Cheap Winter Sun Holidays to Croatia

Blue Flag accreditation is a useful guide to water quality and facilities, although winter swimming is generally limited.

• Zlatni Rat, Brac: Zlatni Rat on Brac is a pebble spit whose shape shifts with the wind and currents, and it is reached by ferry from Split. In winter the water is cold for swimming, but the beach is a striking walk and a good reason to plan a day around the ferry timetable. We suggest checking sailing times before you travel because services are reduced outside the summer. It suits visitors who want scenery and a relaxed day out rather than a hot sun-lounger holiday. Croatia beach holidays of this kind are best enjoyed for the walking and views.
• Bol, Brac: Bol is a small harbour town on the southern side of Brac, close to the famous spit and known for its waterfront cafes and walks up the hill to the Dominican monastery. Accommodation here tends to be quieter in winter, which can bring prices down compared with the busier months. Because many seafront venues close, we recommend booking a property with a kitchen so you can eat in comfortably, the same brief our Croatia Luxury Holidays deals are built around. It is a good choice for a calm stay with a view over the sea.
• Stari Grad, Hvar: Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Croatia, on the northern side of Hvar, and its harbour is quieter and more intimate than the busier town on the island's south side. Winter rates are often lower, and the island's lavender fields are dormant, which means less traffic and more space on the paths. Ferries from Split still connect the island but with fewer sailings, so allow extra time. Travellers planning Hvar holidays often find this small-town base suits a slower pace.
• Makarska: Makarska is a coastal town on the central Dalmatian mainland with a long promenade and a backdrop of mountains rising straight from the sea. It sits only a short drive from the nearby city of Dalmatia's old regional capital, which gives you a practical base for winter day trips without the crowds of the summer season, the same brief our Croatia Last Minute Holidays deals are built around. Pebble beaches here are chilly in winter, so the appeal is the walking and the setting rather than swimming. It is well suited to walkers and those who want space.
• Podgora: Podgora is a small, low-key village on the Riviera, sitting between the larger resorts and offering a more residential feel. Its seafront is short and calm, and accommodation options are typically simpler and more affordable in the cooler months. Because services are limited, you will want a car or a planned bus route for trips further along the coast. It suits budget travellers who value quiet over nightlife.