Destinations to rival costly Croatia with idyllic views and ‘affordable prices’

Croatia has welcomed tourists with euro currency for the first time ever this summer after years of trading exclusively in kuna.

According to a financial expert at Conotoxia, the move came at a time of “unusually high inflation”, though it hasn’t yet reduced prices in the travel industry.

Robert Blaszczyk, head of the strategic clients department at the fintech company explained that 65 percent of products have not changed in price since adopting the single currency, and 10 percent have become more expensive.

Prices in the hotel and catering industries drove inflation the hardest in Croatia as of late, and the country remains a costly destination in Southeast Europe.

But for those looking to experience a similar culture and explore the region’s unique landscapes, the financial experts recommended areas nearby in the Balkans, specifically Montenegro and Albania.

The Conotoxia employee said: “If one is to believe the saying: small is beautiful, a vacation on the Adriatic Sea can be planned in neighbouring Croatia, Montenegro.

“This country adopted the euro in 2002, even though it officially belongs neither to the EU nor to the common currency zone. The strengths of the country, comparable in size to the South East region, seem to be its mountainous landscape, national parks and, of course, a coastline full of charming towns.”

Montenegro boasts lower prices for products, and in bars and restaurants than Croatia, which is favourable for Britons travelling on a budget.

When converted into British pounds, a loaf of bread costs just 69p in the Balkans country and the average price of a meal for two in a restaurant is £30. In Croatia, this equates to 95p for a loaf of bread and £35 to feed two people in a restaurant.

The fintech expert claimed that accommodation prices are also more affordable. For example, a week for two people in Budva, an isolated spot on the Adriatic coast, can cost as little as £135 in September.

In Croatia, on the other hand, a week’s stay in an apartment for two costs £430 in the same month, and a staggering £800-£900 for a week in a holiday resort.

If Britons head further south, Albania is another up-and-coming destination that’s distinguished from Croatia and Montenegro by its currency among other things. 

The Conotoxia expert said: “Sunshine, beaches, clear water, fewer tourists compared to Croatia, and affordable prices – that’s what may be causing Albania to gain in the ranking of tourist destinations.

“While the price advantages in choosing Montenegro over Croatia could reach up to 20 percent, in Albania we can expect to spend up to 30 percent less on shopping in stores or meals in restaurants. It altogether makes the costs that holiday-makers in Albania and Montenegro may incur seem similar.”

Durrës is one of Albania’s top resorts, which during August, costs an average of 300-500 euros (£260-£440) for a week’s rental of a two-person apartment.

However, if people wait until September, a room in a four-star hotel in Durrës can be booked for the same price.

When it comes to the price of essential products, those visiting Albania will find that a 1.5 litre bottle of water costs just 51p, compared to an inflate £1.09 in Croatia. 

A meal for two people in a restaurant costs £30 on average in Albania which is £5 less than the price in nearby Croatia.