The aim of this research is to theoretically and empirically examine and determine whether and, if so, in what way the pandemic of the disease COVID-19 affected rural life in Croatian rural areas from the micro-perspective of the Croatian rural population. In the theoretical part are defined the basic terms of rural areas, settlements and their characteristics as well as being discussed the reasons for rural vulnerability to catastrophic events such as this pandemic. Second part of this researsch present the results of empirical research.The goal and purpose of the research were achieved by a qualitative method of semi-structured interview based on the author's analysis of existing data collected as part of the scientific research project of the Croatian Science Foundation "Socio-ecological challenges of rural development: - objective and subjective indicators of resilience of Croatian rural social-ecological systems" (UIP -2019-04-5257). The research found that the COVID-19 pandemic had the greatest negative impact on the life and everyday life of Croatian rural residents. Primarily, it had negative effects on human relations, mobility and employment, and aroused collective fear. However, it is interesting that the interlocutors in this research state that dealing with the effects of the pandemic was greatly facilitated precisely because of the specifics of the way of life in rural settlements, such as close connection and life surrounded by nature, cleaner air and environment, freedom and a quieter life without noise, a stronger connection between people, spontaneity and trust. The interviewees who stated that the pandemic had no major impact on their daily life were the least represented in the research.