The best inexpensive resort in Croatia. When and where is the best time to relax in Croatia by the sea? Resorts and prices

Going to Croatia, we didn't really know much about the country. Facts from Wikipedia, numerous texts in the spirit of “charming streets”, “clean sea”, “delicious seafood”, delights, descriptions of excursions. I wanted a clear and reliable comparison of cities with each other. Why go to Istria and not Dalmatia? Why is Makarska so much better than Krk that more tours are offered to the first city? How many days to spend in Dubrovnik and how many in Rijeka?

Therefore, we decided to go on an exciting road trip and see everything Largest cities coast, the island of Krk (connected to the mainland by a bridge and located some 50 kilometers from Opatija), Zagreb and “Krka”.

  • We personally visited every city we write about,
  • tried to visit different beaches everywhere,
  • They were brutally stupid, trusting the guidebook, and ended up in two or three towns that were “not ours at all,” and left the very next day.

Let's share all this.

Prelude: about us

To begin with, a lyrical digression. Have you ever arrived at a place that someone praised and thought: “God, what did they find here?”

So a little about us.

  • we traveled by car together: me and my beautiful beloved,
  • we are about 30 years old,
  • we are online freelance entrepreneurs, one of those who are always not at work, but always with a laptop,
  • to Croatia our best sea ​​holiday I was in Greece. If you had a good time on the islands of Kos and Corfu, we are on the same wavelength. Croatia is also suitable for those who like Italy.

A couple of years ago we were disappointed in hotel holidays. Staying in good “fives”, we practically did not take advantage of any of their advantages.

Lazy all-inclusive is not for us: we spend a maximum of 3-5 hours on the beach, and the thirst for activity begins.

Hotel meals have always been a waste of money: we missed breakfast, skipped lunch on excursions, dined at different local establishments, each time in a new one.

We tried out the luxurious infinity pool in the “five” in Corfu once – for a selfie. In other hotels, sometimes they didn’t even find a pool for 10 days of vacation. How, well, how can you exchange this gorgeous, clear, clean water for something chlorinated and over-chlorinated?!

Food: we eat healthy, so shrimp, fish steaks, squid, octopus, greens, vegetables are our everything! For breakfast – definitely buckwheat!

The beach of the town of Vrbnik on the island of Krk is loved and recommended by locals.

Delicious seafood – everywhere, but the oysters and fish were especially good at the Lim Fjord restaurant on the coast of the Lim Fjord, between Rovinj and Porec, and at the Frankopan restaurant in the city of Krk.

Lima Fjord: it’s worth going on an excursion here for the beautiful nature and delicious seafood.

Beautiful Old Town (in order of priority): Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Sibenik, Rovinj. There are no ugly or uninteresting towns on the Adriatic coast, but if you want to see the very best, go here.

The most beautiful cities Croatia - in Dalmatia. The photo shows the Split embankment.

Both the Old Town and good beaches, and clean sea, and delicious seafood: Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

To have the beach and the Old Town nearby: all except Pula and Rijeka. There is a beach near the Old Town, but it is not very large and convenient: Rovinj, Trogir, Dubrovnik. There is a city beach, but it is crowded: Split. The water is like this (it stagnates a little and with greenery): Sibenik.

The most amazing beach in the city center is in Zadar. There is a beach, a promenade, and Old city, and a lot of water activities, and two unique miracles of technology: a sea organ and a “greeting the sun” installation.

The sea and the active rhythm of life in a big city: Dubrovnik, Split, Rijeka (but we do not recommend the latter for a sea holiday).

Calm sea holiday, silence: Umag (Istria), Volosko (near Opatija, Kvarner Bay), nearby - Crikvenica, Vodice (near Sibenik), Vrbnik (Krk). It is quiet here and at the same time a stone's throw from larger cities.

A special place in the suburbs of Pula – Premantura, park and beach Kamenjak

Hotel lazy holiday: Porec, Dubrovnik. , but not every city has five-star hotels. There are strong fours in Porec. There are many good luxury hotels and chain brands in Dubrovnik. But in general, to be honest, Croatia is not a country for lazy rest in the all-inclusive style and there are very few hotels operating according to this system

To see more interesting things: cities with good opportunities for beach holiday close to the most interesting places region: in Istria - Rovinj, in the Kvarner Bay area - Opatija, in Dalmatia - Split.

Opatija is one of the strategic points on the map of the Croatian coast. From here it is convenient to get to largest cities region and country.

Strategically correct route to continue to be surprised in every new city: from Umag to Dubrovnik. This way you will get maximum pleasure and impressions “increasingly”, with the maximum in Dubrovnik.

A strategically correct route for active sightseeing and, in the end, lying down like a seal on the beach: from Dubrovnik to Umag.

. If you like it to be hotter and the sea to be warmer, go to Dalmatia. The most southern cities– Dubrovnik, Split. If you need to improve your health, but get as little sun as possible, go to Istria: here the temperature of both air and water is 5 degrees lower than in Dubrovnik and Split. At the same time, in the area of ​​Pula, Porec, Rovinj, the most unique beach areas are concentrated, located in coniferous parks. The thick shade from the pine trees that reach the water allows you to relax and not get sunburnt, even while on the beach in the hottest sun. Therefore, there are many families with small children and women “in interesting position" Locals sometimes complain that the weather in Istria is unstable, there are cold currents, but we vacationed here in June, when the sea temperature was 25 degrees and the air temperature was 30. And it was very comfortable!

When to go and where is the best place to relax in Croatia by the sea? Let's consider best resorts to plan a vacation with the whole family, find out the prices for tours and really find good hotels nearby on the first line. Let's look at the seasons and climatic conditions, we'll find great places, which are definitely worth visiting on your own or with the help of excursions.

Which resorts to choose for a holiday by the sea? Ready to explore Croatia? This country is little known among Russian tourists. Possibly due to lack of press coverage. It would be impossible to call the country very expensive. Staying in an inexpensive hotel is comparable to staying on Krasnodar resorts the same level is in the capital of Croatia - Dubrovnik. There are direct flights from Moscow to Dubrovnik, Pula and Zagreb. Just a three hour flight. Add to this European service, shore Adriatic Sea, antiquities since the Roman Empire and the Mediterranean flavor of Croatian cuisine.

As a rule, tourists go on vacation to the sea coast. Let's look at the question in more detail and find out where to go to Croatia by sea?

The country has more than a thousand islands, sandy and pebble beaches are hundreds of kilometers. Croatians are very environmentally conscious and many beaches are marked blue flag. It is not surprising that the best places to relax in Croatia, according to tourist reviews, are located near the sea. Excursions go to neighboring cities or inland. For example, in , Sibenik or one of national parks. There are gorgeous roads and inexpensive car rentals. So don't forget to bring your driver's license.

Beach holidays in Croatia:

A nice bonus is that most of the beaches are municipal, which means entry to them is free.

  • Islands. There are many of them, but only 67 are inhabited by people. The largest are Cres and Krk. On the island of Krk there is a 1.5-kilometer sand beach and Soline beach with healing mud. In the Middle Dolmatia region, the popular islands of Brac (Zlatni Rat beach, beloved by surfers) and Hvar. In the south are the islands of Koločep and Korcula. Some islands have sandy beaches, others have pebble beaches. Some have Mediterranean vegetation, others have pine trees or rocks. The island of Pag, namely Zrce beach, is a party place, an analogue of Ibiza. You can get to the islands by ferry or boat. Sandy beaches south island Lopud is popular with families with children and nudists.
  • Istrian Peninsula. With its milder climate. The peninsula contains the most famous beaches, most of them have a Blue Flag. The most popular beaches are located near the cities of Umag, Porec, the famous Rovinj, Pula and Opatija. Patches of sand are found on the beach of the village of Katoro near Umag.
  • Middle Dolmatia and Southern Dolmatia. This part of the country is famous for the cleanest water and cuisine rich in seafood. Here are the most expensive beaches in small villages in the mountainous part of the country, overgrown coniferous forests. Places for those seeking solitude and wellness. The most popular are the small pebble beach of the Makarska Riviera, the Punta Rata beach in Brela and the beach near the town of Podgora with healing mineral water.
  • Beaches of Dubrovnik, Baska townWater and Split suitable for young people. Festivals and discos are held in these places. Game of Thrones fans flock here. Best beaches belong large hotels. Most visited beaches: pebble – Vucine, Veliki Zali(near the village of Brsecine), Sveti Jakov andBuza(in the Old Town) and Lapad – the longest. The annual Volleyball World Cup is held on the Bačvica beach near Split.

Low price schedule for tours:

We constantly use the calendar for searching tours by dates; when planning any trip, you can easily see the prices for the necessary and nearby dates, thus shifting your vacation by a few days and saving money.

Where to go to Croatia with children?

Resorts in Croatia for holidays with children at sea will be slightly different from others. For family vacation cozy ones will do resort towns on the coast or villages with sandy lagoons. If you are going to the islands, then choose away from open sea, there will be no jellyfish and strong winds. And stock up on latex slippers, they will protect your feet from sea urchins.

The best resorts in Croatia with sandy beaches:

  • Rab Island. So-called Paradise Beach– a huge bay with a sandy beach and shallow sea. There's a lot around family hotels, apartments, camping and entertainment for children and adults.
  • Lopuda Island. Sunzh Beach. There are no cars on this island; you can only get to the beach by sea from Dubrovnik. Shallow and very clear sea (visibility in the water up to 50 meters!), gentle approach. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood and host dance parties. You can stay right in the restaurant for the whole day. Prices are lower than in cities.
  • Omiš. The best place to relax in Croatia with children, according to reviews from tourists. Shallow sea with a sandy bottom, next to a moon park. The neighboring villages of Nemira, Duce, Lokva Rogoznica and Mimice have sandy and pebble beaches, a smooth descent to the water and a minimum of tourists. For parents - a diving club and excursions in the village of Ruskamen.
  • Island of Dugi Otok. The beaches of Saharun, Panther and Solisčica. Quiet place with sugar-white sand under pine trees, shallow clear sea. Parents can go snorkeling, diving, and play local beach volleyball while standing in the water.

When is the best time to relax, what time of year and where?

The beach season in Croatia lasts from May to mid-October. And although in spring the water is not very warm, about +18°C, it is quite warm, 23-25°C. At this time, the first regatta takes place in Rovinj; divers, spearfishing enthusiasts, and those who, for one reason or another, avoid the heat, come to the country.

In June, the water warms up to a comfortable +21°C; full-fledged opening of beach tourism, lovers come aquatic species sports, families with children. The season opens and closes South part countries.

Air temperature by month in Dubrovnik

September is suitable for those who avoid 30 degree heat and bustle. The beaches are noticeably emptying and prices are plummeting. Even though the sea is still warm and clean, average temperature water stays at +23°C.

At the end of September the rains begin, but cycling enthusiasts... walking tours and fishing trips travel around the country until November. In the south of the country, even in October, the average daily temperature is +21°C, water temperature is +17°C.

Water temperature

Winter in Croatia is wet, snowy and cool, but negative temperatures are rare. Tourists go to thermal and ski resorts countries. The tourist excursion season opens in mid-March, lasts until May and smoothly flows into the beach season.

What to do and what to see?

One of the main directions of the Croatian economy is tourism. Croatia has 8 national parks and 11 protected areas. Some of them are under UNESCO protection. The main part of the reserves is located along the sea and on the islands. First, you will need to decide what to visit first, what you can skip.

Indeed, in addition to nature reserves, Croatia has preserved many architectural structures ranging from Byzantine and Roman buildings to more or less modern temples and palaces on the islands. You can also go pick truffle mushrooms in Moravian forest, visit numerous Croatian caves, karst lakes and underground rivers. You can attend a musical performance or local holiday, exhibition, go sailing, have a fish picnic on desert island or conquer a mountain peak.

The main architectural monuments are concentrated in Dubrovnik, Zadar, Split, Trogir, Zagreb, Rovinj and Sibenik. Tourists call the national park a must-see. Plitvice Lakes and waterfalls, Brijuni National Park, islands of Krk and Mljet.

Prices in Croatia greatly depend on the season. Thus, the cost of an entrance ticket to visit Plitvice Lakes ranges from 32 in June – August to 10 dollars in the winter months. Also, the cost is reduced if a group travels. The same excursion in a group will cost about $25 per person in high season, including travel, tickets and guide services. But the guide sets his own pace and this can ruin the impression. The best option is to rent a car, stock up on water and warm clothes, and go on an excursion with friends on your own. Generally entry tickets to parks and museums from 5 to 20 dollars.

Lifehack for a profitable vacation:

These tips will help you plan independent travel cheaper:

  • We recommend looking for the best hotel prices on RoomGuru, the search engine searches among all hotel databases on the Internet, even in such giants as Booking and compares prices. We recommend installing the application from RoomGuru on your smartphone, so you can choose any living space even upon arrival in the city, very convenient on a business trip or unplanned vacation.
  • The service will help you profitably insure your health and life while traveling; the search engine shows results from all major insurance companies; you just have to choose the most profitable option, but it’s better not to skimp on your health.
  • Air tickets? Experiencedly, we recommend using Skyscanner, it searches even among low-cost airlines.

Resorts in Croatia are, first of all, an opportunity to relax on the Adriatic coast and get acquainted with the culture and history of this unique Balkan country. Prices here are reasonable, despite the fact that the country is very beautiful nature and a healthy environment, and the service is at a decent level. But the answer to the question of where is the best place to relax in Croatia depends on what exactly you want from your trip.

The best beaches in Croatia

First of all, it is worth noting that there are very few sandy beaches in the country. Mostly there are small pebbles, but this in no way spoils the rest. The cleanest beaches are in the area Makarska Riviera. If you want to relax in a cozy and calm atmosphere, then you can choose local resorts Podgora, Baska Voda, Makarska etc. The towns of the Makarska Riviera themselves create a romantic mood, as there are narrow ancient streets and cozy houses with red roofs.

If you still want to go to sandy beaches, then you should choose resorts South Dalmatia. It is also important to consider that there are many nudist beaches, since, in principle, it is the unofficial capital of nudism throughout the world.

There is also a sandy beach in the most popular resort in Croatia - in Dubrovnik. Resort Brela boasts the cleanest beaches, which are considered one of the most beautiful on the entire Adriatic coast.

The resort deserves special attention Mlini, which is located near Dubrovnik in the picturesque Zupa Bay. The beaches here are varied, some are rocky, pebbly and even sandy, and nudist beaches are hidden in the dense thickets.

Where is the best place to relax in Croatia with children?

Thanks to the mild climate and pine groves that make the air healthy, Croatia is one of the most suitable places for family holidays.

The best area to go to with children is Istria. There is a shallow sea here, which warms up very quickly, which means swimming becomes safe in every sense. Porec- a place that will be interesting for both adults and older children. There is a lot of entertainment here, excursions to medieval sights are offered. And here is the resort Medulin Perfect for small children.

Located in the south of Croatia Dubrovnik, in which not only excellent opportunities for beach holidays, but also rich entertainment. In particular, children will certainly be interested in the local aquarium.

Medical resorts

Treatment programs in Croatia are rightfully considered one of the best in the world. There is thermal waters which have healing effects. Let's look at the most popular health resorts Croatia:

This health center specializes in diseases of the nervous system and gynecology. You can also undergo rehabilitation after injuries and operations. Mud, thermal radon waters, etc. are used for treatment. The resort occupies an area at an altitude of 160 m above sea level.

This center offers general health programs, treatment of gynecology and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. 9 is located here mineral springs, hydrocarbonate waters containing calcium and magnesium, volcanic mud with compounds of iron, aluminum and silicon are used.

There are hot mineral hot springs with high chlorine and sodium content, as well as medicinal oil. The wellness center specializes in diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, skin, and musculoskeletal system.

Where are the best cultural holidays in Croatia?

In terms of historical attractions, Croatia is not too far behind, and even itself. First of all, you should pay attention to the city Dubrovnik, the historical center of which is under UNESCO protection. Medieval fortress walls 20 meters high surround architectural landmarks. Of interest are the cathedral, the Church of St. Blaise, the Franciscan monastery and much more.

No less interesting place is the city Split, whose history goes back centuries. Here is the palace of Jupiter, Cathedral Holy Inch city ​​hall, Golden and Silver Gates, and imperial palace Diocletian, who is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO.

The best places for active holidays in Croatia

Beach activities and excursions to architectural monuments in Croatia it is proposed to combine with active recreation. It is better for such tourists to choose resorts Dalmatia, as it offers all sorts of water and land sports options. Hotels have tennis courts, and scuba diving centers are located on the beaches.

Istria and Brijuni Islands- also a great place for active tourists. Here you can practice football, volleyball, horse riding, shooting, etc.



One of the popular active entertainments in Croatia is mountaineering. Fans of this sport especially often come to the Paklenica Nature Reserve, which occupies southern slopes Velebit mountains. Also in demand in Croatia rafting, hang gliding, paragliding and others extreme species sports that are offered at popular resorts countries.

. The purest water, turquoise waves and sun-warmed pine trees and pine trees - what else does someone yearning for ecologically need? pure relaxation tourist? Croatia, fortunately having escaped all the delights of advanced industrial technology and having recovered from the tragic events of war, now makes its living mainly from tourism.

And, I must say, it turns out very successfully for her, because here they carefully protect natural resources in the form of hundreds of islands, untouched by civilization forests, lakes and deserted rocky beaches with clear water. In Soviet times, coveted trips to this almost capital country caused a real stir among ordinary citizens. It was possible to visit Yugoslavia (Croatia, undoubtedly, is the rightful successor to this collapsed country) as a reward for labor achievements, outstanding successes in public life, through connections or for a bribe. Now things are much simpler.

The resorts of the Istrian peninsula were the first to enter modern tourism history: Pula, Rovinj, Porec and Umag. In addition, aristocratic Opatija and the rest of the Kvarner coast are actively explored by our tourists. IN last years the turn has come to the resorts of Dalmatia: travel agencies offer the quickly gaining popularity of Sibenik, Split or home-style cozy places like Brela and Baska Voda.

A week-long tour to Croatia (airfare, insurance, accommodation in a 3* hotel, meals - breakfast) will cost 620 euros.

Transport
It is easy to get from city to city by bus or minibus. The fare is about 0.2 euros/km. If you don't get on at the final stop, don't forget to -vote- the bus driver, otherwise he might just pass you by. Taking advantage minibus, remember that the cost of travel in a private minibus is twice as high as the state tariff. Taxi drivers charge approximately 0.9 euros per 1 km.

Bicycle rental
Good entertainment and cycling. You will find special trails laid through picturesque surroundings. A pleasant addition to the walk is the road map, which is given to the tourist along with the rented bicycle. By the way, keep in mind that if a minor problem occurs with your bike in the form of a tire puncture, you will not be required to pay additional payment. Bicycle rental for the whole day will cost 7 euros. Hourly pay is about 2.5 euros.

Car rental
The cheapest car is Fiat Uno. Its rental will cost 35 euros/day, Opel Corsa – 45 euros/day, diesel GOLF IV – 65 euros/day. Insurance – another 5 euros for each day of rental.

Total: active movement on public transport, renting a bicycle for 1 day and using an inexpensive car for 3 days will cost 120-125 euros.

15 June 2016 9:16


15 June 2016 9:16
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, nice prices) This is for those who want to rent a car, but don’t know where :)


15 June 2016 9:16
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, good prices) This is for those who want to rent a car and don’t know where :)


15 June 2016 9:16
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, good prices) This is for those who want to rent a car and don’t know where :)


15 June 2016 9:16
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, good prices) This is for those who want to rent a car and don’t know where :)


15 June 2016 9:16
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, good prices) This is for those who want to rent a car and don’t know where :)


15 June 2016 9:15
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, good prices) This is for those who want to rent a car and don’t know where :)


15 June 2016 9:15
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, good prices) This is for those who want to rent a car and don’t know where :)


15 June 2016 9:15
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, good prices) This is for those who want to rent a car and don’t know where :)


15 June 2016 9:15
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, good prices) This is for those who want to rent a car and don’t know where :)


15 June 2016 9:15
Very interesting and useful review, thank you) I can recommend you a car rental service - bookingcar.su, easy navigation, good prices) This is for those who want to rent a car and don’t know where :)


During the times of the proud Romans, the province of Illyria was a desirable holiday destination for wealthy patricians. I was attracted by the proximity to Rome, the mild and pleasant climate, healing springs and... low prices. Since those distant times, Slavic hospitality and delicious dishes have been added to all the pleasures of the resort. local cuisine. And low prices have remained. Today, it is Croatia that holds the leadership in tourism among former countries socialist camp, bypassing both Romania and Romania.

Visa

Croatia is not yet a member of the Schengen zone, issuing its own visa to tourists. You can complete the document in a couple of weeks by paying 35 euros and providing Required documents(form, insurance, hotel reservation, plane tickets, etc.). Urgent processing (4-5 working days) is twice as expensive, and if you ask for help at visa centers and travel companies, you need to add at least another 20 euros to the regular fee.

If you already have a multiple-entry Schengen visa in your passport, then you do not need additional permission to visit Croatia.

Road

The most popular airports in Croatia are Pula, Dubrovnik and Split. Several airlines from Russia also fly to the capital, Zagreb. Each of the cities can be reached by charter or regular flights.

The most inexpensive tickets to Croatian resort towns are offered by Austrian Air; a round trip flight with a transfer in Vienna costs 250-270 euros. A direct flight from Moscow is only available to Zagreb (310-320 euros), from where you need to travel a long time by bus or plane to the coastal resorts, spending additional money on bus tickets(from 25 euros one way, travel time from 5 to 8 hours).

Hotels, guest houses, apartments

The ever-increasing popularity of Croatian resorts affects the prices of hotel rooms. It is necessary to book accommodation in cities such as Pula, Dubrovnik and Split at least six months before your visit. Otherwise, you will have to settle for not the most convenient accommodation option.

average price for apartments near the coast - 30-40 euros/day. In the city centers there are many hostels where overnight stay in a room for 4-5 people is available for 20 euros per person. It is not difficult to calculate that when traveling as a couple, you will have to pay approximately the same amount for accommodation for an apartment for two and for an overnight stay in a hostel. Of course, the first is preferable.

Among experienced tourists Homestays are popular. Owners of spacious and multi-room apartments rent out rooms to tourists with full board, half board (breakfast + dinner) or breakfast only. Such housing has its advantages:

  • you will make friends with whom you can stay in the future at a significant discount. You will have accurate information about the best restaurants and cafes in the city, the cost of visiting attractions, convenient transport and about many other things;
  • a warm, homely atmosphere that cannot be compared with hotel officialdom;
  • At your disposal will be a washing machine, a spacious refrigerator, an iron, a coffee maker - everything is included in the price of your overnight stay;
  • you are completely freed from worries related to nutrition. At your request, the hostess will cook National dishes, which are superior in taste to restaurant ones.
  • The undoubted advantage of staying with a family is the price. A room for two with breakfast - no more than 25 euros/day. You won't find a hotel room or apartment for this price in Croatia.

Along with the advantages, living with a family also has disadvantages:

  • no matter how hospitable the hosts are, the feeling that you are not at home remains. You share a toilet and shower with the owners of the apartment (house);
  • lovers of nightlife must take into account the fact that the family may have a “curfew” - a time after which it is impossible to return to the apartment. You will have to “buzz” until the morning;
  • most often the food will be the same as is customary in the family. You won't have a choice. However, the food will be satisfying and definitely tasty.

Accommodation in a 3* hotel with half board costs no less than 70-80 euros/day.

Best season: when to go?

Croatia receives most tourists in the summer. But you can swim in the Adriatic in the fall (until mid-October). After taking off in June, July and August, prices decline in September, but remain “tourist” until the beginning of November. November is the cheapest month for tourists. In December - take off again, this time for Christmas and New Year. New recession - February, March and the first half of April.

Holidays in Croatia are not necessarily associated with the sea. There are many sanatoriums and medical complexes where you can improve your health all year round. And the ancient sights of Pula, Split and Dubrovnik are even better to see in winter, when there are not as many visitors as in summer. At this time, holidays in Croatia are quite inexpensive, and this does not affect the quality of the holiday in any way.



National Park Plitvice Lakes is located in Kvarner in Croatia.

Cuisine features and food prices

Croatia is a wine country. Local wine has a rich taste and unusual bouquet. Prices for homemade wines in local taverns (called “konobs”) do not exceed 1-1.5 euros per glass. Any konoba will offer many delicious dishes, but first of all you need to order:

  • prosciutto - dried meat in spices. The product is in no way inferior to the famous Prasciutto or Spanish jamon;
  • Chabana - beef with spicy herbs. A favorite Croatian treat, tender meat and spicy herbs create an amazing taste that will remain in the memory for a long time;
  • burek - layer cake with different fillings;
  • veskovachka begavitsa - lamb in sour milk, the main national holiday dish;
  • Samobor chesnovki - grilled sausages;
  • Rafiola - pies made from almond dough, soaked in rakia;
  • Gribanitsa - pie with honey and poppy seeds.

Despite the proximity of the sea, fish dishes in Croatia do not differ in special taste and quality. Slavs are meat eaters. But in every restaurant you will definitely find a dish called “brodeta”. This is a fish stew stewed in red wine.

Lunch, consisting of a salad, a meat dish, dessert and a glass of homemade wine, costs 10-12 euros in konoba. If you take local strong drinks instead of wine (in Croatia they make an excellent herbal strong liqueur, plum or pear vodka), then you will have to pay more - 15-17 euros.

Breakfast in a street cafe (scrambled eggs with tomatoes, coffee, pie) costs 3-5 euros. A set lunch in a modest restaurant costs 7-10 euros. Many people prefer to have a snack at eateries in the markets: a large sandwich, a plate of tomato soup, tea - the bill will not exceed 4-5 euros.

Prices for products from supermarkets are 12-15% lower than in Moscow. The daily budget of a tourist who prefers to eat on his own is 8-10 euros.

What to see and do on holiday in Croatia?

All the main cultural treasures of Croatia are concentrated in resort towns. The capital is in many ways inferior to these ancient places rich in attractions. It is worth visiting three cities on the Adriatic coast: Dubrovnik, Split, Pula.

The city appeared and flourished through the efforts of the Venetians, who owned these lands. An earthquake in the mid-17th century destroyed many of Dubrovnik's ancient buildings. But many architectural examples of the Renaissance appeared here, which tourists admire today:

  • Stradun is a street and a square at the same time. The main thoroughfare of the old city. During holidays, and just on weekends, musicians, dancers, magicians, and jugglers work here. Best restaurants are also located here. A special object is the fountain, built in the middle of the 15th century. According to local belief, if you drink from every tap of this fountain and make a wish, it will come true;
  • Church of the Holy Savior - built before devastating earthquake. Excellently preserved, it is a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque styles;
  • Cathedral of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary - built on the site of the first christian church on the coast, rebuilt after the earthquake. A striking example of mature Italian Baroque. The main treasure of the cathedral is the altar painting “The Assumption of the Virgin Mary” by Titian. Tourists have the opportunity to visit the cathedral treasury;
  • The Prince's Palace - there have never been any princes here, and the title of the mayor is rector. The head of Dubrovnik during his reign did not have the right to leave his residence, so the courtyard replaced the whole world for the official. The building houses a museum;

In the old town of interest are the city fortifications, the Dominican monastery and the city Aquarium.

The ancient city, well known back in ancient times, today offers the main attraction of all of Croatia - the palace of Emperor Diocletian. The history of the city began with this palace. The structure is well preserved and offers visitors:

  • Peristyle - a platform for religious ceremonies, surrounded by marble columns;
  • Cathedral of St. Domnius - stands on the site of the imperial tomb, the altar was made by the famous master Juraj Dalmatians;
  • Temple of Jupiter - in the Middle Ages it was adapted into a baptistery, so it looks great after 2000 years;
  • The round hall is the entrance to the emperor's personal chambers.

On the outskirts of Split, you can see the ruins of the Roman city of Salona, ​​which was once the center of the province. Procuration Square is a monument of Renaissance architecture.

Pula

In terms of the number of ancient ruins, only Rome can compete with Pula. But here the buildings are better preserved. While walking around the city you can see:

  • Triumphal Arch of Sergius;
  • Forum and Temple of Romulus and Augustus;
  • Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker;


All these sights have been preserved since the first centuries of our era, built by the Romans, and escaped destruction only thanks to the natural economy of the Slavic tribes, who found use for all the buildings as soon as the Romans left the region.

It will not be possible to bypass the capital of Croatia, since this is where unorganized tourists most often fly. One day is enough to explore the city, but you need to see:

  • The cathedral's main treasure is the triptych in the sacristy. Author Albrecht Durer;
  • Strossmayer Gallery - works by European Renaissance and Baroque masters are presented;
  • The Church of St. Mark is an example of medieval architecture; frescoes by local artists have been preserved.

Organized tourists must visit the Krizek jewelry factory. Here you can not only get acquainted with the oldest jewelry production in Croatia, but also buy original wedding rings and other jewelry.



Beaches of Croatia

Sandy beaches on the sea coast are only found in the vicinity of Dubrovnik. In other places the beach is pebble, or in the form of a concrete pier. All coastal areas of Croatia are municipal property. You can sunbathe and swim for free; for an umbrella with a sun lounger you will have to pay from 5 to 10 euros.

Having received the title of a nudist paradise back in the early 70s of the last century, Croatia still holds the lead in the abundance of special places for those who like to “merge with nature.” Beaches of this kind are no different in terms of quality of coverage or convenience. The only thing is that there are practically no catering establishments here, and no one provides sunbeds and umbrellas.

Sanatoriums and hospitals

In the vicinity of Zagreb there are about two dozen treatment complexes. Croatia is rich thermal springs and mud, which help cope with joint diseases, metabolic disorders, gynecological diseases (infertility). People come here to lose weight, recover from complex operations, and heal frayed nerves.

Varazdinske Toplice, Stubicke Toplice, Tuchelske Toplice, Daruvar - no matter what resort you choose, they all have something special, their own specialization, special procedures, competent specialists. The advantage of Croatian sanatoriums is reasonable prices with high effectiveness of treatment.

Prices for some procedures:

  • mud wrap - 8.5 euros/1 procedure (course - 10 procedures);
  • mud bath - 12 euros/1 procedure (course - 10 procedures);
  • consultation with a doctor (prescribing a course of treatment) - 25 euros;
  • Montenegro

    If you have a Schengen visa in your passport, then you can visit neighboring countries very wide:

    • get to know Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia - each of these countries can be reached by buses that run regularly from all major cities;
    • visit - the best way to get from Zagreb is by bus. The journey takes 5.5 hours, ticket from 35 euros one way;
    • from Pula you can take a ferry to Venice - the journey takes about three hours, the ticket costs 65 euros. If a tiring journey to the city of love and canals does not scare you (6.5 hours minimum), then the ticket will cost 12 euros;
    • Vienna can also be easily reached from Pula or Zagreb. In both cases, you need to transit through Slovenia, but with Schengen, it’s easy. Ticket from Pula to Vienna - 40 euros (11 hours on the way), from Zagreb - 20 euros, 5 hours on the way.

    A visit to Croatia will be pleasant for a tourist with any tastes and expectations. The country will soon enter the Schengen zone. As a result, prices will rise and become equal to the European average. We must seize the moment before this happens.

 

It might be useful to read: