For those who’ve ever hit ‘Croatia’ on a Google search, you’ll little doubt see a myriad of gorgeous footage. It’s no shock; we’re speaking about an amazingly lovely nation right here, and it’s someplace individuals flock to throughout the summer season months specifically. However, what should you’re fascinated about staying there long-term? The excellent news is there are numerous professionals of dwelling 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 gorgeous seashores by no means harm both. However, in fact, like wherever on the planet, it’s a must to take into consideration the cons of dwelling 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 dwelling in Croatia; there are some superb issues about this place, however I additionally discovered a number of issues downright irritating. Having stated that, it’s all the time been the identical irrespective of the place on the planet I’ve spent prolonged quantities of time. I thought of this one lengthy and laborious as a result of I need to provide the full image.
In the long run, I spotted I’d written a significantly longer record of professionals, however the cons undoubtedly should be thought-about too. Selecting to stay in such an attractive and cultural nation is rarely the toughest selection on the planet, however as I came upon, if you need one of the best expertise, you must be ready.
The place is Croatia?
Croatia is a rustic positioned within the Balkans and it’s lapped by the clear water of the Adriatic Sea. Throughout the summer season months, its fundamental resorts of Dubrovnik, Cut up, Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Lošinj are full of sun-seekers, with Dubrovnik specifically being a significant draw. You may need heard that a number of Recreation of Thrones scenes had been filmed in Croatia too, which undoubtedly provides to the tourism issue and curiosity within the islands.
The beauty of Croatia is the climate. The summers are scorching, the winters are delicate, and seashore time is sort of 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 undoubtedly one of many benefits of dwelling in Croatia. The most well liked 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 mean of 12°C/54°F.
After all, 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 possibly can 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 lovely nation. I imply, take a look at it! Gazing such lovely surroundings daily isn’t precisely a hardship. However, let’s dive in slightly deeper and discover out precisely what’s so good about calling Croatia your property.
1. It’s a Tremendous Fairly Nation
Okay, I’ve already talked about the truth that it’s a surprising nation, and possibly one of many greatest 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 in the principle cities, reminiscent of Zadar, you’ll all the time be blown away by how superb every little thing is. I by no means obtained bored of wanting 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 all my favourite spots general. 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 in style throughout the summer season months.
After all, there are additionally seashores – superb seashores. Banje Seashore in Dubrovnik was a favourite spot of mine, regardless of being near the crowds within the metropolis heart. I additionally cherished Lumbarda‘s sandy seashores on Korčula, however in all honesty, you gained’t discover a unhealthy seashore 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 type of deal. Whereas you’ll find snowy climate throughout the winter months, you’ll want to move into the center of the nation, significantly round Plitvice Lakes. Nonetheless, for essentially the most half, you’re taking a look at scorching summers and delicate winters.
Croatia’s coastal areas have a typical Mediterranean local weather, which implies little or no rain throughout the months between June and September. Nonetheless, what I preferred most was that though the summer season months do get scorching, significantly July and August, they’re not so scorching that you could’t transfer. For instance, you possibly can count on a mean of 30°C/86°F in Cut up throughout July, and 25°C/77°F in Zadar.
All of which means seashore time will likely be in your precedence record and sea temperatures actually don’t allow you to down in the summertime months. In truth, Dubrovnik’s sea temperature is a very comfy 25°C/77°F in August.
3. Nice High quality Healthcare
One of many professionals of dwelling in Croatia is the prime quality of healthcare. Anybody employed by a Croatian enterprise will likely be mechanically registered with state healthcare, nevertheless, there are numerous personal insurance coverage choices accessible. You’ll additionally discover many pharmacies, medical doctors surgical procedures, and hospitals throughout the nation they usually’re sometimes 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 accessible, and every little thing went easily. You can too get medical recommendation on minor points by going to the closest pharmacy; it’ll assist if 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 significant consideration whenever you’re fascinated about shifting to any nation, however in my expertise, Croatia’s healthcare system is fine quality.
4. Value of Dwelling is Reasonably priced
Like wherever on the planet, the price of dwelling has elevated slightly during the last 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 enhance in the price of some gadgets, however general, it actually isn’t an costly nation.
Based on Numbeo, a single individual can stay monthly in Croatia with out lease for round €686.30, however in fact, there are methods to chop prices. I cooked at residence lots of the time and averted vacationer hotspot eating places. I additionally went to free seashores slightly than bar-owned ones that ask you to buy meals and drinks.
There are numerous hostels and Airbnb selections you possibly can look into whenever you first arrive and I like to recommend looking for a spot to lease long run. This is usually a prolonged course of in some conditions however wanting past vacationer resorts can usually yield helpful outcomes.
5. There’s a Digital Nomad Visa
Excellent news for digital nomads! There’s a digital nomad visa accessible in Croatia which lasts for a yr. The draw back is that 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 specifically as a result of you possibly can hold incomes when you get pleasure from every little 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.
6. It’s a Usually Protected 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 reminiscent of pickpocketing, however on the whole, that is uncommon. You’ll be able to massively enhance your probabilities of avoiding all of this by merely utilizing your frequent sense.
Croatia general 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 it is best to push apart your frequent 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 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 individuals from different nations who need to study extra about Croatia.
I sat for a couple of hours with a beautiful native woman in Vis who taught me how one 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 when you’ll all the time get the odd grumpy individual, in my expertise, Croatia has a number of the friendliest individuals round.
It all the time helps to study a couple of phrases of the language should you can, as this can allow you to to speak and the locals have a tendency to actually respect your efforts. One tip I ought to move on is that should you’re invited to somebody’s home for tea or dinner, do not forget that so long as they hold supplying you with meals, you’ll be anticipated to eat it! It’s thought-about impolite should you don’t.
8. Superb Meals
Oh, the meals! I’ve to say, after I first went to Croatia, I didn’t count on to be that impressed by the meals. Balkan meals on the whole by no means struck me as being that incredible, however I used to be so unsuitable! I’d extremely suggest 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 should you’re not sure.
The meals is certainly one of many professionals of dwelling in Croatia and the primary factor it’s a must to strive is ćevapi, which is a scrumptious grilled meat dish that’s discovered in every single place. I discussed burek earlier, and that’s one in all my prime dishes too, however don’t miss out on štukli—the cheese model is scrumptious.
Every space of Croatia is legendary for a distinct sort of native produce, and it’s an important excuse to journey round and take a look at various things. For those who’re a truffle fan, head to the Mirna River in Motovun Forest, cheese followers merely should try Pag, and olives and native olive oil are additionally notable additions to your record.
9. A Conventional Means of Life is Simple to Discover
The beauty of Croatia is that though it’s touristic in lots of locations, it’s not tough to enterprise someplace genuine and expertise a standard lifestyle. The islands are an important instance right here, particularly Pag. You could find superb seashores and nice meals, however you may also discover a sluggish tempo that helps you study extra concerning the historical past and traditions of the island.
I discovered it straightforward to dip out and in of touristic enjoyable. Zagreb is a metropolis full of modern-day facilities and the standard purchasing and nightlife fare, however should you head inland of the nation, it’s a very totally different story. There, it’s extra about nature and dwelling in tune with every little thing the land gives.
I spent lots 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 numerous pleasant individuals alongside your method and that’s the place you possibly can ask questions and find out about traditions and the particular tradition in every space.
10. A Ton of Historical past to Discover
For those who’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 method 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 it is best to), I like to recommend visiting throughout the winter months, until you want crowds.
Pula Enviornment is an imposing sight, and it’s conveniently near some fairly gorgeous seashores. Certainly one of my favourite locations was Bokar Fortress, which dates again to 1570. Ensure you try the Partitions of Ston, that are the longest in Europe. Oh, and add the Zadar Roman Discussion board to that must-see record, too.
Being round a lot historical past is totally one of many advantages of dwelling in Croatia, and should you resolve on staying long-term, you possibly can 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 undoubtedly outweigh them. What you must resolve 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 selection.
1. A Myriad of Purple Tape
Undoubtedly, the largest annoyance about dwelling in Croatia is that you could’t get something performed with out reducing by means of a ton of pink 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 might be one thing as “straightforward” as opening a checking account – you’ll discover duties loads simpler if in case you have a good friend 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 chances are you’ll want to beat. For those who ask most international individuals who stay in or have lived in Croatia, they’ll little doubt inform you that pink tape is or has been the bane of their lives.
Are you able to get round it? Sure, you possibly can, however it’ll take time. The perfect piece of recommendation I may give you right here is to be affected person and take a deep breath (perhaps a couple of!).
2. The Language Barrier
One of many greatest disadvantages of dwelling in Croatia is that English isn’t as broadly spoken as you may suppose. Croatian itself isn’t the best language to study both. Round 60% of the inhabitants converse English to some extent, 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 great tool, however you’ll discover that should you can converse 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 problem, however it’s one thing you want to pay attention to if you wish to make your new life in Croatia as straightforward and as pleasant as doable.
3. It Could be Very Quiet Throughout the Winter Months
A lot of the Adriatic shoreline is touristic, which signifies that throughout the winter months, it might change into extraordinarily quiet. A lot of the bars and eating places shut down from the tip of October till the start of April, and whereas it’s a chilled-out time, it may be slightly boring at instances.
This will not be a problem for you, however it’s one thing to say. One of many greatest downsides of dwelling in Croatia is that it’s seasonal when it comes to leisure. A number 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 one of the best time to go to Dubrovnik, regardless of some issues being shut. Having stated that, if you wish to stay in Croatia, perhaps a extra chilled-out lifestyle is what you’re in search of, and if that’s the case, this most likely gained’t be the largest downside you face.
4. Laborious to Discover Employment in Croatia Itself
One of many greatest downsides of dwelling in Croatia is that discovering employment might be tough as a international individual. For those who’re a distant employee, you’ll be capable to apply for the digital nomad visa, and might proceed your work that method, 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 might 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 get hold of a piece allow to work legally within the nation and that additionally features a entire lot of the aforementioned pink tape. Take into account that making an attempt to work with out one is actually not advisable.
5. Public Transport Could possibly be Higher
Croatia’s public transport system isn’t horrible, however it’s not one of the best 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 dwelling in Croatia, however it could be unfair of me to say that it’s the worst I’ve ever skilled.
Crucial factor is persistence. Buses in rural areas or throughout the summer season months in coastal cities could say they’re going to reach at x time, however don’t depend on it. Fortunately, public transport in massive 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 possibly can both suck it up, or you possibly can drive. Croatia’s roads are well-maintained and it’s straightforward to rent a automobile so long as you could have a legitimate license. Plus, it’s a very good solution to get across the nation and see much more.
Is Dwelling in Croatia Value It?
Now you’ve heard my professionals and cons of dwelling in Croatia, what do you suppose? 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 in every single place on the planet, there are good sides and not-so-good sides, however general, the professionals undoubtedly trump the cons.
For those who’re keen to work your method by means of a possible language barrier and stay affected person within the face of formalities, you’ll actually discover Croatia to be an incredible spot to relocate to. With so many superb sights, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals to strive, what’s to not love?
