Cold temperatures have finally greeted Croatia, and while the cold tempts us with a cozy blanket and cup of tea on the couch, it would be a shame to miss out on the diversity of activities Croatia offers up in the winter time. While we admit it was nearly impossible to choose just 5, here are our top picks for winter activities you can enjoy throughout Croatia.
A visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park under the snow: One of the most popular destinations in the summer season also happens to be one of the most stunning destinations in the winter. Plitvice Lakes, a stranger to no one visiting Croatia, is already considered one of the most spectacular sights not just in Croatia but in the world. And the best part? Imagine when the park is covered in snow! While snow typically greets the park each winter, the best time to travel to Plitvice is from December to February when temperatures below 0 are common. Another perk of visiting the park in the winter? The entrance fee is a whole lot cheaper. Dress warmly and enjoy this magical winter wonderland.
Image by Plitvice Lakes National Park
Platak skiing – Ski slopes with a sea view: The ski resort Platak is located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. With the highest peak being Radeševo (1363 meters above sea level), Platak is located in the mountain society of Snjeznik and Risnjak. Situated just 10 kilometers away from the sea, Plakat is climate specific: mixed with mountain and Mediterranean. Therefore, it is not uncommon that Platak is covered with snow when the temperature in the coastal region is well above zero, or that there are snow-covered peaks in April. Plakat has 7 slopes, so why not enjoy skiing with a sea view?
Image by plakat.info
Advent in Zagreb: Voted the Best Christmas Market of 2015, the Advent in Zagreb is the pearl of Croatia during the holidays. Beginning this year on 26 November, traditional delicacies, ice parks, holiday themed concerts and programs, and much more will take you through the New Year. Another perk of this year’s Advent in Zagreb is that it is extending to 10 new locations throughout the city, and we even hear the first ever Fashion Advent in Europe will also take form for this holiday spectacle.
Image by Advent Zagreb
Kućice in Split: What is known as the Advent in Split is also more popularly known as “Kućice”: the holiday themed houses that line up along the Riva and fill up Pjaca and Prokurative. While this year’s program has yet to be announced, we do know that the Advent will open earlier this year, on 27 November. In Split you can enjoy an array of thematic souvenirs, jewelry, mulled wine and Croatian Christmas culinary delicacies, djs and concerts, and plenty of festive flair.
Image by croatia.hr
A visit to Baranja in the winter: Just like Zagreb or Split, Baranja hosts a wonderful Advent celebration, but there is one part of their Christmas fair that the others don’t quite have: “Čvarakfest”. Čvarci are a staple to the Baranja region – they are fried and greasy-good pieces of pork skins we may know better as “cracklings” or “scratchings”. While the name doesn’t matter nearly as much as how good these bits taste, you can imagine a winter time competition to make the best čvarci may be high on most people’s lists of things to do. This year’s festival takes place on 26 November in Karanac.
Image by TZ Baranja
