What exactly are the top four cities in Croatia to be a digital nomad? Well, you could well argue that there are many more and that the whole country, as diverse as it is, is a playground for living and working. But, for arguments sake we are going to narrow down the choices a little.
So our top four begins (of course) with Dubrovnik. Now, being a Dubrovnik based company we are of course a little biased. Our top five could begin and end with the pearl of the Adriatic (only joking). A magnet for tourists in the warmer months and peaceful and relaxing throughout the winter. With its historic Old City, glinting turquoise Adriatic and high-end infrastructure there are lots of tick in the plus boxes. We’re going to pick out three advantages and three disadvantages. Just to be balanced. Safety, connections at the airport in summer months and Adriatic and cultural scene (whoops that’s four, but as we said Dubrovnik is close to our hearts). And price, the crowds and lack of accommodation in the negative boxes. With so many flights to the international airport it isn’t hard to reach, well in the summer anyway. And is the only Croatian airport with direct flights from the USA.
We couldn’t create a top four and not include the capital, Zagreb. With almost a million people this is the one true large metropolis in the country. It has a well-developed digital nomad community and all of the associated services and offers that you’d expect. Of course, size matters when you looking for accommodation and prices are relatively inexpensive. Although, Zagreb has been on the radar for investors recently pushing real estate prices and renting slightly higher. Here comes those pluses and minuses again. Options, prices and community. Those are the pluses. It’s a large city that doesn’t hibernate in the winter, far from it the Winter Festival is one of the best in Europe. Crowds, environment and location, are on the down side. Size, well sometimes bigger isn’t better. And the location, whilst near to Europe it isn’t that close to the beautiful Dalmatian coastline. Second on our list, but this isn’t a list in any order of preference (although we’d still put Dubrovnik on the top..haha).
Split. Back to the coastline and to the largest city on the Dalmatian coastline. With around 160,000 citizens again this isn’t one of those quaint fishermen’s villages. Split is a vibrant city with a vibrant population. A hub for sport’s culture and food. Probably the best connected city in Croatia, with both roads, ferries and the airport. In fact, the airport was the busiest in the whole of the country last year. With its Diocletian Palace and countless nearby islands, you aren’t going to be short of things to do. It’s also very close to some major coastal cities, such as Šibenik and Zadar (which has a digital nomad village). Plus, and minus. Great digital nomad community, co-working spaces and affordable accommodation. Tourist hub, prices (tourist prices in summer) and crowds (especially in the summer).
The last on our top four list is a little leftfield. Osijek. Now, please don’t shout “where” as it’s the fourth largest Croatian city. Ok, we get it, it’s hardly a city that you’re going to find leading any tourist brochures. But that is a major plus. Situated in the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia (yes, far from the sea) Osijek is on the banks of the Drava river, that’s a tribute of the Danube by the way. This is very much an up-and-coming destination for digital nomads and as such seems to have the support of the whole community. Now if you’re looking for a destination that won’t break the bank then Osijek is for you. A relaxed lifestyle in the heart of Europe. And finally those three pluses and minuses. Price, strong digital nomad community, location. You can find an apartment here for almost half the price of the other choices on our list. And on the negative side, location (yes, a plus and a minus), options and travel. Osijek, as we said, is just getting on the radar so has a lot of the teething problems you’d expect. But well worth considering.
There you go four options, the choice is yours, why not visit them all and get the true Croatian experience, from the coast to the flatlands, to the metropolis.
