December 27th, 2023 – As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had as the Digital Nomad Association Croatia. From breaking records at Sausagefest in Sveti Petar u Šumi to exploring the metaverse in Zagreb, planting trees on Earth Day on Lokrum Island, picking olives in Postira, embracing the nature at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, and savoring the flavors of Central Istria, each event has supported our digital nomad community.
Sausagefest at Sveti Petar u Šumi, Central Istria (March 2023)
The Digital Nomad team made history by participating for the first time at the Sausagefest in Sveti Petar u Šumi, Central Istria, in March 2023. Following the Digital Nomads in Residence program in December 2022, we were back in Central Istria. The DN team, comprising the Association’s co-founder Tanja Polegubic and digital nomads Steve Tsentserensky, Sam Brown, and Charlie Brown, embarked on a unique adventure through the special invitation of the mayor of Sveti Petar u Šumi, Mr. Mario Bratulić, and with the continued drive of the Central Istria Tourist Board Director, Sanja Kantaruti.
The highlight of the event was the creation of the world’s largest Istrian sausage, a record-breaking 333 meters. The digital nomad team collaborated with locals and skilled butchers in this extraordinary feat. The festival also included a sausage-making competition where digital nomads, including Charlie Brown, secured an impressive second place. The day concluded with a visit to a product fair showcasing the region’s finest offerings, with gratitude extended to the Central Istria Tourist Board and the town of Sveti Petar u Šumi for an unforgettable experience. Read the full recap HERE.
Earth Day at Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik (April 2023)
In April, we joined forces with digital nomad ambassador Mita Carriman, a digital nomad from New York and CEO and founder of Adventurely, on Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik, for a unique Earth Day celebration. Planting trees and immersing ourselves in nature, we shared moments of commitment to the environment. A special thanks to the City of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board for this meaningful experience.
Learn more about the Dubrovnik Long Stay initiative and the benefits of their Digital Nomad Card by visiting their official website.
Metaverse Live Show with Aragorn Meulendijks, Zagreb (May 2023)
DNA Croatia’s Metaverse Live Show, featuring Aragorn Meulendijks (ItsMrMetaverse), was a cutting-edge exploration of technology. Sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Telemach Hrvatska, and Saltwater Nomads, the event unfolded at Zagreb’s Kaptol Boutique Cinema, offering a deep dive into the transformative realms of the metaverse, Web3, AI, VR, AR, and more. Aragorn Meulendijks, a leading expert in the field and one of this years Dubrovnik Digital Nomad Ambassadors, captivated attendees with an insightful two-hour presentation, fostering audience engagement and interaction. The event shattered preconceptions, kindling curiosity, and enthusiasm, leaving participants with a profound understanding of the potential held by groundbreaking technologies.
The dynamic event also showcased the commitment of sponsors like Telemach Hrvatska, who generously provided merchandise and internet sims, reinforcing their dedication to the digital nomad community in Croatia. Intellias added to the excitement with an exclusive Back to the Future Lego set giveaway, adding an interactive element through a live quiz. The success of the event was a collaborative effort, made possible by the support of sponsors, including the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Telemach Hrvatska, Saltwater Nomads, the Croatia National Tourist Board, Intellias, Eleks, ItsMrMetaverse, and the Zagreb Tourist Board, all contributing to the advancement of the digital nomad community and innovation.
The Digital Nomad Association Croatia extends sincere gratitude to attendees and recognizes the presence of distinguished members from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Ambassador of Australia in Croatia. Special thanks are extended to Iva Peroković from Swanky for hosting and dedicated volunteers for ensuring a seamless event experience. Read the full recap HERE.
Learn more about the metaverse by connecting with Aragorn on LinkedIn!
6th Olive Picking World Championship at Postira, Brač (October 2023)
The 6th Olive Picking World Championship in Postira, on the island of Brač, featured 12 teams from around the world. Led by Kaisu Koskela from Finland, the Digital Nomad Team, accompanied by Nicki Frandsen, Kelsey Kay Love, and Pete Rimkus, collected an impressive 30.8 kilograms of olives, securing 9th place. Beyond the competition, the event immersed participants in Brač’s rich history and culture against its stunning landscapes.
The championship was more than a contest; it was an opportunity for the Digital Nomad Team to forge friendships and delve into the island’s traditions. The team’s journey included a welcome dinner, an olive-picking competition, and a guided visit to the Olive Oil Museum in Škrip. The awards dinner capped off the event, where the team received a standing ovation for their participation award. Special thanks go to the Postira Tourist Board and its director Ivana Jelinčić, the Olive Picking World Championship organizing team, and sponsors Saltwater Nomads and Hertz Croatia, along with Hotel Pastura, the Olive Oil Museum, Dol Eco-Ethno Village, and Poetica for enhancing the experience. The Digital Nomad Team eagerly anticipates the 7th Olive Picking World Championship in Postira, ready to make their mark on the world stage! Read the full recap HERE.
To learn more about life as a digital nomad in Postira, click here!
Plitvice Digital Nomad Week (October 2023)
The Plitvice Digital Nomad Week at Camping Plitvice showcased a delightful mix of work and leisure. Attendees, including those from the recent Olive Picking World Championship, gathered for workshops, National Park tours, and various activities like BBQs, karaoke, and group dinners. The event offered a refreshing break from screens, allowing participants to appreciate the natural surroundings and enjoy face-to-face interactions.
A special thanks to DNA Croatia for organizing the event and appreciation to Anja Kandrač, the manager of Camping Plitvice, for her support and hospitality. The dedicated Camping Plitvice staff, tour guides, host partners, Hertz Croatia, and workshop hosts Nicki and Peter, along with the vibrant digital nomad community, all played a role in creating a lively and enriching experience.
”We had deep conversations and shallow observations. We learned more about each of our professional challenges. We made instant friends and learned geological facts and tried to spot beavers (and failed). We shared laughs and more laughs and some seriously solid meals. We drove down runways and touched moss and sang songs and I’m pretty sure we would all do it again.”, wrote our guest writer and attendee, Kelsey Kay Love from the United States. Read Kelsey’s full recap HERE.
Stay tuned for more information regarding the second edition of the Plitvice Digital Nomad Week in 2024 by subscribing to our newsletter!
Central Istria Gourmet Getaway (November 2023)
DNA Croatia proudly supported the Live and Work initiative in Central Istria through the Central Istria Gourmet Getaway, a month-long event in November that brought together digital nomads, stunning landscapes, and the authentic flavors of the region. Seven digital nomads, alongside guests and mentors, participated in this unique workation at the ‘Old School’ villa in Jakovići, serving as the co-living and co-working hub for the event. The program featured communal dinners, mentoring sessions, meditation, and festive gatherings, providing a blend of work and leisure in a picturesque setting.
The culinary delights of Central Istria took center stage, transforming the event into a true Gourmet Getaway. Nomad Table dinners on Fridays and immersive “Meet the Makers” workshops on Saturdays highlighted the region’s rich food traditions. Despite the approaching winter, outdoor activities thrived, with sunny days inviting nomads to explore rural landscapes through morning runs, scenic walks, and an E-bike tour. Hertz Croatia, the official transportation sponsor, facilitated exploration of Central Istria’s diverse landscapes.
The Gourmet Getaway also served as a knowledge-sharing hub, featuring mentorship sessions and workshops covering diverse subjects, from travel and book writing to video editing and ethical email marketing. Special thanks to sponsors and collaborators—the Central Istria Tourist Board and its director Sanja Kantaruti, the Croatia National Tourist Board, Saltwater Nomads, Hertz Croatia, and Valfresco Direkt—for their valuable contributions to the success of this event. Read the full recap HERE.
If you’re a digital nomad interested in living and working remotely in Central Istria, you can find more information through the Live and Work in Central Istria website.
We welcomed new team members to the Digital Nomad Association Croatia
Earlier n 2023, DNA Croatia celebrated the valuable additions of Rowena Hennigan and Steve Tsentserensky to its Advisory Board. Rowena, an esteemed leader in remote work, brings her wealth of experience in managing remote teams and fostering inclusivity. Her dedication to promoting innovation aligns seamlessly with our mission. Steve, a passionate digital nomad, has been capturing the beauty of Croatia through his creative skills in videography, photography, and copywriting. Both Rowena and Steve play vital roles in advancing DNA Croatia’s commitment to supporting and connecting the dynamic community in Croatia, marking significant milestones in our journey throughout the year. Be sure to connect with Rowena and Steve for more insights about digital nomadism in Croatia!
The Digital Nomad Association Croatia is also pleased to announce that Michael Freer has joined the team for the next 6 months, bringing with him great expertise in the startup world, as we develop funding proposals with local and EU partners. Welcome, Michael!
Collaborators who made 2023 possible and unforgettable
A big shout out to Lucijana Jerković, PR of the Croatia National Tourist Board and member of our advisory board for her continued trust and support. All of these great experiences and moments in 2023 were possible in large part thanks to the Croatia National Tourist Board and its ongoing efforts to position Croatia as an ideal destination for digital nomads from all over the world. If you are interested in making Croatia your new home/office, be sure to visit the National Tourist Board’s dedicated website.
Our gratitude extends to all of our partners and supporters in 2023—the Central Istria Tourist Board and director Sanja Kantaruti, the town of Sveti Petar u Šumi and its mayor Mario Bratulić, the City of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Tourist Board and director Miroslav Drašković, Embassy of the Netherlands in Croatia, Postira Tourist Board and director Ivana Jelinčić, Plitvice Lakes Tourist Board, Camping Plitvice and manager Anja Kandrač, Saltwater Nomads, Telemach Hrvatska, Hertz Croatia, Intellias, Eleks, and Valfresco Direkt. Thank you for your continuous support and collaboration throughout the year!
As we wrap up 2023, we want to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who played a crucial role in the success of our events. Your active involvement and support have been instrumental in creating memorable experiences. As we embark on the journey into 2024, we extend warm wishes for a year filled with achievements and joy. To our fellow nomads and remote workers, stay tuned for a dynamic lineup of events and activities in Croatia throughout the upcoming year.
Stay in the loop by visiting our website, engaging with us on social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook), and subscribing to our newsletter. Here’s to a vibrant and connected community in 2024!