Makarska Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information
BUSINESS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax |
10% for revenues up to €1 million; 18% for revenues above. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax |
10% standard rate. |
| 🏦 Tax System |
Worldwide income basis for residents (183+ days). |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket |
35.4% (Higher rate varies by city surtax, though surtax was abolished in 2024, base rates increased). |
| 🧾 VAT |
25% standard rate; 13% for restaurant services and accommodation. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules |
Yes, Croatia follows EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD) rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax |
No annual property tax on primary residences, but a 'Holiday Home Tax' applies (€0.60 to €5.00 per m²). |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax |
3% of the market value of the property. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads |
Digital Nomad Visa holders (Third-country nationals) pay 0% income tax on income derived from their remote work. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. €4,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €135,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. €4,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €304,000) |
ESSENTIALS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏙️ City |
Makarska, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia |
| 👥 Population |
13,834 (approx. 15,000 including surrounding hamlets) |
| 💻 Internet Speed |
Average 65-100 Mbps (Fiber available in central areas via Hrvatski Telekom) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking |
Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD. Croatia joined the Eurozone in 2023. |
| 🚰 Tap Water |
Drinkable and of high quality, sourced from the Biokovo mountain springs. |
| 🔌 Power |
230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F (standard European two-pin) |
| 📶 SIM Card |
Hrvatski Telekom, A1, and Telemach. Unlimited weekly data SIMs available for approx. €11. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats |
Zagrebačka banka (ZABA), OTP Banka, and PBZ. Revolut and Wise are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation |
Airbnb, Booking.com, and local agencies like Makarska Touristik for long-term winter stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly |
Yes, cards accepted in supermarkets and hotels. Cash preferred in small cafes and markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals |
Airbnb and local 'Apartmans'. Off-season (Oct-May) rates: €500-€900/month. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation |
Hostel Makarska (approx. €25/night) or private rooms in the 'Zelenka' district. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists |
Old Town (Near Riva) for atmosphere; Donja Luka for beach access. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads |
Zelenka or any area north of the main road (Magistrala) for quieter, cheaper monthly rentals. |
WORKING AND NETWORKING
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space |
Work & Relax Makarska (Local hub/café hybrid near the harbor, approx. €15/day). |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work |
Caffe Bar Romana (Reliable Wi-Fi and plenty of seating on the Riva). |
| 💼 Networking Events |
Digital Nomad Croatia meetups (usually organized via Facebook groups or in Split, 1 hour away). |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats |
Expats in Makarska & Riviera Facebook Group; weekly 'Marenda' lunch gatherings. |
TRANSPORTATION
| Topic |
Details |
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App |
Uber is limited; Cammeo or local Taxi Makarska (+385 98 940 3988). Approx. €7-€10 for city trips. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental |
Tip-Top Rental (approx. €20/day for scooter, €15 for MTB). |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby |
Nugal Beach (a stunning clothing-optional beach accessible by a 30-min forest walk). |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline |
Croatia Airlines (Flying from Split Airport/SPU). |
| ✈️ Top International Airline |
Lufthansa, EasyJet, and Ryanair (Active mostly during the summer season April-October). |
| 🛣️ Highway Access |
A1 Motorway (Zagreb-Dubrovnik) accessible via the Sveti Ilija tunnel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub |
Makarska Bus Station (Main hub for regional travel as there is no train station). |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes |
Promet Split local bus lines. No monthly passes for city loop; single tickets approx. €1.50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel |
Arriva or Promet Makarska buses to Split (€8, 1 hour) or Dubrovnik (€20, 3 hours). |
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏥 Best Hospital |
Dom Zdravlja Makarska (Emergency services); serious issues referred to KBC Split. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers |
Yoga Studio Transform (Classes approx. €10 per session). |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers |
Gradski Sportski Centar (City Sports Center) - modern gym for approx. €40/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services |
Lava self-service laundry, Ante Starčevića 32 (Approx. €5 per wash). |
FOOD AND DRINK
| Topic |
Details |
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App |
Wolt and Glovo are the primary providers in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try |
Makarska torta (Traditional almond and citrus cake) or Pašticada (beef stew). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options |
Bio & Bio (health shop); many restaurants offer 'Povrće na žaru' (grilled vegetables). |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots |
Slastičarna Riva (Famous for ice cream and traditional cakes). |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots |
Tommy, Studenac, and Konzum supermarkets; Green Market (Pijaca) for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store |
Ekupi.hr and Mall.hr for electronics and general goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery |
Konzum Online (limited delivery) or Wolt Market. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area |
Lištun Street in the Old Town for bars; Deep Makarska (Club in a cave) for summer nights. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery |
Pivovara MBC (The local craft brewery behind 'Donja Luka' beer). |
| 🍷 Wine Bars |
Grabovac Wine Shop & Bar (Excellent local wines from the Imotski region). |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls |
Pekara Mlinar (Pastries/Burek) or various 'Konoba' kiosks along the beach promenade. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine |
Pizzeria Domina (Italian) – widely considered the best pizza in town. |
CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks |
Malacological Museum (one of the world's largest shell collections in a monastery). |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues |
City Museum of Makarska (located in the Tonoli Palace). |
| 🏰 Historical Sites |
St. Mark’s Cathedral at Kačić Square. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites |
Franciscan Monastery of St. Mary (16th century). |
| 🎉 Annual Events |
Makarska Cultural Summer (June-Sept); Night of the Full Moon (August). |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts |
The Old Town (Kalelarga street and Kačić Square). |
| 🎭 Theater Venues |
Summer Stage (Ljetna pozornica) for outdoor performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets |
Daily Green Market behind the Church of St. Mark. |
| 🎼 Music Scene |
Klapa singing (traditional a cappella) performances in the Old Town squares. |
| 🎨 Street Art |
Murals near the port depicting nautical history. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes |
Adrionika (organized culinary tours and workshops in the hinterland). |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries |
Galerija Gojak (Features works by regional artists). |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings |
The Venetian-style buildings surrounding the main square. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage |
The 'Bura' wind culture and traditional olive harvesting. |
NATURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
| Topic |
Details |
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes |
Sveti Petar Peninsula (Walking trails and lighthouse viewpoint). |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby |
Biokovo Nature Park (Home to the Skywalk glass viewing platform). |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths |
Makarska to Tučepi coastal promenade (approx. 4km of flat walking). |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints |
St. George (Sveti Jure) peak - 1,762 meters, highest point of Biokovo. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations |
Cliffs of the Biokovo mountain range. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots |
Strictly prohibited in summer due to fire risk; designated grill spots in Osejava forest in winter. |
OTHER SERVICES AND AMENITIES
| Topic |
Details |
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service |
Hrvatska Pošta (Main office on Kralja Zvonimira street); GLS and DPD available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services |
Instar Informatika (Split, but provides pickup) or local PC shop 'Media'. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots |
Gradski Sportski Centar (Indoor tables available for rent). |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes |
Linigra Foreign Language School (Offers Croatian for foreigners). |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots |
Gradska knjižnica Makarska (City library near the waterfront). |
| 🏘️ Community Centers |
Makarska Cultural Centre (Centar za kulturu). |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges |
Various local internet cafes, though decreasing in popularity. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls |
Admiral Automat Club (Located near the main bus station). |
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING MAKARSKA