For many of us everything Balkan countries- for one person. Incendiary melodies, emotional and friendly people, delicious food with plenty of meat and vegetables, beautiful nature and the warm Adriatic Sea - this is the picture our imagination draws when we hear the words “republics of the former Yugoslavia”. But it should be taken into account that the country of the socialist camp collapsed many years ago. During this time the war passed. The resulting states began their development path, and have already managed to travel a considerable distance along it. Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia - they have all become very different. Cultural identity and membership in the European Union - these two factors greatly influenced the recreation infrastructure in the Adriatic countries. In the article we will analyze the Balkans. Where is better - Croatia or Montenegro? Photos of these two countries will help us make the right choice.
Criteria for comparative analysis
Each person has their own requirements for relaxation. For some, just the beach is enough, the main thing is that it is sandy. For others, give developed infrastructure and hotels with an all-inclusive system. Still others are interested in excursions. Still others are looking for cheaper places. Let's try to combine all the wishes of tourists and from these positions compare where is better - Croatia or Montenegro? The main criteria for our analysis will be prices for vacations, abundance of attractions, climatic characteristics, beaches, attitude of the local population, infrastructure development, entertainment program, difficulty of entering the country.
An important factor for a successful vacation is the presence of a large number of our compatriots. If we really want to avoid a specific holiday in Sochi or Anapa, then it is undesirable to encounter the same thing on the shores of the Adriatic.
Ease of entry into the country
This factor is very important. After all, if a visa is required for entry, then you should plan your vacation in advance. Residents of the regions will need to visit the embassy or pay intermediary agencies, and all this to affix the coveted stamp to their passport. In this regard, where is better for Russians - Croatia or Montenegro? The first country recently became a member of the European Union. Therefore, in order to enter Croatia for vacation, you need to open a Schengen visa. So budget for your vacation another thirty-five euros per person to enter the country. Montenegro (for now) saves it for the Russians.
As for airfare prices, the two countries are the same. If we compare Montenegro and Croatia in terms of ease of entry for Russian tourist, then the first state is undoubtedly in the lead. But there is one “but” here. If you do get a Schengen visa, you will have a wonderful opportunity to see other European countries. From Croatia it is easy to get to Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Italy. Not to mention the neighboring Balkan countries.
Attitude towards Russians
Tourism in Croatia began to revive much earlier and at a more rapid pace than in Montenegro. Now this country is popular destination for travelers from Western and Northern Europe. Among this internationality, Russians are lost. Their relative number among representatives of other nationalities is small. Croatia is a Catholic country. The attitude towards Russians here (in light of recent political events), let’s say, is without unnecessary emotions. In order to feel at ease in the country, you should know at least a little English or other European languages. There is a completely different attitude towards Russians in Orthodox Montenegro. This country has been part of Serbia for a long time. But in the late 90s, many Russians bought real estate here. And the number of tourists from the CIS is large here.
So, where is it better - in Croatia or Montenegro for a Russian to relax? If he knows languages, he will not be lost in Croatia. In Montenegro, sometimes you get the impression that you never left Russia. Everything is as it is Black Sea resorts Caucasus (with all the ensuing pros and cons).
Where is it cheaper: comparative price analysis
Many tourists can now only afford a budget holiday. In Croatia or Montenegro - which is better? At first glance it seems that Montenegro is planning budget holiday looks more attractive. The euro is in use in Montenegro. If you compare prices for food or in catering establishments, then everything in this country is even cheaper than in Russia. Lunch in a restaurant for two in Montenegro will cost an average of about twelve euros, and in a pizzeria - about five. In Croatia, the average food bill will be thirty percent higher. In addition, the currency in this country is the kuna. Its exchange rate is more subject to fluctuations. It seems that in terms of prices, when comparing where it is better - in Croatia or Montenegro, the second country is in the lead. But there is one “but” here too. Croatia has a very large number of housing offers. Due to competition, accommodation prices are lower.
Where are the best beaches?
Most tourists (including from Western Europe) go to the Adriatic for warm sea and hot sun. In terms of climatic indicators, both countries are very similar, especially in summer. Croatia is located just to the north. In addition, it is closer to the refreshing winds from the Alps. Montenegro (aka Montenegro) lies on one geographical latitude from the south of Italy. So you don’t have to worry about unexpected cold snaps in the summer season.
The hottest month for the two countries is August. And the highest tourist season- September. So in terms of climate it is difficult to say where is better. Croatia or Montenegro? This question becomes relevant if we are interested in beach coverage. The first country has catastrophically few sandy coasts. They exist, but you need to “know the places.” Pebble beaches mainly dominate. In some places, vacationers sunbathe on large boulders or concrete platforms. And they go down into the water via ladders from the pier. So if you prioritize the wonderful coverage of beaches, then Montenegro is the undisputed leader.
Where is it better, in Croatia or Montenegro, to relax with children?
When traveling abroad with a child, we must consider various factors. For example, where the baby will swim. Agree, it is problematic to go down the stairs with your baby into the water from the pier. But Montenegro can offer your child many wonderful sandy beaches with a gentle slope into the sea. So Montenegro is in the lead. In terms of ecology, both countries are the same. Clean air and beautiful nature is everywhere.
Now consider the factor children's leisure. And what do we see? Water parks, dolphinariums, aquariums and other entertainment are present in large numbers in Croatia. The recreation infrastructure there is more developed. In a Croatian hotel, for example, it will not be difficult to hire a nanny for a child. But in Montenegro this will be problematic. Hotels in Croatia, in order to lure customers away from competitors, are offering unprecedented discounts on children. So a week-long vacation with the whole family will be eighty euros cheaper than a similar one in Montenegro.
Where is better - Croatia or Montenegro? Attractions
There are plenty of interesting ancient monuments under the auspices of UNESCO in both countries. The same sign of equality between Montenegro and Croatia can be put in terms of natural attractions. So you are guaranteed a rich excursion program, regardless of which country you choose for your holiday.
In Croatia, it is worth visiting the city of Dubrovnik (open-air museum), Split with Diocletian's Palace, the Colosseum in Pula, Plitvice Lakes, the waterfall of the Krka River. Must see Montenegro is Kotor, Perast, Budva, Herceg Novi. Among the natural beauties of the country, one cannot ignore it. It should be noted that Montenegro is a small country. Consequently, the distances to its key attractions are short. And Montenegro is especially attractive for tourists if you compare prices for excursions. In Montenegro they range from fifteen to twenty-five euros. Traveling around Croatia is much more expensive. The excursion costs from forty to seventy euros per person.
Recreation infrastructure
There is no doubt that Croatia is in the lead according to this criterion. Tourists from Western Europe leave so much money in the country over the summer that they could renew their hotel base. More developed recreational infrastructure is visible not only in hotel service. Croatia has a completely European way of life. Transport runs on schedule, people are friendly, the feeling of safety and security is greater. But this cannot be a decisive factor in answering the question of whether it is in Croatia or Montenegro. Many tourists from Russia like Montenegro precisely for its warmth local residents. Here you will not feel a striking difference in lifestyle. As for all-inclusive hotels, this food program is almost never practiced in both countries.
So where to go to the Adriatic?
Tourists, even those who have visited both countries, cannot give a definite answer to the question of where is better - Croatia or Montenegro. Reviews say that everywhere is good in its own way. Each country has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you have the means and time, you can combine Croatia in one trip. The advantage of Montenegro is that it is a small country. You can travel around it (at least the coastal part) in a few days. If they return here, it is to their favorite vacation spot. You can visit Croatia for several years, and each time stay at a different resort.
Inexpensive, have a comfortable and rich vacation and, at the same time, spend as little money as possible.
Choosing economical housing in Croatia
The first thing you should decide on is whether to book a private apartment or a hotel? Here my recommendation is definitely apartments. Any, even the worst Croatian hotel in the season costs at least 100 euros/day for two, and often much more, while a completely comfortable apartment located within walking distance from the sea will cost 35 - 50 euros. And if we are talking about campaigns of 4-8 people or families with children, the mathematics speaks even more clearly in favor of apartments.
Those who believe that the cost of apartments is lower than hotels due to the availability of food in the latter are greatly mistaken. But more on that below.
Next important point from the point of view of economy - determine the key priorities when choosing a specific apartment.
What, in my opinion, can be easily neglected: sea view, “European-quality renovation” and modern furniture, availability LCD -TV, etc.
Remember - you are going on vacation, i.e. walk, swim in the sea, see the sights and get other pleasures from visiting Croatia. You only need the apartment to spend the night. And nothing more!
If you have chosen an interesting place for your vacation, where there is a colorful old town, various beaches, parks, bike paths, many nice cafes, etc. - you will regret every extra minute spent in the apartment. Life in Croatia takes place on the streets, even the locals are convinced of this.
What should not be neglected:
- Location of housing. If you don’t have a car, the apartment should be located no more than 1.5 kilometers from the sea and the old town. Moreover, it’s great if your path to the beach does not lie along a highway open to the sun, but in the shade of the park’s trees. At the same time, there is absolutely no need to strive to settle as close to the sea as possible. A short walk to the beach will save you a lot of money and be a lot of fun at the same time.
- The house where the apartments are located should be located in a quiet, green area, on a not very busy street, ideally adjacent to a park. It is advisable that the owners have a shady garden with a grill, a table and chairs for a picnic. However, this is not for everyone. The main thing is that the house does not turn out to be a multi-story anthill located at the crossroads of the main highways of the city.
When is the best time to go on holiday to Croatia?
If you want to come to Croatia in July-August, be prepared to pay 20-30 or even 50% more for housing than in May-June or September.
Many people think that July and August are in such demand in Croatia because only these months are hot and the sea warms up. This is absolutely not true! In this regard, June and September are actually not inferior to the peak season.
The real reason for the high cost of July and August is not the weather, but the maximum influx of Italians, who at this time have long summer holidays at most enterprises. In Germany, 80% of employers also prefer to let employees go on vacation in the middle of summer. Accordingly, Croatian tourist accommodation is filled to capacity, and at any price.
If you want to save a lot, come in June or September.
Food costs in Croatia
Many ladies I respect often reject private apartments with horror for fear of being chained to the kitchen stove while on vacation. I will try to dispel this fear. A kitchen in an apartment is a big plus!
It's important to understand how to properly take advantage of this benefit, which, if done correctly, can save you a lot of money and won't take away your precious vacation time.
Breakfast. The hotel's classic breakfast consists of different types cheeses, sausages, ham, boiled eggs, yoghurts and juices. Moreover, it is quite expensive!
If you spend just a little time buying all this yourself in the store, and then taking it out of the refrigerator in your apartment in the morning, you will save a tidy sum.
Frying eggs, boiling sausages, slicing cheese and bread will take you no more than 15 minutes, and another 5 minutes will be spent cleaning and washing dishes. That's all.
Dinner. If you want to really save on food in Croatia and, at the same time, be full and satisfied, choose the right dishes on the menu of local restaurants.
Optimal for a hearty daytime snack - pizza, squid, cevapcici, pleskavica, bechka (Wiener schnitzel). They are very inexpensive. All this is quickly prepared, tasty and satisfying. Your children will definitely be delighted.
Dinner. This is the most expensive component when independent rest. You can save as much as possible on dinner only if you cook in your apartment yourself. And there's nothing terrible about that. Visit the local supermarket, buy a few pieces of fresh meat, visit the fishmonger, where the fish you choose will be cleaned right away for free. Come to the apartment, throw meat or fish in a frying pan - 10 minutes and a delicious dinner is ready. Moreover, a minimum of money will be spent. Remember, your favorite Croatian wines, meats, fish, cheeses, prosciutto are several times cheaper in the store than in a restaurant. At the same time, there is no need to look for a free table, wait for a waiter, delve into an incomprehensible menu, etc.
I don’t even want to talk about the quality of the buffet in hotels - it is absolutely not comparable with the excellent products that you can cook for yourself or the cuisine of private restaurants.
If you want to dine at a restaurant without spending a lot of money, be careful when choosing dishes:
- Don't order bottled wine. It is always very expensive. Take half a liter of draft wine in a decanter, which in most cases is no worse in quality than bottled wine.
- You should not order a “mixed fish (or meat) plate.” Firstly, it is expensive, and secondly, you will overeat. You will feel sick from eating so much.
- Do not take shrimp, white fish (orada, branzina, flounder, monkfish, etc.) - these are very expensive. It’s better to buy it at a fishmonger and fry it yourself. This can be done on the same grill in the garden of your apartment. It will turn out even tastier.
- Don't order steaks - this is one of the most expensive dishes in restaurants.
- In the restaurant you can order delicious and inexpensive dishes for dinner - various types“pasta” (pasta), risotto, mussels, fried sardines, deep-fried or grilled squid, cevapa, ombalo, etc.
When buying food in stores, be sure to pay attention to the “discount” and “promotion” signs. All Croats do this. Don't be afraid to get poisoned! Selling stale and expired products is not accepted here.
With the right approach, you will spend no more than 50 euros on food per day for a family of 2-3 people, and even less if you wish.
For example, we are a family of 4 people, permanently living in Rovinj, and we spend on average about 120 kuna per day (about 15 euros) on groceries.
Transfer in Croatia
If you want to pay a reasonable amount for a transfer from the airport to your apartment, book it in advance with private carriers or your host agency rather than taking a taxi upon arrival. This way you will save 30-50% of the cost of the trip.
If you organize your vacation correctly, optimize costs, giving up unnecessary frills, then you will probably have money left over for a couple of excursions, with which your trip to Croatia will be filled with additional positive things and will leave the most vivid impressions in your memory.
During the holiday season, many of us strive to get out to sea. One of best options To spend your vacation profitably is to relax at the resorts of Croatia. Here you can sunbathe on sandy and pebble beaches, swim in radiant sea water, and enjoy the indescribable diversity of marine flora and fauna. There are resorts in Croatia where you can improve your health thermal springs and therapeutic mud baths. Croatia is a great option for a holiday with children. Various attractions are provided for children that meet all the requirements of world standards. This article discusses best resorts Croatia— 10 places where you should spend a beach holiday.
1. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is the most popular resort Croatia, located in the southeast of the country, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The city acquired a name for itself thanks to the many oak forests in the surrounding area. A distinctive feature of the city are the red terracotta roofs, which appeared in the city during the Middle Ages.
Dubrovnik has many attractions, but tourists are especially attracted to the beaches. There are many pebble beaches in the Old Town area. Lovers of sandy beaches should choose resorts in the Old Port area.
Dubrovnik has a very mild climate. 260 days a year are suitable for recreation on the Adriatic coast.
2. Makarska
Makarska is one of the best places for a seaside holiday in Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic coast and is the capital of the Makarska Riviera. Plus, Makarska is the cultural, tourist and economic capital of Croatia. Tourists are attracted to the city by its wonderful bays, where magnificent sandy beaches. In the city itself there is an excellent park that is welcome by tourists at any time of the year. Makarska has a fairly mild climate, so people come here from all over the world to relax almost throughout the year.
3. Sibenik
In a picturesque corner of Croatia, where the Krka River flows into the Adriatic Sea, is located famous resort city of Sibenik. A distinctive characteristic of the city is the orange and black hats that are worn by almost all residents and guests of the city. The central attraction of Sibenik is considered Cathedral Saint James. This cathedral occupies an honorable place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Sibenik is excellent for families with children. Just 8 kilometers from the city, in the Solaris resort, along the Adriatic coast, lies one of the best sandy beaches in Croatia.
4. Split
On east coast The popular resort city of Split with a 1,700-year history stretches along the Adriatic Sea. The city is considered the capital of Dalmatia. Currently, the main activity of the city of Split is the tourism business. Thanks to the mild climate, tourists from almost all over the world come here to relax. There are excellent sandy beaches here. For amateur and professional climbers, there are excellent rocks in the vicinity of the city. Windsurfers will also find something to do - there are excellent waves here. The city itself has many attractions that have been preserved since Antiquity and the Middle Ages. This great place for holidays in Croatia.
5. Brac Island
The island of Brac is one of the best resort islands in Croatia, located in the Adriatic Sea. The area of the island is about 350 square meters. km. The island has pine trees, vineyards and olive groves. Marriage is characterized by its pebble beaches, beautiful bays and first-class hotels. Tourists from all over the world come here to relax almost throughout the year.
Brac has been a tourist island in Croatia for many years. The city of Bol is tourist center islands and the calling card of the state.
6. Baska-Voda
To the list of the best beach resorts Croatia includes Baska Voda. This town is located at the foot of Mount Biokovo. The resort is famous for its clean streets, cozy hotels, excellent bars and restaurants. On the streets of the city you will always be greeted by friendly residents. Along the sea coast you will find excellent beaches and clear sea water.
The resort is perfect for a holiday both alone and for couples, as well as families with children. There are many different types of entertainment here. At night, Baška Voda transforms into a city for parties and relaxation on hotel terraces.
On the western side of the Istrian peninsula there is one of the best places for beach holiday in Croatia - the picturesque city of Rovinj. It's impossible not to fall in love with him! Everyone who has been here at least once wants to visit it again and again. The city of Rovinj includes 22 islands, each of which is indescribably beautiful and magnificent. The main activity here, of course, is the tourism business. In addition to this, city residents are engaged in fishing and growing tobacco (there is even its own tobacco factory). Tourists at this resort will enjoy first-class service, excellent sports facilities, excellent restaurants and nightclubs.
Pula is the largest resort town in Croatia, spread over west coast Istrian peninsula. Pula is considered a transport hub of the state; there is an airport near the city. Residents of the city, in addition to the tourism business, are engaged in fishing, winemaking, and shipbuilding. The city of Pula is rich in all kinds of attractions, the most striking of which is the Roman amphitheater.
The beaches in Pula are pebbly or rocky, making them excellent for sunbathing. Plus, the warm Adriatic water is perfect for any tourist to relax.
9. Lovran
One of the oldest resorts in Croatia, Lovran, is beautifully located in the Kvarner Bay. In the 19th century, the city played the role of the winter residence of high officials of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. There are many different castles and mansions here, which have now become hotels for tourists.
Lovran is famous for its festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year. For food lovers, the city has all kinds of restaurants, bars and coffee bars with amazing traditional cuisine.
Lovran is known as a health resort. Hundreds of thousands of vacationers come here from all over the world to improve their health.
10. Hvar Island
The popularity of Croatia as a resort region lies in its amazing natural resources. Snow-white beaches stretching for many kilometers, unusual flora and fauna national parks, exotic underwater world The Adriatic and mild climate attract travelers from all over the world. Of no less interest are romantic cities with your historical monuments, picturesque islands, mountain ranges and caves, as well as delicious local cuisine and inexpensive aromatic wine.
Croatia is a European country, and the cost of trips to its resorts is relatively high. However, it can be significantly reduced and you can have a great vacation, relaxing on the most prestigious resorts countries at competitive prices.
We reduce the cost of a tour to Croatia - seasonality and resorts
The azure sea and gentle sun have made the “pearl of the Adriatic” incredibly popular among vacationers all over the world. At the height of the beach season, the cost of a tour to Croatia to the famous resort of Istria ranges from 31 to 48 thousand rubles per person with departure from Moscow. The beaches located in the Kvarner Bay area are also very popular. Prices here start from 30 thousand rubles per person. The resorts of Northern Dalmatia and Split are not lagging behind in this regard - in summer time a week-long tour will cost 37-42 thousand rubles/person.
However, if you stay in the less prestigious regions of Central and Southern Dalmatia, you can save a lot. Tours to this region are cheaper - from 26 to 28 thousand rubles per person. In addition, pay attention not only to the number of stars of the hotel, but also to its distance from the sea and the airport. The farther the hotel is located from them, the less it will cost to stay there.
Cheap tours to Croatia can be purchased not in the high season - for example, in winter or early spring, when the demand for trips is not yet so great. A last minute tour to the islands would also be a good deal, especially if you have already decided on your travel dates. Such a trip will reduce costs by 20-35%, as well as the method early booking, which will allow you to save from 8 to 10 thousand rubles!
Cheap tours to Croatia for lovers of excursions
Are you not a fan of seaside holidays, but are you planning to take a closer look at the historical treasures of the country? Then buy inexpensive tours to Croatia at any time of the year. If you choose sightseeing tours, prices to Croatia start from 23 or 29 thousand rubles per person. This is exactly how much it will cost to stay in hotels in the beautiful ancient cities of Dubrovnik and Pula, subject to early booking.
Not only these, but also other, the best and most current offers from 120 of the world's largest tour operators can be found on the Travelata company website. Take advantage of our last minute or early booking sections for a great holiday at competitive prices!
