What budget to travel Istria? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Istria?

Although the cost of living remains lower than in France, Istria is considered the most expensive region in Croatia after Dubrovnik. The complete changeover to the euro has visibly rounded up prices. Prices in Croatia vary according to the season (+20 to 30% in July-August). Before or after this period of overtourism, substantial savings can be made on shipping and accommodation, while enjoying a very good climate.

The discount card (Pula + Card) offered by the tourist office is very attractive. From June 15 to September 15, it entitles the holder to discounts on entrance tickets to the city's main points of interest, as well as a range of lower-cost offers (excursions, accompanying guides, sports and leisure activities, etc.).

With its extensive coastline, archipelago, rivers and waterfalls, Istria is an ideal destination for summer vacations on the water, where you can enjoy free activities, starting with swimming and snorkelling in the translucent sea. On Istria's sandy or pebble beaches and coves, on the flat rocks and pontoons, you can lay down your towel and belongings in complete safety. There are few, if any, thieves here!

Urban beaches are often well-equipped, with inflatables for children, giant buoys and diving boards for adults. In general, you have to pay for deckchairs, but if they belong to a beachbar, you can sometimes spend a good while there for the price of a drink on the spot.
The cliffs of the Premantura peninsula nature park offer great spots for dizzying dives, while other sports enthusiasts can enjoy rock-climbing at Cape Kamenjak. Entrance to the nature park is free for pedestrians, with a charge for motor vehicles. Other climbing sites have been set up on natural sites such as the wild cliffs of the east coast (Brseč), those of the Lim or Plomin fjords, near waterfalls in the Pazin region, in the former Roman quarry of Vincuran, near Pula. If you have your own equipment, it's free too! On the other hand, to tackle the Vela Draga limestone towers, you need to enter the Učka Nature Park with a ticket (€4 to €10 per person per day). Ideal terrain for mountain biking, high-altitude hiking, running or horseback riding.

Fans of mountain bike treks, races or simple bicycle touring in Istria are spoilt for choice. See all sporting events and cycling trails on the regional tourist office website.

The cost of living is lower in Croatia than in France, even if recent years have seen widespread inflation among retailers and service providers.

Cigarettes, alcohol, foodstuffs, etc. are subject to reduced tax rates (5%). Gourmet products such as white truffles in jars cost €130 per 20g. They cost less if processed into condiments or marinated in olive oil, but are still cheaper to buy than in France. Grocery stores and supermarkets (Konzum, Billa, Mercator, Spar) have entire sections devoted to regional products. For food prices, visit the website of Konzum, Croatia's leading supermarket chain.

Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere, even in the countryside. At the market, on the other hand, you pay in cash.

Entrance fees to discos and concert halls vary from €10 to €15, depending on the evening and the artists and DJs invited. Cocktail bars and beach bars include musical entertainment in the price of drinks. Cocktails start at €6. For the big electronic music festivals in Umag or Pula, for example, which target European tourists, ticket prices are high, at around €100 for a three-night pass (without reservation). Specialized online agencies sell single tickets or packages including accommodation and transport.

As part of the summer festivals offered by the municipality, concerts and entertainment are free in Pula, Poreč, Rabac, Medulin and elsewhere. Concerts in historic monuments are subject to a charge, ranging from €5 to €15 a ticket, or even more depending on the musicians or DJ invited. In summer, beach bars take over for seaside parties.

As part of the summer festivals, Pula, Poreč and Rabac have a packed schedule of free concerts and events. Musical and festive evenings offered by the municipality.

Tickets for classical music festivals (Poreč) and film festivals (Pula or Motovun) can be purchased online or on site on the evening of the show.

What budget to eat Istria?

Since 2023, with Croatia's full entry into the euro zone, restaurant prices have soared, catching up with Slovenia's relatively high prices. This is even more marked in tourist towns, seaside resorts and islands.

Menus. Prices vary according to the standing of the establishment, from around €30 to €50-70 for a tasting menu in a gourmet restaurant. In local fast-food restaurants and snack bars, a dish or a full sandwich costs €5-10 (eat-in or take-away).

A la carte meals. Starter/dessert: €5 to €8; hot dish: €15 to €20-25 or even more for grilled red meat, fish platter and seafood.

Local wine list. From €10/l; €4-5 for wine by the glass.

As in Italy, Croatians drink a lot of coffee! The morning espresso, black without sugar, and the long espresso are the same price: €1 to €2. Double espresso, with twice as much coffee, is twice as expensive. For macchiato, instant Nescafé or cappuccino in sachet with hot or cold milk: around €2. Much better is homemade, with hot milk whipped into a creamy froth. Italian-style hot chocolate, thick and creamy, is drunk with a spoon: around €3.

Green and black teas and infusions, whose aromas have more flavor than in France, are served with a dollop of honey: around €2. In tea shops, these hot drinks are accompanied by cakes and pastries (extra charge). In bakeries(pekarna), strudels with seasonal fruit are well represented, while a cold drink, soda or ice cream cone (1 scoop) also costs from €2 to €3.

As Croatia's leading wine-growing region, Istria boasts a fine wine list. At aperitivo time, you can order a glass of wine, either on its own or accompanied by a platter of local antipasti, olives and cheese (istarka prsut): between €5 and €10. While a half beer is not expensive (€2), cocktails with alcohol are not less than €6-8.

A Rovinj travel agency (Viator) offers a wide range of excursions and guided tours to discover the vineyards, with driver and wine tasting... in complete road safety.

What is the budget for accommodation Istria?

The seasonal nature of accommodation has a major impact on vacation budgets. Whether you're staying in a youth hostel or a 5-star hotel, the category and standard of the accommodation you choose will not be the same if you plan to leave at the beginning of June or the beginning of August.

Seasonal rentals in private apartments start at €40 for a double room(sobe), with studio apartments starting at €50. For the whole apartment, the price varies according to the number of rooms, the season, the standing, from €65 (2 people), a house/villa from €140 per day (4 people).

A night in ahostel: from €20-30 per day per person, in dormitory formula. Hostels often offer double rooms, from €50.

3-star hotel: between €70 and €90 per double room (mid and off-season); €120 to €150 (high tourist season).

5-star hotels : prices vary according to room standard, exposure (sea view), quality of wellness and relaxation facilities, and services on offer. In summer, prices range from €189 to €284 per night for 2 people in a double room.

Camping: small independent campsites - increasingly rare - still offer pitches for tents at around €15-30 per night, motorhomes at €30-50 and bungalows at around €50-60 per day. While the huge coastal campsites rent out pitches for tents and motorhomes, the trend towards glamping and luxury accommodation has taken hold in Istria. This is particularly true of the water resorts (Lanterna Premium Resort in Porec or Camping Mon Perin in Bale), which offer comfortable bungalows and mobile homes with sea views. Price: €500-700 per week. Book in advance to get the best rates. For example, Early Booking offers up to 30% off on the Tohapi rental platform: www.tohapi.fr/camping-istrie.

Travel budget Istria and cost of living

To help you plan your vacation budget, daily expenses can be divided into three categories, according to your financial means.

Small budget : plus or minus €50 per day per person, with accommodation in a campground/youth hostel(hostel) or private room with a local, meals on the go (market shopping, groceries), public transport, cycling or hitchhiking, free activities or €5 to €10 maximum.

Average budget: more or less €150 per day per person (accommodation in B&Bs or 3-star hotels, good food, public transport, car or motorcycle, paid activities or package).

Big budget: from €200 per day per person (accommodation in luxury hotels, luxury villa or apartment rental, gourmet dining, car or motorcycle transport, package activities/guided tours).

National taxes apply to most consumer goods and services. For example, 5% surcharge on bread, milk, cinema or theater tickets, 13% on accommodation, newspapers, edible oils and fats, sugar, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, coffee and luxury goods.

As in France, in cafés and restaurants, the price indicated on the bill does not include the amount of the tip. There's no extra charge (10-15%), but if you're satisfied, it's customary to tip the waiter. The same goes for cab drivers, cleaning staff and hairdressers.

Prices are fixed and non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers may offer you a small gift if you purchase items for a large sum. This practice is common in the markets.