Is Croatia a good place to live? The growing number of expats in Croatia would say it is one of the best places to live in Europe. Croatia is a country with beautiful coastlines and many picturesque islands bathed in turquoise waters.
The cost of living in Croatia is reasonable if the budget is an important consideration for you before moving to Croatia, as most of the expenses are two to three times cheaper when compared to the USA or Canada.
There are many things to do in Croatia, from swimming and sunbathing on the beaches, to hiking through stunning forests or exploring medieval villages. Croatia is also centrally located in Europe, thus offering easy access by car or short cheap flights to explore pretty much all of Europe.
If you’re thinking about retiring in Croatia, then you are probably asking yourself, where is the best place to retire in Croatia? Although not a huge country, there are plenty of extremely attractive and affordable places to live in Croatia to choose from, largely because the country spreads along a sizable part of the Adriatic Coast.
The most popular places to retire in Croatia are beach towns like Dubrovnik, Split, or Zadar, as these towns offer everything you need for a relaxed lifestyle by the sea. You have incredible sunny weather, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, and pleasant streets, perfect for strolling around in the evening breeze.
If you’re thinking about moving to Croatia, keep reading, as we’ve done the legwork and the research for you and discovered ten of the best places to live in Croatia:
1. Split
Split is one of the most beautiful places in Europe and an all-time favorite among the best places to live in Croatia. The natural beauty here is amazing, and there are some great local landmarks to check out. It’s also a very comfortable place climate-wise, as the weather’s almost always perfect, and the locals are very friendly.
Split is a pretty big city, so there’s so much to do in terms of entertainment. For example, you can check out the amazing beaches nearby, go hiking or biking in the mountains, or visit one of the many museums and galleries. There are also a ton of great restaurants and cafes to choose from. Overall, Split is an incredible place to visit or to call home and you won’t be disappointed. If you’re looking for some great beaches nearby, we would recommend checking out Baska Voda and Makarska.
2. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. The natural scenery is just stunning and there are so many incredible landmarks to see, so you will feel transported to another world. It’s also a very comfortable place climate-wise since it’s located in Southern Croatia, where it’s nice and warm for most of the year.
The locals are also extremely friendly. Although it’s not a huge city, it is walkable and there’s plenty to do in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. Some of the best beaches nearby include Banje Beach, Copacabana Beach, and Lapad Beach. There are also tons of great restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs located within the city limits.
3. Hvar
Hvar, Croatia is one of the most beautiful places on Earth without exaggeration, and certainly one of the best places to live in Croatia. With its stunning natural scenery and amazing landmarks, it’s no wonder that people flock to this place every year. Not to mention, the climate is perfect for those who want to escape the cold winter months. And of course, let’s not forget about the friendly locals who are always happy to help out foreigners.
Once you visit Hvar, you’ll never want to leave. As far as beaches go, there are plenty of options nearby. Some of the best ones include Zlatni Rat Beach and Pakleni Islands beach. Both offer magnificent views and endless opportunities for fun in the sun! If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key though, try Visovac island beach which provides a more serene atmosphere.
In terms of entertainment, there is no shortage of things to do in Hvar, and boating is one of the most popular activities here. For those who enjoy the nightlife, be sure to check out some of the many bars and clubs located throughout town.
4. Rovinj
Rovinj is a picturesque fishing town located in Northern Croatia, and one of the best places to live in Croatia if your idea of a perfect retirement or life abroad is by the sea. The natural beauty of the place is unmatched and various landmarks are dotting the landscape, making it even more special.
As for comfort levels, Rovinj has a temperate climate which makes it perfect for enjoying all year round- from its crystal clear waters to its lovely beaches. Additionally, locals here are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, as they’re always up for a chat and quick to help out newcomers.
In terms of size, Rovinj falls somewhere in between being too big or too small- just perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. And speaking of exploring, there are plenty of things to do and great beaches nearby that are worth checking out during your stay here. So whether you’re looking to relax or have some fun under the sun, Rovinj will not disappoint.
5. Zadar
There’s something special about Croatia that keeps travelers coming back for more. Perhaps it’s the stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, jagged cliffside coastline, and medieval villages perched atop green hills. Or maybe it’s because of the friendliness of the locals and the relaxed lifestyle.
Whatever the reason, Zadar is a must-visit destination that more and more expats are choosing as a place to live permanently. This historic city is located on the Adriatic Sea in northern Croatia, and it’s known for its beautiful beaches, traditional architecture, and lively nightlife. The old town is especially lovely, with narrow streets lined with colorful buildings dating back centuries.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Zadar, from exploring medieval churches to sunbathing on the beach or enjoying a refreshing swim in the sea. The climate here is quite comfortable year-round, making it a great place to visit any time of year. And did I mention how friendly the locals are? You’ll feel right at home in no time.
6. Pula
If you’re looking to settle in a larger city rather than a small town, Pula is one of the best cities to live in Croatia and it is the largest city in Istria County. The city has been inhabited since prehistoric times and it was even colonized by the Romans.
Today, Pula is known for its beautiful natural scenery, friendly locals, and great beaches. Pula’s coastlines are some of the most gorgeous in all of Croatia and it is one of the few places in Croatia that has sandy beaches. Visitors can find themselves relaxing on white sandy beaches beneath clear blue skies or swimming in turquoise waters surrounded by lush green vegetation.
In addition to its stunning coastline, Pula offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy such as hiking, cycling, golfing, and visiting historical landmarks like the Roman Amphitheatre that reminds you of Rome’s Colosseum.
7. Orebic
Orebic is one of the prettiest and best places to live in Croatia. Located on the Dalmatian coast on the Pelješac peninsula in the South of the country, it is known for its natural beauty above all. There are also many local landmarks, such as the Osljak mountain, which offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
The climate is very comfortable, with warm summers and mild winters. The locals are very friendly and welcoming. Orebic is a small town, but there are plenty of things to do nearby. Some of the best beaches in the area include Trstenik Beach and Lovrecina Bay. You can also find great entertainment options such as fish restaurants, bars, and cafes lining the streets of Orebic.
8. Opatija
Opatija is a very attractive place to live in Croatia, particularly for its amazing beauty and quality lifestyle. It is located on the Northern Croatia coastline and it has been a long-time fashionable vacation destination for wealthy Germans, Austrians and Hungarians, evident from the multitude of stunning villas from the Habsburg era.
In terms of things to do, there are some great landmarks here keep you entertained. One of the most notable landmarks in Opatija is certainly the Cathedral of St. James. The climate here is quite comfortable all year round, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing holiday at any time or living year round.
And locals are known to be very friendly and welcoming, so you’re sure to feel right at home here. When it comes to size, Opatija isn’t huge but there’s still plenty to see and do, especially when you factor in all the lovely beaches nearby. There are also loads of great entertainment options like kayaking, fishing or just exploring everything this stunning town has to offer.
9. Trogir
Trogir is located on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia and is known for its unique natural beauty and Caribbean-like waters. Trogir is one of the best places to live in Croatia, and it has many landmarks worth discovering, including the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, and the Kamerlengo Castle.
Trogir has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The locals are friendly and welcoming to expats and tourists. Trogir is a small town with a population of around 11,000 people. There are several beaches nearby that are popular among both locals and tourists alike such as Slatine Beach or Bacvice Beach where you can relax or go swimming.
10. Makarska
Makarska is a small and rather underrated town located in Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. The town is known for its enviable natural beauty, with towering mountains and crystal clear waters that will make you feel grateful to live here every day.
There are also several local landmarks worth visiting. The climate in Makarska is very comfortable, with mild winters and warm summers. The locals are also very friendly and welcoming to tourists. For entertainment, you can visit one of the many museums or art galleries in town or take a boat ride out to see some dolphins.
Thinking about moving to Croatia? Check out these other great articles about living in Croatia.
