Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 9:39 p.m
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Croatia continues to be among the favorite holiday destinations of tourists from Central and Eastern Europe, including Romanians who choose the Adriatic coast every year. However, the summer season of 2026 comes with higher expenses, as resort prices have risen considerably.
According to an analysis taken by the Slovak publication Koktejl, the increases are especially noticeable at accommodation, RESTAURANTStransport and other services frequently used by tourists.
Restaurants and hotels, more expensive than last year
Even though overall inflation in Croatia has eased to around 3.3%, the hospitality sector continues to experience strong growth.
“Although the annual rate of general inflation in Croatia moderated to 3.3%, prices in restaurants and hotels registered an aggressive increase of 7.6%,” say the specialists for the previously mentioned source.
This is directly reflected in the costs of a holiday, especially in the coastal tourist areas.
How much did the meals and drinks end up costing
In the most popular resorts, a coffee can cost between 5 and 9 euros, a draft beer around 8 euros, and a mineral water around 3 euros.
For a family with two children, a regular meal at a restaurant can easily exceed the 100 euro threshold.
“A simple dinner in the city for a family of four, including basic dishes and drinks, ended up costing an average of 100 euros in Croatia.”
However, prices differ depending on the location, with restaurants on the waterfront or in the historic centers being among the most expensive.
Higher costs for those who go by car too
Tourists who choose to arrive in Croatia with their own car must also take into account the transport costs. In addition to fuel, vignettes are also required for the countries transited, such as Austria, Slovenia and Hungary, which cost between 12 and 18 euros. In addition, petrol is between 1.65 and 1.75 euros per liter and Croatian highways are tolled according to the distance traveled. Thus, a return trip to cities such as Zadar, Split or Dubrovnik can represent a significant amount in the total holiday budget.
Experts recommend some simple measures to keep expenses under control: make reservations ahead of time, shop at local supermarkets and avoid filling up at gas stations on the highways.
“It is essential to have cash with you. In addition, avoid using generic ATMs, as the commissions charged by other operators are extremely high,” experts say.
Tourists are also advised to be aware of hidden fees and compare prices before renting a car or making other reservations.
