.

For example, if you’re planning to base yourself in Split and just go on day trips from there, you won’t need to rent a car. You’ll easily be able to get everywhere with public transport or organised tours.

If you want to road trip across the whole country then renting a car will give you the most flexibility, both over your itinerary and timings.

Personally we only rented a car once we reached Hvar, so that we could freely drive around the island and explore all the hidden beaches. To travel from Dubrovnik to Split we took a FlixBus, which is a very fast and cheap bus service.

The car we rented in the brief afternoon we had it, with the beautiful coastline of Hvar behind

Estimated cost of traveling to Croatia

I have to admit that on my last trip to Croatia I was surprised at how much more expensive it had become compared to my first visit. The first time I visited I found it fairly cheap, whilst on my last trip it was much more expensive.

While it’s definitely not as expensive as some luxury destinations around the world, it still sits on the average price range for a European holiday.

On a trip to Croatia you can expect to spend anywhere between 30 to 150 EUR a day, depending on your travel style and interests.

Last time I was there (September 2017) we spent on average anywhere between 100 to 250 HRK for a nice sit down meal with alcohol, and between 20 and 50 HRK for a more on-the-go sandwich, wrap or pizza.

Accommodation ranges from 20 – 30 EUR per night for a bed in a hostel dorm, or between 50 and 100 EUR for an apartment, and can go over 100 EUR for a nice hotel.

When it comes to activities it will vary massively depending on what you choose to do. Some activities (eg. a city walking tour) you can do alone and save a bit of money, whilst others (eg. zipline or island hopping) are worth paying for to ensure you have a relaxing time.

Kayak sunset tour in Dubrovnik, Croatia

We went on a sunset stand up paddling tour while in Split

What to pack for a Croatia trip

Besides your usual clothes and travel essentials , here are some items you don’t want to forget for your trip to Croatia, regardless of the season!

Swimsuit & sun block – I’m putting these two together as you would only need them if you’re visiting Croatia in summer. The sun can be pretty strong in the summer months, so make sure you’re prepared.

Water bottle – I love steel water bottles because they keep your water cold, reduce plastic consumption and save you money in the long run, it’s a win-win all round!

Money belt   – I always travel with a money belt, and while I never personally felt unsafe in Croatia, petty theft is common in tourist areas all over the world. Better to be safe than sorry!

Comfortable walking shoes – Regardless of the season, make sure to pack comfortable shoes so you can walk all around the beautiful old towns of Croatia without hurting your feet!

Packing cubes – You’ll need these especially if you’re planning an on the road Croatia trip. That way you can easily pack all your things and keep them tidy every time you change destination.

View over Hear from the top of the fort

Where to book your Croatia trip

If you’re not sure what websites are best to book your Croatia trip, here are my top suggestions. These are the online platforms and travel resources I personally use for every trip I plan.  

Skyscanner   is my favourite flight search engine. They collate lots of different airlines and will show you the cheapest flight combinations. You then have the option to buy on different platforms or from the airline’s own website.

Booking.com   is the first place I check when searching for accommodation. They have a wide selection of accommodation types, so whether you’re looking for a fancy resort, a bed & breakfast, or an apartment, they have the functionality of filtering by all these choices and many more (eg. price, star rating etc) so that you can find exactly the type of property you want.

If I want to stay in a hostel, I head straight for Hostelworld . I prefer it for hostel bookings as their reviews tend to be more detailed and it has more of a community feel.

GetYourGuide is the first tour booking platform I check. They sell a huge variety of tours everywhere in the world and have a very flexible cancellation policy (up to 24 hours before the tour). You can compare prices between similar tours and see the reviews left by previous tour participants.

Viator   is another great place to book your tours. Similarly to GYG you can filter by ratings, prices and types of tours.

HeyMondo sell tailor made travel insurance, and they are committed to offering the best value for money and support for your specific trip.  Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services,  Heymondo  also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Amazon   sell pretty much everything. They also offer very competitive delivery prices and windows. If you realise the day before a flight that you’re missing something, Amazon  can probably get it delivered to you on time.

Wandering the streets of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Exploring the Old Town of Split, Croatia

Croatia guides, books & resources to check out before you travel

Last thing before you go! Before heading off to Croatia, you might want to grab one of these interesting reads. Some are to help you learn more about the country’s history, others to help with your travel planning!

Lonely Planet Croatia (Travel Guide) – A classic guidebook for anyone who wants lots of information and details about Croatia.

A Traveller’s History of Croatia –  If you want a guide that goes beyond the classic restaurants, hotels and tourist highlights, this is a great option.

“Running Away To Home: Our Family’s Journey to Croatia in Search of Who We Are, Where We Came From, and What Really Matters” by Jennifer Wilson – If you’re like me and prefer reading stories to guidebooks, you will enjoy this book. This award winning book is a great read for anyone who is searching for a more personal and engaging story about Croatia

View over the rooftops of Dubrovnik from the Old Town walls

Final thoughts on traveling to Croatia

There you have it, the ultimate Croatia travel guide! Have you been to Croatia before? How did you find it? I hope you find my detailed travel guide to Croatia useful in planning your trip!

I tried to include answers to every possible question that you might have when planning your Croatia trip. I know these are some of the questions I had myself before first travelling there.

If you want more information on a specific city or tour, simply click through to my detailed Croatia guides! If you have any questions about traveling to Croatia just let me know in the comments below, I’m always happy to help!

Enjoyed reading my Croatia travel guide? Pin it!

Croatia Travel Budget: Is Croatia Expensive?

Wondering how much a trip to Croatia costs, and if Croatia (or more accurately, Dubrovnik) really is expensive to visit? This Croatia travel budget guide is for you!

The travel budget for Croatia outlined here reflects our exact expenses during a 2 week trip to Croatia in July–in other words, the most expensive time to visit the country.

This trip to Croatia was characterized by expensive days (excursions, lodging that was on the pricier side for us at the time), balanced with very inexpensive days–for one entire week in Jelsa, we paid for almost nothing outside of our lodging and groceries.

The Croatia travel budget outlined here represents our time spent backpacking the country on what we would consider a flashpacker budget. Basically, no to dorm rooms, yes to a/c, and no to major luxuries.

We visited Split , Krka National Park, Hvar , and Dubrovnik during this trip, focusing our time on Croatia’s popular Dalmatian coast.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

The balance worked out well: our travel budget for Croatia ended up being right on target.

We spent 13 full days in the country, averaging a total Croatia trip cost of $107.12/day, or $53.56 per person, per day. This added up to a total cost of $1392.61.

All expenses are listed in USD unless otherwise noted, and, as usual for our travel budget roundups, we don’t include the costs of entering or leaving the country here, as those expenses can vary so dramatically depending on your starting point (in our case, this visit to Croatia was part of our planned 6 month round the world trip ).

Before getting into our detailed breakdown, it’s also worth noting that we have visited Croatia several more times since this trip (it’s one of our favorite countries in the world!), and though we don’t tend to travel on as tight of a budget anymore, a trip of this nature is still feasible on a similar budget.

However, prices for certain popular tourism activities–such as walking the walls in Dubrovnik or visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park –have risen dramatically. To capture these overall trip costs now, we’d recommend visiting outside of the absolute peak of July and August if at all possible!

Our Lodging Costs in Croatia

Total: $799.81 for 14 nights.

At an average of $57.13/night, lodging ate up a bigger chunk of our travel budget for Croatia than in our previous stop of Slovenia .

Split, the island of Hvar , and Dubrovnik are all tourist hot spots that we were visiting during the high season, but compromising a bit on location for our lodging helped keep costs reasonable, even if it did keep us away from the city centers.

Our Transportation Budget in Croatia

Total: $102.29.

Considering that we had 3 base destinations during our time in Croatia, and lodging in both Split and Dubrovnik that required public transportation to reach their city centers, transportation costs ended up being fairly reasonable.

The ferry between Hvar and Split cost less than $10/person each way, and the bus from Split to Dubrovnik cost less than $20/person.

Our Restaurant Expenses in Croatia

Total: $105.82.

With no kitchen access in Split and limited kitchen access in Dubrovnik, we had more restaurant meals in Croatia than in many of our European destinations.

We compensated with several rounds of street food that generally ran between $3-4 per person–the prices felt quite budget-friendly for Croatia, but feel laughably expensive to type out while sitting here in Thailand.

Our Grocery Expenses in Croatia

Total: $103.83.

Groceries were very reasonable in Croatia, even in tourist destinations–$103.83 fed us every meal during our week in Jelsa (excluding the fresh garden produce that our Airbnb host was very generous with), about half our meals in Dubrovnik, and a couple of meals in Split.

Our Tour + Excursion Travel Budget for Croatia

Total: $238.89.

Our Croatia travel budget was definitely impacted by our liberal use of excursions, but we don’t regret it–there was just so much to do!

The bulk of our expenses in this category was eaten up by a day trip to Krka National Park from Split (just over $50/person), a one day Dubrovnik Card (about $25/person), and our kayaking excursion in Dubrovnik (about $33/person).

The kayaking tour was not only a bargain, it was our favorite excursion of the entire European leg of our trip.

Miscellaneous Trip to Croatia Costs

Total: $41.97.

Several bathroom visits and forgettable odds and ends ended up in this category, but the most notable expense was our decision to spend about $20 and get a couple of simple pairs of swimming goggles in Jelsa.

They greatly improved our time in the Adriatic Sea while on Hvar, and I wish we had packed them to begin with. Now we have these we take with us.

We were very satisfied with our travel budget for Croatia, though it’s debatable whether or not the trade-off for lodging that was further away from attractions in exchange for cheaper prices was worth it.

So, is Croatia expensive? Compared to nearby destinations like Piran , Sarajevo , and Kotor , absolutely–especially in the high season, and especially in ever-popular Dubrovnik. 

However, it’s worth it: years after this trip (and with several more trips to Croatia under our belts), Croatia remains one of our favorite places in the world.

Visiting during the shoulder or off-season is a great way to limit your Croatia travel budget (we loved visiting Dubrovnik in February, and Plitvice and Hvar in September!).

Mixing in less-iconic destinations like those on the Istrian peninsula or even the capital city of Zagreb is also fantastic for lowering your overall trip to Croatia cost.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “Croatia Travel Budget: Is Croatia Expensive?”

Hi, Jeremy and Kate@ I was happy to found Croatia on your must see list. It is in my mind for s long timec to visit, and now, because of you, I can read your review for my next holiday in Croatia. I wondered, if, except your blog, you have also a vlog on You Tube. I hope you are ok, during your holiday in USA. Have a great time. Keep in touch, Cris

Hi Cris! Croatia is truly magnificent, hope you have a wonderful trip there!

We don’t do any vlogging or Youtubing right now, and don’t have plans to change that, but you never know what the future holds!

I’m traveling to Dubrovnik next week and was hoping to do a kayak trip. Just wondering which one you did- where did you go from, how long was it, where did it take you etc Thenks!

We took our tour back in 2016 and just booked it in person from a saleswoman in town, so I don’t know the exact name. It took us around Lokrum Island, briefly into some caves, and into a cove to swim and cliff jump. I believe it was a 2-3 hour tour, give or take. The one I linked here appears to follow the same itinerary–it’s a pretty popular one! Be prepared for aching shoulders, but it’s worth doing in my opinion.

Hi Laura: Thanks for your blog and great tips. We are a Canadian couple in our youthful 60’s. My husband is very active, skis, bikes, hikes. I now have a 1 knee issue and I am awaiting more knee surgery. I use a cane, wear a brace. I have booked a month in Aug. – Sept. 2022 trip to Croatia for us. We will have a car to drive. I have booked hotels, apts. in many cities. Excluding Dubrovnik as we were there before. We need input on Brac, Hvar and Korcula islands. To get to by ferry car on Brac, Hvar and walk on in Korcula. We are driving to Pula and throughout to Split and many areas between. Any suggested places, seeing heritage sites and your thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you. Regards Nancy Bradbury

Hi Nancy! Sadly, we haven’t been to Brac or Korcula yet ourselves–hopefully before too long!

We do have a whole post on Hvar, though! We’ve been twice and love it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-things-to-do-in-hvar-croatia/

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

MyFunkyTravel

Backpacking | Budget Travel | Living Abroad

Croatia Cost of Travel – What is a typical Backpacker Budget?

On this page you will find our estimated Croatia cost of travel. Read on for suggested shoestring and more comfortable backpacking budgets in this popular Balkans country which is one of the most expensive in the region. We also have info on the local currency which changed in early 2023.

Croatia Cost of Travel in 2023

Shoestring backpacker budget.

For anyone backpacking Croatia on a low budget, expect to spend roughly 45 Euros per day. This shoestring budget is designed to cover all of your daily travel expenses including the cost of accommodation (hostel dorm bed), transport and meals. Your exact costs will depend on when you visit though, as well as where you go, and this budget may not suffice during the summer months in the most popular coastal areas.

Many people come to Croatia with the idea that its Eastern European location means cheap prices and easy budget travelling. That may have been the case 20 years ago, but Croatia today is as expensive as it gets in the Balkans. If you’re arriving here from Hungary, Romania or Bulgaria or any of the other former Yugoslav states (with the possible exception of Slovenia), you’ll most likely be in for a nasty shock when it comes to paying for everything from accommodation to food, drink and transport.

That being said, Croatia is still slightly more affordable than many other Mediterranean destinations and ranks roughly in the middle when it comes to backpacking costs in Europe . There are also some really large regional variations and if you move inland away from the stunning Adriatic coastline, it certainly becomes a lot easier to keep travel costs down. Croatia is also somewhat unusual in that its capital (Zagreb) is cheaper to visit than most of the other major destinations.

Although small in terms of the area it covers, Croatia’s unusual shape and long coastline means it is some 600 km from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, the country’s most popular travel destination, so transport costs can add up if you want to see all the major regions.

Food and drink is quite affordable but if you’re a budget traveller, you really do need to be careful in terms of avoiding the obvious tourist bars and restaurants. An evening meal and a few drinks in Dubrovnik or on the Croatian islands can quickly amount to over half of our suggested daily shoestring budget if you head to the wrong place.

More Comfortable Croatia Backpacking Budget

Increasing your budget will give you a bit more freedom to get out and explore fabulous Croatian islands such as Hvar and Brač. A budget of approximately 60 Euros per day may also be more appropriate than the previous one if you are coming during the peak summer season from late July through August when accommodation prices do rise.

This kind of budget will also be a bit more doable if you’re planning to do a lot of partying while in Croatia. While beer is very cheap in local bars in many towns and cities, you can end up paying two or three times as much for alcohol in a lot of the more touristy destinations. A night out in Croatia is significantly more expensive than in neighbouring countries such as Serbia and Montenegro which also feature in our Balkans Backpacking Route along with a suggested 10-14 day itinerary for Croatia.

How much do things cost in Croatia?

These prices are accurate as of March 2023 but you may experience some seasonal variation, particularly in coastal destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split and nearby islands. Accommodation prices are quite high by regional standards but you’ll generally find food and drink good value when compared to other popular Mediterranean destinations such as Italy, Spain and Greece.

Currency in Croatia – Euro

US$1 = €0.93

The Euro became the official currency of Croatia on 1st January 2023 , replacing the Kuna. As a result, you only need Euros in Croatia these days but if you have any Kuna from a previous visit, they can still be exchanged free of charge in banks until the end of 2023. The above exchange rates are accurate as of March 2023.

These estimates for the cost of travel in Croatia were last updated in March 2023.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Planning Guide

Croatia Travel Budget - Visit Croatia on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Croatia Costs

• Is Croatia Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Croatia cost?
• Croatia Travel Tips: What to know before visiting Croatia
• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Croatia Hotel Prices
• Croatia Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Party Hotels in Croatia
• Best Hotels for One Week in Croatia
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Croatia
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Croatia
• Best Business Hotels in Croatia
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Croatia
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Croatia
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Croatia
• Best Hotels for One Night in Croatia
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Croatia
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Croatia
• Best Hotels for Skiing in Croatia
• Best Beach Hotels in Croatia
• Best Cheap Hotels in Croatia
• Best Luxury Hotels in Croatia
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Croatia Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Croatia
• The Best Historical Tours in Croatia
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia
• The Best Bicycle Tours in Croatia
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Croatia
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Croatia
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Croatia
• The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia
• The Best Eco Tours in Croatia
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Croatia
• The Best Cultural Tours in Croatia
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Croatia
• The Best Self Drive Tours in Croatia
• The Best Walking Tours in Croatia
• The Best Honeymoon Tours in Croatia
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Croatia
• The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia
• The Best Budget Tours to Croatia
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia
• How much does it cost to travel to Croatia? (Average Daily Cost)
• Croatia trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Croatia?

Is croatia expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Croatia?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Croatia?

You should plan to spend around $104 (€96) per day on your vacation in Croatia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $32 (€29) on meals
• $13 (€12) on local transportation
• $107 (€98) on hotels

A one week trip to Croatia for two people costs, on average, $1,463 (€1,340) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 104 € 96
• One Week Per person $ 731 € 670
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,463 € 1,340
• One Month Per person $ 3,134 € 2,872
• One Week For a couple $ 1,463 € 1,340
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 2,925 € 2,680
• One Month For a couple $ 6,268 € 5,743

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Croatia cost?

A one week trip to Croatia usually costs around $731 (€670) for one person and $1,463 (€1,340) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Croatia on average costs around $1,463 (€1,340) for one person and $2,925 (€2,680) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Croatia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Croatia on average costs around $3,134 (€2,872) for one person and $6,268 (€5,743) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Croatia is $234 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Bike Cruise Split South Premium 8 Days - 14 Destinations $ 806
• A Taste of Croatia with Coastal Cruise 14 Days - 13 Destinations $ 5,249

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Croatia is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Croatia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Slovenia or the Czech Republic.

For more details, see Is Croatia Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Croatia?

The average Croatia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Croatia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Croatia

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Croatia is $53 (€49). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Croatia is $107 (€98). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 53 € 49
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 107 € 98

Hotel Prices in Croatia

Looking for a hotel in Croatia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Croatia based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $80. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Eko house Lidija Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 132
• Hotel Mozart Opatija Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 100

Local Transportation Budget in Croatia

The cost of a taxi ride in Croatia is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $13 (€12) per person, per day, on local transportation in Croatia.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 13 € 12

Recommended Services

• Porter Service, Baggage Transfer, Baggage pick up & delivery. Viator $ 17
• **Private Door to Door Airport Split Transfer up to 15 People** Viator $ 74

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Croatia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Croatia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Bus Around Town € 1.43

Food Budget in Croatia

While meal prices in Croatia can vary, the average cost of food in Croatia is $32 (€29) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Croatia should cost around $13 (€12) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Croatia is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 32 € 29

Recommended

• Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split Viator $ 261
• Zagreb Walking Food Tour - Sightseeing - Dolac market visit Viator $ 154

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Croatia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Croatia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Seafood Dinner (for 2) € 29

Entertainment Budget in Croatia

Entertainment and activities in Croatia typically cost an average of $14 (€13) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 14 € 13

Recommended Activities

• Private Walks & Storytelling - the best small group tour in Split Viator $ 176
• Adrenaline Quad Safari Tour Viator $ 97

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Croatia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Croatia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2) € 45
• Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2) € 53
• Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2) € 13

Tips and Handouts Budget in Croatia

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Croatia is $0.74 (€0.68) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Croatia is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 0.74 € 0.68

Alcohol Budget in Croatia

The average person spends about $12 (€11) on alcoholic beverages in Croatia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 12 € 11
• Korcula Bike & Wine Tour Viator $ 115
• Oysters & Wine Tour From Dubrovnik (Small Group) Viator $ 189

Water Budget in Croatia

On average, people spend $1.92 (€1.76) on bottled water in Croatia per day. The public water in Croatia is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 1.92 € 1.76

Related Articles

Croatia on a budget.

At A Glance

• If you're traveling to Croatia from elsewhere in Europe, you'll find some great discount flight options into cities like Dubrovnik. Check regional airlines to make sure you're getting the best deal. If you're traveling from a nearby country and are coming by land, then there's a great bus network that will take you to almost any city within the country. This is easily the cheapest way to travel and is generally smooth and reliable.
• If you're hoping to do a little island hoping while you're in the area, then ferries are usually the cheapest and most convenient way to get around. They can move a little slow at times, but they offer excellent views of the coast line and can make for an enjoyable trip. Jadrolinija is the largest ferry company with the greatest number of connections, but there are also international routes that are available through Blue Line International.
• Internet access is widely available throughout the country. In the larger cities there are plenty of internet cafes that offer cheap access to high speed internet. Many hotels also offer wireless internet access to their guests, sometimes for an additional fee. Inquire before you make a reservation or at the time of check in if this is something you're interested in.
• Many people choose to spend all of their time in Croatia along the coast. It's easy to see why many people are drawn to these areas, but if you're hoping to experience more of the country then head inland to see some of the more diverse natural beauty that the country has to offer. Towns and cities that are not on the coast are often cheaper as well, so you'll find you can stretch your money a little farther if you decide to diversify.
• Many people do a highlights tour of the country and visit little more than Dubrovnik and Split. If time allows, try to explore some of the less popular areas so you can get a true feel for what the country has to offer.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Search for Travel Costs

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

Travel Cost Data

You are welcome to reference or display our travel costs on your website as long as you provide a link back to this page .

A Simple Link

For a basic link, you can copy and paste the HTML link code or this page's address.

Travel Cost Widget

To display all of the data, copy and paste the code below to display our travel cost widget . Make sure that you keep the link back to our website intact.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Castles, cities, coastlines and more: the 16 best places to visit in Croatia for 2024

Mar 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Jump into the best of Croatia with our list of top spots to visit © paulprescott72 / Getty Images

With 2500 miles of coastline and close to 1200 islands, Croatia 's sun-drenched credentials are impressive.

And that’s before you add its troves of Roman and Venetian-era architecture, UNESCO sites of both cultural and natural heritage, and gorgeous nature parks, mountain ranges, lakes and rivers. There’s such a diversity of landscapes and cultural attractions that a single visit can’t possibly cover them all.

Yet since you have to start somewhere, here’s our rundown of the very best places to visit in Croatia.

1. Plitvice Lakes National Park

A turquoise ribbon of lakes linked by gushing waterfalls in the forested heart of continental Croatia, UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park  is an awe-inspiring sight.

The park is comprised of 16 interconnected lakes, the 2.35km-long (1.5 miles) Kozjak being the largest, plus dozens of smaller ones – some just reed-fringed ponds. Travertine expanses covered with mossy plants divide the bodies of water, whose startling colors are a product of the underlying bedrock. Wooden boardwalks allow you to easily traverse this extraordinary watery world.

Planning tip: Entry tickets are limited to avoid overcrowding. Be sure to book online in advance .

2. Korčula Town

The sweet little seaside town of Korčula has a set of imposing walls and towers, as well as an extraordinary cathedral, adorned with a downright kooky set of carvings. You can walk every one of the streets of its compact old town, laid out in a fascinating fishbone pattern, in less than an hour. This leaves plenty of time for an alfresco meal under the umbrella pines at one of the restaurants lining the sea-facing Petra Kanavelića promenade.

Planning tip: Korčula Town is an easy day trip from Dubrovnik by ferry.

3. Hvar Town

Summer is when yachts anchor at this tiny seaside party town  and sun-dazed revelers descend in droves to the beachside cocktail bars.

For a step back from the action and superb views over the town, head up to Fortica , the medieval castle looming on a hill above the town. To find a swimming spot, follow the waterfront promenade and stake out one of the tiny rocky bays, or hop on a taxi boat to the nearby Pakleni Islands .

Cloaked in dense pine forests, marvelous Mljet is an island idyll. Legend has it that Odysseus was marooned here for seven years, and it’s easy to appreciate why he took his time leaving. The entire western section of Mljet is a national park , where you’ll find two sublime cobalt-colored lakes, an island monastery and the sleepy, unbelievably pretty little port of Pomena. Don’t neglect eastern Mljet, home to some tranquil little bays and brilliant beaches.

Istria delights with its undulating hills, charming hilltop towns and many seaside spots. A must-visit is lovely Rovinj , a town of pastel-hued facades and cobblestone lanes lined with art galleries, sitting on its own peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea.

Next, move inland to Motovun , a picturesque hilltop town rising from a forested valley. Park at its base and hop on the shuttle bus, or simply walk steadily uphill to its medieval walls for vistas of rolling hills. On Istria’s southernmost tip lies Cape Kamenjak , an undeveloped nature reserve fringed by a string of pebble bays and secluded rocky beaches.

Planning tip: Find accommodation in central Istria – from where it’s easy to get anywhere on the peninsula.

6. Vis Island

One of Croatia’s more remote islands, Vis  was best known as the site of a former Yugoslavian military base...before Mamma Mia! 2 put it on everyone’s list.

The port of Vis, neighboring Kut, and Komiža at the western end are the island's major towns, made up of lovely stone townhouses and seaside promenades. The hidden bays and rocky coves of its southern coast are best explored by boat, especially postcard-perfect Stiniva Bay , otherwise reached via a steep, rocky path.

Split 's sea-facing Diocletian’s Palace is a surprising maze of streets and lanes, a mini 4th-century Roman city chock-full of cafes, shops and restaurants. Pause in the domed Vestibule to listen to professional Klapa singers demonstrating their traditional a cappella style, then hike along the forested paths of Marjan Hill to the lookout for a sweeping panorama of the city and seascapes.

Planning tip: Split’s harbor is the launching pad for the islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis, Šolta and Korčula.

8. Kopački Rit Nature Park

Kopački Rit Nature Park  sits on the floodplain of the Danube and Drava Rivers, and is one of the largest natural wetlands in Europe. Keen bird-watchers can join a boat trip to spot white-tailed eagles, black storks, purple herons, spoonbills and wild geese – just some of the park’s 290 bird species. You can also follow the 2.4km-long (1.5 miles) boardwalk along an educational trail winding through the flooded forest floor and learn about local flora and fauna on the way.

9. Šibenik 

Set on a bay connected to the Adriatic Sea, Šibenik is a charmer that somehow – undeservedly – falls off the radar . For starters, it has two UNESCO sites: its gorgeous landmark, the 15th-century St James’ Cathedral , notable for its frieze of 71 comical faces carved into its facade, and St Nicholas Fortress, a sea-bound fortification built during Venetian times that’s linked to the mainland via a walkway, granted the World Heritage honor in 2017.

This once carefully guarded city boasts three other fortresses; Barone is the most visit-worthy, thanks to its excellent visitor center and interactive exhibits.

Planning tip: Hop on the ferry for the short trip to tiny Zlarin, a car-free island.

10. Zagorje

In  Zagorje , postcard-worthy medieval castles sit waiting for time travelers. Journey back to 1334 in Trakošćan Castle , whose neo-Gothic 19th-century exterior hides far older internal structures. Learn about the excesses of the Croatian aristocracy in its well-presented museum and wander 215 acres of castle grounds, landscaped into a romantic English-style park with exotic trees and an artificial lake.

Further west, the hilltop castle of Veliki Tabor  offers a trip to the 16th century, with its pentagonal towers and turrets, atmospheric interiors and bucolic landscapes that surround it.

11. Dubrovnik

The extraordinary fortified city of Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most popular destination for good reason. Enclosed within its massive city walls are more than a dozen churches, medieval monasteries, elegant squares of limestone and centuries-old residential quarters. An absolute must-do is the circular walk atop its walls , where you can catch glimpses of hidden courtyards and gardens and sweeping sea views.

Planning tip: Walk the walls first thing in the morning or an hour before closing to avoid the crowds and summer heat.

12. Brač Island

Near the town of Bol on Brač’s southern coast lies the tail-shaped Zlatni Rat , Croatia’s most photographed beach. As astonishing as its shape are the two-toned blue-green waters lapping its strand of fine pebbles. Its eastern side gets a steady breeze, drawing swarms of wind- and kitesurfers.

Looming above is Vidova Gora , the highest peak in the Adriatic islands at 778m (2552 ft), with gorgeous vistas of nearby islands and the famous beach below. For a taste of island life , make a halt at the colorful fishing villages of Milna or Sutivan.

Planning tip: Stop in at the Olive Oil Museum in Škrip to learn about Brač’s history of production.

Set on a peninsula, Zadar ’s compact old town is crammed with Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and Romanesque cathedrals . Dating back to Venetian times, its defensive walls are recognized by UNESCO and have been transformed into a tree-lined promenade tracing the seafront.

At nightfall, the northwest corner of the old town is the stage for Zadar’s celebrated sunsets. The spectacle is set to the ethereal sounds of the Sea Organ , a quirky installation of 35 pipes hidden under stone steps that use the wind to create music. A few feet away is the Sun Salutation , a circular surface of solar panels that transforms into a colorful light show at night.

Planning tip: From Zadar, it's a one-hour drive south to Vransko Lake Nature Park, Croatia’s largest natural lake and home to more than 100 bird species.

Wild, rugged and unspoiled, Cres  has an off-the-beaten-track vibe. Cres Town is a busy port town with pastel-colored facades, while the quiet fishing village of Valun is bookended by immaculate pebble beaches. A hiking path from here heads upwards to Lubenice , a hamlet of stone houses perched on the edge of a 378m-high (1240ft) sea-facing cliff.

Lying at the island’s southern end is Osor, a charming village of stone cottages and rose gardens with a pleasing artistic bent, revealed in the stylized bronze sculptures of musicians decorating its squares.

Planning tip: At Osor, a short bridge connects Cres to the island of Lošinj .

15. Krka National Park

The star of the show at this national park is the Krka River, rushing through canyons, broadening into lakes and splashing over numerous falls and cascades. Stroll along boardwalks past mighty waterfalls and marvel at the multitude of fish darting through the emerald waters.

You’ll also find ruins of a Roman military camp and amphitheater, historic watermills, and two fascinating monasteries – one on an island and another built over ancient catacombs.

Zagreb is made for strolling. Wander along the tree-lined Strossmayer promenade, which winds along the city’s medieval defensive walls to the Upper Town for panoramic views over the red rooftops and church spires of the Lower Town. Afterward, stop off at the open-air Dolac Market , where farmers peddle their fresh produce under bright red umbrellas. Then do like the locals and head for a coffee on Flower Square (Cvjetni trg) to experience Zagreb's cafe culture.

This article was first published Nov 17, 2010 and updated Mar 2, 2024.

Explore related stories

Jul 6, 2023 • 7 min read

Which of these countries – two of the world’s most beguiling – makes for a better vacation? Two expert writers make the case for each.

Aug 26, 2024 • 19 min read

Aug 16, 2024 • 10 min read

Aug 13, 2024 • 8 min read

Jul 26, 2024 • 5 min read

Jul 25, 2024 • 5 min read

Jun 18, 2024 • 5 min read

Jun 13, 2024 • 8 min read

Jun 12, 2024 • 12 min read

May 28, 2024 • 8 min read

Croatia Trips & Tour Packages

Be it on land or sea, walking or adventure cruising – Croatia will have you in the palm of its hand.

Croatia's glittering Adriatic coast, charming cobblestone towns and thriving food and wine scene are certain to reward curiosities. Join one of our small group tours and wander through the ancient streets of Split to find the perfect gelato, dance up a storm in Dubrovnik’s castle nightclubs, and shout a hearty ‘zivjeli!’ while sipping sundowners on Hvar’s mountaintop fortress. You might even island hop in the Adriatic Sea , bathe in the turquoise waters of Zlatni Rat, or take a dip in the emerald-green lakes of Mljet. Trust us when we say uncovering the treasures of this Balkan beauty will be the adventure of a lifetime. 

Our Croatia trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Croatia tour reviews

Filter by rating

Croatian Coastal Cruising: Dubrovnik to Split (Aurora)

Articles of Croatia

How to visit Europe in the off-season

Best places to travel in June

Best places to travel in July

Best places to travel in September

How a group trip with strangers gave me the courage to pursue a new career

Greece vs Croatia: Where to travel next?

What to expect on an Intrepid Premium trip

9 ways to make meaningful cultural connections through food in 2023

Croatia departures by month

We also travel to, croatia at a glance, capital city.

Zagreb (population 930,000)

4.4 million

(GMT+01:00) Sarajevo, Skopje, Warsaw, Zagreb

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Croatia

Best time to visit croatia.

Croatia's peak season runs between July and August, with temperatures in the high 60s or mid 80s on the coast. But in this region, you can expect plenty of sunshine from May to October, which are the best times to visit if you want to take advantage of Croatia's beautiful beaches and islands. The inland areas are also hot in the summer but can get cold in the winter with low temperatures and snowfall. Winter on the coast is milder and frequent rain can be expected.

Read more about the best time to visit Croatia

Culture and customs

Generally, Croatians are very proud of their country and cultural heritage. While this may not be obvious in everyday life, the Slavic heritage of Croatian people becomes more evident during festivals and national holidays, where cities and villages come to life with traditional costume, folk music and feasts. While most of Croatia's population are Roman Catholic, there are also groups of people who identify as Serbian Orthodox, Muslim, Protestant and Jewish. Having endured war, hardship and frequent earthquakes, the people of Croatia have a great amount of national pride and connection to their country and family. It's quite common for extended families to live together and children to remain close to their parents well into adulthood. Time for leisure and family is highly valued, particularly along the coast, where many offices end their day at 3pm.

Eating and drinking

Croatian cuisine   is heavily influenced by its surrounding countries. Separated from Italy by the Adriatic Sea, cuisine along the coast tends to have more of a Mediterranean flair. Fish and seafood are integral to many coastal dishes, such as brodet (fish stew) and crni rizot (black risotto made with squid). Homemade pasta and olive oil are also dietary staples. Further inland, you’ll find heartier dishes with Austrian, Hungarian, and Turkish influences such as cobanac (a goulash-like stew) and kulen (paprika-seasoned sausage).

Foodies will definitely want to visit Istria – home to award-winning olive oil, wild asparagus, rare white truffles and excellent wines – which has gained an international reputation as a foodie destination.

Croatians enjoy their beer (Karlovacko and Ozujsko are two of the most popular local brews), but they love their kava (coffee). Take a cue from the locals and spend a morning people-watching at a cafe over a kava – it’s a Saturday morning tradition in Zagreb. Rakija (brandy) is the spirit of choice, with many restaurants offering a small glass before a meal. Another favorite is Pelinkovac, a must-try bitter liqueur.

Things to try in Croatia

1. Pasticada

A slow-cooked beef dish usually served with gnocchi. This Dalmatian staple can be found in many restaurants in this region.

2. Manestra

There are many variations to Istria’s hearty take on minestrone soup, but it usually includes beans, corn and meat.

3. Paski sir

This popular hard cheese is produced exclusively from the milk of sheep on the Island of Pag. It gets its unique pungent taste from the sheep’s aromatic herb diet.

These grilled skinless sausages are common throughout Croatia and are usually served with onions and ajvar (a red bell pepper relish) on a flatbread

Geography and environment

Sharing borders with  Bosnia and Herzegovina ,  Slovenia ,  Hungary ,  Serbia  and  Montenegro , Croatia benefits from more than 5,000 km of coastline that spans along the Adriatic Sea. In addition to the mainland, Croatia also has many islands, some inhabited, some not. Croatia's terrain is very diverse and varies from flat plains to low mountains and highlands, limestone karst cliffs, wetlands, lakes and forests of cypress. Nature reserves and wetland areas are home to large populations of migratory birds, deer, bats and bears. Visitors will also see much of the land is used for agriculture with vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves and orchards being prevalent in rural areas. Croatia's cities, while developed, have managed to maintain a high level of charm with cobblestone streets, ancient housing, historic squares and heritage buildings being preserved and still used by the current population.

History and government

Early history.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the land now known as Croatia has been occupied by humans since the Stone Age. Croatia's geographical position in  Europe  allowed a great amount of influence from neighboring regions, with tribes and people from different cultures and groups making their mark. The first Kingdom of Croatia was formed in 925 but by the 12th century Croatia had formed a union with Hungary, with a Hungarian King instated as leader of both territories. During the 15th century, Croatia lost territory to the Ottoman Empire and, in later centuries, once again came under Hungarian rule. Evidence of these many cultural influences can be seen in the architecture, cuisine and archaeological ruins of contemporary Croatia.

Recent history

Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia formed a union in 1918 to create the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, but the occupation of Axis forces during World War II lead to the creation of the Independent State of Croatia, which only lasted a couple of years during the war. By the end of the war in 1945, Croatia had become a Socialist Republic (within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, together with Bosnia, Serbia, Slovenia, Macedonia and Montenegro), with the constitution of 1963 attempting to alleviate tensions surrounding the balance of power between Serbians and Croats. By 1980, after the death of President Tito (founder of modern Yugoslavia), economic and political difficulties resulted in a near collapse of government. What followed was years of conflict, polarity and political turmoil. The referendum of 1991 resulted in an overwhelming vote for independence, with Croatia and Slovenia declaring independence from Yugoslavia in June of the same year. Much armed conflict followed and lasted until 1995, leading to great loss of civilian life and displacement, creating large populations of refugees. However, the last two decades have been a time of peace and reconciliation for the people of Croatia and the country even joined the European Union in 2013.

Top 10 historic buildings of Croatia

1. cathedral of the assumption of the virgin mary.

One of Zagreb’s most visited historic sites, this grand neo-Gothic cathedral has been renovated and reconstructed many times since it was originally built in the 13th century. With massive twin spires, a marble interior and 800-year-old treasury, this is a monumental masterpiece.

2. Church of St Donatus

Considered one of the most impressive examples of early Byzantine architecture, this church in Zadar was built way back in the 9th century. With much historical value, its simplistic, circular design is quite unlike other buildings in Croatia, making it a standout, must-see church in a country with so many churches and cathedrals to see.

3. Croatian National Theatre

Built in 1895, this national treasure located in Zagreb is an elegant example of neo-Baroque style architecture. Visitors lucky enough to catch an opera, ballet or classical music concert here will be able to revel in all the fine details, from the luxe furnishings to the excellent acoustics.

4. Diocletian’s Palace

One of Split’s main attractions, this UNESCO World Heritage monument is considered one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world. The sprawling complex is home to many fine examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, so visitors will be able to admire open-air courtyards, marble arches, columns, gates and walls from a variety of different periods.

5. Cathedral of St Lovro

This cathedral located 30 minutes from Split is well known for its distinct Romanesque portal crafted by one of Croatia's most celebrated sculptors, Radovan. Mythological creatures and biblical figures all feature heavily, with saints, lions, sirens and centaurs all gracing the spectacular doorways.

6. Rector’s Palace

Also known as Dubrovnik Museum, Rector’s Palace is an impressive building in itself. With soaring arches, period furniture and a dramatic staircase, this structure steals the show from the museum exhibits it holds within.

7. Dubrovnik Synagogue

Reported to be the second oldest synagogue in Europe and the world’s oldest Sefardic synagogue still in use, Dubrovnik’s synagogue is still a place for the local Jewish community to worship on holy days. Sustaining damage from earthquakes and wars, this small but well-cared-for structure stills stands today due to its historical value and unique design.

8. Marco Polo Tower

While not the most elaborate or opulent building in Croatia, the Marco Polo Tower of Korcula has much historical significance. It is believed that Marco Polo was born in this medieval, walled city and this tower named in his honor rises above the town as a reminder of his legacy. Climb to the top for phenomenal views and panoramic photo opportunities.

9. Franciscan Monastery

Featuring 14th-century cloisters, intricately carved columns and a striking, sculptured facade this Dubrovnik wonder is also home to the third oldest pharmacy in Europe, so you can get a prescription filled while seeing the sights.

10. Trakoscan Castle

This lovely castle located in northern Croatia was inhabited from the 13th century right up until the 1940s. Featuring all good things a castle should have - including a dungeon, hunting room and tower - visiting here is like stepping back to a time when castles weren’t just historical monuments, but actual places to live.

Top places to visit in Croatia

1. islands of kornati.

There are plenty of enchanting islands along the coast of Croatia but perhaps none more so than the secluded Kornati, a collection of 89 spectacular islands full of islets and reef systems just waiting to be explored. Known as the largest and densest archipelago in the Adriatic region, the Kornatis present the perfect way to spend a couple of days with beautiful bays to swim in and fascinating nature parks to adventure through.

2. Dubrovnik

Steeped in both beauty and history, Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is, quite simply, the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With its beautiful white stone-covered buildings, tiled-roof houses, and limestone streets all encompassed within sea-facing city walls, this city is full of charm and splendor. Whether you want to wander the bustling streets on foot or view the town from the sparkling water of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one character-filled city you can’t miss.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik then setting sail for the small island of Lokrum is the best way to achieve it. Covered in lush vegetation and surrounded by sparkling blue waters you’re never going to want to leave, this sleepy island presents the perfect opportunity to relax under the warm Croatian sun. Whether you want to soak up the rays on rocks by the sea or wander through the Botanical Garden, you’re guaranteed to find peace within Lokrum’s stunning surroundings.

Another day, another magnificent city in Croatia to adventure through; this time, it’s Zadar. Once the capital city of Dalmatia, Zadar boasts a rich heritage that’s easily visible when you start wandering its ancient buildings such as the Roman Forum and St Donatus’ Church. From walking through cultural exhibitions at the Museum of Church Art and exploring the spirited fish markets at the port to admiring the ‘Greeting to the Sun’, a modern monument dedicated to the sun, this energetic destination will surely capture your heart (and your camera’s remaining storage).

Packed with a rich history you’re going to want to explore, Korcula Island is a hidden gem with as many beautiful sights and ancient buildings as some of the bigger islands, such as Hvar, but without the crowds. Offering a lot of sun to soak up, plenty of golden sandy beaches to lie on, and an abundance of sparkling blue waters to swim in, this seaside destination is truly one-of-a-kind. And you can't forget about the food. From traditional beef stews to the sweet delicacy of travarica, you'll never go hungry in Korcula.

Split may be Croatia’s second largest city (after Zagreb) but it’s first when it comes to personality and soul with historic streets, a World-Heritage listed palace, and a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants scattered throughout its picturesque Old Town. From sipping on frothy kava at a table on the Riva waterfront promenade to listening to street musicians filling ancient courtyards with their sweet sounds, Split promises to take your Croatian tour to another level.

7. Plitvice Lakes National Park

If you thought Croatia couldn’t get any more beautiful, only one visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park is enough to make you change your mind. Gaining World Heritage listed status 20 years ago, this spectacular park covers 19 hectares of wooded hills and 16 turquoise-covered lakes all connected by a series of waterfalls that won’t hesitate to take your breath away. Whether you want to spot some wild animals (think wolves, deer, and birds), wander through the park’s forest vegetation, or simply marvel at the captivating landscape that surrounds you, this dazzling park will be etched in your mind forever.

If culture’s what you’re after, then visiting the spirited city of Zagreb should be high on your Croatia bucket list. Bursting with museums such as the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships or the more traditional Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, and historic locations such as the Mirogoj Cemetery and Lotrščak Tower, you’ll never run out of things to do in Zagreb. Perfect for exploring on foot, this lively destination blends the best of crafts, cuisine, and culture for an adventure you’ll want to relive over and over again.

On the surface, Osijek may seem like just another breathtaking Croatian town but as soon as you start wandering its streets full of grand buildings and popular landmarks, you’ll see why it deserves to be explored. With a laidback atmosphere and bubbling personality, this town will easily have you entranced from its many cafes and restaurants lining the Drava River to its captivating medieval structures. Spend your time walking through the Museum of Slavonia or strolling down the European Avenue for an in-depth look at this remarkable region.

If Dubrovnik is known as the ‘Jewel of the Dalmatian Coast’ then Hvar is the ‘Queen of the Dalmatian Islands’ thanks to its picture-perfect town full of wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades. Boasting plenty to do including admiring the views of the town and the Adriatic Sea from the Spanjola Fortress, wandering the streets full of unusual boutiques and interesting galleries, and sipping on cocktails at a bar by the water, this spectacular island town is like something straight out of a fairytale. 

Croatia has an interesting mix of quaint outdoor markets, modern malls and hip clothing boutiques. There's plenty of options that make better souvenirs than the usual lurid magnets or tourist t-shirts.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. The   United States   and   Canada  generally have strict customs laws.

Things to buy in Croatia

1. Local produce

If you're able to take food products back to your home country, then Croatia's markets are filled with delicious gourmet produce. Honey, olives, cheese, wine and lavender products are good choices that help to support local farmers and the rural economy.

2. Traditional handicrafts

Embroidered tablecloths, handmade dolls and lace from the island of Pag make authentic gifts for friends back home.

3. Natural cosmetics

Croatia has many brands of natural soap, body butter and shower gel derived from ingredients like olive oil, goat's milk, lavender, almond oil and seaweed.

Festivals and events

Dance week festival.

This celebration of dance and movement hits Zagreb each year. Featuring a diverse range of contemporary and traditional dance from local and international dancers and choreographers, the eclectic program highlights the artistic vision of many coming together to celebrate their love of dance.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Classical music, theatre, dance and opera combine to create an enriching program of events performed in open air venues around Dubrovnik. Held every year since 1949, Croatia's temperate summer climate ensures the perfect conditions for outdoor performances.

International Folklore Festival

This important festival held in Zagreb each year helps to preserve cultural diversity by promoting traditional dance, costume, music and handicrafts from all over the world. Visitors can see everything from African drumming performances to traditional Croatian dancing and Bulgarian bands.

Read more about festivals in Croatia

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Anti-Fascist Resistance Day

Statehood Day

Homeland Thanksgiving Day

Independence Day

Please note that the dates of  Croatia's public holidays  may vary.

Further reading

Croatia travel faqs, do you need a visa to visit croatia.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Croatia?

Tipping isn't mandatory in Croatia, although feel free to round up the bill or leave spare change for wait staff. Tip more if the service has been particularly good. Some restaurants and cafes will already include a 10-15% margin in the bill, to account for taxes and tips. In this case, generally no further tip is required.

What is the internet access like in Croatia?

Travelers will be able to access the internet at internet cafes and hotels in Croatia's large cities and tourist-orientated towns. Expect less internet accessibility in rural areas.

Will my cell phone work in Croatia?

Cell phone coverage is generally very good in Croatia's large cities and urban areas. Islands and remote areas may have less reliable service.

Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before arrival.

What are the toilets like in Croatia?

Western-style, flushable toilets are the norm in Croatia's cities and urban centres.

Can I drink the water in Croatia?

Tap water is considered safe to drink in Croatia; however, due to the different mineral content, some people may get stomach upsets from the drinking water if they aren't used to it. A better option is finding filtered water rather than relying on bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Croatia?

Large hotels, restaurants and tourist sites will most likely accept credit cards. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases and when shopping at vendors like market stalls and smaller cafes and hotels, which may not have credit card facilities.

What is ATM access like in Croatia?

ATMs are readily available throughout Croatia. Cities and large towns will have more ATM access than small villages or rural areas, so prepare accordingly if traveling out of urban areas.

What is the weather like in Croatia?

Croatia's climate is split into two different regions - along the coast and in the mainland.

Depending on which region you're travelling to, the weather may vary slightly with temperatures higher in the mainland area due to a lack of sea breeze.

Winter temperatures are also lower in the mainland with snowfall expected and enjoyed, whereas on the coast, snowfall is quite uncommon.

Is Croatia a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Discretion is advised for LGBTQIA+ travelers in Croatia. Homosexuality has been legal in Croatia since 1977 and is tolerated but not widely accepted. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may be met with hostility in lesser populated cities. Gay venues are virtually non-existent outside Zagreb but this is improving every year. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   ILGA   before you travel.

What's the transport like in Croatia?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Croatia, you may find yourself traveling by:

No tourist coaches here! Travel through Croatia the way the locals do, aboard a local bus. It's a cheap, reliable and authentic way to get around.

Amazing views and quick access to the islands - what better way to see Croatia's splendid coast than aboard a ferry?

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to Croatia support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Croatia directly support our foundation partner, Humana Zagreb.

Humana Zagreb

Humana Zagreb provides job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textile industries for people with disabilities. Donations fund educational programs run by Humana employees with disabilities. These programs teach school children about the issues of fast fashion, the importance of reusing and recycling clothes, and the barriers that people with disabilities face when searching for employment.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

Budget Tours & Trips to Croatia

• Choose from 50+ Croatia tours
• 50+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best cheap Croatia tour packages

Compiled by

Melissa Croatia travel expert at TourRadar

Classic Croatia: 6 Days Capital to Coast

Private - classic croatia, walks and coastal towns of croatia, sail split to dubrovnik / premier boat, the best of zadar region - self-guided cycling vacation - 8 days, 8 days in croatia by train., dalmatian islands multi-adventure tour, 5 days tour in croatia from split & hvar., croatian coast multi-adventure tour.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year
• Stroll through Trogir's historic island
• Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Explore Zagreb's medieval Upper Town

“Everything was better than expected, punctuality, itinerary, transport, vehicle, service, acommodation.”

• Walk through Split's historic Diocletian Palace
• Visit UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James
• Tour the ancient Pula Arena in Istria

• Cruise along Split's scenic coastline
• Relax on lively Bacvice Beach
• Taste Dalmatian wines at a local winery

“The destinations were beautiful, and the weekend was really fun.”

• Hiking & Trekking
• Walking Adventure
• Coastal Walks
• Soak in the breathtaking views of the Velebit mountains
• Admire the views on a hike of the Premuziceva Trail
• Gaze at the natural beauty on a trek of Paklenica Gorge

“Hiking part of the long distance Premuziceve Trail (stunning) and the tour of the Plitvice National Park (lakes and waterfalls).”

• Party the night away in a 13th Century fortress
• Sample seafood and walk Dubrovnik's ancient city walls
• Relax with a cold beer and gaze at the sparkling Adriatic

“The food was a highlight, each lunch better than the last - and that was before we had our BBQ feast.”

• Discover Pašman's coastal charm on two wheels
• Explore Ugljan Island's scenic villages by bike
• Cycle through historic Nin and vibrant Vir

• Stroll through Trogir's Romanesque-Gothic complex
• Discover Diocletian's Palace in Split
• Ride the funicular to Mount Srđ for views

• Sail and snorkel near the island Vis
• Hike through lavender fields in Hvar
• Kayak around the Pakleni Islands

• Explore UNESCO-listed Split, a gem of Croatia
• Relax on Hvar's pristine beaches and old town
• Revisit Diocletian's Palace in Split

• Cycle through UNESCO sites on Hvar
• Walk across Marjan hill in Split
• Raft along the Cetina river canyon

More Budget Tours in Croatia

Discover TourRadar