Budget — Zadar

Zadar offers one of the best value-for-money equations in Croatia — markedly cheaper than Split (30-40%) and Dubrovnik (50%). The baseline budget of €80/day/person covers a comfortable stay: apartman inside the peninsula, lunch in a local konoba, dinner in a good restaurant, one day trip.

Accommodation covers every band. Hostel (Drunken Monkey, Boutique Hostel Forum): €20-35/night in a dorm. Apartman with locals inside the peninsula: €60-110/night for two — excellent value in historic buildings. 3-4* hotel at Borik (Hotel Kolovare, Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera): €120-220/night. Boutique hotel inside the peninsula (Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel, Maraska Hotel): €150-280/night. 5* hotel (Falkensteiner Spa Iadera): €280-500/night. Prices +40-60% in July-August vs May-June.

Dining is high quality and affordable. Local konoba (Konoba Skoblar, Konoba na po ure): €20-30 per person for a full meal with wine. Restaurant inside the peninsula: €30-45 per person. Fine dining (Pet bunara, Foša, Bruschetta): €50-80 per person. Local specialities: paški sir (Pag cheese, PDO), pršut from Pag, girice (small fried anchovies, classic aperitif), whole grilled fish, maraschino as a digestif. The Stomorica green market (mornings) and the fish market (mornings, near the port) are mandatory stops for fresh produce enthusiasts.

Entry fees are moderate. St Anastasia Cathedral + bell tower: €5. St Donatus Church: €3. Archaeological Museum: €4. Museum of Gold and Silver: €4. Promenade, Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun: free. The Zadar Card (24h/48h/72h, €10/15/20) includes buses + discounts on paid sites.

Transport is cheap. Liburnija city bus: €2 per ticket. Airport-centre: bus n°2 (15 minutes, €2) or taxi (€15-20). Organised day trips: Plitvice €50-65 per person, Krka €35-50, Kornati €60-90.