Croatia used to be the land of affordable summer dreams. Camping right by the sea, grilled fish for €5, coffee for one euro, a week in an apartment for under €300. But in 2025? Welcome to reality: Croatia is beautiful – but no longer inexpensive. And if you still think you can enjoy a genuine bargain holiday here, you should read this.
1. Holiday apartments: The golden cash cow
What once cost €40 per night now costs between €90 and €150 – in the low season. In the high season, prices often head towards €200+, without breakfast or daily cleaning. Of course, a sea view is lovely. But some apartments have the charm of a storage room – for the price of a deluxe Airbnb suite in Berlin.
Many landlords now see only one thing in tourists: income. And if you think you will get a lower price because you have “been coming for ten years” – think again.
2. Parking: Now it gets really expensive
Parking in Dubrovnik? €10 an hour – no joke. Even in small coastal towns, an hour costs €2–3, while day tickets can easily be €15–25. And do not even think about failing to pay or parking on “private property” – the vehicle will be towed or blocked immediately. No discussion, no sympathy.
In Croatia in 2025, parking is not just expensive, but often a gamble as well: Wrong app? No connection? You pay twice. Machines with no change? Bad luck.
3. Restaurants: Prices approaching the German-speaking region
Ćevapčići with chips? €13–16. Pizza Margherita? €11–14. A fish platter for two? From €60 upwards. And that is in entirely ordinary restaurants – not in Dubrovnik’s old town or at Hvar harbour.
Coffee for under €2? Rare. A 0,25l cola for €3,50? Yes. House wine in a carafe? Sometimes cheaper than water – but often not anymore. And a tip is more or less expected.
4. Beaches: Admission, parasol, sunbed – or no space
“The beach is public!” – yes, in theory. In practice, the front section with the best spots is usually packed with sunbeds – €35–50 per day for two beds and a parasol. Without them, you end up at the back on concrete, rocks or right beside the road.
Many places now also charge for parking directly at the beach, sometimes in addition to admission to a protected natural area.
5. Supermarkets: No longer a bargain paradise
Before: Fresh tomatoes for €1, a cold beer for €0,60. Today? Imported vegetables at REWE prices, cheese twice as expensive as at Aldi. Especially on the islands, basic items cost between 1,5 and 2 times as much.
Anyone travelling with children soon notices how quickly ice cream, snacks, sunscreen and drinks add up.
6. Tolls, ferry fares, tourist tax, waste fees…
- Ferry to the island: €30–70 one way, depending on the size of the car
- Zagreb–Split motorway: more than €25
- Tourist tax: €1–2 per night/person
- Waste fee? Yes, it is sometimes added separately
- Final cleaning for the holiday apartment? Often another +€40–60 (even if you cleaned everything)
Add it all up – your “affordable Croatian holiday” will reach €1.500+ for one week faster than you can say “Pivo”.
Conclusion:
Croatia is not cheap. Not anymore. Not for you – if you are dreaming of 2010. But it is still beautiful. Anyone who plans realistically, stays away from the hotspots and does not eat out every day can still enjoy a good holiday here in 2025.
Just do not believe you are still getting a bargain – someone else is getting that today.
What was your most expensive moment on a Croatian holiday? Tell us in the comments!