Hum: The smallest city in the world hides an unexpected secret
November 5, 2025Spa resorts in Croatia (thermal baths) have for centuries been valued places for relaxation, rehabilitation, and health programs. Thermal waters from volcanic or tectonic sources are rich in minerals and maintain a temperature of 32–80 °C[1]. In the Pannonian Basin and the Croatian Zagorje region lies the majority of Croatian spa resorts[2], and their beneficial warm water is used for treating rheumatic diseases, locomotor system issues, and skincare[3]. This guide provides an overview of the most important spa resorts in Croatia, tips for visiting, ideas for affordable wellness weekends, and suggestions for regional spa resorts in Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The text is informative and helps you more easily find the ideal destination for wellness, spa, medical retreats, or thermal waters.
Why spa resorts matter
- Medical and wellness tourism – thermal baths assist in rehabilitation after injuries, treatment of rheumatic and dermatological conditions, and boosting immunity[3].
- Natural water composition – the hyperthermal water of Krapinske Toplice contains calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen carbonate and has a neutral pH[1]. The water in Tuheljske Toplice belongs to the sulfur group and is rich in sodium, potassium, and strontium[4].
- Culture and history – many spa resorts date back to Roman times; for example, Daruvar Spa and Topusko were used during the Roman period[2].
- Year-round offer – many spa resorts offer indoor and outdoor pools, wellness centers, saunas, hotels, and campsites, making them an ideal getaway at any time of year[5].
Krapinsko-zagorje Spa Resorts
Aquae Vivae – Krapinske Toplice
Located 50 km from Zagreb, Krapinske Toplice are known for their hyperthermal springs with a temperature of 41 °C[1]. The Romans named the springs Aquae Vivae (living water). The chemical composition of the water is rich in calcium and magnesium, and it is beneficial for rheumatism, spinal conditions, and neuromuscular disorders.
Facilities:
- Water park with indoor and outdoor pools, slides, and wave pools.
- Sauna world – infrared, Finnish, and steam saunas.
- Diving pool with a depth of 4.5 m decorated with underwater motifs[3].
- Accommodation – Hotel Villa Magdalena and other facilities.
Terme Jezerčica (Donja Stubica)
This spa resort is half an hour’s drive from Zagreb. It lies on springs of thermal water with a temperature of 38 °C[5]. The complex includes eight pools, a wellness & spa center, and several types of saunas (classic, Turkish, aroma, panoramic, infrared). It also offers an outdoor whirlpool with a sun terrace and a cold pool for cooling down.
Trip tip: nearby are Oršić Castle and the Museum of Peasant Uprisings[5], so you can enrich your spa visit with a cultural excursion.
Terme Stubaki (Hotel Matija Gubec)
Stubičke Toplice offer a warm pool open year-round. The thermal water temperature ranges from 46–63 °C[5], and the spa complex includes an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor pool with massage waterfalls. The focus is on peace and quiet because the facilities are aimed at adults. The wellness center features new saunas, and the water is used to treat muscle inflammation and rheumatism.
Terme Tuhelj (Tuheljske Toplice)
Terme Tuhelj are only 40 km from Zagreb[5]. They are located at a spring of thermal water and healing mud. The thermal water belongs to the sulfur group; at the spring it has a temperature of 32–33 °C[4] and contains sulfur, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and strontium. The water and peloid (healing mud) alleviate rheumatic diseases, skin problems, and postoperative issues.
At Terme Tuhelj, visitors can:
- enjoy the water park *Water Planet* with numerous indoor and outdoor pools, slides, waterfalls, and attractions[5],
- relax in four Finnish and three steam saunas, and in the laconium[5],
- use wellness rituals at the SPAeVITA center[5],
- try the fitness center, gym, and outdoor sports courts[3],
- experience zorbing or mud massages[3].
Krapinske Toplice – Naftalan
The Special Hospital Naftalan in Ivanić Grad offers treatments based on naphthalan (natural mineral oil) and thermal saline water[3]. This combination is unique in Europe[2] and is used to treat skin and rheumatic diseases. In addition to medical treatments, the hospital provides wellness, fitness, basketball, gymnastics, and wellness programs.
Slavonia and Međimurje
Bizovačke Toplice (Bizovac)
Aquapolis Bizovac is known for having the warmest iodine-rich salty water in Europe[3]. The water is hypersaline and hyperthermal, particularly helpful for locomotor system disorders. The complex offers 11 indoor and outdoor pools, as well as sports courts for volleyball, table tennis, mini football, basketball, and tennis. The springs operate year-round, and the resort includes saunas, massages, and children’s programs.
Daruvar Spa (Daruvar)
The picturesque town of Daruvar has a thermal-healing tradition over 2,000 years old[5]. Daruvar Spa combines health tourism with sports and recreation; it offers modern fitness centers, sports halls, football fields, forest park trails, and top-quality medical massages. A special attraction is aqua-spinning – cycling under water[3] – along with anti-stress programs.
Terme Sveti Martin (Međimurje)
Terme Sveti Martin are known for their thermomineral water that is 43,000 years old, discovered in 1911 during an oil exploration attempt[5]. The water is rich in lithium, selenium, and potassium. The resort spans 1800 m² and offers massages, beauty treatments, and a pool complex called “Temple of Life.” Visitors can enjoy wellness treatments, saunas, and sports facilities, as well as explore cultural sights of Međimurje such as the mills on the Mura River.
Istria, Banovina, and Continental Croatia
Istarske Toplice (Livade)
Istarske Toplice, located beneath the 85-meter Gorostas rock, rank among the three highest-quality thermal springs in Europe[3]. The water emerges from beneath the rock at around 32 °C and is known for treating rheumatic conditions. Therapies here include fango (healing mud) and sulfur steam inhalations. The complex includes a hotel, pools, a wellness center, a polyclinic, and facilities for congress programs.
TopTerme Topusko (Topusko)
Topusko Spa has existed since Roman times; the thermal water at the source reaches 80 °C[2], making it the hottest water in Croatia. The complex includes indoor and outdoor pools, wellness treatments, a beach, mini-golf, bocce courts, and a swimming school[3].
Varaždinske Toplice (Minerva)
The oldest spa in Croatia dates back to the year 1820[3]. The Minerva complex combines a special hospital for medical rehabilitation with a tourist center; it offers pools, fitness, a cinema hall, a beauty salon, and a swimming school. The water is rich in minerals, and the town is known for Roman archaeological remains.
Affordable spas and money-saving tips
If you want to visit affordable spa resorts in Croatia, consider the following strategies:
- Visit on weekdays – spas are less crowded and ticket prices are often lower[3].
- Night swimming – some spas offer discounts for nighttime swimming, which can be a relaxing experience[3].
- Local accommodation – instead of expensive hotels, choose private accommodation, apartments, or holiday homes via trusted agencies.
- Seasonal deals – follow spa websites for special offers; for example, Terme Tuhelj offer packages like “Romantic package” or “Summer glamping experience”[4].
- Combo tickets – some spas offer combined tickets for saunas, pools, and wellness treatments that are cheaper than individual entries.
Spa resorts near Zagreb
For residents of Zagreb and the surrounding area, the following spas are convenient, located less than an hour away[3]:
- Terme Tuhelj – 40 km away, sulfur thermal water and healing mud[5].
- Terme Jezerčica – 40 km away, 38 °C thermal water, eight pools, and various saunas[5].
- Terme Stubaki – 30 km away, water 46–63 °C; indoor and outdoor pool[5].
- Krapinske Toplice (Aquae Vivae) – 50 km away, hyperthermal water with calcium and magnesium[1].
Public transport (trains and buses) provides easy access[3].
Spa resorts outside Croatia – Slovenia and BiH
If you'd like to explore spa resorts in Slovenia or Bosnia and Herzegovina, here are several recommendations:
- Terme Olimia (Slovenia) – One of the most famous in the region, offering large pool complexes, wellness centers (such as Termalija), and the family-oriented Aqualuna park.
Terme Olimia in Podčetrtek, Slovenia, is one of the most awarded spa complexes, known for the luxurious Orhidelia Wellness for adults and the spacious Family Wellness Termalija, offering thermal water with healing properties and high-quality accommodation. - Rogaška Slatina (Slovenia) – known for magnesium-rich Donat Mg water and wellness hotels.
- Terme Čatež (Slovenia) – the largest Slovene thermal complex with a thermal riviera, adventure park, and campsite.
- Thermal Riviera Laško (Slovenia) – features a glass dome with waves, a wellness center, and a beer spa.
- Fojnica Reumal (BiH) – a rehabilitation center known for thermal water that helps with rheumatism and postoperative recovery.
- Banja Vrućica (BiH) – a complex of five hotels with warm springs and specialized medical programs.
Tips for visiting spa resorts
- Book in advance – especially during peak season; check the availability of accommodation and treatments.
- Prepare your gear – bring a towel, swimsuit, slippers, and a waterproof bag[3].
- Stay hydrated – thermal water and saunas can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids[3].
- Respect bath duration – thermal baths have recommended time limits; avoid staying too long[3].
- Combine with excursions – spa resorts are surrounded by natural parks, wine roads, and historic sites; plan a full-day trip[3].
Spa resorts in Croatia offer a diverse range of options – from luxurious wellness resorts to affordable medical spas. Whether you are looking for relaxation, active recreation, or medical rehabilitation, mineral-rich thermal waters will provide a beneficial experience. Plan your next wellness getaway and book private accommodation via Adriatic.hr, Croatia’s leading agency for apartments and holiday homes. On our website, you’ll find a wide selection of apartments, holiday homes, and villas near spa resorts such as Terme Tuhelj, Krapinske Toplice, Varaždinske Toplice, and many others. Enjoy warm water, wellness treatments, and beautiful nature – your dream vacation awaits!
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