Holidays to Croatia under £500

Resort choice has the biggest effect on whether a Croatian holiday stays under budget, so these bases are picked for their accommodation stock and transfer simplicity.

• Makarska: Makarska sits on the central Dalmatian mainland with a long pebble and sand promenade and a range of mid-priced guesthouses and apartments, the kind of stay our Croatia holidays deals are built around. Its position between the historic cities of Dalmatia's coastal heartland and the southern end of the coast means that coach and bus links are frequent, which keeps day trips affordable without renting a car. The trade-off is that the town is livelier in high summer, so booking early and choosing a May or September date gives you better rates. We see it as a dependable budget base for couples and independent travellers.
• Biograd na Moru: Biograd na Moru is a quieter resort town along the Dalmatian coast, with a small harbour and a well-established stock of simple hotels and family apartments. It sits close to the ferry links for the Kornati islands, so you can add a boat excursion without a long journey. Because it is less visited than the bigger names, rates tend to be lower outside July and August. It suits travellers who want a calm base with modest daily costs.
• Novalja: The island is reached by bridge from the mainland, which avoids ferry costs and makes the transfer straightforward. Its nightlife is busier in summer, so travellers seeking quiet should look at June or September. We recommend it for those who want an affordable island base with easy access.
• Crikvenica: Crikvenica is a resort on the Kvarner coast with a long promenade and a steady supply of modest apartments and family hotels. Its position along the regional coastline gives access to ferry links and inland day trips without expensive transport. Accommodation here is generally priced below the more celebrated Adriatic towns, which helps keep a package within budget. It is a sound choice for travellers prioritising value over an upmarket atmosphere.
• Omis: Omis is a small coastal town set where the Cetina river meets the sea, lying along the Dalmatian coast between the regional city to its north and its southern neighbour, and it offers reasonably priced apartments and guesthouses. Its compact centre and nearby beaches reduce the need for paid transport. Rates rise during peak weeks, so a late-spring or early-autumn departure gives the best value, the same brief our Cheap Croatia Holidays deals are built around. We find it appealing for travellers who want a quieter base with straightforward access to the coast.