In the event you’ve ever hit ‘Croatia’ on a Google search, you’ll little question see a myriad of gorgeous photos. It’s no shock; we’re speaking about an amazingly stunning nation right here, and it’s someplace folks flock to throughout the summer time months particularly. However, what in the event you’re occupied with staying there long-term? The excellent news is there are various execs of dwelling in Croatia.
Having lived in Croatia for a number of months, I do know simply how chilled out the tempo of life could be. It’s a really welcome break from hustle and bustle, and the attractive seashores by no means damage both. However, in fact, like wherever on the earth, it’s important to take into consideration the cons of dwelling in Croatia too. That will help you out, let’s check out each side of the coin so you may see how you’re feeling on the finish.
15 Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Croatia
There are each execs and cons to dwelling in Croatia; there are some wonderful 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 the earth I’ve spent prolonged quantities of time. I considered this one lengthy and laborious as a result of I wish to provide the full image.
In the long run, I spotted I’d written a significantly longer checklist of execs, however the cons positively have to be thought-about too. Selecting to stay in such an exquisite and cultural nation is rarely the toughest alternative on the earth, however as I discovered, in order for you the perfect expertise, you’ll want 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. In the course of the summer time months, its important resorts of Dubrovnik, Break up, Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Lošinj are full of sun-seekers, with Dubrovnik particularly being a serious draw. You may 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 beauty of Croatia is the climate. The summers are sizzling, the winters are gentle, and seashore time is almost all the time an choice. 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 dwelling 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 may count on a mean of 12°C/54°F.
In fact, it’s not all about climate. Croatia is influenced by the nations bordering it, together with Slovenia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. In consequence, you may count on a multicultural really feel, with a mixture of genuine attraction.
Professionals of dwelling in Croatia
It’s no shock that there are many plus factors of dwelling on this stunning nation. I imply, have a look at it! Gazing such stunning surroundings daily isn’t precisely a hardship. However, let’s dive in just a little 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 shocking nation, and doubtless one of many largest advantages of dwelling in Croatia is being surrounded by its magnificence each single day. Whether or not you select to remain in a seashore resort, on an island, or within the important cities, akin to Zadar, you’ll all the time be blown away by how wonderful every thing is. I by no means acquired bored of trying on the identical surroundings, and it was equally as breathtaking on the day I left, because it was on the day I arrived.
There are numerous 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 gorgeous areas, and also you’re certain to fall in love. The waterfalls in Croatia are epic, and it’s no surprise these parks are so common throughout the summer time months.
In fact, there are additionally seashores – wonderful 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 seashore in Croatia.
2. Nice Climate All Yr Round
I already talked about that the climate is sweet in Croatia, nevertheless it actually is an all-year-round sort of deal. Whereas yow will discover snowy climate throughout 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 sizzling summers and gentle winters.
Croatia’s coastal areas have a typical Mediterranean local weather, which implies little or no rain throughout the months between June and September. Nevertheless, what I favored most was that though the summer time months do get sizzling, notably July and August, they’re not so scorching you could’t transfer. For instance, you may count on a mean of 30°C/86°F in Break up throughout July, and 25°C/77°F in Zadar.
All of because of this seashore time will probably be in your precedence checklist and sea temperatures actually don’t allow you to down in the summertime months. In reality, Dubrovnik’s sea temperature is a very snug 25°C/77°F in August.
3. Nice High quality Healthcare
One of many execs of dwelling in Croatia is the top quality of healthcare. Anybody employed by a Croatian enterprise will probably be robotically registered with state healthcare, nonetheless, there are numerous personal insurance coverage choices out there. 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 reasonably easy course of. There was a translator out there, and every thing went easily. You can even get medical recommendation on minor points by going to the closest pharmacy; it would assist in case you have a Croatian speaker with you, however you will get by with Google Translate if the pharmacist isn’t fluent in English.
It goes with out saying that healthcare is a serious consideration whenever you’re occupied with shifting to any nation, however in my expertise, Croatia’s healthcare system is high-quality.
4. Value of Dwelling is Inexpensive
Like wherever on the earth, the price of dwelling has elevated just a little during the last couple of years, nevertheless it’s nonetheless decrease or on par with most of Europe. Croatia adopted the Euro in January 2023, which has induced a slight enhance in the price of some gadgets, however total, it actually isn’t an costly nation.
In keeping with Numbeo, a single particular person can stay per 30 days in Croatia with out lease for round €686.30, however in fact, there are methods to chop prices. I cooked at house quite a lot of the time and averted vacationer hotspot eating places. I additionally went to free seashores somewhat than bar-owned ones that ask you to buy meals and drinks.
There are numerous hostels and Airbnb decisions you may look into whenever you first arrive and I like to recommend trying to find a spot to lease long run. This could be a prolonged course of in some conditions however trying past vacationer resorts can typically yield useful outcomes.
5. There’s a Digital Nomad Visa
Excellent news for digital nomads! There’s a digital nomad visa out there in Croatia which lasts for a yr. The draw back is you could’t prolong it, however you can work out your plans from there. It’s one of many benefits of dwelling in Croatia for distant employees particularly as a result of you may preserve incomes whilst you take pleasure in every thing the nation has to supply.
This visa is comparatively new, having been established in January 2021, and it’s induced a growth 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.
SEE ALSO: 10 Finest Cities in Croatia for Digital Nomads
6. It’s a Usually Secure Place to Be
I by no means felt unsafe in Croatia, even within the largest metropolis of Zagreb. In fact, there’ll all the time be odd conditions akin to pickpocketing, however typically, that is uncommon. You possibly can massively enhance your probabilities of avoiding all of this by merely utilizing your widespread sense.
Croatia total is taken into account a secure 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 snug.
That doesn’t imply you must push apart your widespread sense and instinct. By no means stroll round by yourself at evening and keep on 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
Whilst you’ll in all probability discover that not everybody speaks English, that usually 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 folks from different nations who wish to be taught extra about Croatia.
I sat for a couple of hours with a stunning native girl in Vis who taught me how you can make burek and served me limitless cups of tea. It wasn’t an remoted expertise both; I discovered the identical stage of kindness in lots of different locations too, and whilst you’ll all the time get the odd grumpy particular person, in my expertise, Croatia has a few of the friendliest folks round.
It all the time helps to be taught a couple of phrases of the language in the event you can, as this may make it easier to to speak and the locals have a tendency to actually recognize your efforts. One tip I ought to move on is that in the event you’re invited to somebody’s home for tea or dinner, keep in mind that so long as they preserve supplying you with meals, you’ll be anticipated to eat it! It’s thought-about impolite in the event you don’t.
8. Superb 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 typically by no means struck me as being that tremendous, however I used to be so fallacious! 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 in the event you’re not sure.
The meals is unquestionably one of many execs of dwelling in Croatia and the primary factor it’s important to strive is ćevapi, which is a scrumptious grilled meat dish that’s discovered everywhere. 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 known for a unique kind of native produce, and it’s an amazing excuse to journey round and take a look at various things. In the event 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 checklist.
9. A Conventional Means of Life is Straightforward to Discover
The beauty of Croatia is that though it’s touristic in quite a lot of locations, it’s not troublesome to enterprise someplace genuine and expertise a conventional lifestyle. The islands are an amazing instance right here, particularly Pag. Yow will discover wonderful seashores and nice meals, however you may also 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 in the event you head inland of the nation, it’s a completely completely different story. There, it’s extra about nature and dwelling in tune with every thing the land supplies.
I spent quite a lot of time on Korčula, and I discovered it had the proper mix of outdated and new for me. As I discussed earlier, you’ll meet a number of pleasant folks alongside your means and that’s the place you may ask questions and find out about traditions and the particular tradition in every space.
10. A Ton of Historical past to Discover
In the event you’re a historical past buff, you’re not going to be disenchanted with Croatia. Whereas modern-day Croatia gained its independence in 1991, its story started means earlier than that. Dubrovnik is full of historic sights, however the draw back is that everybody else is making an attempt to see it on the identical time. If you wish to head there (and you must), I like to recommend visiting throughout the winter months, except you want crowds.
Pula Enviornment is an imposing sight, and it’s conveniently near some fairly gorgeous 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 checklist, too.
Being round a lot historical past is totally one of many advantages of dwelling in Croatia, and in the event you determine on staying long-term, you may take your time visiting all the most notable spots at your leisure.
Cons of Dwelling in Croatia
There are some cons of dwelling in Croatia, I can’t lie. The excellent news is that the professionals positively outweigh them. What you’ll want to determine is that if they outweigh them sufficient to your personal private scenario.
I skilled a couple of irritating conditions throughout my time in Croatia; let me share the principle ones with you so you can also make an knowledgeable alternative.
1. A Myriad of Pink Tape
Definitely, the most important annoyance about dwelling in Croatia is you could’t get something performed with out chopping by a ton of purple tape first. It doesn’t matter how easy it may appear at first, you’re certain to expertise a hiccup or two; it’s inevitable and simply a part of life in Croatia.
It might be one thing as “simple” as opening a checking account – you’ll discover duties loads simpler in case you have a pal who speaks Croatia that will help you out. I’m fast to get annoyed if I can’t do one thing myself, so it’s actually a problem you might want to beat. In the event you ask most international individuals who stay in or have lived in Croatia, they’ll little question let you know that purple tape is or has been the bane of their lives.
Are you able to get round it? Sure, you may, however it would take time. The very best 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 largest disadvantages of dwelling in Croatia is that English isn’t as broadly spoken as you may assume. Croatian itself isn’t the best language to be taught both. Round 60% of the inhabitants converse English to a point, however you should still end up caught in some conditions.
The excellent news is that persons 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 in the event you can converse no less than 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 concern, nevertheless it’s one thing you want to concentrate on if you wish to make your new life in Croatia as simple and as pleasurable as attainable.
3. It May be Very Quiet In the course of the Winter Months
A lot of the Adriatic shoreline is touristic, which implies that throughout the winter months, it could grow to be 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 just a little boring at occasions.
This might not be a difficulty for you, nevertheless it’s one thing to say. One of many largest downsides of dwelling in Croatia is that it’s seasonal when it comes to leisure. A few of the nationwide parks additionally shut throughout 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 simply’ll expertise a lot much less site visitors and that is the perfect 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 in search of, and in that case, this in all probability gained’t be the most important drawback you face.
4. Onerous to Discover Employment in Croatia Itself
One of many largest downsides of dwelling in Croatia is that discovering employment could be troublesome for a international particular person. In the event you’re a distant employee, you’ll have the ability to apply for the digital nomad visa, and might proceed your work that means, however if you wish to work for a Croatian firm, be ready for a problem.
I’m not saying that it’s unattainable, simply that it might take a while. It’s finest to have financial savings to maintain you going for a couple of months whilst you job search. You additionally have to receive a piece allow to work legally within the nation and that additionally features a entire lot of the aforementioned purple tape. Take into account that making an attempt 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, nevertheless it’s not the perfect 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 wish to discover me. The general public transport system might be one of many downsides of dwelling in Croatia, however it could be unfair of me to say that it’s the worst I’ve ever skilled.
Crucial factor is endurance. Buses in rural areas or throughout the summer time months in coastal cities might say they’re going to reach at x time, however don’t rely on it. Fortunately, public transport in giant cities like Zagreb is much more dependable, and the ferries between islands do are inclined to run to schedule, (besides throughout poor climate within the winter months).
To get round this, you may both suck it up, or you may drive. Croatia’s roads are well-maintained and it’s simple to rent a automotive so long as you might have a sound license. Plus, it’s a very good option to get across the nation and see much more.
Is Dwelling in Croatia Price It?
Now you’ve heard my execs and cons of dwelling 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 no less than as soon as extra. As with in all places on the earth, there are good sides and not-so-good sides, however total, the professionals positively trump the cons.
In the event you’re prepared to work your means by 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 wonderful sights, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals to strive, what’s to not love?
