We usually associate a seaside holiday with the sound of crickets, sunshine, swimming, and long summer evenings. So, does it make sense to head to the coast in winter? Let’s turn that first sentence around: In winter, there are no crickets, but there are no mosquitoes either; it isn’t hot, and there are none of the crowds that come with beaches and the sea. At last, you have time to visit museums, admire the festive lights, and experience the rhythm of the Mediterranean when life slows down.
We’ve put together tips for a winter weekend in a villa, a sample two-day itinerary, and three villas on the coast that you can book during the winter, too.
Winter by the sea
Winters on the Adriatic are generally mild. In Dalmatia, winter temperatures stay around 7 °C. We’ve written in more detail about temperatures throughout the seasons, so take a look at our blog post about the climate in Croatia.
Another advantage of a winter holiday is the price: renting a villa in the off-season is considerably more affordable than in July and August.
Why choose a weekend
It may be difficult to spend two weeks looking at the sea when it’s too cold to swim, but a weekend in a villa is one of the best ways to recharge your batteries in winter. In winter, the roads are not crowded with traffic, so you can reach Istria, Kvarner, or Zadar from Zagreb in about two to three hours.
If you set off on Friday after work, you’ll have all of Saturday for a walk by the sea, sightseeing in the old town, or visiting museums. On Sunday, you can enjoy lunch and then make your way home. If you can take a day or two off, a long weekend will be even more relaxing.
What to pack
Along with the usual essentials you always take when travelling, it’s a good idea to bring the following for a winter weekend in a villa:
- warm clothes for layering
- comfortable footwear for walks and exploring the town
- a thermos for hot tea while walking by the sea
- a swimsuit and bathrobe, if the villa has a heated or indoor pool or a sauna. You can also browse our villas with heated pools.
- comfortable loungewear for evenings by the fireplace
- board games and a good book, in case it rains
Keep an eye on the Bora and Jugo winds
The bora is a regular occurrence on the Croatian Adriatic, especially in Kvarner and the Velebit Channel area. Roads and bridges may be closed when the bora is strong, and ferries are sometimes delayed or cancelled. Wind speeds measured on the A1 motorway near Posedarje have matched those of the strongest hurricanes in the world. Fortunately, such extremes are rare, but even an “ordinary” winter bora can blow for days, particularly in the northern Adriatic around the town of Senj and the islands of Krk and Rab.
Winter weather can be a lottery. If possible, choose an offer with flexible cancellation, so you can easily move your dates if the forecast doesn’t look promising. The day before departure, check the weather forecast and road conditions on the Croatian Automobile Club website.
How to choose the right villa
A villa for a winter holiday needs to have good heating. Underfloor heating, air conditioning units in every room, or a fireplace will come in handy when the bora is blowing outside. Before booking, carefully read the villa description and check what type of heating it has. If you want to swim in winter, choose a villa with a pool that is heated year-round. If the villa also has a sauna and a hot tub, even better!
If you know you want to visit attractions and try the local food, choose a villa close to one of the coastal towns.
Villas you can book in winter
We’ve selected three villas, from Istria to Dalmatia, that you can book during the winter. For more ideas, browse our full selection of villas with heated pools in Croatia.
Villa Flores, Poreč
Villa Flores is a holiday home in the quiet village of Frata near Poreč. It can accommodate up to six guests in three bedrooms, and its 44 m² saltwater pool is heated and open all year round. The villa has a covered terrace and a barbecue, and pets are welcome. Poreč, Novigrad, and Rovinj are the most convenient destinations for day trips.
Villa Terra, Opatija
Villa Terra is located in the peaceful village of Bregi, 6 km above Opatija. It overlooks the entire Kvarner Bay. The house has three bedrooms for up to six guests, while underfloor heating and a hot tub will keep you warm in winter. The minimum stay is three nights.
Apartment Ivano, Split
Apartment Ivano is located in Split, not far from Žnjan city beach, while restaurants, cafés, and shops are about 600 m away. It has two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and can accommodate up to four guests. You can even bring two pets, so no one has to stay at home.
Ready for winter on the coast? A winter weekend by the sea doesn’t ask much of you. Just keep an eye on the forecast, pack wisely, choose a cosy villa, and enjoy the winter sunshine.
