There’s one thing dreamy in regards to the thought of dwelling and dealing shut to the ocean. The calm vibe of being round nature is little doubt one in all many the explanation why many digital nomads are already dwelling in Split, Croatia. If you’re pondering of turning into one in all them, I’d say ‘go for it’; learn on to discover out extra about what it’s actually like to stay in this stunning nation.

When most individuals consider Croatia they routinely leap to Dubrovnik, and whereas that’s actually a good looking spot, I believe Split is healthier in so some ways. Yes, it may be crowded throughout the summer season months, however it’s not on the identical scale as Dubrovnik, the place you may’t even transfer from June to August.

Can you think about sitting on the seaside along with your laptop computer, or in a beachside cafe, with the blue of the ocean in entrance of you? That’s the picture I had in my head once I determined to go to Split and keep for a number of months to work; I wasn’t disenchanted in any manner, and I’d return in a heartbeat. If you’re pondering of the identical factor, this digital nomad information to Split will reply all of your burning questions, and by the tip, you’ll know the place to go and what to do.

About Split

Split is one in all Croatia’s hottest vacationer hotspots, however it’s additionally very a lot about native life. As the nation’s second-largest metropolis, you’ll find all the things right here, together with wonderful seashores, historical past, native meals, and tradition. It’s additionally soaked in the solar throughout the summer season months and stays fairly delicate all through the winter.

Located on the jap coast of Croatia, the town is a part of the Dalmatia area and is lapped by the blue and calm waters of the Adriatic Sea. History-wise, Split was based by the Greeks and was previously named Aspálathos, earlier than its title was modified to Spalato by the Venetians. It’s well-known for the opulent Diocletian’s Palace, which was accomplished in 305 CE.

Famous for its idyllic seashores, sunsets, historical past, and cobbled Old Town, life in Split is a variation of outdated and new. Nightlife is vibrant and various, so you may all the time discover one thing to fit your temper, and so far as Dalmatian meals goes, you’re wanting on the freshest substances potential, with wonderful flavors.

Digital Nomad in Split: Personal Experience

Now, I’m not going to lie: I initially had my head turned by Dubrovnik, and that was my first vacation spot in Croatia. I cherished it there, however it was so busy that I felt overwhelmed more often than not. A fellow digital nomad I met instructed me that working remotely in Split was a wholly totally different expertise, so I made a decision to take their recommendation and test it out for myself.

I’m so glad I did. For me, Split is the best mix of historical past and modern-day enjoyable. The climate in the summer season months could be very heat (averaging round 86°F/30°C), and is good for seaside days and taking day journeys across the space. I additionally discovered an actual appreciation for Croatian meals throughout my time there, and now viška pogača (a conventional tomato, herb, and anchovy stuffed bread) is one in all my favourite issues.

The value of dwelling in Split is on par with the remainder of Europe, however I discovered loads of methods to lower prices right here and there. I additionally discovered it very simple to work productively, with good WiFi, loads of locations to go (be it cafes or co-working areas), and plenty of different DNs to join with.

Is Split Safe?

I by no means felt unsafe in Split, regardless of the actual fact it’s a fairly large metropolis. As with anyplace, you want to use your frequent sense and keep away from strolling round at night time alone and flashing your valuables, however that’s fairly common recommendation.

From my expertise, Split is a secure place to go to total. I usually walked down busy streets by myself, and as a solo feminine traveler, I by no means felt like I used to be being watched or hassled in any manner. I discovered the individuals very pleasant and useful, and I additionally took many journeys across the native space with none issues.

Best Areas to Live in Split

Split is a big metropolis, so it’s vital to select the best neighborhood to preserve prices low and to just be sure you’re shut to working amenities when you want them. While most vacationers head to the Old Town, it’s not likely possible to keep there for longer than a few weeks due to excessive lodging prices. Here are my suggestions for these in search of lodging as a digital nomad dwelling in Split.

1. Bacvice

I stayed in Bacvice and I cherished the world. It has an ideal mix of normal life and touristic enjoyable, with wonderful seashores and nice nightlife. However, it was by no means too loud, and I all the time discovered native spots to escape to if I wished to keep away from the crowds. It’s additionally a less expensive space in contrast to the Old Town, whereas nonetheless being central sufficient to all the things.

The factor I appreciated most about this a part of Split is that I may wander down to the seaside after I completed work very simply with out having to take public transport to get there. There are additionally many cafes to work from and a few nice native eating places to strive. Although it’s usually fairly laid again, it’s busy sufficient to head out to occasion throughout the weekends must you want to do one thing slightly extra vigorous.

If you need to go to the primary a part of city and do some sightseeing in your days off, Bacvice is the very best place to base your self. It’s shut sufficient to stroll to most main spots, and you may all the time leap on the native bus to join to different areas of curiosity.

2. Veli Varos

If you’re not too involved with staying proper subsequent to the seaside and also you need someplace quieter and extra historic, Veli Varos is an efficient selection. It’s a chilled-out and native a part of Split, however it’s solely ten minutes away from the Old Town by bus. It’s additionally a spot of pure magnificence, because it sits proper on the backside of Marjan Hill.

The solely draw back of staying in Veli Varos is that there aren’t as many cafes and co-working areas to head to in contrast to the extra central elements of city. However, you may all the time leap on the bus when you select to work away from residence. I by no means discovered an issue with the Internet in Split usually, so working from residence shouldn’t be a problem.

Veli Varos is extra family-friendly and chilled out than a number of the extra vigorous elements of the town. In some ways, it appears like a village and the smaller group means you’re extra possible to get to know locals. Despite that, it’s very simple to join to the busier elements; that means you get the very best of each worlds by staying right here.

3. Poljud

I spent slightly time in Poljud and I believe it’s among the finest locations for a digital nomad to keep. It’s situated on the coast, shut to Spinut Marina and port, however it feels much more “out of the way” than the opposite central areas of Split. It’s extra suburban, which implies you get to stay a extra “normal” life whereas holding prices decrease. It’s additionally inside shut distance of all the primary sights.

The most well-known attraction in the world is Stadion Poljud, which was initially constructed for the Mediterranean Games in 1979. It’s the central level of sporting life in the world, and there are sometimes musical concert events throughout the summer season months, too. As far as nightlife goes, this space is shut sufficient to the noise, however far sufficient away from the leisure if you would like to calm down.

The value of dwelling in this a part of Split is barely decrease than the central areas, which is a plus level for distant employees. You’ll additionally discover native markets to buy substances to cook dinner at residence, and there are sufficient cafes to work from when you select.

4. Stobreč

Being a digital nomad in Split, you want sure facilities, however you additionally need to be someplace that feels extra native, so you may keep away from excessive costs and crowds. Stobreč ticks each of these bins. Here, you’ll discover stunning seashores which might be lots much less crowded, with loads of historical past to head out and discover in your days off.

The marina is a good place to head for a sundown stroll, and also you’ll discover totally different levels of vibrancy when it comes to nightlife. It’s simple to head down to the seaside, and public transport connects you to the opposite elements of the town with none trouble. There are additionally loads of native markets to buy recent produce to cook dinner, and a few nice native eating places if you need to eat out.

I believe this can be a good spot for distant employees as a result of it has the very best of all the things, and you may dip in and out of the noise as a lot as you need. Accommodation costs round this a part of Split are common, however actually decrease than the Old Town.

5. Znjan

Znjan is called a family-friendly space that’s just lately undergone a renovation. It’s a high spot for anybody who loves to spend time chilling on the seaside and those that usually benefit from the nice outside. There are some wonderful strolling alternatives round Znjan.

For me, this space feels fairly totally different from the remainder of Split and the final vibe is much more bohemian and laid-back. It’s a typical beachside spot however with out the town really feel, but as with the remainder of the world, it’s very simple to get to different locations if you would like to discover. It’s additionally slightly cheaper in phrases of lodging and consuming out, which could be very enticing for digital nomads.

There are fairly a number of Airbnbs round Znjan, and chances are you’ll give you the option to negotiate an extended stick with the proprietor when you contact them forward of time.

How to Find Accommodation in Split

Before dwelling in Split as a digital nomad, you want to know the way to discover appropriate lodging that not solely suits your funds however that’s shut to the stuff you need to see. How do you try this? Let’s discover out.

1. Booking.com: You’ll all the time discover good offers with reserving.com, and this contains hostels and serviced residences. The extra you employ this web site, the extra perks you’ll get, and that usually means reductions on locations to keep.

2. Airbnb: There are many Airbnb properties in and round Split, though there are fewer in probably the most central elements. However, that’s not a nasty factor as selecting to keep in the suburbs provides you with a extra “normal” expertise, and presumably for a cheaper price.

3. House sitting: Trusted Housesitters is a good go-to for assignments in the Split space. Often you’ll find a number of assignments working into each other, which provides you with common lodging for so long as you want it. It would possibly take a little bit of planning, however it’s potential.

4. Social media teams: Facebook is the very best place to search for rental or home share adverts in the Split space. There are many digital nomads in this a part of Croatia, and sharing will lower prices for each of you.

Cost of Living in Split

The value of dwelling in Split is on par with the remainder of Europe; it isn’t low cost, however it isn’t overly costly both. Having mentioned that, you may lower prices by cooking at residence, avoiding the costliest areas, and sticking to native haunts. To offer you an thought of common prices, let’s check out every class in flip.

Restaurants and Groceries

If you eat in the Old Town you’re going to spend much more than when you select to eat in an area restaurant. For occasion, a meal from a vacationer restaurant will in all probability set you again round €18/$20, however in an area restaurant, you’ll pay half of that. Of course, road meals is all the time a choice, and a portion of burek, for instance, (a conventional stuffed, filo pastry) is reasonable, at round €2/$2.15.

If you store at native markets for recent fruit and greens and go to the native butcher slightly than giant grocery store counters, you’ll save money. You’ll additionally discover the freshest produce, together with native cheeses, at a fraction of the value. Again, keep away from giant vacationer areas, such because the Old Town.

As far as nightlife goes, it’s a good suggestion to stick to native beers and spirits when you drink alcohol. Imported drinks are very costly, however you will get an area beer for round €2.60/$2.80, and a espresso for round €1.80/$2.

Accommodation Costs

Living in Split will be costly when you select the mistaken lodging, so it’s greatest to attempt to share with one other distant employee when you can. You’re round €540/$580 for a one-bedroom furnished condo monthly, with water and electrical prices on high.

As far as utilities go, this depends upon how a lot you employ, however on common, water and electrical energy for one month is round €120/$130 for 2 individuals. During the summer season months, you’re going to need to keep cool, which frequently means utilizing air-con. However, that is costly, so I’d attempt to get by with a fan if potential.

Transportation Costs in Split

The very first thing to learn about getting round Split is that driving your self isn’t the best choice. The roads themselves are high-quality, however parking is an enormous subject for locals; there merely isn’t sufficient. So, if you would like to rent a automotive and enterprise out to close by locations, by all means, do, however it’s not the only option for getting across the metropolis itself.

You can simply stroll across the metropolis heart, however I discover hiring a bicycle is a good choice. That manner, you may go slightly additional with out having to use public transport. It’s comparatively low cost to rent bikes, at round €1/$1.10 per hour, and there are public rent stalls dotted round.

Alternatively, you need to use the bus community which is fairly dependable and straightforward to comply with. A one-way bus ticket often prices round €3.50/$3.80, and you should buy tickets both from the driving force or on the station kiosks. There’s all the time the choice to take taxis, however these will be dear; I solely used taxis when going residence after an evening out, and this was primarily for further security causes.

SIM Cards and Data

There are each common SIM and eSIM choices obtainable throughout your time in Split. However, I bought a SIM from T-Mobile and recurrently topped up my package deal each month. This saved me cash on shorter-duration SIMs, and protection was nice proper throughout the nation. You should buy a T-Mobile SIM from any retailer, and also you merely want your passport to register.

Alternatively, you should buy a pay-as-you-go SIM from Tomato, Telemach, or BonBon, and these playing cards can be found in most comfort shops, in addition to iNovine, T-Centar, and Hrvatska Posta.

The different choice is an eSIM, which you should buy earlier than you arrive. Airalo and AloSIM are two nice choices for Croatia, they usually supply giant knowledge packages, up to round 10GB which lasts for up to 30 days. You can then high up once more or swap when you discover a higher deal.

Money Saving Tips for Split

Although the price of dwelling in Split is fairly common, I did handle to preserve prices low with these useful ideas.

1. Don’t keep in the Old Town – It’s a significantly better thought to keep exterior of the primary historic heart as that is sometimes the place costs are increased, particularly in the summer season months. Plus, staying exterior means you received’t have all of the noise and crowds to cope with every day.
2. Get the Split City Card – This vacationer card provides free entry to many museums round Split and discounted entry to others. I used this card rather a lot, and it saved me on the door worth. Get yours from vacationer info facilities across the metropolis.
3. Make use of free points of interest – I used to be amazed to discover out that the primary attraction in Split—Diocletian’s Palace—is free! But that’s not all, Marjan Hill and the wonderful seashores are all freed from cost, so make sure to make use of those locations throughout your days off.
4. Avoid vacationer eating places – In Split particularly, the primary vacationer eating places are a lot dearer than native spots simply again from the primary streets. You’ll get extra genuine and tastier meals too; simply ask any locals you befriend the place they go.
5. Consider the shoulder months – You most definitely need to benefit from the solar, and I can’t blame you, however that’s when costs are increased. Instead of visiting throughout July and August, take into consideration April to June or September to November. June is my favourite month in Split; the climate is gorgeous, and the crowds aren’t fairly as intense.
6. Avoid taxis wherever potential – Sometimes you’ll want to use taxis, and that’s high-quality, however make use of public transport and cycle the place you may. The bus community isn’t anyplace close to as sophisticated as it’d first appear, and it’s a less expensive manner to get round.

Coworking Spaces in Split and WiFi Speed

I’ll admit that Croatia total doesn’t have the quickest web in the world, however it’s not the slowest I’ve skilled both. Generally talking, I discovered the Internet adequate, and it was a stable connection, with none outages. According to Speedtest, the typical obtain pace is 55.39 Mbps, and the typical add pace is nineteen.20 Mbps.

While working remotely in Split, you may want to work from a co-working area as soon as in some time, and there are some nice choices round. While I usually choose to do business from home or use cafes, I did frequent a number of co-working areas, and I discovered all of them good high quality. Here are a number of the greatest.

1. Tink Tank

I spent a number of days working from Tink Tank with another digital nomads I met and I discovered it an ideal spot for productiveness and luxury. The workplace is an open area format, and costs are fairly affordable at 15 Euros/$16 per day or €65/$70 for per week. There are cooking amenities on-site and loads of espresso retailers and eating places round.

The vibe could be very collaborative, and it’s possible you’ll meet different digital nomads whilst you’re there. I discovered the web very quick and I used to be in a position to make video calls with none points. There are additionally giant assembly rooms if you would like to collaborate with different distant employees or have interaction in a spot of networking.

2. Scale Up Office

I didn’t personally use this Scale Up Office however I do know different digital nomads who did, they usually rated it extremely and significantly talked about how snug it was. The distinctive factor about this spot is that it’s not solely a co-working area but additionally a networking hub, so it’s preferrred if you would like to join with different distant employees and professionals.

There are every day passes obtainable, or you may ebook the FixDESK function, which supplies you a set desk when you’re planning on staying for a number of months. This choice is slightly dear at €250/$269, however day passes are affordable at €17/$18. They additionally supply ergonomic furnishings and quick, dependable Internet.

3. Smartspace

Smartspace is a comparatively new addition to Split’s co-working scene, and it’s situated proper in the center of the Old Town, so it’s preferrred for combining a day of labor with some sightseeing. Not solely are you able to hire a desk right here however there are indoor and out of doors working areas and many leisure amenities to get pleasure from.

You get free tea and low and your entire area is air-conditioned, which is an actual godsend in summer season. However, the foremost benefit of selecting this area is you could ebook an hourly cross and simply drop in and work everytime you want to. It solely prices €5/$5.50, which I believe that’s a reasonably good supply, however you can even ebook a day cross for €25/$27.

Best Cafes to Work From in Split

I a lot choose to work from cafes as opposed to co-working areas, and I discovered Split’s cafe scene suited my preferences proper down to the bottom. I discovered some nice spots to get pleasure from a scrumptious espresso whereas getting some work executed. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. Cookie Lab: I spent many days working from this cafe. The WiFi is quick and dependable, the chairs are snug, and you may even sit in the window on a excessive chair and bench with charging factors. The espresso can be fairly good and the muffins are wonderful.
2. Teak Caffe Bar: Very shut to Diocletian’s Palace, you’ll discover this hidden gem which provides some scrumptious espresso and an ideal place to sit on the terrace and work. It’s price noting that that is additionally a bar so it’s greatest to go away earlier than dinner if you would like a quiet space, however throughout the day it’s preferrred.
3. D16 Coffee: The wonderful thing about this espresso store is that it’s central in the Old Town however not proper in the center, so it’s nonetheless pretty quiet. You’ll discover many digital nomads working from right here, and it’s a cushty spot to sit for a few hours, get pleasure from some caffeine, and work.

Activities and Things To Do in Split

As a Split digital nomad, you’ll want to cut up (no pun meant) your time between work and sightseeing, and there’s a lot to see and do. While it may be tempting simply to head out for the day and see as a lot as potential, it’s a significantly better thought to take your time. Here are a few of my suggestions for issues to do if you’ve completed work or throughout days/weekends off.

1. Diocletian’s Palace

Diocletian’s Palace is the largest attraction in Split – your entire metropolis is constructed round its significance. As I discussed earlier, it’s free to go inside as a result of it’s a serious a part of the town and it dates again to the 4th century. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also you’ll little doubt go to it a number of occasions.

If you need to study extra about what the palace means, I’d suggest taking an Old Town strolling tour since you’ll have a educated information to reply your questions. It’s an ideal feeling to perceive extra after speaking the tour, and I appreciated the world far more each time I walked by means of thereafter.

Of course, when you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this can be a main must-visit for you. It’s quite simple to head there after you’ve completed work, however you may simply dedicate a full day to exploring the Old Town when you’ve the time.

2. Marjan Hill

If you’re a fan of panoramic views (who isn’t) and you like to take images, then you’ve to head to the highest of Marjan Hill and see Split from above. This is a free place to go to, and it’s doable in an hour or so, making it an ideal spot for a morning or afternoon go to. However, be sure that to put on snug footwear as a result of most of it’s stairs, (round 300 to be precise).

It’s simple to get to when you’re across the Old Town, as you merely comply with the path alongside the promenade that leads there. Once you’re on the high, take in the sweeping views. It’s peaceable on the peak, nevertheless, I might keep away from mid-afternoon as not solely can the solar make it fairly troublesome to climb, however the potential crowds would possibly spoil your go to.

I visited this spot a number of occasions, and it’s an effective way to clear your head after a busy day of labor. Alternatively, when you’re struggling for inspiration, it’s an ideal place to discover it.

3. Bačvice Beach

Finish work for the day and head to the seaside for a number of hours—what might be higher? That’s precisely what I cherished about dwelling and dealing in Split; it was really easy to do what I wanted to do after which head to the ocean to relax and take in the solar. Bačvice is the closest seaside to the Old Town, and it’s a good looking spot to spend a number of hours.

During the height summer season months, I’d suggest heading there as early as you may – it’s a really perfect exercise for when you’ve a day without work. However, when you go late afternoon, you’ll discover area releasing up. It’s additionally a good looking space for sundown viewing. There are loads of amenities round, and the ocean is calm and nice for swimming.

4. Day Trip to Krka National Park

The stunning Krka National Park is only one hour’s drive away from central Split, and it’s the proper exercise for a day without work. You can hire a automotive, take the bus to Skradin after which take a taxi for the remaining, or take a tour. I took the Krka National Park day journey and I loved it immensely; it was additionally lots simpler figuring out that all the things was organized for me and I may get pleasure from my day without work.

Inside the park, you’ll discover the last word pure setting, with strolling trails, waterfalls, wildlife, and a peaceable and serene setting. It’s one of the crucial visited elements of Croatia, particularly throughout the summer season, and you may count on it to change into fairly busy throughout the peak months of June to August.

Remember to take a towel and your swimming garments, and I like to recommend packing some insect repellent too as I used to be bitten a number of occasions by rogue mosquitos. Despite that, I cherished the entire expertise – it’s someplace it is best to add to your Split itinerary for certain.

5. Trip to the Blue Cave

While dwelling in Split, Croatia, it will be a crying disgrace not to go to the Blue Cave. This pure surprise will be reached through pace boat in round 1 hour and quarter-hour, and it’s a surprising spot. I took a five-island speedboat tour which included the Blue Cave, and it was an unforgettable day in the solar.

It’s an effective way to see extra of the world from a special viewpoint, and also you would possibly even see dolphins when you’re fortunate. Inside the Blue Cave itself, you received’t imagine your eyes; this place blew my thoughts with its magnificence. It’s actually as blue as blue will be – I’d by no means seen something prefer it earlier than!

The tour I took additionally stopped at Hvar, a good looking island round 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Split. If you’d choose to go to Hvar individually, there’s an everyday ferry throughout the summer season months. Click right here for ferry info.

Weather in Split

The wonderful thing about life in Split is that you simply just about know what the climate goes to be like at any given time; there are not often main deviations and seasons are fairly stable. Summer is sizzling, winter is chilly, though nonetheless fairly delicate in comparability with the remainder of Europe, and the shoulder seasons hover someplace in the center.

July is the most popular month of the yr with a mean of 25°C/77°F, and really low to no rainfall. This sample continues in August, making these the very best occasions of yr to head to the seaside. However, I significantly like May and June as a result of whereas they’re nonetheless heat sufficient for seaside time, they’re not too sizzling or crowded, with common temperatures of round 18-21°C/65-70°F.

You’re possible to see probably the most rain throughout December and January, with the primary month of the yr being the coldest, and a mean temperature of 9°C/47°F. However, you’re most unlikely to see snow in Split, because the local weather is usually fairly delicate all through, making it an ideal spot for individuals who need to keep away from the winter freeze.

Pros and Cons of Living in Split

I cherished my time in Split, however as with anyplace in the world, there are execs and cons, and it received’t go well with everybody. Let’s check out the plus factors and disadvantages, to allow you to work out whether or not Split ought to be your subsequent digital nomad vacation spot.

Pros of Living in Split

• Great climate – Year-round, the climate in Split is fairly balanced, and the summer season months are idyllic.
• Lots of issues to see and do – There are many choices each inside the town itself, and round it, and plenty of day journey choices, corresponding to Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park.
• The native meals – Traditional delicacies could be very particular certainly, with nice seafood, recent cheese, and cured meats, corresponding to Dalmatian prosciutto.
• A terrific digital nomad scene – The distant working scene has actually grown in Croatia, and many individuals now head to Split for longer quantities of time. You’ll discover many cafes and co-working areas, and it’s not arduous to meet different distant employees.
• Not a lot of a language barrier – Most locals communicate English, and if not fluently, they know sufficient to get by. That means you’ll have loads of time to study some Croatian in return!

Cons of Living in Split

• Quiet in winter – Due to the touristic nature of the town, many bars and eating places shut down throughout the winter months.
• Can be costly – The value of dwelling is on par with the remainder of Europe, which implies it’s not one of many least expensive locations.
• Finding lodging – While there are numerous hostels and Airbnbs, you’re in all probability going to end up dwelling out of the town heart due to excessive prices and availability. If you’ll find one other digital nomad to share with, you’ll be higher off.

Digital Nomad Visa for Split

Croatia launched its digital nomad visa in 2021, and this enables DNs to keep up to 12 months with no extension choice. To apply, you could present proof of earnings, together with legitimate medical health insurance, and an deal with in Croatia. All of this makes dwelling in Split as a digital nomad lots simpler, at the very least over the brief time period.

If you’ve a partner and/or youngsters, there may be an choice to carry them with you, and you may apply for the visa whilst you’re in Croatia on a vacationer visa (a part of the Schengen zone) or earlier than you arrive.

In Conclusion

There’s cause why so many digital nomads are selecting to head to Split for an prolonged period of time, and I can actually agree with them. This is such a good looking space, and it has a lot scope for exploring additional afield with relative ease. While the price of dwelling may not be the most affordable in the world, it’s actually not the steepest both, and you may stay effectively on an everyday wage.

Living in Split, Croatia was an ideal expertise for me, and it’s someplace I’ll positively head again to in the long run. I met some fantastic individuals, each locals and different distant employees, and plenty of stay my associates immediately. Hopefully, this digital nomad information to Split has given you all the knowledge you want to head there your self and start your individual journey.