The Croatian coast continues to attract visitors with its crystal-clear sea, warm weather, and picturesque towns.

However, some tourists were surprised this year that beaches, roads, and old town centers were noticeably quieter in the middle of August than before. This picture of the Croatian tourist season is described by the German newspaper WELT, which warns that excessively high prices could seriously threaten tourism.

A scoop of ice cream from 3 euros upward, a pancake as much as 5 euros

The author cites examples from Zadar and the area around Šibenik, where a scoop of ice cream costs at least 3 euros, an Aperol Spritz from 9 to 11 euros, and a portion of calamari in an ordinary tavern around 25 euros. He was particularly surprised by a pancake that before the introduction of the euro cost around 1 euro, and this summer as much as 5 euros.

Prices are rising faster than quality

According to data reported by WELT, prices in Croatian tourism rose by about 70 percent between 2015 and 2024. The German newspaper assesses that prices are increasingly resembling those in hyped European destinations, while the quality of accommodation, food, infrastructure, and service often does not keep pace.

Despite stories about emptier beaches and hotels, Croatian tourism authorities announced that the number of official overnight stays in July still increased slightly compared with last year. This shows that the season has not failed, but the impression from the ground warns that tourists are looking ever more carefully at how much they get for their money.

Short-term profit could cost tourism dearly

A resident of a place near Šibenik explained to the German journalist that many people, after the introduction of the euro, tried to earn the profit of the entire season in just one or two months. Such an approach may bring quick profit, but in the long term it drives guests toward more affordable destinations and seriously damages Croatia’s reputation as a country where a holiday is worth the money paid.