Essentials
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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)
- 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.