In January 2021, Croatia launched its digital nomad visa, opening the doorways for distant staff to spend longer on this stunning nation. It’s no shock that the digital nomad neighborhood rejoiced; I definitely did. You see, Croatia is gorgeous, and there are such a lot of experiences to take pleasure in; it’s no surprise so many individuals are researching the very best cities in Croatia for digital nomads.
As a remote worker in Croatia, you’ll be spoiled for alternative each single day. Wonderful meals, pleasant locals, gorgeous pure sights, and loads of historical past. Oh, and the seashores – don’t forget in regards to the seashores. It’s additionally a reasonably reasonably priced location in comparison with many different European cities, with nice coworking alternatives.
I spent a number of months living in Croatia, primarily Split, Dubrovnik, and Korčula, however I moved round a good quantity. From my wonderful experiences, I’m fairly well-placed to advise you on the very best spots to move to as a digital nomad. I can inform you now that there actually isn’t a nasty option to be made right here, it’s extra in regards to the space that calls out to you most.
Finest Cities in Croatia for Digital Nomads
Once you first have a look at a map of Croatia, you’re going to search out your self in a dilemma—there are such a lot of locations to select from; however as I’ve talked about, the excellent news is that none of them are a nasty thought. Let’s discover ten of the very best cities in Croatia the place digital nomads have it made.
1. Cut up
For sure, Split is among the finest cities in Croatia for digital nomads; you gained’t battle to satisfy different like-minded individuals right here. The seashores are gorgeous, and the final vibe across the metropolis is by some means chilled-out however vibrant on the similar time. It’s not missing in historical past and tradition both: walking through Diocletian’s Palace daily is kind of one thing.
I discovered the town to be fairly reasonably priced however you do want to consider staying exterior the central reaches. There are a number of nice high quality coworking areas and loads of cafes to spend your working days. I significantly loved Smartspace as a spot for working and collaborating, with reasonably priced passes and a snug setting.
Nightlife in Cut up is a mix of laid-back and vibrant, so it doesn’t matter what sort of night you’re after, you’ll make sure to discover it. Web in Cut up can also be prime quality (common obtain velocity of 71.18 Mbps and add velocity of 19.62 Mbps according to Speedtest) so it’s simple to maintain productiveness excessive.
2. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is certainly a contender for the very best metropolis in Croatia, however it could possibly get extraordinarily busy in the course of the summer season months. For that cause, the shoulder months of April to June and September to October are nice occasions to go to. The winter months are calm and charming however you’ll discover many of the metropolis closes till the next summer season.
It’s a good suggestion to keep away from the Old Town when in search of lodging and as an alternative go for the suburbs, akin to Babin Kuk and Lapad. You could find a furnished house in certainly one of these areas for round €530 ($570) per thirty days with utilities on high. Public transport into the Previous City is simple and reasonably priced.
As Dubrovnik is usually a touristic city, you’ll discover loads to see and do, together with the well-known city walls. There aren’t at present any coworking areas right here, however there are greater than sufficient cafes; Buzz Cafe & Bar was certainly one of my favorites. I by no means had any points with the web in Dubrovnik both, making it the perfect place to work and sightsee in the course of the summer season.
3. Zagreb
Many digital nomads head to the capital, Zagreb, and it’s positively the most effective cities in Croatia for sightseeing and day-to-day life. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe right here, away from the coastal seaside cities. It’s additionally an reasonably priced base to journey from and see the remainder of the nation in the course of the summer season months.
You could find a furnished house exterior of the town heart for round €450 ($480), and there are lots of coworking areas to make use of; I visited Impact Hub a number of occasions and met a whole lot of different distant staff. The internet in Zagreb can also be quick, with add and obtain speeds of 44.99 and 110.94 Mbps respectively.
There are lots of wonderful locations to see round Zagreb, and Plitvice Lakes National Park is barely two hours away. The town itself is vibrant, with nice nightlife and purchasing alternatives. You’ll discover a conventional really feel in lots of elements of the town, and there are some nice eating places serving conventional Croatian meals, so you may actually immerse your self within the tradition.
4. Zadar
Stunning Zadar is among the finest cities in Croatia for digital nomads who wish to take pleasure in time by the ocean however with a metropolis vibe. I actually loved Zadar, and it’s a terrific place to community and collaborate with different DNs. The normal vibe blends nicely with chilled-out nightlife and wonderful pure sights.
Zadar has some nice coworking areas, together with Code Hub and COIN Coworking, which provide quick web and reasonably priced membership. The price of dwelling in Zadar is on par with Zagreb; I stayed within the Kolovare Seashore space and located lodging for round €450 ($470) per thirty days. It’s additionally simple to buy recent produce and prepare dinner at residence, which will certainly carry down your month-to-month payments.
Spending time having fun with the seaside and trying out free sights such because the Sea Organ make Zadar an economical alternative. Nightlife right here is laid-back, however there are many energetic bars in the summertime months. For me, Zadar is a good alternative of middle-ground; you may go full touristic if you wish to, or you may retreat to the extra conventional aspect of issues.
5. Hvar City
The island of Hvar is a well-liked spot for vacationers in the course of the summer season, however Hvar Town itself is changing into a digital nomad hotspot. This port city provides a soothing island vibe however unbelievable nightlife everytime you need it. I met many different distant staff in Hvar City and it’s someplace I intend to return to.
For those who’re in search of the very best coworking house in Croatia, you gained’t discover it in Hvar City; they merely don’t exist at present. Nevertheless, there are some unbelievable cafes to work from—Kava37 was my go-to for unbelievable espresso and a productive house. I didn’t have any main issues with the web in Hvar City, however I did discover it was a little bit slower than in Zadar and Cut up.
Exterior of the summer season months (Could to October) you’ll discover that life in Hvar City is rather a lot quieter and plenty of locations shut. As long as you don’t thoughts an absence of others, you’ll get to expertise a extra genuine lifestyle. Regardless of the quieter interval, common ferries over to Cut up can be found all 12 months spherical. Most distant staff select to remain in the course of the shoulder and summer season months solely, so lodging prices are decrease in the course of the winter.
6. Pula
The Istrian metropolis of Pula is a good spot for a distant employee in Croatia. I spent a whole lot of time right here, and I actually loved the pure setting and laid-back vibe. There’s a whole lot of historical past to discover, together with Pula Arena, however my favourite exercise was the farmers market, with wonderful native produce on supply—it is a actual foodie’s metropolis.
The price of dwelling in Pula is akin to the remainder of the nation, and there are many markets to buy recent meals. There aren’t any coworking spots in Pula to jot down about but, however you’ll discover loads of appropriate cafes, together with Cafe Cinderella, which has super-fast web and comfy chairs. You’ll discover many different distant staff utilizing cafes across the metropolis; they provide nice alternatives to satisfy different individuals.
Pula is a perfect spot for nature and meals lovers and it’s simple to work from too. Internet speeds are customary, at round 47.85 Mbps for downloads and uploads at 1924 Mbps – I by no means struggled with Wifi in Pula. I additionally discovered the extra pure ambiance fairly inspiring, and it’s a soothing spot to sit back out.
7. Rijeka
Rijeka provides a beautiful mixture of touristic enjoyable and genuine Croatian life. It’s a medium-sized metropolis that sits on the shores of the Adriatic, and there are some stunning seashores to take pleasure in and nice pure spots—Postojna Cave is a must-visit. Trsat Castle is the crowning glory that provides a cultural and conventional really feel to the town.
The digital nomad life-style in Rijeka is fairly laid-back, however you gained’t battle to search out different distant staff to attach with. It’s potential to search out an house away from the seaside for round €420 ($450), and there are lots of nice worth metropolis heart Airbnbs to take a look at. Consuming out in Rijeka generally is a little dear, so it’s a good suggestion to buy on the native markets and prepare dinner your meals at residence.
There are just a few coworking areas in Rijeka, with RiHub being the most well-liked. In contrast to Cut up which has many areas to work from, Rijeka provides extra of a restaurant vibe, however the web is powerful and akin to different Croatian cities. For those who’re in search of an alternate spot to the bigger cities, akin to Zagreb and Cut up, Rijeka is a good alternative.
8. Osijek
Many digital nomads in Croatia are selecting to move to Osijek, a lesser-known metropolis that gives tradition and a extra conventional lifestyle. I visited Osijek as soon as throughout my time in Croatia, and I assumed it was a captivating metropolis with reasonably priced dwelling alternatives for distant staff. There are additionally loads of occasions that happen all year long, such because the Craft Beer Festival.
Osijek is fairly up-and-coming and there’s just one major coworking house to this point, Bios Inkubator, however which means you’ll doubtless meet individuals of different like-minded individuals there. Nevertheless, the web within the metropolis is sweet, with download and upload speeds of 66.19 and 29.04 Mbps respectively. You’ll additionally discover loads of nice cafes to work from, akin to San Francisco Coffee House.
General, if you happen to’re in search of a spot to remain that’s off the vacationer route, Osijek is a good alternative with a extra conventional vibe. As a result of it’s much less recognized than a number of the different cities, it’s additionally extra reasonably priced and also you’ll take pleasure in a extra genuine expertise.
9. Korčula
I spent a whole lot of time on Korčula island, and it’s someplace I’d like to return to. The laid-back vibe, the pleasant individuals, and the island’s magnificence are simply off the size. It’s additionally a spot the place many digital nomads head to, and it’s very easy to have productive days with alternatives to sightsee whenever you’re achieved.
The most effective cities in Croatia supply numerous coworking alternatives and a sooner tempo of life, however I liked Korčula’s easygoing velocity. I discovered the island to be reasonably priced, though it’s a vacationer space so if you happen to keep near the seaside, you’ll pay extra. There are lots of Airbnbs round, and I stayed in Medvinjak, which is a brief bus journey from the Old Town.
There are just a few coworking areas out there, together with Gradac Coworking, which I used just a few occasions. So far as the social component is anxious, nightlife in Korčula is no matter you need it to be, which is one thing I recognize. There are many beachside bars and eating places, golf equipment, and extra laid-back cocktail spots to socialize with new mates.
10. Cavtat
Essentially the most southern seaside resort in Croatia is Cavtat, which is situated round 20km away from bustling Dubrovnik. I liked the calm vibe in Cavtat, and if you wish to be near Dubrovnik however aren’t eager on paying excessive rental costs, otherwise you wish to keep away from crowds, it is a nice alternative.
The seashores listed below are gorgeous, and Žal is certainly one of my favorites. I discovered Cavtat to be much more cultural than another resorts, with loads of small museums and occasions held all year long; the Summer time Competition in July is a must-do. Cavtat can also be much more reasonably priced than Dubrovnik, and you’ll find an house away from the seaside for round €500 ($540).
There aren’t any coworking areas in Cavtat at present, however there are tons of waterside cafes, akin to Caffe Bar Delfin. I by no means struggled with the web in Cavtat, and I discovered it a captivating place to remain for some time, with a small but thriving digital nomad scene.
Finest Cities in Croatia for Digital Nomads: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to essentially the most generally requested questions on the very best cities in Croatia for digital nomads:
Croatia is thought for its gorgeous seashores, historical past, tradition, and pleasant locals. Dubrovnik is certainly one of its most well-known locations, made much more in order a filming website for Game of Thrones.
The most effective time to go to Croatia is between April and October. That is the primary vacationer season when every little thing is open and the climate is wonderful. Nevertheless, the winter months supply a extra conventional expertise for these in search of tradition and authenticity.
Sure! Croatia is 100% value visiting, and it’s turn out to be extraordinarily widespread over the previous few years. You gained’t battle to pack your time with wonderful issues to see and do, and the seashores are breathtaking.
Croatia launched its digital nomad visa in January 2021, permitting digital nomads to work within the nation for as much as one 12 months. Nevertheless, this can’t at present be prolonged as soon as the 12 months is completed.
Other than the standard vacationer pickpocketing scams in giant cities, Croatia is a safe country to visit. In fact, it’s best to all the time use your widespread sense irrespective of the place you’re, however on the whole, Croatia doesn’t have a high-risk label.
Sure, Croatia has a digital nomad visa which permits distant staff to remain for as much as one 12 months. Extra info may be discovered here.
Most expats select to stay on the coast, with Dubrovnik, Cut up, Zadar, and Rijeka widespread selections. Nevertheless, Zagreb, the capital, can also be the place you will see a big expat neighborhood, particularly in the course of the winter months.
There are lots of top coworking spaces in Croatia, however Hub385 in Zagreb, Smartspace in Cut up, and COIN Coworking in Zadar are all high choices. Other than coworking areas, there are some nice cafes to spend just a few productive hours with nice espresso and snacks.
In Closing
Irrespective of the place you select to go in Croatia, I’m certain you’ll have the very best expertise, simply as I did. It’s a rustic that positively has my coronary heart and with the brand new digital nomad visa in place, it’s now simpler than ever earlier than to work and discover this stunning a part of the world and all it has to supply.
Now you already know the very best cities in Croatia for digital nomads, your planning can start. Maybe you’ll select to maneuver round and spend time elsewhere, however no matter you select, you’ll discover that Croatia is greater than welcoming, extraordinarily stunning, and can offer you reminiscences like nowhere else.
