Should you’ve ever hit ‘Croatia’ on a Google search, you’ll little doubt see a myriad of beautiful footage. It’s no shock; we’re speaking about an amazingly lovely nation right here, and it’s someplace individuals flock to through the summer season months particularly. However, what for those who’re fascinated by staying there long-term? The excellent news is there are lots of professionals of residing in Croatia.
Having lived in Croatia for a number of months, I do know simply how chilled out the tempo of life might be. It’s a really welcome break from hustle and bustle, and the attractive seashores by no means harm both. However, after all, like wherever on this planet, you must take into consideration the cons of residing in Croatia too. That can assist you out, let’s check out either side of the coin so you possibly can see how you are feeling on the finish.
15 Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Croatia
There are each professionals and cons to residing in Croatia; there are some superb issues about this place, however I additionally discovered a number of issues downright irritating. Having mentioned that, it’s all the time been the identical regardless of the place on this planet I’ve spent prolonged quantities of time. I thought of this one lengthy and arduous as a result of I need to provide the full image.
Ultimately, I spotted I’d written a significantly longer listing of professionals, however the cons positively must be thought of too. Selecting to stay in such a ravishing and cultural nation is rarely the toughest selection on this planet, however as I discovered, if you would like the most effective expertise, it is advisable to be ready.
The place is Croatia?
Croatia is a rustic situated within the Balkans and it’s lapped by the clear water of the Adriatic Sea. Throughout the summer season months, its foremost resorts of Dubrovnik, Cut up, Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Lošinj are full of sun-seekers, with Dubrovnik particularly being a significant draw. You might need heard that a number of Sport of Thrones scenes have been filmed in Croatia too, which positively provides to the tourism issue and curiosity within the islands.
The wonderful thing about Croatia is the climate. The summers are scorching, the winters are delicate, and seaside time is almost all the time an possibility. I spent a substantial period of time on Korčula island and actually loved the cooling Adriatic on these scorching days; for me, it was positively one of many benefits of residing in Croatia. The hottest month of the yr is July when the temperatures hit highs of 29°C/84°F in Dubrovnik, however even in January, you possibly can count on a median of 12°C/54°F.
After all, it’s not all about climate. Croatia is influenced by the international locations bordering it, together with Slovenia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. In consequence, you possibly can count on a multicultural really feel, with a mixture of genuine appeal.
Professionals of residing in Croatia
It’s no shock that there are many plus factors of residing on this lovely nation. I imply, take a look at it! Watching such lovely surroundings on daily basis isn’t precisely a hardship. However, let’s dive in somewhat deeper and discover out precisely what’s so good about calling Croatia your house.
1. It’s a Tremendous Fairly Nation
Okay, I’ve already talked about the truth that it’s a surprising nation, and doubtless one of many greatest advantages of residing in Croatia is being surrounded by its magnificence each single day. Whether or not you select to remain in a seaside resort, on an island, or in the primary cities, similar to Zadar, you’ll all the time be blown away by how superb every thing is. I by no means acquired bored of trying on the similar surroundings, and it was equally as breathtaking on the day I left, because it was on the day I arrived.
There are lots of pure hotspots to go to in Croatia, together with Plitvice Lakes Nationwide Park, which was one in every of my favourite spots total. Go to Krka Nationwide Park and Brijuni Nationwide Park to call simply two beautiful places, and also you’re certain to fall in love. The waterfalls in Croatia are epic, and it’s no marvel these parks are so common through the summer season months.
After all, there are additionally seashores – superb seashores. Banje Seaside in Dubrovnik was a favourite spot of mine, regardless of being near the crowds within the metropolis heart. I additionally liked Lumbarda‘s sandy seashores on Korčula, however in all honesty, you gained’t discover a dangerous seaside in Croatia.
2. Nice Climate All Yr Round
I already talked about that the climate is nice in Croatia, however it actually is an all-year-round form of deal. Whereas you could find snowy climate through the winter months, you’ll want to go into the center of the nation, notably round Plitvice Lakes. Nevertheless, for essentially the most half, you’re scorching summers and delicate winters.
Croatia’s coastal areas have a typical Mediterranean local weather, which implies little or no rain through the months between June and September. Nevertheless, what I appreciated most was that though the summer season months do get scorching, notably July and August, they’re not so scorching that you may’t transfer. For instance, you possibly can count on a median of 30°C/86°F in Cut up throughout July, and 25°C/77°F in Zadar.
All of which means seaside time shall be in your precedence listing and sea temperatures actually don’t allow you to down in the summertime months. Actually, Dubrovnik’s sea temperature is a very comfy 25°C/77°F in August.
3. Nice High quality Healthcare
One of many professionals of residing in Croatia is the prime quality of healthcare. Anybody employed by a Croatian enterprise shall be mechanically registered with state healthcare, nevertheless, there are numerous non-public insurance coverage choices obtainable. You’ll additionally discover many pharmacies, medical doctors surgical procedures, and hospitals throughout the nation they usually’re usually all very accessible to foreigners.
I needed to go to the hospital throughout my time in Croatia, and it was a fairly easy course of. There was a translator obtainable, and every thing went easily. It’s also possible to get medical recommendation on minor points by going to the closest pharmacy; it is going to assist when you’ve got a Croatian speaker with you, however you may get by with Google Translate if the pharmacist isn’t fluent in English.
It goes with out saying that healthcare is a significant consideration if you’re fascinated by shifting to any nation, however in my expertise, Croatia’s healthcare system is top of the range.
4. Value of Dwelling is Inexpensive
Like wherever on this planet, the price of residing has elevated somewhat over the past couple of years, however it’s nonetheless decrease or on par with most of Europe. Croatia adopted the Euro in January 2023, which has induced a slight improve in the price of some objects, however total, it actually isn’t an costly nation.
Based on Numbeo, a single particular person can stay per thirty days in Croatia with out lease for round €686.30, however after all, there are methods to chop prices. I cooked at house a variety of the time and prevented vacationer hotspot eating places. I additionally went to free seashores moderately than bar-owned ones that ask you to buy meals and drinks.
There are lots of hostels and Airbnb decisions you possibly can look into if you first arrive and I like to recommend looking for a spot to lease long run. This could be a prolonged course of in some conditions however trying past vacationer resorts can usually yield useful outcomes.
5. There’s a Digital Nomad Visa
Excellent news for digital nomads! There’s a digital nomad visa obtainable in Croatia which lasts for a yr. The draw back is that you may’t prolong it, however you can work out your plans from there. It’s one of many benefits of residing in Croatia for distant staff particularly as a result of you possibly can maintain incomes when you get pleasure from every thing the nation has to supply.
This visa is comparatively new, having been established in January 2021, and it’s induced a increase in nomads deciding to spend longer quantities of time within the nation. Naturally, this has additionally led to a extra cosmopolitan really feel, and there at the moment are many coworking areas and nice cafes to spend the day working from.
6. It’s a Typically Secure Place to Be
I by no means felt unsafe in Croatia, even within the largest metropolis of Zagreb. It goes with out saying that there’ll all the time be odd conditions similar to pickpocketing, however generally, that is uncommon. You may massively improve your possibilities of avoiding all of this by merely utilizing your widespread sense.
Croatia total is taken into account a protected place to go to, and I can again that up with my very own experiences. As a lone feminine strolling round, I by no means encountered any scenario that induced me to really feel cautious, and I by no means skilled any undesirable advances. I discovered everybody to be pleasant (extra on that shortly), and even in additional distant locations, such because the nationwide parks, I felt comfy.
That doesn’t imply you must push apart your widespread sense and instinct. By no means stroll round by yourself at night time and stick with well-lit areas. Don’t flash your valuables, and don’t be too trusting of individuals you’ve solely simply met. In all honesty, it’s not rocket science, however there are only a few locations that made me really feel safer than Croatia.
7. Pleasant Locals
When you’ll most likely discover that not everybody speaks English, that typically isn’t an issue as a result of most individuals are so welcoming and heat. There’s an actual give attention to hospitality, particularly for individuals from different international locations who need to be taught extra about Croatia.
I sat for a couple of hours with a beautiful native woman in Vis who taught me the right way to make burek and served me infinite cups of tea. It wasn’t an remoted expertise both; I discovered the identical stage of kindness in lots of different locations too, and when you’ll all the time get the odd grumpy particular person, in my expertise, Croatia has a number of the friendliest individuals round.
It all the time helps to be taught a couple of phrases of the language for those who can, as it will assist you to speak and the locals have a tendency to essentially recognize your efforts. One tip I ought to move on is that for those who’re invited to somebody’s home for tea or dinner, keep in mind that so long as they maintain providing you with meals, you’ll be anticipated to eat it! It’s thought of impolite for those who don’t.
8. Wonderful Meals
Oh, the meals! I’ve to say, once I first went to Croatia, I didn’t count on to be that impressed by the meals. Balkan meals generally by no means struck me as being that incredible, however I used to be so unsuitable! I’d extremely advocate you head away from the vacationer spots and take a look at native meals in an genuine restaurant—ask a neighbor or an area shopkeeper the place they go for those who’re uncertain.
The meals is certainly one of many professionals of residing in Croatia and the primary factor you must attempt is ćevapi, which is a scrumptious grilled meat dish that’s discovered far and wide. I discussed burek earlier, and that’s one in every of my prime dishes too, however don’t miss out on štukli—the cheese model is scrumptious.
Every space of Croatia is legendary for a unique sort of native produce, and it’s an incredible excuse to journey round and take a look at various things. Should you’re a truffle fan, head to the Mirna River in Motovun Forest, cheese followers merely should take a look at Pag, and olives and native olive oil are additionally notable additions to your listing.
9. A Conventional Approach of Life is Straightforward to Discover
The wonderful thing about Croatia is that though it’s touristic in a variety of locations, it’s not tough to enterprise someplace genuine and expertise a standard lifestyle. The islands are an incredible instance right here, particularly Pag. Yow will discover superb seashores and nice meals, however it’s also possible to discover a gradual tempo that helps you be taught extra concerning the historical past and traditions of the island.
I discovered it simple to dip out and in of touristic enjoyable. Zagreb is a metropolis full of modern-day facilities and the same old procuring and nightlife fare, however for those who head inland of the nation, it’s a very completely different story. There, it’s extra about nature and residing in tune with every thing the land offers.
I spent a variety of time on Korčula, and I discovered it had the proper mix of previous and new for me. As I discussed earlier, you’ll meet a number of pleasant individuals alongside your approach and that’s the place you possibly can ask questions and study traditions and the particular tradition in every space.
10. A Ton of Historical past to Discover
Should you’re a historical past buff, you’re not going to be upset with Croatia. Whereas modern-day Croatia gained its independence in 1991, its story started approach earlier than that. Dubrovnik is full of historic sights, however the draw back is that everybody else is attempting to see it on the similar time. If you wish to head there (and you must), I like to recommend visiting through the winter months, until you want crowds.
Pula Enviornment is an imposing sight, and it’s conveniently near some fairly beautiful seashores. One in every of my favourite locations was Bokar Fortress, which dates again to 1570. Be sure to take a look at the Partitions of Ston, that are the longest in Europe. Oh, and add the Zadar Roman Discussion board to that must-see listing, too.
Being round a lot historical past is totally one of many advantages of residing in Croatia, and for those who determine on staying long-term, you possibly can take your time visiting the entire most notable spots at your leisure.
Cons of Dwelling in Croatia
There are some cons of residing in Croatia, I can’t lie. The excellent news is that the professionals positively outweigh them. What it is advisable to determine is that if they outweigh them sufficient on your personal private scenario.
I skilled a couple of irritating conditions throughout my time in Croatia; let me share the primary ones with you so you can also make an knowledgeable selection.
1. A Myriad of Pink Tape
Definitely, the largest annoyance about residing in Croatia is that you may’t get something accomplished with out reducing via a ton of purple tape first. It doesn’t matter how easy it might sound at first, you’re certain to expertise a hiccup or two; it’s inevitable and simply a part of life in Croatia.
It could possibly be one thing as “simple” as opening a checking account – you’ll discover duties so much simpler when you’ve got a good friend who speaks Croatia that can assist you out. I’m fast to get annoyed if I can’t do one thing myself, so it’s actually a problem chances are you’ll want to beat. Should you ask most overseas individuals who stay in or have lived in Croatia, they’ll little doubt let you know that purple tape is or has been the bane of their lives.
Are you able to get round it? Sure, you possibly can, however it is going to take time. The perfect piece of recommendation I can provide you right here is to be affected person and take a deep breath (possibly multiple!).
2. The Language Barrier
One of many greatest disadvantages of residing in Croatia is that English isn’t as broadly spoken as you would possibly assume. Croatian itself isn’t the best language to be taught both. Round 60% of the inhabitants communicate English to a point, however you should still end up caught in some conditions.
The excellent news is that individuals are fairly pleasant they usually’re unlikely to dismiss you simply since you’re unable to speak. Google Translate is all the time a useful gizmo, however you’ll discover that for those who can communicate at the least a couple of phrases of Croatian, you’ll handle to make your self higher understood.
Once more, it’s extra of an annoyance than an precise situation, however it’s one thing you want to pay attention to if you wish to make your new life in Croatia as simple and as fulfilling as potential.
3. It May be Very Quiet Throughout the Winter Months
A lot of the Adriatic shoreline is touristic, which implies that through the winter months, it will possibly develop into extraordinarily quiet. Many of the bars and eating places shut down from the top of October till the start of April, and whereas it’s a chilled-out time, it may be somewhat boring at instances.
This will not be a problem for you, however it’s one thing to say. One of many greatest downsides of residing in Croatia is that it’s seasonal when it comes to leisure. A number of the nationwide parks additionally shut through the winter months, and in the event that they do stay open, it’s for a restricted time solely.
The plus level is that you just’ll expertise a lot much less site visitors and that is the most effective time to go to Dubrovnik, regardless of some issues being shut. Having mentioned that, if you wish to stay in Croatia, possibly a extra chilled-out lifestyle is what you’re on the lookout for, and if that’s the case, this most likely gained’t be the largest downside you face.
4. Exhausting to Discover Employment in Croatia Itself
One of many greatest downsides of residing in Croatia is that discovering employment might be tough as a overseas particular person. Should you’re a distant employee, you’ll have the ability to apply for the digital nomad visa, and may proceed your work that approach, however if you wish to work for a Croatian firm, be ready for a problem.
I’m not saying that it’s not possible, simply that it may take a while. It’s finest to have financial savings to maintain you going for a couple of months when you job search. You additionally must receive a piece allow to work legally within the nation and that additionally features a complete lot of the aforementioned purple tape. Remember the fact that attempting to work with out one is actually not advisable.
5. Public Transport May very well be Higher
Croatia’s public transport system isn’t horrible, however it’s not the most effective both. I spent many wasted hours ready for a bus that by no means got here or looking for a taxi that didn’t appear to need to discover me. The general public transport system might be one of many downsides of residing in Croatia, however it will be unfair of me to say that it’s the worst I’ve ever skilled.
Crucial factor is persistence. Buses in rural areas or through the summer season months in coastal cities might say they’re going to reach at x time, however don’t rely on it. Fortunately, public transport in massive cities like Zagreb is much more dependable, and the ferries between islands do are likely to run to schedule, (besides throughout poor climate within the winter months).
To get round this, you possibly can both suck it up, or you possibly can drive. Croatia’s roads are well-maintained and it’s simple to rent a automotive so long as you may have a sound license. Plus, it’s a extremely good technique to get across the nation and see much more.
Is Dwelling in Croatia Price It?
Now you’ve heard my professionals and cons of residing in Croatia, what do you assume? I cherish my time in Croatia, and it’s actually someplace I’d wish to spend extra time in at the least as soon as extra. As with all over the place on this planet, there are good sides and not-so-good sides, however total, the professionals positively trump the cons.
Should you’re prepared to work your approach via a possible language barrier and stay affected person within the face of formalities, you’ll actually discover Croatia to be a tremendous spot to relocate to. With so many superb sights, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals to attempt, what’s to not love?
