German vacationers warned about Croatian shop closures and cheap European destinations

Croatia’s law prohibits most shops, bakeries and markets from opening on public holidays. In summer 2026 the holidays falling during the German tourist season are 22 June (Monday), 5 August (Wednesday) and 15 August (Saturday). Only petrol stations and outlets in airports or bus stations are exempt, and each shop may choose up to 16 Sundays a year to stay open. Travelers are advised to check transport timetables as services may run on altered schedules on these dates.

A study by GfK finds German holiday‑makers spend about 40 % more than planned, driven by mental‑accounting that treats a “vacation account” differently from everyday finances. The extra outlay can total roughly €800 per year for those who travel twice annually, representing lost investment growth over decades.

Data from the Federal Statistical Office show several European countries offer substantially lower costs for meals and accommodation compared with Germany. In Bulgaria prices are almost 50 % lower, Montenegro 39 %, Portugal 30 % and Spain 22 % lower. Other destinations with notable savings include Malta, Cyprus, Greece (around 20 % less), North Macedonia (52 % lower), the Czech Republic (30 % lower), and the Baltic and Nordic states, which are generally more expensive. These figures help German travelers choose budget‑friendly holiday spots.