10 breathtakingly beautiful places to live or visit in Croatia

March 8, 2023

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 too — most of the expenses are two to three times cheaper when compared with the United States 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. Because Croatia is in Central Europe, it offers easy access by car and short, cheap flights that let you explore pretty much all of Europe.

Croatia is not a huge country, but if you’re thinking about retiring there, it has plenty of extremely attractive and affordable places to live — largely because the country is spread along a sizable part of the Adriatic Coast. The most popular places to retire in Croatia are beach towns such as Dubrovnik, Split, or Zadar, as these towns offer everything you need for a relaxed lifestyle by the sea. You have 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. We’ve done the legwork to discover 10 of the best places to live in Croatia:

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Split

Split is one of the most beautiful places in Europe and an all-time favorite. Split is a pretty big city, so there are landmarks to check out and 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, and the locals are very friendly. Overall, Split is an incredible place to visit or to call home. The natural beauty is amazing and the weather’s almost always perfect. The great beaches include Baska Voda and Makarska.

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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 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, Copacabana, and Lapad. There are also tons of great restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs within the city limits.

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Hvar

Hvar 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 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 the Pakleni Islands. Both offer magnificent views and endless opportunities for fun. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, try Visovac island beach for a more serene atmosphere. 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, there are many bars and clubs.

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Rovinj

Rovinj is a picturesque fishing town in Northern Croatia, and one of the best places to live 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 dot the landscape. Rovinj has a temperate climate that makes it perfect for enjoying all year-round, from its crystal-clear waters to its lovely beaches. Additionally, the locals are some of the friendliest people you’ll 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 — 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 a stay.

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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 on the Adriatic Sea in Northern Croatia is 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 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.

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Pula

If you’re looking to settle in a larger city rather than a small town, Pula is the largest city in Istria County. 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 this is one of the few places in Croatia with sandy beaches. In addition to its stunning coastline, Pula offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, cycling, and golfing. The city has been inhabited since prehistoric times and it was even colonized by the Romans, so those activities can include visiting historical landmarks such as a Roman Amphitheatre reminiscent of the Colosseum.

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Orebic

On the Dalmatian coast on the Pelješac peninsula in the south of the country is the small town of Orebic, known above all for its natural beauty. Its many landmarks include 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. Some of the best beaches in the area include Trstenik Beach and Lovrecina Bay. You can also find great entertainment and dining options such as fish restaurants, bars, and cafes lining the streets of Orebic.

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Opatija

Beautiful Opatija on the Northern Croatia coastline has been a longtime fashionable vacation destination for wealthy Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians, evident from the multitude of stunning villas from the Habsburg era. There are some great landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. James and plenty to see and do, especially when factoring in all the lovely beaches nearby and options such as kayaking, fishing, or just exploring everything this stunning small town has to offer. The climate here is quite comfortable all year round, and locals are known to be very friendly and welcoming.

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Trogir

Trogir, on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, is known for its unique natural beauty and Caribbean-like waters. Trogir is one of the best places to live in Croatia, and 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. Trogir, with a population of around 11,000 people, is welcoming to expats and tourists. There are several popular beaches nearby, such as Slatine Beach or Bacvice Beach.

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Makarska

Makarska is a small and rather underrated town 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 there. The climate in Makarska is very comfortable, with mild winters and warm summers. The locals are also very friendly and welcoming to tourists. There are also several local landmarks worth visiting; 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.

This article originally appeared on My Dolce Casa and was syndicated by MediaFeed.