Had you asked me ten years ago how to travel to Croatia on budget, it would have been much easier to answer. The time when Croatia was one of the cheapest destinations, has gone forever.
But even today visiting Croatia doesn’t need to be expensive, and my Croatia travel on budget tips will help you plan better your holidays in Croatia. If you don’t know how much money to take to Croatia my tips will come practical at whatever time you travel on a shoestring budget.
Not so long time ago Croatia was suitable for all budgets but lately some destinations have become too expensive particularly Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Hvar town.
Croatia On a Budget Tips
You can save money on your Croatian vacation by following these simple tips:
Choose some off-the-beaten path destinations!
It’s hard not to get involved in what’s trending, especially when it comes to travel to some fashionable places. Keep away from staying in the most expensive destinations.
Dubrovnik and Zagreb are the most expensive cities while Hvar is the most expensive island. The villages around Dubrovnik are cheaper than Dubrovnik and Jelsa is cheaper than Hvar town.
Try to be different! Visiting off-the-beaten regions you can save a lot. Take a look at Paklenica National Park, visit islands like Cres , Vis , Pag or Dugi Otok. Or visit the islands of the Sibenik archipelago. Instead staying in Split, nearby Podstrana is a great choice!
Save on flights by flying into a cheap gateway city!
Rather than flying directly to Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik, you may get a better deal on a flight to Bratislava, Milan, London, Prague and Vienna. From there, you may be able to get a cheap flight to the coast.
Traveling in Croatia on budget – stay in private accommodation!
In Croatia, renting out rooms and apartments have been in the practice for decades and the selection is every year bigger and bigger.
Renting a two-bedroom apartment is much cheaper that renting two hotel rooms. Having a kitchen can save you money and if you’ll be using it, green markets are cheap places to save on always fresh food.
In high season locals offer a room renting in four languages (Sobe, Zimmer, Rooms or Camere). It’s the cheapest type of accommodation. Bargaining is allowed and advisable!
Save and make plans for minimum four-night stays!
Owners of private accommodation in Croatia practice to drop the price the longer you stay. Many oblige a 30% supplement on short stays which helps them cover the costs of the extra cleaning and laundry. It’s a wise solution if you travel in Croatia on budget!
Look for an all-inclusive resort!
There’s nothing like knowing in advance what your Croatia holiday will cost. There are a few all-inclusive resorts in Croatia and they provide excellent value for money, especially for families. With a variety of activities to keep you busy, you won’t need to rent a car to enjoy your stay. See more on all-inclusive holidays in Croatia !
Use public transport!
Getting around Croatia, the bus system in is the best. Buses are fast, cheap, reliable, comfortable and frequent. See more about buses in Croatia.
To reach any of Croatia’s islands, don’t use your car as car ferries are rather expensive. If you are in Croatia on budget, consider to use passengers boat or fast catamarans. They are more cheaper without hassle and long queues.
Take half-board if possible!
Not all owners of private accommodation will offer half-board, but if they do you should take it. Take advantage of excellent home-made tasty meals with their own home made wine, will be a good value for money.
If you decide to stay in Croatia hotels, opt if possible on half-board to save if you are in Croatia on budget. Half-board may be much cheaper than the local restaurants. See more on Croatia hotels!
Travel off season!
Prices in Croatia are at their peak in high season (July and August) and are rapidly declining before and after the high summer season. (May, June, September to mid October).
Everything from accommodation to ferry prices to car rental costs more. Don’t exclude to travel to Croatia in the winter, as a period of great deals particularly on spas and wellness centers. See more on Croatia Spas and wellness hotels!
Order local currency in advance and save!
Croatia is still using Kuna a local currency. One way to save money is to order local currency from your foreign currency online and pick up at the airport or home before you depart.