Visit Croatia in winter? Oh yes! Croatia is the type of country where each of the four seasons brings a different shade of life. While summer in Croatia is the best season for partying and swimming, a winter in Croatia is the best season for relaxing and enjoying a more intimate experience in the country. Read our guide to finding the top 5 winter destinations in Croatia.
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Plitvice Lakes National Park like Frozen or Narnia movies
Our first choice is definitely Plitvice Lakes National Park under the snow and frozen waterfalls.
With its exceptional natural beauty, this area has always attracted nature lovers, and already on 8 April 1949, it was proclaimed Croatia’s first national park. The Plitvice Lakes National Park offers visitors seven different routes to tour the lake system and four hiking trails. The park is open to visitors year-round.
One of the most popular destinations in the summer season also must be one of the most stunning destinations in the winter. Why? Plitvice Lakes is one of the most spectacular sights not just in Croatia but in the word.
In the winter, the entire national park turns into magic. Imagine a picture when the whole park is covered with snow! The best time to travel to Plitvice is from December to February when temperatures below 0 are common. The entrance tickets at this time of the year are cheaper. Check out the prices on their official website.
Dress warmly, bring your crampons and enjoy this magical winter wonderland.
Advent in Zagreb – Let the magic begin!
Imagine the smell of cinnamon, gingerbread, mulled wine and a variety of snacks.
Imagine bells, ornate and full squares. Indulge yourself in the holiday spirit and visit the Croatian capital city, Zagreb. Zagreb was named the city’s best Christmas fair in Europe for the first time in 2015, after which the program became even more interesting and meaningful, winning the same title in 2016 and 2017.
There are Christmas fairs around the city center as well as outside the city center, concerts and cultural events are organized, and Zagreb also offers an ice rink.
In 2019, Zagreb has two main themes – the Nutcracker and the Croatian Heritage, so there will be sculptures throughout the city. This year the emphasis will be on classical music. See all events on the Advent Zagreb page.
Bonus: from Zagreb, you can take a day-trip to the Plitvice Lakes 😉 .
Šibenik – first plastic-free advent in Croatia
Šibenik is situated in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic Coast, in the picturesque and indented bay where the Krka River, one of the most beautiful karst rivers in Croatia enters the sea. The Šibenik region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and dry and mild winters.
In the winter Šibenik organizes unique Advent in Croatia – first plastic-free Advent. The first Advent fair without plastic was supported by our strategic partner Krka National Park.
Apart from the unique Advent Šibenik appears as a film location in three episodes of the fifth season of the serial Game of Thrones.
Visit Cathedral of St, James, St. John’s Fortress and City contours of Šibenik and feel Game of Thrones.
Trsat Castle – a Fairy tale for princesses
If there’s something you “must” when visiting Rijeka, then you must visit Trsat.
Winter is the best time to visit Trsat and Trsat Castle. While last year’s Advent on Trsat Castle welcomed around 60,000 visitors from all across the region, this year expects to see even more attendees. Trsat Castle turns into a fairy tale in the advent time. At the entrance to Castle, there is a large luminous ball, and the whole Castle is illuminated with thousands of lights. The smell of “fritule” and “kroštule” spreads through Castle, and the laughter of children echoes throughout Trsat. The shrubs are turned into luminous balls, the “Peace of the Hero” is enriched with large cribs. Everything is imbued with peace, laughter, and happiness. If you plan to visit Trsat, dress warmly because Trsat is known for its bora – bura.
In 2020, Rijeka becomes the European Capital of Culture, and along the Trsat Stairs, stop by Korzo, Kobler Square and the Adriatic Square, where you can see the counter sculpture. The sculpture also has a music box, so you can hear when you turn the lever reproduction of “Ode to Joy” and take a photo in front of the sculpture.
Istria – sleeping beauty
Although quieter and a little dormant in winter, Istria has a lot to offer.
The Istria is a destination for winter walks, clear panoramic views, olive oil, local wine, local specialties, and brandy.
Visit Rovinj, Pula, Motovun or Hum, each town hiding its charms. Take one-day routes and take a guided tour.
Also, Istria is known for its spa and thermal resorts. Such natural therapeutic properties of the water distinguish the Istrian thermal resort from other European thermal springs placing it at the third position of the European rank-list by the quality of water and therapeutic properties. Give your body the rest it deserves.
Whichever city you choose you to have a good time. Explore and fall in love with Croatia.
