In the last few years, Croatia has been gaining more and more prominence as one of the best vacation hot spots for Europeans. The rocky cliffs, the lush nature, and laid back Mediterranean vibe have made the country a must-see summer spot. With all that tourism and the closer connection with the rest of Europe, the prices and wealth in Croatia have risen sharply. If you want to know where to go, or where to avoid going, we made a list of the richest cities in Croatia:
Pula
Pula is the largest city in Istria, which is one of the most visited areas of Croatia. For centuries this area has been controlled by the Venetians and Italians, which has had an impact on the local culture and architecture. There are still some very well preserved Roman artifacts in town, such as the Arena, Arch of the Sergii, and the temple of Augustus. There are many beaches and small villages around Pula that are worth visiting, but the Brijuni National Park is certainly the most spectacular. The city is expensive, like everything else on the Croatian coast, but still relatively cheaper than its Italian counterparts.
Split
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and the largest one on the Dalmatian coast. Once again, it has a rich and interesting history, filled with Empires, wars, opulence, and ruins. Nowadays, there is a well-preserved old town, great nightlife, and a bunch of other great beaches and cities worth a day trip. If you like bigger cities and the amenities they have to offer, but also want a sunny Croatian vacation, this is a great option for your vacation. The Dalmatian coast is what makes Croatia truly special, and Split is its economic center.
Rijeka
Rijeka is Croatia’s third-largest city and like the previous entries on this list, it’s located on the country’s shore. This is one of the most visited cities in Croatia and the closest big city to the popular Krk resort. Like the other cities we listed, this is very much a seasonal destination that is crawling with tourists during the summer months. Besides tourism, the economy largely hinges on shipbuilding and some trade.
Zagreb
For anyone that knows the country, it should come as no surprise that Zagreb is the most expensive and richest city in Croatia. About a quarter of the entire population of Croatia resides in the capital city and a lot of the big businesses and political institutions are located here. It’s a truly large and great European capital with a lot to offer to its visitors. While most people skip Zagreb and go straight to the coast, the city is still very popular with tourists, but also has other economic legs to stand on. Overall, if you want the classic European big city experience and don’t like beaches, Zagreb is the place for you.
