The era of cheap holidays in Croatia over, but experts disagree with ‘too expensive’ claims

Zlatni rat beach, Bol

The 2025 tourist season in Croatia is well underway, and with it comes a familiar debate, has Croatia become too expensive for the average visitor?

While some members of the public argue that Croatia is turning into a “small country for a big cost”, insiders from the tourism sector, discussing the issue on HRT’s Studio 4, have offered a different perspective.

Mixed Signals from Early Season Statistics

Early reports from parts of the country, particularly Istria and the popular town of Rovinj, have sparked concerns.

Some claim there has been a noticeable drop in tourist arrivals and a five percent decline in revenue over the first five months of the year. Even more worrying are reports of weaker bookings for July and August.

Yet, for many working directly in the tourism industry, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Full Hotels and Busy Restaurants

Marijan Starešinić, a hotelier, entrepreneur, and restaurant owner, says the season is going strong.

“The months of April, May, and June are at least 30 percent better than in 2023 and 2024. There is work, everything is full,” he said confidently.

He also challenged the common view that Croatia is more expensive than its competitors.

“I do not think that is realistic at all. People should go to Munich and compare prices. Our prices are not excessive , it is just that some guests may not have the financial means. Tourists should choose destinations based on their own budget,” Starešinić added.

Rising Standards Mean Higher Costs

Restaurateur Marin Medak echoed this view, explaining that Croatia’s tourism sector is evolving and prices are rising to reflect improved quality and economic growth.

“We have entered the club of elite destinations. Nothing can be cheap anymore. The standard is going up, wages are increasing, the era of cheap holidays in Croatia is over,” Medak said.

He argued that high demand during the peak season justifies higher prices.

“For those 60 to 70 days of high season, it has to be expensive. Everyone wants to come then. Let them come in March if they want cheaper prices,” he suggested.

For Medak, Croatia is now in line with the general standards of the European Union. “It is pointless to ask whether we are too expensive during the season. This is the EU standard, and we are part of it.”

A Balanced Start on the Islands

On the island of Krk, hoteliers also report a stable start to the season, despite a slightly weaker early spring.

Anton Brusić, a hotel owner and food producer, believes this is largely due to the calendar.

“Easter came later this year, which affected early bookings, but now the season is running as usual. Our hotel is fully booked. The season is progressing normally,” he explained.

Final Thoughts

While public opinion remains divided, those within Croatia’s tourism sector remain largely optimistic. Despite rising prices and shifting expectations, the consensus among hoteliers and restaurateurs is that the country continues to offer good value, especially when compared to other European destinations.

Rather than viewing Croatia as overpriced, many in the industry believe it is simply adjusting to reflect its growing reputation and standards. As the season progresses, time will tell whether tourists agree.