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Makarska digital nomad guide

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Nomad score 6.3/10

43.2940, 17.0202 Europe/Zagreb #2383

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Researched Updated Oct 29, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Essentials

Budget Accommodation
Hostel Makarska (approx. €25/night) or private rooms in the 'Zelenka' district.
City
Makarska, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, about 60 km southeast of Split and 140 km northwest of Dubrovnik. 1
Population
13,301 in the town and 12,809 in the Makarska settlement on 31 August 2021. The 2011 town total was 13,834. 1 31 32
Internet Speed
No Makarska-only series is published. Ookla's Speedtest Global Index for Croatia, updated to September 2026, gives median downloads of 124.12 Mbps on mobile and 93.74 Mbps on fixed broadband. 6
Currency & Banking
Euro (EUR) since 1 January 2023. The country-prep ECB reference for 19 October 2026 is 1 EUR = 1.1225 USD (1 USD = 0.8909 EUR). 2 3
Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink. Wikivoyage calls Croatian tap water perfectly safe, and in some areas among the best. 2
Power
230 V, 50 Hz, Type C and F (Europlug and Schuko). 2
SIM Card
Hrvatski Telekom, A1 and Telemach. The Visiting Croatia eSIM is €11 for 3 days of unlimited data (it renews if the balance is at least €11), €15 for 10 days unlimited, or €25 for 120 GB over 90 days; the €25 tier adds 100 outgoing minutes in Croatia. bonbon monthly data, the longer-stay price behind this city's cost file, runs from €4 for 7 GB to €13 for 25 GB, with 20 GB at €11. 4 5
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
Wikivoyage says many places do not take cards. There are ATMs, and small exchange kiosks quote rates within about 5% of the official rate. 7
Short Term Rentals
Airbnb and local 'Apartmans'. Off-season (Oct-May) rates: €500-€900/month.
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

Best Coworking Space
Hepicentar, Ante Starčevića 32, ground floor of PTC Sveti Nikola, run by the Makarska development agency MARA. The September 2024 call priced occasional use at €200 for six months or €350 for a year, and regular use at €400 for six months or €700 for a year, Monday to Saturday 08:00–17:00. No day-pass price was published. 24
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

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
No railway. The bus station's own site gives Ante Starčevića 30; OpenStreetMap places the station on Ulica Antuna Gustava Matoša 60. 8 27
Public Transport Passes
Promet Makarska sells zone ticket blocks at a 20% discount at the Makarska bus station. No monthly pass was listed on that page. A Promet single to Split is €7.50. 9 7
Regional Travel
Promet buses to Split run every 30–60 minutes, take 90 minutes to two hours, and cost €7.50, along the coast through Baška Voda, Brela and Omiš. Four buses a day run from Dubrovnik, 3–4 hours via Neum. 7

Health and Wellness

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
Studio Performance, Ante Starčevića 48: unlimited gym €40 a month, a drop-in hour €10, a private hour €25. 25 30
Laundry Services
Ante Starčevića 32 is Hepicentar, not a laundry. No self-service laundry in Makarska was on a page opened this pass. 24

Food and Drink

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
Lidl on Ulica Europske zajednice, open daily 08:00–21:00, plus Tommy Maxmarket and the chain Wikivoyage spells Studentica. An outdoor market for souvenirs and snacks sits on the spit at the west end of the harbour. 7
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
Bars and cafes line the beach strip, and the dance clubs are around the harbour. Deep, by Hotel Osejava, is a bar and club in a seaside grotto, listed as open July to September, daily 09:00–05:00. 7
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

Must-See Landmarks
The Franciscan monastery at the south end of the centre houses the Malacological Museum, a shell collection assembled from 1963. 1 7
Museums & Art Venues
The Town Museum is in Villa Tonolli. Wikivoyage places the municipal museum on the quay and lists €1, weekdays 07:00–15:00 and Saturday 09:00–12:00. 1 7
Historical Sites
St. Mark's Co-cathedral (Sv. Marka), 17th century, on the main square, with a baroque interior. 1 7
Religious Sites
Franciscan monastery of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 16th century, at the south end of the centre. 1 28
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

Nearby Nature Escapes
Sveti Petar is the peninsula west of the harbour, a park with a lighthouse. The south shore is used by nudists. Osejava is the wooded ridge south toward Tučepi. 7 1
National Parks Nearby
Biokovo is a nature park behind the town, not a national park. Its skywalk, Nebeska šetnica, is on the mountain above Tučepi. Further north, past Šibenik, is Krka National Park. 1 7 29
Cycling/Walking Paths
The traffic-free beach strip, Šetalište dr. Franje Tuđmana, is about 4 km. Paths on the Osejava ridge toward Tučepi are described as rough for cycling. 7
Scenic Viewpoints
St. George (Sveti Jure) peak - 1,762 meters, highest point of Biokovo. 1
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

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).

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m², typical range €3,199 to €5,487 per m² (255 ads). The sample is not split by centre, outside or number of bedrooms. 26
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m², typical range €3,199 to €5,487 per m² (255 ads). The sample is not split by centre, outside or number of bedrooms. 26
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m², typical range €3,199 to €5,487 per m² (255 ads). The sample is not split by centre, outside or number of bedrooms. 26
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m², typical range €3,199 to €5,487 per m² (255 ads). The sample is not split by centre, outside or number of bedrooms. 26
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m², typical range €3,199 to €5,487 per m² (255 ads). The sample is not split by centre, outside or number of bedrooms. 26
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m², typical range €3,199 to €5,487 per m² (255 ads). The sample is not split by centre, outside or number of bedrooms. 26
Corporate Tax
18% corporate income tax, or 10% when revenue in the tax period is under €1 million. 13
Dividend Withholding Tax
12% final withholding on dividends paid to individuals. Corporate withholding on dividends paid to foreign companies is 10%, and it is not charged when the reinvested-profit allowance applies. 15 14
Tax System
Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed on Croatian-source income. If a town adopts no rates, the default is 20% up to €60,000 and 30% above. 11
Highest Income Tax Bracket
Makarska set 18% and 31% from 1 March 2025. A December 2025 compilation lists the same rates for payments from 1 January 2026. The bands are up to €60,000 and above €60,000. A town may set the higher rate only up to 31%. 10 21 11
VAT
25% standard VAT. A 13% rate covers hotel and holiday accommodation and preparing and serving food. A 5% rate covers bread, milk, books, medicines and some other goods. 12
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes. A foreign entity is a CFC when Croatian residents hold more than 50% and the foreign tax is lower than the Croatian corporate tax that would have been charged. 17
Property Tax
Since 1 January 2025 an annual property tax replaces the holiday-home tax. A home used as a permanent residence is exempt, as is a home let for permanent living for at least 10 months in the year. The national band is €0.60 to €8 per m². Makarska's decision of 25 November 2025, in force from 1 January 2026, sets €8 per m² of usable area. 18 19 20
Property Transaction Tax
3% of market value, paid by the buyer, when the purchase is not charged VAT. 16
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
Receipts from work for an employer, or your own company, not registered in Croatia are not taxable while you hold digital-nomad status, under Income Tax Act art. 9(1)(26). The stay runs up to 18 months, and the 2026 means test is €3,622.50 a month. Dividends, rent and work for Croatian clients are outside that exemption. 22 23

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 29, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. English Wikipedia, Makarska, 2021 census, cathedral, monastery and Sveti JureReference
  2. Wikivoyage Croatia, euro, plugs and tap waterSecondary
  3. ECB euro reference rates, 19 October 2026 cubeOfficial
  4. bonbon prepaid data packagesOfficial
  5. Hrvatski Telekom Visiting Croatia eSIMOfficial
  6. Ookla Speedtest Global Index, Croatia, September 2026Measurement
  7. Wikivoyage Makarska, bus fare, beach strip, shops and DeepSecondary
  8. Autobusni kolodvor Makarska, station address Ante Starčevića 30Official
  9. Promet Makarska, ticket blocks at a 20 percent discountOfficial
  10. Official Gazette, Makarska income-tax rates 18 and 31 percentOfficial
  11. PwC Croatia personal income tax, reviewed 27 August 2026Professional
  12. PwC Croatia VAT and transfer tax, reviewed 27 August 2026Professional
  13. PwC Croatia corporate income tax, 18 percent or 10 percentProfessional
  14. PwC Croatia dividend withholding, 10 percentProfessional
  15. Tax Administration, 12 percent on dividends paid to individualsOfficial
  16. Tax Administration, 3 percent real-estate transfer taxOfficial
  17. PwC Croatia controlled foreign company rulesProfessional
  18. Tax Administration, property tax 0.60 to 8 euro per square metreOfficial
  19. Tax Administration, property-tax exemptions for a permanent homeOfficial
  20. Makarska gazette 18/2025, property tax 8 euro per square metre from 1 January 2026Official
  21. RRiF table of income-tax rates for payments from 1 January 2026Professional
  22. Interior ministry, digital-nomad stay up to 18 monthsOfficial
  23. Income Tax Act, article 9 point 26, digital-nomad receiptsOfficial
  24. City of Makarska, Hepicentar desk prices, September 2024Official
  25. Studio Performance Makarska, gym pricesOfficial
  26. CroReal Makarska flat asking prices, updated 28 October 2026Index
  27. OpenStreetMap, Makarska bus stationReference
  28. OpenStreetMap, Franciscan monastery of St MaryReference
  29. OpenStreetMap, Biokovo skywalk above TučepiReference
  30. Studio Performance Makarska, address Ante Starčevića 48 and opening hoursOfficial
  31. City Population, Makarska town, 13,301 at the 2021 censusReference
  32. City Population, Makarska settlement, 12,809 at the 2021 censusReference

Change history

    • Method Generated Researched
    • 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €4,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €210,000) Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m²…
    • 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €150,000) Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m²…
    • 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €304,000) Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m²…
    • 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000) Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m²…
    • Affordable Shopping Spots Tommy, Studenac, and Konzum supermarkets; Green Market (Pijaca) for fresh produce. Lidl on Ulica Europske zajednice, open daily 08:00–21:00, plus Tommy Maxmarket and the…
    33 more changes
    • Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Digital Nomad Visa holders (Third-country nationals) pay 0% income tax on income derived… Receipts from work for an employer, or your own company, not registered in Croatia are not…
    • Bar/Nightlife Area Lištun Street in the Old Town for bars; Deep Makarska (Club in a cave) for summer nights. Bars and cafes line the beach strip, and the dance clubs are around the harbour. Deep, by…
    • Best Coworking Space Work & Relax Makarska (Local hub/café hybrid near the harbor, approx. €15/day). Hepicentar, Ante Starčevića 32, ground floor of PTC Sveti Nikola, run by the Makarska…
    • Cashless Friendly Yes, cards accepted in supermarkets and hotels. Cash preferred in small cafes and markets. Wikivoyage says many places do not take cards. There are ATMs, and small exchange kiosks…
    • City Makarska, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia Makarska, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, about 60 km southeast of Split and 140 km…
    • Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, Croatia follows EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD) rules. Yes. A foreign entity is a CFC when Croatian residents hold more than 50% and the foreign…
    • Corporate Tax 10% for revenues up to €1 million; 18% for revenues above. 18% corporate income tax, or 10% when revenue in the tax period is under €1 million.
    • Currency & Banking Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD. Croatia joined the Eurozone in 2023. Euro (EUR) since 1 January 2023. The country-prep ECB reference for 19 October 2026 is 1…
    • Cycling/Walking Paths Makarska to Tučepi coastal promenade (approx. 4km of flat walking). The traffic-free beach strip, Šetalište dr. Franje Tuđmana, is about 4 km. Paths on the…
    • Dividend Withholding Tax 10% standard rate. 12% final withholding on dividends paid to individuals. Corporate withholding on dividends…
    • Gyms & Fitness Centers Gradski Sportski Centar (City Sports Center) - modern gym for approx. €40/month. Studio Performance, Ante Starčevića 48: unlimited gym €40 a month, a drop-in hour €10, a…
    • Highest Income Tax Bracket 35.4% (Higher rate varies by city surtax, though surtax was abolished in 2024, base rates… Makarska set 18% and 31% from 1 March 2025. A December 2025 compilation lists the same…
    • Historical Sites St. Mark’s Cathedral at Kačić Square. St. Mark's Co-cathedral (Sv. Marka), 17th century, on the main square, with a baroque…
    • Internet Speed Average 65-100 Mbps (Fiber available in central areas via Hrvatski Telekom) No Makarska-only series is published. Ookla's Speedtest Global Index for Croatia, updated…
    • Laundry Services Lava self-service laundry, Ante Starčevića 32 (Approx. €5 per wash). Ante Starčevića 32 is Hepicentar, not a laundry. No self-service laundry in Makarska was…
    • Main Train/Transit Hub Makarska Bus Station (Main hub for regional travel as there is no train station). No railway. The bus station's own site gives Ante Starčevića 30; OpenStreetMap places the…
    • Museums & Art Venues City Museum of Makarska (located in the Tonoli Palace). The Town Museum is in Villa Tonolli. Wikivoyage places the municipal museum on the quay…
    • Must-See Landmarks Malacological Museum (one of the world's largest shell collections in a monastery). The Franciscan monastery at the south end of the centre houses the Malacological Museum, a…
    • National Parks Nearby Biokovo Nature Park (Home to the Skywalk glass viewing platform). Biokovo is a nature park behind the town, not a national park. Its skywalk, Nebeska…
    • Nearby Nature Escapes Sveti Petar Peninsula (Walking trails and lighthouse viewpoint). Sveti Petar is the peninsula west of the harbour, a park with a lighthouse. The south…
    • Population 13,834 (approx. 15,000 including surrounding hamlets) 13,301 in the town and 12,809 in the Makarska settlement on 31 August 2021. The 2011 town…
    • Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F (standard European two-pin) 230 V, 50 Hz, Type C and F (Europlug and Schuko).
    • Property Tax No annual property tax on primary residences, but a 'Holiday Home Tax' applies (€0.60 to… Since 1 January 2025 an annual property tax replaces the holiday-home tax. A home used as…
    • Property Transaction Tax 3% of the market value of the property. 3% of market value, paid by the buyer, when the purchase is not charged VAT.
    • Public Transport Passes Promet Split local bus lines. No monthly passes for city loop; single tickets approx… Promet Makarska sells zone ticket blocks at a 20% discount at the Makarska bus station. No…
    • Regional Travel Arriva or Promet Makarska buses to Split (€8, 1 hour) or Dubrovnik (€20, 3 hours). Promet buses to Split run every 30–60 minutes, take 90 minutes to two hours, and cost…
    • Religious Sites Franciscan Monastery of St. Mary (16th century). Franciscan monastery of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 16th century, at the…
    • SIM Card Hrvatski Telekom, A1, and Telemach. Unlimited weekly data SIMs available for approx. €11. Hrvatski Telekom, A1 and Telemach. The Visiting Croatia eSIM is €11 for 3 days of…
    • Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €4,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €135,000) Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m²…
    • Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €96,000) Active flat asking prices in Makarska, updated 28 October 2026: median €4,024 per m²…
    • Tap Water Drinkable and of high quality, sourced from the Biokovo mountain springs. Tap water is safe to drink. Wikivoyage calls Croatian tap water perfectly safe, and in…
    • Tax System Worldwide income basis for residents (183+ days). Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed on Croatian-source…
    • VAT 25% standard rate; 13% for restaurant services and accommodation. 25% standard VAT. A 13% rate covers hotel and holiday accommodation and preparing and…

    fix pass after the batch check. Internet Speed now states the September 2026 medians the speed page shows (124.12 Mbps mobile, 93.74 Mbps fixed); the higher pair previously quoted is not on the page. SIM Card minutes attach to the 25 euro tier only, as the country prep states. Main Train/Transit Hub cites the bus station's own site for the address, because the Promet questions page shows none. Gyms & Fitness Centers adds the studio's home page for its address. Population adds the town and settlement census pages for the 2021 split. The six purchase price items carry the price map's 28 October 2026 update date; the figures themselves are unchanged.

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