The smell of the Adriatic Sea filled the car and I knew: I was home.

Coming back to Croatia last week was one of the best things I have said yes to. Coming around the corner and seeing Dubrovnik in the distance, I had a hunch it was going to be an awesome trip. But I had no idea.

From the welcome drinks at Sponza Palace to the inspiring talks to the beautiful tours, WorkPlaceCultureConference was incredible from start to finish. An event for the remote life and travel industries to share data, trends and insights. I had the opportunity to connect (and reconnect) with the best community ever. People working towards the same thing I am, and who got the same things I was thinking about. It was like being propelled into everything I was already desiring to be a part of.

Plus, I had the honour of hosting a panel on why all Eyes (Are) On Croatia with panellists: Jelka Tepšić (Deputy Mayor of Dubrovnik), Ana Hrnić (from Dubrovnik Tourist Board), Steve Tsentserensky (a digital nomad) and Sara Dyson (Founder of Expats in Croatia):

For other destinations and companies here or listening in, why the focus on digital nomads?

It’s interesting how this has not been as high a priority before until now. But as Jelka explained, it’s actually becoming more beneficial to market to long term travellers. They stay longer, want to explore further and invest in the local economy more. 

For Dubrovnik, which has previously featured on ‘destinations to avoid’ lists, the city was once known for being an overcrowded place (we were shown the Old Town photos). But they now see the opportunity for an alternative approach to share their beloved city throughout the year - not just in high season.

What are some of the biggest draws for digital nomads and remote workers to come to Croatia (or your destination specifically)?

Each panellist added their favourite culture icons to the list, but were sure to mention about going beyond the tourist hot spots. 

Another thing that came up also was the coffee culture - which I’ve posted about in previous blogs - and taking the time to enjoy one. 

“Croatians hate coffee to go” - Jelka

Is there any thing that remote workers and digital nomads should know before basing themselves in Croatia?

Sara kicked us off with this one, understandably, but everyone on the panel was pretty unanimous about the bureaucracy of the paperwork in Croatia. Whether you’re looking to apply for a digital nomad visa, a house, whatever it may be. The Croatian system can be a tough one to navigate - which is why companies like Expats in Croatia are incredibly useful! 

One Croatian phrase digital nomads and remote workers should know.

Again, a pretty unanimous vote, spearheaded by Jelka: would you like to get a coffee?

What can we do to support Croatia?

Go beyond the Walls and get to know year round businesses.

Fill in the blank. Home is where____is.

Jelka and Anna answered heart, but Steve definitely gave the mic drop answer of: Home is Croatia. And I’d say that sums up the experience we were all feeling overall. Typically I’ll only feel this in places I’ve spent longer stretches of time. But, coming back to Croatia this time really did feel like I was coming home in some way. From the people I met at the conference to my Uber drivers, everyone was so friendly and hospitable.

And what about laptop time?

Although I had my iPad and phone out every so often throughout the conference, I didn’t really get a chance to actually check out places to work this time. (Check out where to work in Split or Zagreb) But I’ll pop some information below about:

• Our conference venue - which is also a coworker spot: Lazareti - looking out over the Old Town Port, this is a surprisingly tranquil and picturesque space to work from.

• Sunset Beach area - there are a couple of restaurants that you can set up next to the water with a decent coffee and bite to eat. You could, if you really wanted to go the extra mile, set up on a lounger and work from there thanks to the free wifi in the area!

• Cogito - one from the recommendation list that was unfortunately closed last time I was in the area - and then didn’t have time to make it to this one. But was on our list for the conference!

• Akademis - a similar situation as Cogito, where time was sadly not a resource I had, but where the events team stayed and recommended. It sounds like it has a bit of a Selina feel to it, but don’t take my word for it!

Is Croatia on your list yet?

Han x