The Best Adriatic Places to Soak up the Winter Sun
5 minVisiting Croatia in the off-season can be a great way to spend the colder months of the year in gorgeous settings. As one of the sunniest destinations in Europe, the coastal towns have an average of 2500 to 3000 sunny hours per year, so even in the winter months, you can enjoy a little bit of sunshine if you are lucky enough. Regardless of the sunshine, winter holidays in Croatia can be fun, with a great choice of things to do, and we are sure you can find something that will inspire you to spend the calmer months of the year here.
Discover the Atmosphere of Winter Months in Croatia
Advent in Poreč lights up the old town with street food, crafts, and twinkling display – winter magic on the Adriatic.
While swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and other water activities are popular during the summer months, there are many other interesting things to do in Croatia during the winter months. The winter vibe is different; the coastal cities become very serene, and you can almost hear the silence while strolling through the old towns. In this article, you will discover interesting things to do from Poreč and Rabac in Istria, on the islands Krk and Rab, and in the southern part of Croatia, in Makarska and Dubrovnik – all these Croatian destinations offer something for children and adults. Let’s explore it together!
Explore Gourmet Offerings and Winter Festivals
There are plenty of possibilities for food enthusiasts who want to taste exquisite local food and local wines. Besides visiting local konobas and wine cellars, where you can have wine tasting with delicious local food, winter in Croatia is special because during December you can enjoy winter festivals and Christmas markets in most of the towns. If you still haven’t tried mulled wine or a winter liquor made from the local red wine and gin, this winter is the perfect time for that. Why don’t you visit the elegant Jadran Heritage Hotel, Valamar Collection, which will open its doors in Poreč in early December and besides luxurious themed rooms where you can have a fabulous stay with a historical charm, it will offer a fine-dining experience with a special signature of one of the world’s famous chefs? Don’t miss this opportunity and make JAZ by Ana Roš your must-visit place this winter. It will seduce you with its youthful concept inspired by global trends, combined with hyperlocal and seasonal ingredients.
The Gourmet Bistro at Jadran Heritage Hotel pairs chandeliers and cosy armchairs with a refined, slow-dining vibe.
Relaxing Moments are Priceless
If you are craving a slower rhythm after lively summer months, you can spend relaxing moments in a heated pool, saunas and jacuzzis, or enjoy some special spa and beauty treatments. If you are asking where, we know the answer! If you visit Rab – the “happy island” you cannot miss the family-oriented Valamar Padova Hotel and find a special place where you can have a relaxing time, all year-round, while your kids have the most entertaining moments in the Maro Club playrooms. The spacious Sun & Spa centre in the area of around 1,200 m² offers saunas and relaxation zones, facials and body treatments, manicures/pedicures, and an inviting indoor pool – perfect for unhurried, cold-season pampering.
Enjoy a cosy retreat on the island of Rab at Valamar Padova Hotel’s wellness area.
On the other hand, if you choose Dubrovnik as your winter getaway destination, you can’t go wrong either. At the Valamar Lacroma Hotel’s Balance Mediterranean Spa, you can warm up and relax after winter walks on Babin Kuk or Dubrovnik Old Town. There’s a 28 °C indoor pool (with two 25 m lanes) with saunas and a great choice of beauty and massage treatments. Or just enjoy a peaceful winter day with a view of the Elaphiti Islands.
Golden hour at Valamar Argosy Hotel – unwind in lush gardens as the sun sets over the Adriatic and the Elaphiti Islands.
Activities for Children in Winter Months
Truffle hunting in Istri -guided walks with trained dogs uncover earthy black and white treasures beneath oak woods.
If you and your kids want to experience something different, why don’t you book a truffle-hunting tour? This is a pleasant walk into the woods near Motovun or Buzet, with friendly dogs and a hunter (guide) who will explain to you everything you need to know about the truffles. And if you are lucky enough to find some, you can have a nice brunch flavoured with fresh truffles. You can combine it with a visit to the Aquarium, which is located in the Austro-Hungarian fortress in Pula, with rich marine life from the Adriatic Sea, but also some from tropical habitats and freshwater. It is educational and fun at the same time, and what is equally important, it is great for rainy days.
Maro Smart Play brings the sea to life -kids tap and draw on a giant digital aquarium for screen-free, hands-on fun.
If you choose Valamar’s hotels and resorts during winter, your kids will be happy and entertained with Maro playrooms and different animated services to ensure your children are looked after safely. Maro Holiday programme for kids between 3 and 12 years old in Valamar Camping Istra, will include a New Year’s Eve with Maro, Game Lounge and different playrooms.
On the other hand, your kids will be happy to experience winter joy in Valamar Meteor Hotel, where they can enjoy in kids’ pool and baby pool, play in Maro Club and enjoy their time in Game Lounge. Parents can enjoy a spa treatment and swim in the indoor infinity pool. Makarska will be your perfect place to find the relaxation that you were looking for.
The Valamar Meteor’s game room is a chic hangout -shoot pool, relax on comfy sofas, and enjoy indoor downtime by the coast.
Experience Outdoor Activities
Even though the winter months are not the most ideal time to have hiking and cycling experiences, the islands and peninsulas are much quieter in winter, so you can hike the trails around the coast or up to viewpoints. Mild coastal climate (compared with inland) means you can often be out for longer than you’d think. However, of course, check the weather conditions before you start any adventure, especially the winter winds, such as the “bura” on the Adriatic, which can be quite strong. You can experience the island life on Krk during the winter months, choose some of the famous hiking trails, and stay at Valamar Camping Ježevac. It offers something for everyone, including families, friends and couples.
Enjoy Winter in Croatia
Winter in Croatia transforms Dubrovnik, Poreč, Krk, and Rab into enchanting wonderlands where festive cheer and serene beauty blend perfectly. Together, these destinations showcase the joyful spirit and calm elegance of a Croatian winter, making them perfect for those seeking both celebration and relaxation.
