Feature Story: A Magical Winter Escape in Gorski Kotar
Gorski Kotar – The “Green Lungs” of Croatia
Looking for an off-the-beaten-path winter getaway? Gorski Kotar is a hidden alpine paradise between Zagreb and the coast, offering pristine nature, winter activities, and cozy mountain lodges.
What to Do:
- Snowshoeing & Sledding in Risnjak National Park – One of Croatia’s most untouched nature reserves.
- Visit Zeleni Vir Waterfall – A winter wonderland when frozen over! Google Maps
- Stay in a Wooden Cabin in Fužine – Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine & lakeside views.
Where to Eat & Drink:
- Konoba Volta (Delnice) – Traditional dishes like wild game goulash & homemade štrukli. Google Rating: 4.7
- Vinska Kuća Pavlomir (Novi Vinodolski) – A wine lover’s retreat, perfect for sampling local whites. Google Maps
Insider Tip: Book a cabin mid-week to avoid weekend crowds & get a discount!
Hidden Gem of the Week
Zagreb’s Best-Kept Secret: Basement Wine Bar
Want to escape the tourist crowds in Zagreb’s Upper Town? Hidden beneath the city’s cobblestone streets, Basement Wine Bar is an underground wine haven known only to locals.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Offers Croatia’s best wines by the glass, including small, family-run wineries.
- Unpretentious, cozy atmosphere—perfect for winter nights.
- Knowledgeable sommeliers who love introducing guests to unique Croatian varietals.
Location: Basement Wine Bar, Tomićeva ulica 5, Zagreb
Google Rating: 4.8
Google Maps
Insider Tip: Ask for a flight of Dalmatian reds—you won’t regret it!
Must-Know Travel Updates
- Plitvice Lakes Winter Discount! Entry is 50% off until March 15—fewer crowds, stunning frozen waterfalls. Official Ticket Info
- Ryanair Announces New Flights to Croatia, London to Rijeka, Dublin to Split starting April 2025.
- Dubrovnik’s City Walls Entry Now Timed! From March 1, all tickets must be pre-booked online to reduce overcrowding.
Foodie’s Corner
Try the Best Sarma in Zagreb
In winter, Croatians crave Sarma—stuffed cabbage rolls slow-cooked for hours.
Best Place to Try It?
- Gostionica Ficlek (Zagreb) – A hidden gem known for authentic Zagreb-style Sarma. Google Maps
- Kod Šime (Zadar) – Their Sarma with homemade bread is legendary. Google Rating: 4.6
Local Tip: Pair it with a glass of homemade rakija for the full Croatian winter experience!
Seasonal Spotlight
March in Croatia: Spring is Coming!
As winter fades, Croatia begins waking up from hibernation. Here’s what to look forward to in March:
- Zagreb Coffee Break Festival (March 14-17, 2025) – A dream for coffee lovers with tastings from Croatia’s best roasters.
- Istria’s Olive Oil Tasting Tours Begin – March is the start of fresh olive oil season—time to visit a local farm!
- Kvarner Carnival (Rijeka, March 1-5, 2025) – One of Europe’s biggest carnival celebrations with parades & masked parties!
Quick Traveler’s Hack
How to Get the Best Exchange Rate in Croatia
Avoid airport kiosks! Instead, exchange money at:
- OTP Bank or PBZ Bank – The best rates for withdrawing Kuna/Euros.
- Local “Mjenjačnica” Exchange Offices – Avoid ones in tourist hotspots—look for those in side streets!
- Best Credit Cards to Use? Revolut, Wise, and N26 have zero foreign transaction fees.
Reader’s Question of the Week
Are Uber and Bolt available in Croatia? Yes! Uber & Bolt operate in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, and Zadar. However, in smaller towns & islands, you’ll need local taxis (cash only!).
Insider Tip: Prices skyrocket in summer—book taxis in advance or take a local bus to save money.
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Got a question for next week? Reply & we’ll feature the best ones!
See you in Edition #3 with more exclusive travel insights!
