Central Istria Tourist Board recently contacted us to make us aware of how they are now catering for Digital Nomads. It’s a stunning part of the country with its rolling plains, medieval hilltop towns, rich culture, mouthwatering gastronomy, fabulous wines and much more. Now it seems it also has the infrastructure and other requirements for Digital Nomads to thrive. Many thanks to The Tourist Board of Central Istria for both the text and the images.

As part of the Digital Nomads-in-Residence (DN-I-R) program, up to 18 digital nomads have spent time in Central Istria, exploring the region as a destination for remote work and getting to know how a rural part of Croatia can cater to the needs of digital nomads. Throughout the week, these nomads have been able to experience life and work in Central Istria, immersing themselves in the local culture and getting to know the region on a deeper level. Whether they are working from a coworking space or enjoying the natural beauty of the area, these digital nomads have been able to make the most of their time in Central Istria and get a taste of what it’s like to live and work in this beautiful part of Croatia.

Digital nomads have embraced the freedom and flexibility of working remotely, and have been seeking out new and exciting destinations to set up their temporary offices. Central Istria, a region in Croatia, has become a popular destination for digital nomads, who are drawn to its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly locals. In Central Istria, digital nomads have not only been able to work and enjoy all that the region has to offer, but they have also had the opportunity to learn about Croatian culture and language, and connect with the locals in a deeper and more meaningful way.

“The Tourist Board of Central Istria has been conducting a campaign to attract digital nomads to the destination for the past year. Now, together with partners – Saltwater Nomads (main partner), Digital Nomads Association Croatia and the Development Agency Heart of Istria from Pazin, it is implementing the second part of the project”, said Sanja Kantaruti, director of the Tourist Board of Central Istria.

Digital nomads have discovered the beauty of Central Istria and have not only been able to work and enjoy this stunning region, but have also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and meet the friendly locals. Many of them have even taken the time to learn Croatian, the official language of Croatia, as a way to better connect with the community and fully experience all that Central Istria has to offer. From exploring the charming towns and villages to enjoying the delicious local cuisine, digital nomads have found that Central Istria is the perfect place to work and play.

It is expected that the design thinking workshops will bring valuable insights and create a series of initiatives for the region of Central Istria. In addition to the DN-I-R program, the Development agency delivered the first of two “workation design” workshops at the House of Istrian Prosciutto (Hiža istarskog pršuta) in Tinjan. The workshop was organised by the Development Agency Heart of Istria. Digital nomads had the opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs and identify the advantages of the workation concept in Central Istria.

Discovering the Digital Nomad Life in Central Istria

Han Talbot, The Remote Life, says: “Central Istria is a great base for digital nomads looking for space to finish a project or to disconnect entirely and explore a more rural region. Fellow remote lifers will be in for a treat here and I’m excited to see how the region develops.”

Dean Kuchel who has travelled to 100+ countries, founder of Digital Nomads Israel and United Nomads, says: “I didn’t have many expectations when I first came here, little to do and mostly had time for myself to work on my project, but coming here was actually quite the opposite. Jeep Safari, wineries, restaurants, little towns that are beautiful to explore.

Tanja Polegubic of Saltwater Nomads: Croatia is on the map for many remote workers, having led the way with the introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa and groundbreaking events. This program has proved rural parts of Croatia need special attention, particularly in the off-season. Co-creating a plan with decision makers, nomads and the local community will yield the way forward for this region in the year ahead. It’s been one delightful discovery after another – I’m amazed at the potential and grateful for discovering so many hidden gems.

Jan de Jong president of Digital Nomad Association Croatia:  What you have seen in the past is that people would actually move to countries like the United States or to Ireland or to Germany to find job opportunities. What has this remote work revolution resulted in? Actually it is that those people that are coming from those countries are now looking for a lifestyle. I mean, first of all, Croatia, but especially Central Istria is definitely a lifestyle destination with phenomenal gastronomy, amazing wines, and most beautiful nature. You can go truffle hunting and enjoy the way of life that we people in Central Istria sometimes take for granted. Most people from the United States or other nations, for them, it’s like a complete new experience to live the way we live here.

The digital nomads in attendance were: Anna Traylor (Twine) , Bobby Grubic (Artonix Studios), Han Talbot (The Remote Life), Ronald Tardiff (World Economic Forum), Lorna Lacey (Remote Work Mentor), Lumin Grace (Goddess Tapestry), Steve Tsentserensky (SBT Creative) , Yvonne Wagoun (White Stag Tourism) and Dean Kuchel (United Nomads).

The future of digital nomad tourism in Central Istria

The Tourist Board of Central Istria is the initiator of the Live & Work in Central Istria project. It aims to develop year-round tourism in the destination, attracting a new profile of guests: digital nomads.

The goal of the project itself is to make Central Istria a desirable destination for digital nomads. To get closer to the desired goal, a website https://liveandwork.central-istria.com/  was created as part of the project.

Why Choose Central Istria as a Destination for Living and Working?

With its beautiful nature, high level of safety, numerous activities, local restaurants, and a coworking space nearby, this area is the right choice for digital nomads and people who are not tied to the location-based office.

There is a large variety of accommodation, equipped with air conditioning and heating and good internet connections. In addition, welcoming hosts and interesting events throughout the year combine to provide the perfect formula for a working holiday.

This project is co financed by the Croatian National Tourist Board and Istria Tourist Board.

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And of course any Digital Nomad in Central Istria that really wants to integrate into their new surroundings knows where to come to learn the language well and as quickly as possible!