Split, Croatia is a fantastic destination for digital nomads, offering a mix of historic charm, beautiful beaches, and affordable living. The city has several co-working spaces and work-friendly cafes, especially around the Diocletian’s Palace area. With a low cost of living compared to other European cities, and the ability to stay long-term with Croatia’s digital nomad visa, it’s a practical base for remote workers. The Mediterranean climate, combined with easy access to the Adriatic Sea, provides a great work-life balance. Split’s growing expat community makes it easy to network and connect with like-minded professionals.
Nomad Score: 8/10 ・ Cost of living: $1900/month ・ Internet speed: 270 Mbps
▶ Apartments Korta – Studio or Single Room
▶ Captain’s Guest House – Double Room
▶ Seascape Luxury Rooms – Superior King Room with Sea & Old City View
▶ Marvie Hotel & Health – Classic Double Room
▶ CAPITAL Apartments and Rooms – Deluxe King Studio
▶ Alba Residence – Superior Double Room
▶ Heritage Apartments Trumbić – Studio with Garden View
This guide will help you enjoy Split as a digital nomad, offering the perfect blend of productive workspaces, beautiful surroundings, and a vibrant social scene:
1. Internet and Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Split offers reliable, fast internet throughout the city, with most cafes, co-working spaces, and accommodations providing strong connections. Fiber-optic broadband is available in most areas, making it suitable for remote work.
- Mobile Plans: Croatia’s major mobile providers, such as T-Mobile, A1, and Telemach, offer affordable prepaid SIM cards with 4G/5G coverage. These can be easily purchased at kiosks or mobile stores throughout Split.
2. Co-working Spaces
Split has a growing number of co-working spaces tailored to digital nomads:
- Amosfera: A popular co-working space located near Split’s beach area, offering flexible memberships and a strong community feel.
- Saltwater Workspace: Located in the city center, this space offers modern facilities, events, and networking opportunities for nomads and freelancers.
- Smartspace: A co-working space with a mix of private offices and shared workspaces, ideal for both short and long-term remote workers.
- WIP Coworking: Situated near the ferry terminal, WIP offers a creative and dynamic work environment with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
3. Cost of Living
- Accommodation: Split is relatively affordable compared to many other European cities. A one-bedroom apartment in central areas like Diocletian’s Palace or Bačvice can cost between €500–€1,200 per month, while more affordable options can be found in neighborhoods like Žnjan and Meje, where prices start around €400.
- Food: Eating out is reasonably priced, with meals at casual restaurants costing around €8–€15. For groceries, markets and supermarkets like Tommy and Konzum offer affordable produce and essentials.
- Co-working: Monthly co-working memberships typically range from €100 to €250, depending on the location and facilities.
4. Where to Stay
- Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace): The historic heart of Split, this area is vibrant and offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and work-friendly spaces. It can be more expensive and touristy but offers proximity to most attractions.
- Bačvice: Famous for its beach, Bačvice offers a great mix of relaxation and convenience. It’s a popular area among digital nomads due to its cafes and laid-back vibe.
- Žnjan: A quieter, residential area with more affordable rent. It’s close to the beach and still well-connected to the city center.
- Meje: A peaceful neighborhood close to Marjan Hill, ideal for those looking for a quieter environment with easy access to nature and the sea.
5. Transportation
- Public Transport: Split has a bus network that covers the city and surrounding areas. A single bus ticket costs around 11-13 HRK (€1.50), and monthly passes are available for regular travelers.
- Bikes: Split is bike-friendly, with cycling routes along the coast and throughout the city. Bike rentals are available, and cycling is a great way to explore the city.
- Walking: Many parts of Split, especially the Old Town and central districts, are walkable, making it easy to navigate the city on foot.
- Ferries: Split is a hub for ferries, making it easy to take trips to nearby islands like Hvar and Brač for a weekend getaway.
6. Work-Friendly Cafes
- D16 Coffee: Located in the Old Town, D16 Coffee is a popular spot with digital nomads, offering great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere for working.
- Kavana Procaffe: A spacious cafe near the Riva promenade, ideal for working with a view of the harbor.
- Café Bar Žbirac: Located in Bačvice, this beachside cafe offers fast Wi-Fi and a peaceful setting to work while enjoying sea views.
- KaKantun: A trendy cafe near the city center with good Wi-Fi, perfect for a productive work session in a creative environment.
7. Visa and Legal Information
- Digital Nomad Visa: Croatia offers a Digital Nomad Visa that allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in Croatia for up to a year. To qualify, applicants must show proof of income (around €2,300 per month) and health insurance. This visa is renewable and provides a legal framework for long-term stays.
- Schengen Visa: EU citizens can live and work freely in Croatia, while non-EU citizens can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period on a Schengen tourist visa.
8. Networking and Community
Split’s digital nomad scene is growing, with several networking opportunities available:
- Meetups: Platforms like Meetup.com host regular events in Split, ranging from entrepreneurial workshops to social gatherings for expats and digital nomads.
- Facebook Groups: Join groups like “Digital Nomads Croatia” or “Expats in Split” to connect with fellow nomads, share tips, and stay updated on local events.
- Co-working Events: Many co-working spaces, like Saltwater and Amosfera, host regular networking events, workshops, and social activities to bring the community together.
9. Local Attractions and Leisure
- Diocletian’s Palace: Split’s most famous attraction, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit. It’s a great place to explore history and local culture while wandering through its ancient streets.
- Marjan Hill: A beautiful park with hiking trails offering panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a work break.
- Riva Promenade: The waterfront promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants, offering stunning views of the harbor. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax.
- Beaches: Split has several beautiful beaches, including Bačvice, Žnjan, and Bene. These are perfect for relaxing after work or enjoying water activities like swimming and paddleboarding.
10. Health and Safety
- Healthcare: Croatia offers good healthcare services, with both public and private clinics available in Split. Non-EU citizens should have private health insurance for the duration of their stay. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare.
- Safety: Split is generally a safe city with low crime rates. As always, it’s important to stay vigilant in crowded tourist areas and keep your belongings secure.
Bonus Tips
- Weather: Split enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer is the peak tourist season, while spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Language: Croatian is the official language, but many locals, especially in the service industry, speak English. Learning a few basic Croatian phrases will be appreciated.
- Weekend Trips: Split’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby islands like Hvar, Brač, and Vis, or take a day trip to the stunning Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park.