Winter in Croatia is considered off-season for tourism, with prices dropping as much as 30%, making it the perfect time to visit and travel through Croatia.
UNESCO World heritage sites
For the adventurous, why not rent a car and travel right along the Dalmatian coast taking in all seven, YES! SEVEN, of Croatia’s UNESCO World heritage sites. From the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč, to the North to the Jewel of the Adriatic, Dubrovinik in the South, Croatia has no shortage of amazing architecture and history. Visiting the seven sites will not only be worthwhile in itself but allow you to take in the panoramic beauty that is the Dalmatian coast.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
One of the most sensational National Park’s in all of Europe, Plitvice is hugely popular in the Summer months. However, the park transforms in Winter, becoming a winter wonderland that seems lifted from the movie Frozen. The park is dotted with waterfalls that freeze over in Winter and as you walk through you, with ice crunching beneath your feet you may find yourself bursting-out into a rendition of Let it go.
Entrance in Winter is 55HRK for Adults and 35HRK for Children, which translates as roughly $8 and $5 for kids, which is an absolute steal as prices are up to three times as much during the ‘tourist’ season.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is probably the busiest tourist region of Croatia and with great cause. It truly is as beautiful as it seems. The old city has been preserved perfectly and walking through it you feel like you are stepping back in time. A must is to walk the walls of the old city. At $15 per person it is one of the pricer attraction in Dubrovinik but every few steps gives you a new panoramic view of the city. Going in Winter will give you a break from the usual tourist infested thin walkways, allowing to wander calmly and really experience this great city.
Zagreb
Most people only go to Zagreb to get a connection to the Dalmatian coast, but to miss the capital of Croatia would be a crime. The city has a rich history that extends back to the Roman era. This is reflected in the multitude of museums in Zagreb, a fair few of which are free to enter.
Despite being a capital city, Zagreb is a city to be walked. With the ‘Free Zagreb Walking Tour’ a must for visitor’s to the city. On this tour you can take in most of the key sites in a single day, and decide which you may want to go back and visit again utilising the extensive tram network in the city, it is very easy to navigate.
The Museum of Broken Relationships is the one place I would really recommend, Croatia has a long and extensive history but this museum is both a sweet and enlightening experience into love and loss and would be great for a break from the heavier side of Croatian history.
For those who choose to travel Croatia in the winter months, Bupa travel insurance is advised for peace of mind. A lot of attractions are outdoors or walking based and it is always advisable to have travel insurance when doing such activities, this can be bought from most insurance sellers and are usually quite comprehensive.