What to do in Croatia in Winter? Festive Activities!

What to do in Croatia in Winter? Festive Activities!

There are countless words to describe the incredible experience that is Croatia in winter – breathtaking, snow-kissed landscapes and festive-filled vibes to name a few. While many think of Croatia as a summer vacation destination popular for its picturesque beaches and historic cities, there is so much more to this country which you can find outside of its peak tourist times. 

In this guide, we’ll be walking you through what to do in Croatia in winter from Christmas-themed activities to the perks of traveling to Croatia in the winter. So if you’re looking for a festive winter break away, find out why Croatia should be top of your list!

Is Croatia worth visiting in winter?

For many tourists, Croatia may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a winter vacation. However, this popular summer vacation destination offers a unique and enchanting experience during off-season travel. 

Travelers will benefit from smaller crowds in Croatia’s famous cities, such as Dubrovnik and Split as fewer tourists tend to populate here, allowing for a more relaxed and personal experience. You will also notice that accommodation, flights, and activities are more affordable during the off-season, allowing your money to go further on your vacation. 

So to answer the question, ‘Is Croatia worth visiting in winter?’ Of course! There is truly no bad time to visit this incredible country. For help deciding which month is the best time to visit Croatia and planning your vacation, speak to our travel experts today. 

What to do in Croatia in winter?

With many benefits to traveling to Croatia during the off-peak season, this country can be the ideal winter vacation and a much cheaper option than its European counterparts, yet with just as much to offer tourists. With this in mind, let’s get into what to do in Croatia in winter as you start planning your next adventure!

Sightseeing

This may seem like an obvious one, as who doesn’t go to another country without the plan to explore its more popular destinations? However, there is something about winter in Croatia that makes this a more fulfilling and relaxing experience, than sightseeing during the summer months. 

With fewer crowds around famous landmarks and shorter lines at popular attractions, planning a holiday to Croatia during the winter period can be much easier overall. You’ll also have better photo opportunities as there are fewer tourists around to fight for that Instagrammable spot and more spaces on tours which are typically filled up during the peak period.  

Skiing 

When thinking about what to do in Croatia in winter, very few know about its prospects for winter sports. Skiing in Croatia is an incredibly popular wintertime activity for the locals and while the country may not have the biggest resorts in Europe, it can be a fun activity to add to your vacation itinerary. 

For those looking to ski in Croatia, Ski Resort Sljeme (Medvednica) is probably your best option. This ski resort has access to some sublime mountain ranges including The Sljeme Peak on Mount Medvednica, located just above Zagreb. 

Alternatively, travelers can enjoy day trips to Croatia’s bordering countries to try some of the bigger slopes such as The Alps in Italy. With the added benefit of cheaper accommodation and transportation during the peak season if you use Croatia as a base location for your skiing vacation. 

To start planning your winter vacation, speak to our travel specialists today who can help you plan the perfect custom vacation to Croatia that includes skiing on the itinerary. 

Try festive treats

Nothing beats trying some of the local treats whilst touring around Croatia. During the winter, there are plenty of seasonal foods across the different regions to shout home about! Some of our favorites include:

• Sarma – a local Croatia treat which sees spiced minced meat molded together with rice, and then wrapped in a sour cabbage leaf. It is then boiled in a spiced tomato sauce full of flavor. While this dish can be eaten throughout the year here in Croatia, it becomes all the more popular during the colder months. 

• Fritule – this is for the sweet tooths amongst us! These deep-fried Croatian doughnuts are often flavored with brandy or loza (a grape rakija) and served with various condiments such as jam or chocolate sauce! You can usually find these tasty treats at the various Christmas markets across the country. 

Christmas markets 

Christmas in Croatia is a magical experience as the cities and towns come alive with festive holiday decorations and markets during the winter season. The winter period is exceptionally spectacular as travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy traditional foods, and perhaps see some unique Croatian Christmas celebrations.

One of the best parts of the winter period is how the Christmas spirit comes alive throughout the country in the form of a Christmas market. Advent in Zagreb located in the country’s capital is by far one of the best Christmas markets in Europe as it features music, beautifully decorated streets, food stalls, and a warm, joyful atmosphere.

Aside from Christmas markets, you can also enjoy a multitude of cultural events and festivals in Croatia throughout the winter season such as the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, which features a rich program of cultural events.

Scenic landscapes

There is something special about the different seasons in Croatia and how it changes the country’s vast landscapes. In spring you can expect flowers to bloom across the country, summer brings lush, green forests whilst fall sees autumnal colors burst across the national parks. 

But winter in Croatia brings something truly special! With snow-covered mountains, peaceful beaches, and beautiful national parks with frozen lakes and waterfalls stuck in time, providing ample opportunities for photography and outdoor adventures.

Booking a winter vacation to Croatia

We hope this guide has helped you uncover what to do in Croatia in winter and all the fun the winter season can bring! To start planning your winter vacation to Croatia, speak to our travel experts today. From pre-planned tours to custom-made itineraries that are tailored to your travel preferences. Here at Adventures Croatia, we’re all about creating unforgettable experiences in Croatia – where will your next adventure take you?