Makarska, Croatia

Makarska is where the Adriatic meets the Biokovo mountains, creating a postcard-perfect setting that draws both tourists and expats. The palm-lined promenade buzzes with cafes, but locals know the real value is in the quieter neighborhoods uphill where rent drops significantly. Summer crowds inflate prices—those large hotels and camping grounds mean July and August feel more like a resort than a hometown.

Bureaucracy moves at coastal pace here. Getting a residence permit requires patience with paperwork, especially if you don’t speak Croatian. The harbor area is safe, but petty theft spikes during peak season when the Riviera’s 60 km of coastline gets packed. Makarska works best for expats who want Mediterranean vibes without Split’s prices, can tolerate seasonal tourism swings, and don’t mind trading big-city amenities for mountain-sea views.