Umag, Croatia

With a population of just 12,699, Umag is a sleepy coastal town in Croatia's far west that offers little beyond its seaside setting. While the town's Venetian history and Mediterranean climate may appeal to some, the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache and a dwindling Italian influence that has faded since Yugoslavia's rule. Umag's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with the annual ATP tennis tournament and Sea Star music festival drawing visitors, but those seeking a lively, cosmopolitan city will be left disappointed by the town's provincial charms. For retirees or remote workers content with a slower pace of life by the Adriatic, Umag may hold some appeal, but anyone seeking an urban Croatian experience should look elsewhere.