For a magical winter getaway come and discover the hidden gems of Croatia. From skiing in our winter mountain resorts, skating in some beautiful ice-skating rinks, wandering through our spectacular national parks, to bathing in one of hot natural springs and thermal spa resorts. Choose from a wide range of options, and discover the beauty and magic of winter in Croatia.
Croatia is a country blessed with spectacular coastlines, beautiful beaches, lively cities, a rich cultural heritage and over a thousand islands. It is well known as a perfect summer destination for relaxing beach holidays, sailing, island hopping, water sports and outdoor activities. However, Croatia in winter is just as beautiful and fascinating as in the summertime.
Skiing
For a perfect winter getaway without the crowds and queues, come join us for skiing or snowboarding in the best Croatian ski resorts: Sljeme – Medvednica mountain, just north of Zagreb; Bjelolasica – Croatian Olympic Center near Ogulin; and Platak – close to Risnjak National Park and only 10 kilometers away from the Adriatic Sea. Good choice of accommodation, great snow and lots of warm hospitality await.
Waterfalls
For a truly magical experience and an inspiration for all photographers come meander through the Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Parks. Discover the beautiful frozen waterfalls and spectacular winter wonderland scenery.
Thermal Spas
Treat yourself to an indulgent natural spa experience at one of Croatia’s famous thermal spas, nestled in spectacular scenery, and just perfect after a few days of skiing. Combine it with trekking the nearby hills or some cultural sightseeing tours, and we guarantee you an unforgettable vacation. Croatia’s most famous thermal spas include: Tuhelj Thermal Spa (Terme Tuhelj), Stubičke Spa (Stubičke Toplice), Aquae Vivae Thermal Spa (Krapinske Toplice), Sveti Martin Spa Resort (Sveti Martin na Muri), and Istria’s Thermal Spa Resort (Istarske Toplice).
Advent Markets
Come visit our vibrant and colorful Christmas markets and see for yourselves why Zagreb Advent has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe three times in a row. Come sample our regional delicacies, get in the Christmas spirit with our street entertainment and stock up on an array of traditional crafts and goodies.
Castles
Croatia is abundant with historical medieval castles (Trakošćan Castle, Veliki Tabor Castle), fortresses and monuments, so step back in time and enjoy the history of the fairytale castles in Eastern Europe and experience the living conditions of medieval Croatia in the snow.
Museums
Learn about our culture and heritage in one of the hundreds of museums and galleries throughout Croatia and step into the magical night-time world of the Museum Night (Night of Museums), an annual cultural event held across Croatia, when during one night in the year museums are open for visitors free of charge and working hours are extended into the early hours of the morning.
Carnivals
Croatian people love winter carnivals, so if you want to experience a celebration full of vibrant colors and fun, make the most of the cold season and visit Croatia in winter. The Samobor Carnival (Samoborski fašnik) is one of the oldest carnival celebrations in Croatia and one of the largest tourist attractions in the northern continental part of the country. The Opatija Carnival is a parade of colorful floats driven by mask participants down the streets of Opatija. And the largest and most famous carnival in the country is the Rijeka Carnival, which celebrates the coronation of the Prince and Princess of Rijeka and ends with an international parade through the city center, featuring thousands of masked participants and floats from all over the world.
If you decide to visit Croatia during the colder months, you can not only have a chance to experience Croatia as a magical winter wonderland, but also take advantage of the usual benefits of traveling off-season, such as less people, less traffic, cheaper flights, and cheaper accommodation.