 Bargain holidays are becoming more difficult to find of late, not necessarily the cost of flights and accommodation, but the cost of eating out. Croatia, however, appears to have the answer to this. With its ambition to join the EU not yet fulfilled it is still using it's own currency the Kuna (HRK) and has not yet been affected by a massive influx of tourists and property seekers pushing up the cost of food and drink.
When we visited Makarska in August 08 we were pleasantly surprised to find the cost of a pint of beer at between £1.50 and £2 and a large glass of wine at £1.50. You can also get a very decent meal for 2 for around £20 in many of it's numerous seafront restaurants and bars.
We stayed at the hotel Dalmacia on the seafront in Makarska. The rooms were very clean and comfortable with air conditioning and a balcony, but were a little dated. It had a large but somewhat canteen like restaurant but the food was of a good standard, catering for the tastes of people from each European country. We managed to get evening meals for two for the week in the hotel for just £27, which was excellent value. Would I use this hotel again? Absolutely.
 Most of the hotels will have someone who can recommend sightseeing tours and day trips to the islands. We booked ourselves on an organised tour to the top of the Biokovo Mountain, which rises to 1762M and overlooks Makarska. Because the road is so twisty and narrow the largest vehicle that can get to the top is a minibus. We were part of a group of three minibuses which would make its way to the top. Our guide was Davos, a very charming, jovial and knowledgeable man who told us about the history of the area and how life was on the mountain for the few who lived there. At the top there is a magnificent view west over the islands towards Italy and to the east you can see Bosnia. On the way down the mountain we stopped off in a little village at a beautiful house where a long table had been set for dinner on a vine covered terrace. We were greeted with a glass of brandy infused with herbs grown on the mountain and this was followed by a superb three-course meal with as much wine as we could drink. The cost for this day out? £20 per person! Fantastic!
So yes, it is still possible to have a great holiday without spending the earth and Croatia is the country that offers you this. The people are friendly, the scenery is breathtaking and the sea is warm, what else could you ask for?
Below you will find details of many hotels in Croatia which you can book directly and to the left you can search for bargain flights. Have a great holiday. |
