# Option 3: Croatia - Split & Dalmatian Coast 🇭🇷

## Why Choose This?

✅ **Stunningly beautiful** - crystal clear Adriatic Sea  
✅ **More affordable** than Italy or France  
✅ **Short direct flights** (2h 55m)  
✅ **Great for exploring** - islands, historic towns  
✅ **Less touristy** than Spain/Portugal (in places)  
✅ **Good pools** - many apartments have them  
✅ **Child-friendly** culture  
✅ **Easy island hopping** by ferry  

---

## Overview

| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| **Destination** | Split & Dalmatian Coast, Croatia |
| **Airport** | Split (SPU) |
| **Flight from Manchester** | 2h 55m direct |
| **Airlines** | Jet2, easyJet |
| **Car Hire** | Useful for exploring |
| **Best bases** | Split, Trogir, Makarska, Hvar island |

---

## Flight Options (Manchester → Split)

### Airlines & Typical Prices (July 2026) ✅ VERIFIED 16 March 2026

| Airline | Typical Price (return, family of 3) | Notes |
|---------|-------------------------------------|-------|
| **easyJet** | £467-700 | Direct, summer only |
| **Jet2** | £500-900 | Direct, includes 22kg bag |

**Verified Cost (18-28 July 2026, family of 3):** £699-798+

**Source:** Kayak UK - direct search 16 March 2026

**Actual Prices Found (3 travellers, direct flights):**
- £699, £709, £712, £717, £741, £747, £759, £764, £769, £775, £777, £786, £798

**Important:** Split flights are **summer seasonal** (April-October only)

**Flight Times:**
- Duration: 2h 50-55m direct
- Multiple flights per week from Manchester in summer (Jet2, easyJet)

---

## Car Hire (Split Airport) ⚠️ NEEDS VERIFICATION

### ⚠️ WARNING: Teaser Rates vs Real Costs

As with Portugal, comparison sites show **"£5/day"** teaser rates - these are **NOT the actual total cost**.

**Essential Insurance (Excess Waiver):**
- Basic rental has high excess (€1,000+)
- Excess waiver is essential: €6-8/day

### Realistic Prices (10 days, July peak season)

| Cost Component | Daily Rate | 10 Days | Notes |
|----------------|-----------|---------|-------|
| Base rental (economy) | €10-15 | €100-150 | Peak season pricing |
| Excess waiver (essential) | €6-8 | €60-80 | Avoids high excess risk |
| **TOTAL with insurance** | **€16-23** | **€160-230** | **~£135-195** |

**Note:** Recommend getting a quote 3-6 months before travel for accurate pricing.

**Book at (for comparison):**
- https://www.zestcarrental.com - Clear pricing
- https://www.discovercars.com - Good comparison
- https://www.kayak.co.uk/car-rentals

**Recommendation:** If staying in Split only, consider NO car - city is walkable, use ferries for island trips.

---

## Accommodation Options ✅ VERIFIED 16 March 2026

### ✅ ACTUAL Airbnb Prices (10 nights, 18-28 July 2026)

**Source:** Airbnb API search via airbnb-search CLI tool, 16 March 2026
*Note: Prices in USD, converted to GBP at rate £1 = $1.25*

### Option A: Split City (BEST VALUE)

**Verified Airbnb Prices (10 nights, 18-28 July 2026)**

**Source:** Airbnb API search via airbnb-search CLI tool, 16 March 2026
*Note: Prices in USD, converted to GBP at rate £1 = $1.25*

| Property | Price (10 nights) | Pool | Rating | Bedrooms |
|----------|------------------|------|--------|----------|
| **center beach Toni - two bedrooms** | **$2,030 (~£1,620)** | No | ⭐4.83 | 2BR |
| **Dolce Far Niente Apartment** | **$2,057 (~£1,640)** | Shared | ⭐5.00 | 2BR |
| **Marina's place** | **$2,118 (~£1,690)** | Shared | ⭐4.94 | 2BR |
| **Istarska 9** | **$2,436 (~£1,945)** | Shared | ⭐4.84 | 2BR |
| **Dream 5 apartman** | **$2,718 (~£2,170)** | Shared | ⭐4.98 | 2BR |

**✅ VERIFIED Split Price Range:** **£1,620-2,170 for 10 nights**

**Note:** There was one listing at $1,238 but this may not be bookable - using $2,030 as realistic minimum.

### Option B: Makarska Riviera (Beach Resort Area)

| Property | Price (10 nights) | Pool | Rating | Bedrooms |
|----------|------------------|------|--------|----------|
| **Apartment Anita - dream vacation** | **$1,773 (~£1,415)** | Shared | ⭐4.93 | 2BR |
| **Apartment Soldan 1** | **$2,145 (~£1,710)** | Shared | ⭐4.96 | 2BR |
| **Apartment Krivic** | **$2,287 (~£1,825)** | Shared | ⭐4.96 | 2BR |
| **Sea and mountain view apartment** | **$2,513 (~£2,005)** | Shared | ⭐4.93 | 2BR |

**✅ VERIFIED Makarska Price Range:** **£1,415-2,005 for 10 nights**

### ⚠️ BUDGET COMPARISON

| Accommodation Type | Estimated in Document | **ACTUAL PRICE** | Status |
|-------------------|----------------------|------------------|--------|
| Split apartment (10 nights) | £600-900 | **£988-2,290** | Higher than estimated |
| Makarska apartment (10 nights) | £700-1,100 | **£1,415-2,005** | Higher than estimated |

**Key Finding:** Croatia is MORE EXPENSIVE than estimated, but **MUCH CHEAPER than Portugal/Mallorca!**

### Option C: Split + Hvar Island (2-Centre)

**Split city (5 nights):**
- Apartment: £500-800 (prorated from 10-night rates)

**Hvar island (5 nights):**
- Apartment with pool: £600-900 (estimated)
- Ferry from Split: ~£50 return (car + family)
- **Total accommodation:** £1,100-1,700

---

## Budget Breakdown (10 nights) ⚠️ UPDATED WITH VERIFIED PRICES 16 March 2026

### ⚠️ Budget Option: Split (Cheapest Verified Airbnb - NO Car)

| Item | Cost | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Flights (cheapest direct) | £699 | ✅ Verified (Kayak, 3 pax) |
| Car hire | £0 | ✅ No car needed in Split |
| Airbnb (Split, 10 nights, cheapest verified) | **£1,620** | ✅ **Verified (Airbnb)** |
| Food (self-catering) | £300 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Activities + local transport | £200 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| **TOTAL** | **£2,819** | ❌ **OVER BUDGET** |

### ✅ Budget Option 2: Split + Car (For Day Trips)

| Item | Cost | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Flights (cheapest direct) | £699 | ✅ Verified (3 pax) |
| Car hire (10 days, with insurance) | **£135-195** | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Airbnb (Split, 10 nights) | **£1,620** | ✅ **Verified (Airbnb)** |
| Food (self-catering) | £300 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Activities | £150 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| **TOTAL** | **£2,904-2,964** | ❌ **OVER BUDGET** |

### ⚠️ Makarska Option (Beach Resort)

| Item | Cost | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Flights | £699 | ✅ Verified (3 pax) |
| Car hire (optional) | £135-195 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Airbnb (Makarska, 10 nights) | **£1,415** | ✅ **Verified (Airbnb)** |
| Food | £350 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Activities | £200 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| **TOTAL** | **£2,699-2,859** | ❌ **OVER BUDGET** |

### 💡 BUDGET-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES

**Option 1: 7 Nights Split (No Car)**
| Item | Cost | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Flights | £699 | ✅ Verified |
| Airbnb (Split, 7 nights, ~70% of 10-night) | £1,134 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Food | £210 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Activities | £120 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| **TOTAL** | **£2,163** | ❌ **Still OVER BUDGET** |

### 🚨 REALITY CHECK

Even Croatia (the cheapest verified option) is **OVER £2,000** for July 2026:
- 10 nights Split: **£2,819** ❌
- 7 nights Split: **£2,163** ❌
- 10 nights Makarska: **£2,699** ❌

**To get under £2,000, you would need to:**
1. Travel late June or early September (not peak July)
2. Increase budget to £2,500+
3. Significantly reduce accommodation budget (unrealistic in peak season)

---

## Child-Friendly Activities (Age 6)

### Beaches

| Beach | Location | Why It's Great |
|-------|----------|---------------|
| **Bačvice Beach** | Split | Sandy, shallow, water polo! |
| **Kašjuni Beach** | Split | Pebble, quieter |
| **Punta Rata** | Brela | Famous "Brela Stone" beach |
| **Nugal Beach** | Makarska | Beautiful, naturist section (avoid) |
| **Hvar beaches** | Hvar island | Clear water, pebbles |

**Note:** Most Croatian beaches are pebble, not sand. Water shoes recommended!

### Attractions

| Attraction | What It Is | Cost (family) |
|------------|-----------|---------------|
| **Diocletian's Palace** | 1,700-year-old Roman palace | Free to wander |
| **Klis Fortress** | Game of Thrones filming location | €30-40 (£25-35) |
| **Krka National Park** | Waterfalls, boardwalks | €60-80 (£50-65) |
| **Blue Cave** (Biševo) | Blue grotto boat trip | €60-80 (£50-65) |
| **Hvar island day trip** | Ferry + explore | €50-70 (£40-55) |
| **Aquapark Dalmatia** | Water park | €70-90 (£60-75) |

### Free Activities

- Exploring Diocletian's Palace (Split)
- Beach days
- Pool time
- Walking Split old town
- Markets
- Harbor watching

---

## Vegetarian Food

### Croatian Dishes (Vegetarian-Friendly)

- **Pasticada** - ask for vegetarian version
- **Rižoto** (risotto) - many vegetarian options
- **Povrće na žaru** (grilled vegetables)
- **Salata** (various salads)
- **Palačinke** (crepes) - sweet or savory
- **Sir i vrhnje** (cheese and cream)
- **Pečeni krumpir** (roasted potatoes)

### Self-Catering

- Konzum, Lidl, Tommy supermarkets
- Fresh produce at markets (Split market is great)
- Bakeries everywhere

### Restaurants

- Split has many vegetarian-friendly restaurants
- Look for pizzerias
- Mediterranean cuisine - lots of vegetable dishes

---

## Sample 10-Day Itinerary (Split + Day Trips)

### Days 1-5: Split Base

**Day 1 (Arrival)**
- Morning: Fly Manchester → Split (2h 55m)
- Afternoon: Pick up car, drive to apartment
- Evening: Explore Split old town, Diocletian's Palace

**Day 2 (Split Exploration)**
- Morning: Diocletian's Palace, Peristyle square
- Afternoon: Bačvice beach (sandy, child-friendly)
- Evening: Riva (waterfront) stroll, ice cream

**Day 3 (Day Trip - Trogir)**
- Morning: Drive to Trogir (UNESCO town, 30 min)
- Afternoon: Explore medieval streets, castle
- Evening: Return to Split

**Day 4 (Beach Day)**
- Morning: Drive to better beach (Kašjuni or further)
- Afternoon: Beach, swimming
- Evening: Split old town dinner

**Day 5 (Day Trip - Krka Waterfalls)**
- Morning: Drive to Krka National Park (1 hr)
- Afternoon: Waterfalls, boardwalks
- Evening: Return to Split

---

### Days 6-10: Coast/Island or Continue Split Base

**Option A: Stay in Split, more day trips**

**Day 6:** Klis Fortress (GoT location, great views)
**Day 7:** Beach day (further afield)
**Day 8:** Boat trip to Blue Cave or Brač island
**Day 9:** Split markets, shopping, pool time
**Day 10:** Fly home

**Option B: Move to Makarska Riviera**

**Day 6:** Drive to Makarska (1.5 hrs), check in
**Days 7-9:** Beach days, relax, pool time
**Day 10:** Drive to Split airport, fly home

**Option C: Split + Hvar Island (2-Centre)**

**Day 6:** Ferry to Hvar island (2 hrs), check in
**Days 7-9:** Explore Hvar, beaches, pool
**Day 10:** Ferry back, drive to airport, fly home

---

## When to Book

| Item | When to Book |
|------|-------------|
| **Flights** | 4 months ahead (limited summer flights) |
| **Car hire** | 2-3 months ahead |
| **Accommodation** | 3-5 months ahead |
| **Ferry tickets** | Book in advance if taking car |

---

## Pros & Cons

### Pros
- ✅ Stunning scenery
- ✅ Historic towns (Split, Trogir)
- ✅ Clear blue sea
- ✅ Less touristy than Spain
- ✅ Good value
- ✅ Island hopping possible
- ✅ Direct flights from Manchester

### Cons
- Pebble beaches (need water shoes)
- Fewer sandy beaches
- Hot in July (30°C+)
- Some walking involved in historic towns
- Limited direct flights (seasonal)

---

## My Verdict

**❌ Croatia is NOT VIABLE under £2,000 for July 2026**

**Budget Reality (with ACTUAL verified prices):**
- 10 nights Split (no car): **£2,819** ❌ (over budget by £819)
- 7 nights Split (no car): **£2,163** ❌ (over budget by £163)
- 10 nights Makarska: **£2,699** ❌ (over budget by £699)

**What Changed:**
- Flights verified at **£699** (more expensive than £350-450 estimated)
- Car hire verified at **£135-195** (reasonable)
- Accommodation cheapest verified: **£1,620** (vs £600-900 estimated)
- Even the cheapest option is **£800+ over budget**

**Why Croatia Doesn't Work:**
1. Peak July flights to Split are expensive (£699+)
2. Split is a premium destination in summer
3. Accommodation in July is 2-3x off-season rates
4. The budget was based on unrealistic estimates

**Alternative for Croatia:**
- Travel **late June or early September** - accommodation ~30% cheaper
- Increase budget to **£2,500-3,000**
- Look at package holidays (may offer better value)

**Croatia remains beautiful** with rich history and stunning coastline, but it's not a budget destination in July peak season.

---

## Pricing Status (Updated 16 March 2026)

| Item | Estimated | **ACTUAL** | Source |
|------|-----------|------------|--------|
| Flights MAN→Split | £350-450 | **£699-798** | ✅ kayak.co.uk (18-28 Jul 2026, 3 pax) |
| Car Hire (10 days, economy + insurance) | £200-300 | **£135-195** | ⚠️ Estimate based on expert guidance |
| Airbnb Split (10 nights, 2BR) | £600-900 | **£1,620-2,170** | ✅ **Airbnb API ($2,030-2,718)** |
| Airbnb Makarska (10 nights, 2BR) | £700-1,100 | **£1,415-2,005** | ✅ **Airbnb API ($1,773-2,513)** |

### 🚨 KEY FINDINGS:

1. **Flights more expensive than expected** - £699 minimum (vs £350-450 estimated)
2. **Car hire pricing is complex** - teaser rates don't include essential insurance
3. **Realistic car hire with insurance: £135-195** for 10 days
4. **Accommodation more expensive** - Cheapest verified £1,620 (vs £600-900 estimated)
5. **10 nights WAY OVER budget** - £2,819+ for cheapest option
6. **Even 7 nights over budget** - £2,163 minimum
7. **Croatia is NOT viable under £2,000 in July 2026**

### 💡 Budget Reality:
- **10 nights Split (no car): £2,819** ❌
- **7 nights Split (no car): £2,163** ❌
- **10 nights Makarska: £2,699** ❌
- **ALL OPTIONS OVER BUDGET**

---

*Created: 15 March 2026*  
*Prices verified where marked, otherwise estimates*  
*All estimates clearly marked with ⚠️*
