June 19, 2023 – The summer is here, and this time it might just be here to stay! The weather is calling for chilled treats and cold dips. And if it so happens that you’re visiting eastern Croatia instead of staying by the sea, worry not. After all, as we like to put it here, the sea is only good enough for those who can’t afford the Danube. There are so many cool places you can go swimming in Slavonia and Baranja.
It might be a surprise, but we don’t just mean in rakija when we say we’re going swimming in Slavonia in Baranja. SiB brings a handy overview of all the swimming spots, including rivers, lakes and swimming pools.
Swimming in Slavonia and Baranja – Osijek and Surroundings
There is a swimming spot in almost every part of Osijek. First, the Drava River is surrounded by sandy beaches near Kopika, Višnjevac, Neptun and the Railway Bridge (Željo). Additionally, there is an artificial lake Bajer in Jug 2, which is quite popular among locals. In the summer, however, the most popular spot is Kopika, which is short for Copacabana. It opens next week, and because its renovation was completed last year, even more visitors are expected this season. Finally, all those who are exclusively after swimming, the City swimming pools are open all year round.
Beli Manastir Swimming Pools are located in the heart of Baranja. In addition to swimming, they offer their visitors mini golf and badminton courts, as well as a children’s playroom. Like Kopika, they’re also opening next week.
Lake Đola in Darda is one of the most famous spots for swimming in Slavonia and Baranja. It’s located about 400 meters from the centre of Darda. Next to the lake, there are also several catering facilities and sports fields. They include table tennis, basketball, soccer and beach volleyball courts, as well as a handball court with bleachers. There is also a summer stage there, designed for musical and theatre performances.
The Kneževi Vinogradi Sports and Recreation Centre is less crowded during the summer than, for example, Kopika in Osijek. Despite the smaller number of visitors, it offers a variety of contents, including an Olympic pool and a small children’s pool. There are also slides, a children’s playground, outdoor fitness equipment, and sports fields for soccer, indoor soccer, basketball and beach volleyball. Furthermore, there is a rest area for cyclists, a pond, a promenade, a restaurant, and a ceremonial hall.
Baranja
In northeastern Baranja, more precisely in Topolje, there is a relatively modest and not-so-well-known Puskas swimming pool. Many go there for a few days because of the completely untouched nature and pleasant and calm water. Puskas is a perfect spot for multi-day camping as it is away from the noise but close enough to urban areas.
One of the most popular spots for swimming in Slavonia and Baranja is indeed the Bizovac Spa. It is about 20 kilometres from Osijek, and its outdoor pools are already open. In addition to 11 pools, there is a sauna, massage parlours, and a spot for hydro gymnastics. They also have a rich offer of food and drinks in five restaurants/bars. They organise swimming nights and music concerts during summer for extra fun.
Swimming in Slavonia and Baranja – Papuk Area
In the heart of the Papuk Nature Park, at the source of thermal waters, the Shhhuma Aquapark is rapidly gaining popularity. The complex, which covers over 17,000 square meters, contains five swimming pools, three slides, a children’s water tower, and a splash pad. It also provides an excellent restaurant, a pastry shop, an outdoor bar and a shop. Entrance to the Aquapark is currently free. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting recently and can guarantee you’ll love it there.
Lapovac is the most visited excursion spot and the favourite swimming spot of the residents of Našice. In addition to the fact that it serves visitors every summer for swimming, fishing, picnics and nature walks, it is also known for hosting important sports competitions, such as, for example, the European Kayak Championship.
The Orahovica Lake is located at the foot of Papuk. Young people and families with children love spending their weekends there. This August, the region’s most popular music festival Ferragosto Jam will see its final edition there. The summer will no doubt be lots of fun at the lake.
Slavonski Brod
The sports and recreation centre Poloj in Slavonski Brod is located on the left bank of the Sava River and is only three kilometres from the city centre. This means you can easily reach it on foot or by bicycle. In addition to the opportunity for visitors to sunbathe on the large sandy beach and play a game of picigin in the shallows of the river, the area also contains various sports fields.
Seven kilometres northwest of Slavonski Brod, near Mount Dilj and the municipality of Sibinj, the artificial freshwater Lake Petnja found its home. The lake attracts those looking for swimming spots, hikers and fishing enthusiasts alike. This is due to its beauty, fresh air and forest environment, and the fact that it houses more than twenty species of fish. The mentioned place is also called the Eye of Dilj because the blue water often blends perfectly with the green of the forest.
In the municipality of Bukovlje, about 20 kilometres from Slavonski Brod, and two kilometres from the settlement of Korduševci, you’ll find Ljeskove vode. The spot is suitable for hikers, recreationists, athletes, fishermen and nature lovers, and swimmers. There are eight sources of clear water there without any pollutants nearby. The easiest way to get to them is by car by turning north from the Slavonski Brod – Garčin road.
Đakovo
For all residents and visitors of Đakovo who love a good barbecue and camping, a trip to Lake Borovik is more than recommended. In addition to swimmers and fishermen, this location has been a favourite of excursionists because of the dense oak forest. Athletes can run or cycle along the nature road that leads to the village of Paučje.
Đakovo’s city swimming pools are traditionally open on Croatian Statehood Day, May 30. Given their proximity to the city centre, they are a suitable destination for all residents of Đakovo, but also for other visitors who prefer swimming in a pool rather than a lake.
Vukovar-Srijem County
Many residents of Vukovar don’t bother going down to the Adriatic Sea but rather use their local island. The sandy island of Ada on the Danube has to be the most popular spot in the city all summer. It is only a 10-minute, all-season organised boat ride from the city centre. Moreover, Vukovar Ada has been included in the ten most beautiful and interesting national river beaches. It is the perfect spot to spend several days camping, barbecuing and, apart from swimming, engaging in various sports activities such as beach volleyball.
Another increasingly popular swimming spot in Vukovar is the City Sports Facilities, which includes indoor and outdoor pools. The indoor pools, along with the gym, sauna, and bar, operate all year-round. The outdoor pools are usually open for the summer season.
Even though Vinkovci residents can make use of the swimming pools available throughout the year, the swimming spot at Lake Banja is an excellent natural alternative. The two artificial lakes provide refreshment, a break from the city and hot concrete. The spot also offers gastronomic specialities and sports fields for beach volleyball.
Poloji, a picnic spot on the Sava River near Županja, has been gathering Županja residents escaping the heat for years. The sandy beach is usually full throughout the summer. It is a perfect swimming and picnic spot for families with children. In addition, there are refreshing drinks and ice cream on offer there, as well as beach volleyball and football pitches.
