Making Friends & Building Community When You Live Abroad in Croatia as a Senior

A long stay in Croatia isn’t just about breathtaking coastlines or affordable living.

It’s about something deeper — connection. When you choose to live abroad, especially in retirement, what truly transforms your experience is the people you meet and the community you build. Here in Croatia, warmth and welcome aren’t marketing slogans — they’re a way of life.

Let’s explore how to make friends, connect with locals, and feel at home during your long-term stay in Croatia.

1. The Croatian Way: Hospitality and Heart

Croatians have a saying: “Pomalo.” It means “take it easy” — slow down, enjoy life, and talk to the person next to you.

From café owners who remember your coffee order to neighbors who share homemade olive oil, Croatian hospitality is natural and genuine. Locals are curious about newcomers — especially those who take the time to learn a few words of Croatian or show interest in the culture. A simple “Dobar dan” (good day) goes a long way.

2. Find Your People: Expat and Local Groups

Many seniors living in Croatia discover that connection comes easily once they know where to look. Here are a few ways to meet people during your stay:

Join Local Expat Communities

Facebook groups like Expats in Split, Digital Nomads Croatia, or Living in Croatia (Foreigners Group) are active year-round.
You’ll find event invitations, housing tips, and even walking clubs for retirees and long-stay travelers.

Take a Class or Workshop

Try a Croatian language course, art class, or cooking workshop.
Split, Dubrovnik, and Rovinj all offer affordable group lessons — great for learning and socializing.

Frequent Local Cafés

In Croatia, cafés are social hubs. Returning to the same spot regularly builds friendly familiarity faster than you’d expect.

Volunteer or Join a Club

Some coastal towns have cultural or charity associations that welcome international volunteers.
Libraries, museums, or local schools sometimes host conversation exchanges or cultural programs.

3. Cities with Strong Community Vibes

Not all Croatian destinations feel the same — some are livelier, others more relaxed. Here are a few where seniors say they feel most at home:

Split – Vibrant, walkable, and full of local life year-round. Its expat scene is active but not overwhelming.
Zadar – Friendly, affordable, and just the right size to recognize faces after a week or two.
Rovinj – Artistic and charming, perfect for those who want beauty and calm with a dose of culture.
Šibenik – A rising star for long stays; quiet but well-connected, with friendly locals and affordable rent.

4. Bridge the Cultural Gap

Even with welcoming locals, it helps to understand a few Croatian customs:

Be patient: Conversations are slower, but sincere.
Accept invitations: Sharing food or wine is a sign of friendship — not formality.
Respect “Dalmatian time”: People value flexibility over strict schedules.
Learn small talk: Asking about family or complimenting local dishes breaks the ice instantly.

When you show appreciation for Croatian culture, you’ll find people eager to include you — not just as a visitor, but as part of the rhythm of local life.

5. Stay Connected With Home, Without Feeling Far Away

Living abroad doesn’t mean leaving loved ones behind. With today’s technology, it’s easy to maintain relationships across continents — while still being fully present where you are.

Tips for staying connected:

Schedule weekly video calls (set them like coffee dates).
Share your experiences through a blog or photo journal — many seniors inspire others this way.
Host friends or family for short visits — showing them “your” Croatia deepens your bond.

6. Combatting Loneliness: The Art of Slower Friendship

It’s normal to feel a little lonely at first — especially in a new country. But in Croatia, relationships often grow slowly… and deeply.

Here’s what helps:

Say hello to the same market vendors weekly.
Join a local walking route or exercise group.
Attend town festivals and open-air concerts — they’re free, joyful, and full of community spirit.
Be consistent. In Croatia, showing up matters more than showing off.

Soon, you’ll find yourself greeted by name — and that’s when you know you belong.

7. Find Wellness in Connection

Friendship isn’t just emotional — it’s physical health, too. Studies show that maintaining strong social bonds reduces stress, improves immunity, and extends lifespan. Croatia’s slow living and social lifestyle make it the perfect place for healthy, connected aging abroad. Morning swims, café chats, group hikes — they all nourish body and mind alike.

Croatia isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place to belong. From warm local traditions to thriving expat circles, you’ll find endless ways to connect, contribute, and create a meaningful life by the sea. At WanderAge, we help seniors build their Croatian story — not just with housing or logistics, but with the community that makes long-term living abroad truly fulfilling. Because the best souvenir isn’t something you buy — it’s the friendships you keep.