13 Croatia Hot Springs for Your Next Vacation
Croatia is known for its piercing turquoise hues of the Adriatic Sea, its towering mountains, and its storied history. Perhaps less known, it’s also a country filled with wellness options, especially in its north-west part.
In Croatia the term for hot springs are “toplica” (singular) or “toplice” (plural) meaning thermal water spring and “topličica” meaning little thermal water spring (with little referring to lower temperature of the water, not its quantity).
These are different than your typical hot springs. Most are medical spas so they are in buildings and designed as treatment facilities.
The majority of the most famous and most renowned Croatian thermal springs and spas, of which by the quality of the mineral water they are listed in the top ten in Europe, are in fact located in Central Croatia. So by the quality of the thermal water the hot springs in the municipality of Topusko take third place, whilst those at Krapinske Toplice take sixth place in Europe.
Some of the localities have been utilized even in prehistoric time, and in ancient Roman time they were already established curative destinations, especially Aquae Iassae (Varaždinske toplice), Aquae Balissae (Daruvarske toplice), Aquae Vivae (Krapinske toplice), Aquae Vitae (unknown location), Ad fines (Topusko) with a lot of archaeological remains standing to this day.
Aquae Vivae Krapinske Toplice
Aqua Vivae Krapinske Toplice got its name thanks to the ancient Romans who noticed the warm and crystal clear spring, which they dubbed živa voda (living water). One of their exciting programs is ronjenje na dah (scuba diving course) in a diving pool of 4.5 meters in depth, painted with submarine motives.
Known for its thermal springs and a recent expansion of indoor pools, Krapinske Toplice also boasts the award-winning Villa Magdalena, featuring a wellness oasis with saunas, whirlpools, and a panoramic view.
The village houses numerous saunas, hot tubs and pools. Here, the water temperature at the springs is 39-41ºC (102° – 107° F) and rich in calcium, hydrogen, and magnesium mineral content. In March 2023, the village opened the biggest complex of indoor pools in Croatia – something that’s definitely more of a family-friendly vibe.
Chemical characteristics:
Cations:
calcium – Ca++ = 52,4 mg/l
magnesium – Mg++2 = 31,5 mg/l
Anions:
hydrogencarbonites ions – (HCO3)– = 293,0 mg/l
sulfate – (SO4)– = 39,7 mg/l
Bizovačke Toplice
Thermal water in the bathing area Aquapolis in Bizovačke toplice is unique worldwide and has the warmest iodine hyperthermal saline water in Europe. It is especially useful for treating diseases and injuries of the locomotor system.
Salty almost as the Adriatic Sea, exceptionally rich in minerals, warmer than any other known thermal water (96 degrees Celsius on the surface).
The largest tourist complex of eastern Croatia – Bizovacke Toplice SPA – is made up of hotels Termia and Toplice (Spa), thermal baths, Aquapolis and Polyclinic “Bizovacke Toplice – Medical Rehabilitation”.
If you don’t stay in the facility you can stay nearby at the Prenočište Villa Ivanić where you can enjoy a cozy bathrobe and bed and breakfast feel.
It includes 11 pools, 3 restaurants and a cute little mushroom to play in.
Aquapolis includes sports fields where you can play volleyball, table tennis, mini football, football, basketball, and tennis.
Terme Jezerčica
With a luxury offer, including a water park and different wellness and spa programs, Terme Jezerčica is an ideal escape to nature. Jezerčica also organizes wedding celebrations and offers a congress center with meeting rooms and technical equipment. Along with the hotel, accommodation is also available in their camp and mobile houses.
The outdoor water park is open during the summer months, offering guests a large pool, a pool with three slides, hydro-massage areas, and massage jets. Additional features include a water attraction with a spray park, a playhouse, and 6 slides. For the youngest guests, there is a dedicated children's pool with slides and a playground equipped with climbing structures and swings.
The modernly equipped SPA center at Terme Jezerčica offers a rich selection of saunas, including a Turkish sauna, aroma Finnish sauna, classic Finnish sauna, panoramic classic Finnish sauna, and an infrared sauna.
In addition to the saunas, the center provides traditional hammam services, a relaxation whirlpool, relaxation areas, an outdoor cold pool for cooling down, and an outdoor whirlpool with a sunbathing terrace. All these amenities ensure a comprehensive relaxation and revitalization experience for all visitors.
Varaždinske Toplice
This town has a long history of thermal springs, dating back to Roman times. The modern Terme Varaždin spa offers a blend of historical charm and contemporary wellness facilities, with thermal pools, saunas, and health treatments.
Stay nearby at the Vila Ivka Holiday Resort with a spacious living room, swimming pool, sauna, sun terrace, and a beautiful garden.
Terme Stubaki
Ever since the 19th century, Stubičke Toplice, which are located on the northern slopes of Mount Medvednica, have owed their renown and longevity in the area of health, beauty and recovery to the town’s most valuable feature, the medicinal thermal springs with a temperature ranging from 43 to 69.5°C.
Terme Stubaki (Hotel Matija Gubec) has an outdoor pool open all year round due to the high temperature of the thermal water. If you go there during winter, you might experience swimming in a warm pool at 37°C with a spectacular view of the green hills of Hrvatsko Zagorje while it is snowing. The hotel is named after Matija Gubec, a leader of the peasant revolt called Seljačka buna in 1573.
You can also stay nearby at Hotel & Restoran Dvorac Gjalski with mountain views, a garden, terrace, hot tub, and outdoor play area.
Therme Tuhelj is the largest thermal spa and water park in Tuheljske Toplice. Wellness center includes 3 Finnish saunas (bio-ionizing sauna with crystals, extreme sauna and program sauna with chromo therapy), 3 steam saunas (salt sauna, mud sauna, double steam sauna), laconium, whirlpool, cold pool, ice pit, kneipp bath, tranquil areas with different moods and a wellness bar.
The outdoor pools offer a recreation pool for relaxation with hydro massage, air massage and water falls with underwater massage beds and hidden lagoons of tranquillity and pleasure, a pool with waves, a slow 250 m long river, a children’s pool with a castle on the water with 4 water slides and two water cannons as well as a pool with toys for our youngest swimmers, a water turtle, small duck, funny clown and sprinkler snake.
Terme Sveti Martin
Terme Sveti Martin resort is a peaceful oasis surrounded by picturesque countryside in the heart of the Wine Road in Međimurje. You can stay at the resort of for a more affordable option stay in beautiful glamping cabins at Halicanum Glamping Peaceful Retreat Resort with a terrace, sauna, children’s playground and restaurant with vegan options.
Terme Sveti Martin has more than 100 years of tradition. The spring of thermo-mineral water was discovered in 1911 when people were instead in search of oil.
In Sveti Martin, you can enjoy numerous types of massages, including beneficial Thai massage and beauty treatments. Their Svijet sauna (World of saunas) space is used as a nudist zone that represents physical and mental freedom.
Terme Sveti Martin also offers several types of Body Vitality Scans which can quickly, simply and painlessly determine the overall condition of the body as well as a predisposition to certain medical conditions. Modern technology and quantum medicine are applied in the scans, and they can indicate imbalance and potential health issues. Besides doing the check-up, guests are also advised to go to the Polyclinic Lumbalis within the resort.
The essence of Terme Sveti Martin is based on the harmonious philosophy of dr. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, which permeates all aspects of the resort. They have a biodynamic garden with plants grown according to the strict principles of biodynamic agriculture, which guests can freely pick in the garden. Fresh food in the restaurants is prepared daily using locally sourced ingredients. The organic architecture of the indoor pool reflects the gentle and undulating lines of the hilly landscape.
Sveti Martin na Muri is a favourite destination of rich thermal water for professional and recreational sportsmen and women. It provides optimal rest throughout the year along with the enjoyment of sporting activities, especially golf, and also on offer are many holistic wellness programs.
Varaždinske Toplice
Minerva is a complex of a special hospital for medical rehabilitation, with Varaždinske Toplice intended for tourists. It has pools, a fitness center, a cinema hall, a showroom, and a hair and beauty salon. Stay nearby at the Vila Ivka Holiday Resort with a spacious living room, swimming pool, sauna, sun terrace, and a beautiful garden.
You can enroll in a swimming school, play table tennis, and practice pilates and Nordic walking with the help of an instructor. This modern spa resort has been open since1820 and is the oldest spa in Croatia.
Varaždin is captivating with its outstanding monumental and artistic heritage, particularly the preserved and luxuriant baroque architectural complex of the town’s historical centre, and the gastronomic specialities, which, thanks to their exceptional quality, were heard about all the way to the choosy French court. Varaždinske Toplice not far from Varaždin was recognised back in ancient times as a bathing destination with sulphurous thermal water under the title of Aquae Isaae.
TopTerme Topusko
In Topusko, located 70 km from Zagreb, the water of volcanic origin of a temperature from 68°C to 72°C at the source is suitable for the treatment and rehabilitation of the neural, muscular and locomotor systems.
Stay nearby at this pet friendly rental Shambhala, eko selo Blatuša with free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washing machine.
TopTerme Topusko offers many health, sports, recreational, and team-building programs, as well as a swimming school. They have a beach volleyball and mini-golf terrain, and boćalište, a playground for a traditional Dalmatian game called boćanje. There is also a beauty salon inside the complex.
Tuheljske Toplice
At Tuheljske Toplice, just 40 kilometres from Zagreb, at the very source of the thermal water and therapeutic mud, there is the largest bathing area in Croatia with more than 5,000 m2 of water areas.
Stay nearby at the cute little country home, Tradicionalna zagorska drvena kuća Stara murva, with fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and a cozy fireplace. You can also enjoy the nearby hot tub, waterpark, and outdoor seating area.
A visit to Tuheljske Toplice is recommended for those with inflammatory and chronic rheumatic ailments, particularly arthritis and sciatica, respiratory illnesses, gynaecological ailments and posttraumatic and postoperative conditions.
The property’s Sauna World features four Finnish saunas, three steam saunas, and a loconium, which is a dry bath that helps warm the body and prepare it for exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Here, you will find everything from a thermal mud program in the mud sauna, to an air whirling program in the panoramic sauna, and a program with fragrances and peelings in the salt and double steam sauna. There’s also a cold-water pool, a Kneipp Path, an indoor and outdoor whirlpool, plus rest areas – some with water beds and swings.
This spa features a large water park with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa center with beauty treatments and massages, and a sauna area.The thermal waters are sulphurous and are known for their healing properties, particularly for rheumatic illnesses, orthopaedic injuries, and skin diseases
In Terme Tuhelj, you can have fun by practicing zorbing – walking on water in big water balls, which helps condition the body. Treatments with thermal mud that matures at the bottom of a healing thermal water spring are beneficial for your health and skin. A fitness center, gym, outdoor sports fields, and children’s playground are available within the spa complex.
Daruvarske Toplice
Daruvar's spa has been used for over 2000 years, and its iron-rich waters are known for treating infertility, rheumatic diseases, and for medical rehabilitation. The spa is set within a landscaped park and offers wellness programs, excellent cuisine, and sporting activities.
Daruvarske toplice has a lot to offer, from health, fitness, and team-building programs, to sports and conference halls. You can experience aqua spinning aerobics training which includes riding a bike underwater. Another attractive offer is their antistress programs.
For a fun overnight stay, try the Holiday&wellness house Grofica with sauna, hot tub, and sun terrace. You get access to a full kitchen, cooking fireplace, and cozy decor.
The Daruvar Thermal Spar, in central Croatia, lies in a beautiful park, offering visitors a lovely opportunity to rejuvenate in thermal pools rich in minerals. Daruvar’s water is known for its healing properties, particularly for musculoskeletal and rheumatic issues. The spa facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and various wellness treatments.
Beyond its famous spa, Daruvar is a charming town rich in cultural heritage. Daruvar Castle, a striking baroque structure surrounded by a park, is a testament to the town’s history. Visitors can explore the well-preserved castle grounds, which often host cultural events. Picturesque Papuk Nature Park nearby is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering hiking trails and stunning vistas.
Celts, Romans, Ottomans, Austro-Hungarian aristocracy… All of them appreciated the healing qualities of its waters and muds, which have been treating infertility in women for over two thousand year and are also renowned for medical rehabilitation and the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
Istarske Toplice
Located in the valley of the Mirna river, Istarske Toplice features a trail leading to an 85-meter-high rock where the source of the healing water is located. Sadly this facility has closed.
Istarske toplice is recognizable by the 85-meter high rock called Gorostas (Giant), which rises right above the spa. The source of the healing water is below Gorostas. In terms of water quality and healing properties, Istarske toplice is among the first three European thermal springs. They offer treatment with ljekovito blato (medicinal mud) called fango and sulfur fumes inhalation therapy.
Naftalan Special Hospital
In Ivanić-Grad, this hospital offers baths of naftalan, a rare petroleum mineral oil with therapeutic benefits. The water is rich in minerals, fluorine, bromine, iodine and sodium chlorate. Organoleptically, it is clear, has a salty taste, and a characteristic smell of oil.
This special hospital for medical rehabilitation Naftalan specializes in treating skin and rheumatic diseases based on naphthalene and thermal salt water. Within their complex, they also offer fitness, wellness, and skin treatments, as well as a gym and individual and group training.
Stay at the modern Studio apartmani Albero with streaming services, a dishwasher, and a washing machine.
Lipik Thermal Spa
Lipik is famous for its Lipik Thermal Spa, where thermal water high in mineral content is renowned for its therapeutic benefits, particularly for skin and joint conditions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the soothing effects of the waters through various wellness treatments and spa services. The Lipik Thermal Spa is surrounded by greenery and provides a tranquil, relaxing environment.
Stay in town at the Studio apartmani FLAVO LUX, where you will be greeted by treats at arrival like a glass of wine or ice cream, then cook dinner on the brick fire oven.
The Marble Baths building was built in 1886 and its style reminds of a classicist temple whose facade is adorned with an arcaded porch and mythological figures on the gable. This representative building with marble baths, with its high quality and level of offer, stood alongside the most famous European spas of the 19th century, such as Karlovy Vary and Baden-Baden.
Lipik also invites visitors to explore its captivating natural surroundings. Lipik Park, a lush green oasis, is perfect for leisurely strolls. Antun's spring is a well of thermo-mineral water whose temperature reaches a high 64 ° C a is located in a park near the spa.
Another highlight is the Lipizzaner stud farm, known for breeding the elegant horses. The Lipik Museum offers insights into the town’s history, while the beautiful St. Francis Church adds to the cultural allure.
