Vacationing in Croatia is more affordable than a trip to the Baltic Sea coastal town of Herringdorf. opting for Split as a destination.
Cashing in on Coasts: Affordable Beach Vacations Beyond the Baltic
By Katharina Metag
During those blissful weeks in May and June, my partner and I were keen for a taste of relaxation by the sea. The Baltic, initially, seemed the obvious choice. But the price tag had other plans. Hoardes of vacation homes in Heringsdorf, Usedom, came with a hefty price, reaching nearly a month's rent!
Determined to save, my thrifty friend took up the challenge and found a whopper of a deal we simply couldn't refuse - a flight and private accommodation in Split for 360 euros! Goodbye, Baltic Sea, hello Croatia!
Our humble abode, rented through Booking.com, set us back about 100 euros per person for three nights. From the terrace of our spacious, lush apartment, we gazed upon the historic town and the famous cathedral.
The Game of Thrones enthusiasts among us would be tickled to know that enthusiasts can even live in the arches of the golden gate of Diocletian's Palace - a UNESCO World Heritage and setting for the legendary fantasy series' filming. For an extra 14 euros, there's even a GoT museum.
Our enthusiastic Split-born tour guide shared this delightful trivia as we joined one of the many free walking tours offered through online portals like Guru Walk. The woman showed us hidden corners we never would have discovered and shared her secret tips that aren't yet in any travel guide. Generously tip her, I highly recommend!
We discovered a cozy little tavern, Zalogajnica Dioklecijan, with harbor views and filled ourselves with cheese, olives, and fresh bread, all for a mere 15.20 euros, along with excellent coffee!
Our knowledgeable guide also advised against the tourist boat tour, which might set us back 30 euros. Instead, we preferred the ferry to Supetar (6.50 euros per person) and greatly enjoyed a peaceful stroll over the almost deserted Brac island. In the beach restaurant, we indulged in beer, salad, fried squid, and ćevapi, all for just 37 euros.
The stunning sunset we witnessed as we returned was a priceless gift we got for free. "Split, we'll be back!" we agreed with a grin.
The Best Kept Secrets of Croatia
► Flights Eurowings offers direct flights from BER for an enticing 39.99 euros (one way).
► Transfer For just 8 euros, the airport shuttle from the terminal in Split directly ferries you to the harbor. Nearly everything in the old town is within a short 10-minute walk from there.
► Nightlife Establishments close at midnight, and lingering after hours is prohibited. However, some nightclubs stay open longer.
► Prohibitions Public consumption of alcohol in the historic center and within 100 meters of children's gardens or schools is strictly forbidden, warranting hefty fines up to 300 euros. Climbing on buildings/historical structures is also penalized.
► Time According to our local insider, the optimal time to travel is either May/June or September/October. The summer months may be too hot and crowded in the city.
If you're looking for budget-friendly alternatives to the high-priced Baltic Sea, be sure to explore Turkey's Turquoise Coast, Ksamil in Albania, Croatia's hidden Adriatic gems, lesser-knowns in Italy's Cinque Terre and Greece's Paros, or budget-friendly European hotels starting from around $80 per night. Whether you're seeking culture, relaxation, or adventure, these destinations provide remarkable beach experiences without breaking the bank[3][4][5].
Our next destination, inspired by our wallet-friendly Croatian adventure, will be a journey to the Turquoise Coast of Turkey. We are eager to discover its unique lifestyle and exotic travel experiences within a budget-travel framework.
Once we've explored Turkey, we might also adventure to Ksamil in Albania, another hidden gem offering an affordable beach vacation experience that is bound to delight budget-travel enthusiasts like us.
