🏡 1. STAY NEAR, NOT IN, THE EXPENSIVE CITIES
You can see famous cities without paying for overpriced hotels and meals. Stay in nearby coastal towns where everything is 30–60% cheaper.
| Expensive City | Stay Here Instead (Still by the Sea) |
|---|---|
| Dubrovnik | Cavtat, Mlini, Zaton, Čilipi |
| Split | Kaštela, Stobreč, Omiš, Podstrana |
| Trogir | Seget Donji, Slatine |
| Zadar | Bibinje, Sukošan, Nin |
| Hvar | Stari Grad or Jelsa |
➡️ Accommodation and restaurants are significantly cheaper, and you’re still just a short bus or boat ride away.
🚍 2. USE LOCAL TRANSPORT TO REACH BIG CITIES
- From Cavtat to Dubrovnik: local bus = €2–3, boat ride = scenic and still cheaper than parking in the city.
- From Kaštela to Split: local bus = €1.50–2, ride is about 20–30 minutes.
- Avoid taxis in high season – prices surge.
🍽️ 3. EAT OUTSIDE THE HISTORIC CENTERS
- Visit Dubrovnik or Split for sightseeing, but eat in nearby towns or outer neighborhoods.
- For snacks, go to local bakeries, supermarkets, or grill fast food.
- Google Maps trick: search for “marenda” or “local tavern” – these are budget-friendly local meals.
📸 4. SEE THE SIGHTS — THE SMART WAY
In Split:
- Stroll the Riva, visit Diocletian’s Palace – both free!
- Walk up Marjan Hill for a great city view – totally free.
- Visit Starine in Solin (free)
In Dubrovnik:
- City Walls ticket = €35 (pricey).
- Instead, hike or drive up Srđ hill – amazing panoramic view, no entry fee.
- Or use the Dubrovnik Pass if planning multiple paid attractions (can be good value).
- Visit Ston instead. Same, same but different. Awesome stone wall!
🧭 5. COMBINE FAMOUS CITIES WITH AFFORDABLE COASTAL SPOTS
Here’s how to plan a 7-day smart itinerary:
🗓️ Example Itinerary:
- Day 1–2: Stay in Kaštela → visit Split and Trogir
- Day 3–4: Stay in Šibenik or Primošten → relax, swim, enjoy cheaper food, visit Krka or Plitivce
- Day 5–7: Stay in Cavtat or Mlini → visit Dubrovnik via bus or ferry
All places are on the coast and close to larger cities.
✅ SUMMARY: HOW TO SEE EVERYTHING & STAY ON BUDGET
- Stay just outside major cities (still by the sea)
- Use buses/ferries to visit cities — skip traffic and expensive parking
- Eat and drink away from main squares and promenades, follow or ask locals
- Combine famous destinations with hidden gems (for cheaper beaches and food)
- Locals. Follow them and do not hesistate to ask them where to go.
