Croatia offers an affordable life in the Mediterranean and is an up-and-coming alternative to Italy and Greece. Residents shop for fresh foods in their local farmers' markets, where dry summers and cool winters are the norm. Strong infrastructure connects mainland Croatia with its 1,000-plus islands through a network of airports, island ferries, and nationwide high-speed internet. This connectivity allows digital nomads to go mountain hiking one day and parasailing the next. Expats find coverage under the universal healthcare after their initial three-month stay.

A complex bureaucracy slows processes like homebuying, though, and the Croatian language comes with a steep learning curve. Having Croatian friends—most of whom speak fluent English—make these easier to handle. Overall, this coastal country offers a relaxed pace with easy access to its central European neighbors as well as the Adriatic Sea itself.