Croatia’s Price Surge Explained

Croatia, once celebrated as a relatively affordable travel destination, is suddenly creating a holiday atmosphere with a bitter aftertaste. Media reports of exorbitant prices—and the experiences of many travelers seem to confirm this impression.

Tourists report daily fees of €80 for a sun lounger on the beach in Dubrovnik or €20 for a plate of salad. A Spanish woman told Croatian television HRT: «Last year we paid €60 for a taxi from Pula to Rovinj—this year it was €120. Everything has become significantly more expensive.»

According to the Croatian Statistical Office, prices in the tourism sector rose by a whopping 70 percent between 2015 and 2024. Croatian economist Damir Novotny explained in an interview with the «Stuttgarter Nachrichten»: «This price level cannot be sustained in the long term—because it often does not reflect the service provided.»

Christian Hergesell from the travel blog «Worldonabudget», himself a big Croatia fan, wanted to know exactly—and spent three months collecting hundreds of prizes: from restaurant visits to supermarkets and accommodation.

During peak season, the average overnight price for two people is around 100 euros. Those who are flexible can find good options starting at 48 euros. Saving money on food, however, is more difficult: A dinner with water for two usually costs between 40 and 60 euros. A 0.25-liter Coke costs an average of 3.76 euros—a very hefty price tag. Classic dishes like cevapcici and fish dishes are especially expensive.

Sunscreen is also expensive, as Christian Hergesell's survey shows. It's worth bringing it from home. Dubrovnik clearly emerged as the most expensive destination: not only accommodations, but also ice cream and restaurant visits are particularly expensive.

Travelnews contacted several Swiss Croatia specialists: How do they assess the current price situation? Are they noticing a decline in bookings? Are there increasing complaints from customers who are surprised by hefty bills? Several of the inquiries remained unanswered. It seems as if many in the industry would prefer to sweep this issue under the rug.

But not everyone is staying silent. One voice speaking out is Marco Wipfli, managing director and owner of the tour operator Meersicht. He’s frustrated by media headlines, which he believes fuel common misconceptions among travelers. «Especially at holiday fairs, I often hear people say Croatia is a cheap travel destination—but that’s simply not the case,» Wipfli explains. «Croatia isn’t cheap, but it offers excellent value for money—and it’s still significantly less expensive than Switzerland.»

He advocates a more differentiated view. «Generally speaking, Croatia, like 99 percent of countries in the world, isn't getting cheaper, but rather more expensive year after year,» says the Meersicht managing director. Ultimately, it's up to each individual whether they want to spend €80 on a deck chair and parasol in Dubrovnik or not. «Of our numerous customers who travel to Croatia every year, none have complained about exorbitant prices,» Wipfli emphasizes.

The Croatian National Tourist Board tells Travelnews the variety of free activities in the country. Waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints, and hiking trails are accessible free of charge in many places. «In other countries, comparable nature experiences often require an entrance fee. This also makes Croatia a particularly attractive travel destination,» the tourist office says.

It also touts Croatia as a perfect self-drive destination. «The country is characterized by affordable and easily plannable travel options,» writes the Croatian National Tourist Board. The most popular coastal regions can be reached quickly from Central Europe. Gasoline prices are also relatively low compared to other European countries—a factor that should not be underestimated when considering the overall travel budget.

According to the Croatian National Tourist Board, how and where travelers spend their budget is crucial for a successful vacation experience. «Unlike in almost all other Mediterranean countries, Croatia still has a large number of vacation apartments located close to the coast—often only 250 to 300 meters from the sea,» the tourist office states.

For families in particular, this means affordable seaside accommodations are still available—even during the peak summer months of July and August. «This aspect has received little attention so far, yet it clearly represents a unique selling point for Croatia.»

For those traveling on a limited vacation budget, the Croatian National Tourist Board recommends planning away from the coastal hotspots or planning their trip during the quieter off-season. «Outside of the summer months, sights such as the city walls of Dubrovnik or Diocletian's Palace in Split can be experienced in a relaxed atmosphere and pleasant climate,» writes the tourist office.

For Marco Wipfli of Meersicht, one thing is clear: travelers looking for fair prices and authentic experiences in Croatia should avoid the big names. «Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and Rovinj are beautiful—but they're also in a league of their own in terms of price,» he says. Those who avoid the tourist crowds will find good value for money in the country. «I would especially like to highlight the Dalmatian island of Brac,» Wipfli says.

Christian Hergesell from the travel blog «Worldonabudget» sums it up: «Croatia is no longer a cheap travel destination.» However, he emphasizes that the quality is good—both in terms of accommodation and service. He particularly highlights the fact that even during peak season, you can still find regions where accommodation for two people costs less than 50 euros per night.

His assessment of the gastronomy is more reserved. While he commends the service and culinary quality, he notes that prices are often on par with those in Germany—or even higher.

This means that anyone willing to travel off the beaten track and embrace regional alternatives will be rewarded in Croatia with authentic experiences and fair prices. With the right know-how, you can still plan a vacation to enjoy in 2025—without the price shock on the beach.