Tag Archive for: Nature

While holidays are normally ultra-laid-back in general, something that can really up the relaxation stakes is a visit to a spa! Here, we round up some of the best thermal spas in Croatia.

Thermal spas generally make use of naturally occurring hot waters under the earth; these are used in the spas’ pools for therapeutic and restorative reasons. Many of the spas featured in this guide do so, and for that reason, many of the spa resorts are used by people for physical rehabilitation. However, this kind of water therapy can also greatly help anyone with skin issues or rheumatic conditions, even those with certain injuries, and also those seeking fertility treatments.

These spas also offer large pools, usually both indoor and outdoor, with elements to entertain the whole family (hello, water slides!) as well as beauty treatments and other typical restorative spa options. Whilst the indoor sections of these spas are more than enough to entertain during a visit, the large outdoor parts also mean they’re great to visit over the warmer months.

Many of the thermal spas featured here are in inland Croatia, in locations that are perhaps not so frequently visited by foreign tourists. Why not combine a visit to one of these spas in Croatia with exploring the interior of the country too?

Terme Tuhelj, Tuheljske Toplice, central Croatia

Just 40km from Zagreb, a visit to Terme Tuhelj could be easily undertaken as a day trip or an overnight break when visiting Croatia’s capital. Established just over 20 years ago, this modern spa is based on a thermal spring and a healing mud spring, and these are two of the main benefits of visiting this spa. The sulphurous outdoor pool has a constant temperature of 32/33C which is incredibly soothing for bathers. Do also cover yourself in the therapeutic mud for the ultimate in natural healing.

In such an environment, it’s no surprise that the Terme Tuhelj spa is also home to a large-scale beauty and treatment spa named the SPAeVITA Center. The treatment list is vast, and surely their signature massage with thermal mud is a popular choice. Should that not feel quite right for you, you could opt for a chocolate massage (wow!) or a regular massage with aromatic oils.

Another massive draw to this place is the huge pool complex covering 15,000 square metres – in fact, the largest such complex in Croatia! This includes water slides, a wave pool, a small section for the youngest swimmers and a children’s water city for those aged between 3 and 10. As an adult, carry on with your relaxation in the 250-metre-long lazy river which flows into two lagoons that offer underwater massage currents. You can even enjoy a cocktail in the water.

The accommodation choice is vast here, from the four-star Hotel Well to Camp Vita, one of the top-rated campsites in Croatia. There are also luxury modern mobile homes at the Terme Tuhelj Glamping Lodge or get more at one with nature by staying in one of the Safari Tents.

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Terme Sveti Martin, northern Croatia

Terme Sveti Martin is located in the very northern tip of Croatia, very close to the border with Slovenia, in the lovely region of Medjimurje. Declaring itself the “first healthness resort in Europe”, this resort is the ultimate for those wanting a peaceful break in nature. Surrounded by 27 hectares of beautiful countryside, you will find yourself surrounded by gorgeous greenery at all times…and may even come close to wild deer.

The resort’s principle target is promoting healthness which they say combines “active rest, wellness experience, and [a] raising awareness of one’s own health”. Where to start your journey into this than at the pool complex, called The Temple of Life, where the thermal-mineral waters are at a constant temperature of 35C. Containing lithium, selenium and potassium, a dip in the pool is sure to give you an energy recharge and also provide an anti-inflammatory effect for anyone looking for skin treatments. Just the surroundings of the pool, with its calming wooden materials and softly curved structures, will put you in a relaxing mood. Unbelievably, the waters here are believed to be 43,000 years old – but only known in modern times since 1911 when the ground was drilled to search for oil. (Something better was found instead!)

Beauty and spa treatments are also readily available here, of course, in the 1,800 square metre spa centre. Opt for one of their signature grape seed massages which they use as an anti-oxidant for promoting a youthful appearance. That’s just one of the interesting treatments on offer – others include a pumpkin body care programme, a milk and honey treatment, and a cherry blossom and lotus body treatment (which is Japanese-inspired). There are special beauty treatments aimed at teenagers, massages for pregnant ladies and even “mummy and me” or “daddy and me” wellness treatments aimed at parents and their children.

Body vitality scans are also available for you to book – these are diagnostic scans that may help identify certain ailments or issues and may result in recommendations for lifestyle or nutritional changes.

Families will be delighted by the small water park MartiLandia with its selection of outdoor pools with water slides.

In terms of accommodation, there’s the four-star Hotel Terme Sveti Martin or the Terme Sveti Martin Apartments which are very suitable for those travelling as a family or with pets.

Daruvar Spa, Slavonia, eastern Croatia

Davruvar Spa is located around 140km southeast of Zagreb in the Slavonian spa town of Daruvar which has long been associated as a location for healing water treatments…even as far back as Roman times. The spa places great importance on physical therapy and rehabilitation and many of the guests staying here are undertaking such programmes. Daruvar Spa also focuses on fertility treatments, and offers a longer-stay programme in this regard called “Joy of Life“. Stress relief and weight loss programmes are also offered.

Of course, as with any thermal spa, this one has several indoor and outdoor pools filled with thermal water with temperatures ranging from 28C to 35C. This thermal water is said to help with joint, muscle bone issues, and rheumatic illnesses although anyone is sure to benefit. One of the pools also offers aqua-spinning – riding an underwater bicycle – which is an excellent way of achieving the benefits of cycling whilst being far easier on joints and muscles than riding on a hard surface.

Accommodation is offered in the three-star Hotel Termal or the Depandansa Arcadia, located in a 19th-century building.

Istarske Toplice, Istria, coastal Croatia

Anyone wishing to combine a spa break on the Croatian coast with some time at a thermal spa should definitely consider Istarske Toplice. This spa is located in inland Istria, close to the town of Buzet, and about 50km northeast of Porec,

The resort’s thermal pools contain sulphuric mineral-rich waters that have an average temperature of 32-34C. The centre also offers medicinal mud treatments in which mud is layered onto the skin at a thickness of 3-4cm and a temperature of 40C for around 40 minutes, before being washed off by the thermal water.

There are many other therapies and treatments here besides – sulfur vapour inhalation which targets respiratory tract illnesses and inflammation; kinesiotherapy; water therapy; electrotherapy; massage therapy and more.

Istarske Toplice is also home to a number of different saunas including an infra sauna, a Finnish sauna and an aroma steam sauna that makes use of medicinal herbs.

For accommodation, why not stay at one of the many private rentals located nearby?

Varazdinske Toplice, northern Croatia

The oldest thermal spa in Croatia, the Roman settlement Aqua Iasae was once located here, and the thermal waters were used as a spa all those centuries ago. But even the modern-day Varazdinske Toplice resort has its roots in a spa that was first opened in the 18th century, and by the early 1900s, the spa had become a popular destination for those seeking medical treatments.

The resort offers a very wide range of medical therapy, from many water-based therapies that involve the thermal waters to more usual treatments such as cryotherapy and paraffinotherapy.

Those not seeking treatments will be able to have plenty of fun in the numerous pools, especially the outdoor pools with water slides.

Other Thermal Spas in Croatia

The Stribor Resort in the gorgeous inland Gorski Kotar region (around 90km east of Rijeka) provides the perfect opportn

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Terme Bjelovar is presently under construction, due to open in 2026. Located in the northern town of Bjelovar, the complex will eventually offer seven different pools including an Olympic-sized one.

More info

For other super relaxing destinations and locations in Croatia, look at our A Wellness Break in Croatia guide. This guide includes plenty of recommendations for spa hotels in Croatia, especially some very fine options on the Croatian coast.