Sean C
3e84541048
New fly-drive section with 3 destinations: - Portugal Algarve: £1,600-2,150 (10-12 nights) - Mallorca Spain: £1,710-2,350 (7-10 nights) - Croatia Split: £1,800-2,000 (10 nights) All include: - Flights from Manchester - Car hire - Pool access - Self-catering - Child-friendly activities - Sample itineraries - Budget breakdowns
8.0 KiB
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)
| Airline | Typical Price (return, family of 3) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| easyJet | £280-420 | Direct, summer only |
| Jet2 | £320-480 | Direct, summer only |
Estimated Cost: £350-450 for family of 3
Important: Split flights are summer seasonal (April-October only)
Flight Times:
- Duration: 2h 55m direct
- 2-3 flights per week from Manchester in summer
Car Hire (Split Airport)
Prices (10 days, July)
| Car Type | Daily Rate | 10 Days | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | £10-15 | £100-150 | £180-230 |
| Compact | £15-22 | £150-220 | £250-320 |
| Family | £22-30 | £220-300 | £340-420 |
Estimated Cost: £200-300 with full insurance
Note: Croatia drives on the right, good roads along coast.
Accommodation Options
Option A: Apartment in Split/Trogir (Shared Pool)
| Location | Price (10 nights) | Pool | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split (city) | £600-900 | Some have pools | Historic centre, walk everywhere |
| Trogir | £500-800 | Some have pools | UNESCO town, near airport |
| Podstrana | £550-850 | Most have pools | Beach resort, 15 min from Split |
Option B: Beach Resort Apartment (Private/Shared Pool)
| Location | Price (10 nights) | Pool | Beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makarska | £700-1,100 | Shared/private | Pebble beach |
| Brela | £650-1,000 | Shared | Famous beaches |
| Omiš | £600-950 | Shared | River + sea |
Option C: Split City + Island (5 nights each)
Split city (5 nights):
- Apartment: £250-400
- No car needed
Hvar island (5 nights):
- Apartment with pool: £400-600
- Ferry from Split: ~£50 return (car + family)
- Total accommodation: £650-1,000
Budget Breakdown (10 nights)
Option A: Split Base with Day Trips
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights (easyJet) | £400 |
| Car hire (10 days) | £250 |
| Apartment (Split outskirts, shared pool) | £700 |
| Food (self-catering) | £300 |
| Activities | £150 |
| TOTAL | £1,800 |
✅ Under budget!
Option B: Makarska Riviera (Beach Resort)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | £400 |
| Car hire (optional) | £200 |
| Apartment (pool, 10 nights) | £850 |
| Food | £350 |
| Activities | £200 |
| TOTAL | £2,000 |
✅ On budget!
Option C: Split + Hvar Island (2-Centre)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | £400 |
| Car hire (mainland only) | £150 |
| Split apartment (5 nights) | £350 |
| Hvar apartment with pool (5 nights) | £500 |
| Ferry to Hvar (car + family) | £60 |
| Food | £350 |
| Activities | £180 |
| TOTAL | £1,990 |
✅ Just under budget!
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
Best for culture + beaches combination.
Croatia offers something different - Roman history, medieval towns, and stunning coastline. Split makes a perfect base for exploring.
You can easily stay under £2,000 for 10 nights with a pool, especially if you stay in one place and do day trips.
Best for: Families who want more than just beaches - history, culture, exploration.
Created: 15 March 2026
All prices estimates - verify before booking