Croatia is fast becoming one of the most talked about and visited destinations in the World!
It is a mecca for backpackers and is certainly a country, that if done well, can be experienced to the maximum ON A BUDGET!
READ ON to find out how to travel Croatia on a budget...
Known by many as something of a fairytale country, Croatia has become famous for its fantastic weather, people, prices, and an all-around breathtaking environment that has you feeling like you're truly in a storybook.
Of course, all the amazing sights mean very little if you can't afford to enjoy them.
Thankfully, not only is Croatia one of the more budget-friendly countries to visit but, with a bit of planning and know-how, you can have an amazing experience at a price point even better than what you'd expect back home!
Below are a few tips to focus on when setting your next planned trip to Croatia.
We'll go through when to travel, the different transport options, how to reserve quality accommodations, where you want to go, the best foods to eat, and what to do all at a reasonable price without breaking the bank.
How To Travel Croatia On A Budget
It can be expensive to travel there, especially during peak tourist season. However, there are several ways to explore Croatia without breaking the bank.
One of the easiest ways to save money while traveling in Croatia is to visit during the off-season.
From October to April, the crowds are smaller, and the prices for accommodation, transportation, and activities are much lower.
Plus, the weather is still mild enough to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. If you do plan to visit during peak season, consider staying in smaller towns or villages instead of the popular tourist destinations, which can be more expensive.
Saving Money in Croatia
When To Visit
Before we jump into knowing what you're going to be doing in Croatia, we're going to have to decide when's the best time to go.
If you're working with a pretty open budget, you can pretty much go whenever you want and get fairly reasonable tickets.
For those that are trying to save a bit on transport while still having a memorable time, you'll want to pull out the calendar and plan accordingly.
As with many places, you can expect that demand rises and falls based on the seasons.
In the case of Croatia in particular, you're looking at much of the summer months of July through August as the peak season.
Not only is this the time most people have off, but Croatia is lovely at this time of year. For those with the funds, it is undoubtedly one of the best and most busy times to go.
Of course, you'll likely find yourself paying peak season prices as well.
If you're trying to go at the best time while also staying true to your budget, you'll want to instead visit in the middle of spring or early into autumn.
By coming through April through June, you can enjoy nearly everything available while avoiding virtually all of the expected tourist crowds.
Similarly, visiting in September is great as you're still able to enjoy swimming, meaning that you can enjoy your time out on the beach in relative peace and tranquil silence (something that just won't be possible in the summer).
Accommodation
Once you've got to the country, you're probably going to be tired and need a place to crash.
You may expect me to list off a bunch of hotels or hostels, and while these may be good in their way, the point of this is to find the best way to enjoy Croatia while on a budget.
I love hostels as much as the next guy, but it can be a real crapshoot on who you get as your bunkmates.
Read this next: On a Budget? These Hostels in Novalja May be Perfect for You!
Your best bet in today's market is Airbnbs. Not only are the prices often cheaper than hotel rooms, but they are almost always nicer and more spacious.
You can always go cheaper if you want, but you're pretty much guaranteed a good price at a higher quality going that route.
If you do opt for an established hotel chain, make sure to book your stay as early as possible and directly through the website itself.
More often than not, many third-party sites can do a bit of price hiking to incentivize through their platform turning a $ 200-a-night room into a $ 250-a-night room.
You'll also want to ideally stay as far from the city as possible if going through a hotel. Since most people want to be as close to the action as possible, you can save a good bit of money by staying a few miles out of town.
Getting Around
Once you've decided on the optimal time to go, your next step is to decide how you're going to get there.
Depending on where you're coming from, this may be a bit challenging. If you're from the US, flights should go for under $1,000, though the earlier you get them the better.
For those that are in the EU, you'll find that traveling by bus is easily one of the most effective and cost-saving methods to date. Countless cross-country buses will take you from Europe through to Croatia at reasonable prices.
The buses are all modern, and comfortable, and even have free Wi-Fi services along with toilets and air-conditioning.
If you're reasonably close to Croatia and don't want to take a bus, you can opt for hiring a car rental service.
You'll have to foot the bill for gas, and the rental fees can be a bit excessive the later you decide on renting it, however, this is one of the best ways to go while enjoying the Croatian scenery and taking in the local routes.
Plan Ahead
One of the things about Croatia is that it's incredibly varied in terms of the different towns and cities available.
The great news is that, if you're on a budget, you've got a ton of different places you can visit even if they aren't the most famous or well-known.
As an example, while a town like Dubrovnik may be great for a time when you have a bit more money, its high prices make it potentially prohibitive for someone on a budget. Instead, check out places like the Konavle Region or Trogir.
One of the best places to consider is Zadar, which is perfect on its while also allowing you to access Split as well as many of the different national parks (such as Plitvice Lakes).
Ultimately, you'll want to be very strict on where you're going in the country as well as how many places you decide to go in the country. Ideally, if on a budget, you want to see about cutting it down to two or three islands, cities, or towns (that's total, not each) for this trip.
Take a look at what each of the places has to offer and make a point of enjoying those to the fullest.
Later, if you have more funds, you can have a more complete Croatian experience.
Live Like a Local, Eat Like a Local
The fifth and final tip we recommend is when it comes to where you're eating. We all need food and you're in a new country so it only makes sense that you'll want to enjoy all of the delicacies available here.
And while I highly recommend that, I also want to stress the importance of doing things the right way. This means avoiding tourist traps and eating like a local.
Most local spots serve traditional Croatian meals the way the people there eat them. This generally consists of the main course, a side, and a salad, as well as a dessert.
Read this next: 5 Typical Croatian Food Delights You Must Try!
One thing you'll notice about Croatian food when you try it is just how dense and filling it is, as well as how great it tastes!
The other budget alternative is to consider hitting up a local market and preparing the food yourself.
Honestly, unless you're already knowledgeable about Croatian dishes, I try to recommend people away from this option. It is a pretty affordable method of eating, yes.
However, you're going to end up making foods you're used to no matter your best efforts.
If you can swing it, try to make at least one meal served at a local restaurant. That way you'll get a chance to better immerse yourself in everything available to you there.
10 Quick Budget Croatia Travel Top Tips
1. Visit during the shoulder season (May or September) when prices are lower and crowds are fewer.
2. Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or apartments instead of hotels, as they tend to be cheaper.
3. Use public transportation, like buses or ferries, to get around instead of renting a car.
4. Eat at local restaurants or markets, where prices tend to be lower than in tourist-oriented places.
5. Take advantage of free or low-cost activities like hiking, swimming, and sightseeing in public parks and beaches.
6. Book tours or activities directly with local providers, as they often offer better prices than through a third-party booking site.
7. Look for discounts or coupons on travel-related websites or apps.
8. Avoid visiting popular tourist spots during peak hours to save money and avoid crowds.
9. Bargain or negotiate prices when possible, especially at markets or with street vendors.
10. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone instead of using international roaming to save on data and calling costs.
How To Travel Croatia On A Budget: Summary
The point of this brief guide is to show that, while it will take a bit of an adjustment, you can 100% enjoy Croatia no matter your budget.
By being a bit more conscious of where you're going, what you're eating, and how you're getting there, you can have a truly memorable experience.
And what's more, knowing that there were places that you didn't go to this time will make it all the more enjoyable when you come back for your next visit!