Visit: Rijeka, Croatia
The city that flows.
March 25, 2026
Set between rolling hills and the Adriatic sea, Rijeka, a name that means river, has much of the innate charm of its more bourgeois coastal neighbors. Its industrial grittiness, however, is just enough to deter the touristy masses, which is what has some choosing the city for a longer stay.
Most countries allow digital nomads to reside for six months to a year. Croatia recently increased the length of its special visa to three years, as the remote-work trend continues to promote long-term travel. The Balkan country also has begun allowing partners and family members to join. Named the European Capital of Culture several years back, Rijeka is known for being a local favorite—vibrant and cool, while also affordable. Like a river, life here flows with just a bit more ease.
Rijeka is the third-largest city in Croatia, with around 130,000 residents. It also includes a large university student body.
Known for its raucous festivals, Rijeka hosts a carnival every February, drawing tens of thousands of mask-wearing revelers.
The main promenade is lined with historical Austro-Hungarian buildings, colorful cafés, and shops. The city also includes a 13th-century castle as well as several 14th-century churches.
While Rijeka offers its own worthy coastline, it’s also a short ferry ride from the many iconic islands and towns that dot the Dalmatian Coast.
As the country’s principal seaport, Rijeka is known for its shipbuilding industry, along with oil, tobacco, and paper production.
Photo credits: Julia Lavrinenko, www.visitRijeka.hr/Getty Images; AP
