Things to do in Croatia and what a holiday costs

These are the things to do in Croatia that we would put first, with what they cost.

Croatia has used the euro since 2023 and is in the Schengen area, so travelling from the rest of the EU is simple. It is no longer a budget destination on the coast in summer, but it is still good value outside the hotspots and the peak weeks.

Things to do in Croatia

• Dubrovnik: Walk the city walls early in the morning before the heat and the cruise crowds, then take the cable car up Mount Srđ for the view.
• Split: Diocletian’s Palace is not a museum but a living part of town, with cafes and flats inside Roman walls.
• Island hopping: Hvar for nightlife and lavender, Brač for Zlatni Rat beach, Vis and Korčula for a slower pace.
• National parks: Plitvice Lakes for waterfalls and boardwalks, Krka for river pools near Šibenik.
• Istria: Hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan, truffles, olive oil and the harbour of Rovinj.
• Makarska Riviera: Long pebble beaches under the Biokovo mountains, good for families.

What things cost in Croatia

Typical prices on the coast in 2025 and 2026. They vary a lot between Dubrovnik and a village on an island, so use them as a budgeting guide.

• Espresso or cappuccino: €2 to €3.50
• Local beer (0.5 l) in a bar: €4 to €6
• Main course in a konoba (local tavern): €14 to €25
• Pizza: €10 to €15
• Bread and pastries from a bakery: €1 to €3
• Catamaran Split to Hvar, per person: roughly €10 to €25 depending on season
• Dubrovnik city walls: around €35 to €40
• Plitvice Lakes in summer: around €40, cheaper outside June to September
• Tourist tax: usually €1 to €3 per person per night, often included in the price

How to save money in Croatia

• Shop at markets and supermarkets such as Konzum, Tommy or Plodine and eat one main meal out.
• Stay a few kilometres outside the old towns. Prices drop quickly once you leave the walls.
• Travel in June or September: the same stay often costs 20 to 40 percent less than in August.

Croatia travel FAQ

Is Croatia expensive?

Dubrovnik, Hvar and the old town of Split are expensive in July and August. Elsewhere, and outside peak season, prices are similar to or lower than in Italy or Spain.

How much money do I need per day in Croatia?

A simple budget with self-catering and one meal out is roughly €50 to €80 per person per day, plus your stay. Dining out twice a day and paid sights push it to €100 or more.

Do I need cash in Croatia?

Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Keep some euros for small konobas, markets, parking and beach bars.

See the stays we list in Croatia. You book directly with the host, without booking fees.