Getting Fit in Croatia

While Croatia’s booze-filled festivals and nightclubs maintain spots on several visitors’ to-do lists, the destination recently attracted a different kind of tourist — those focused on fitness and health.

For the wellness-focused traveler, Croatia is the ideal destination. This year, travelers can experience an entire island festival dedicated to wellness, called Obonjan. When it debuted in 2016, the five-week, island-wide event was a big hit. The festival focuses on independent travel and a fusion of music, entertainment, workshops, food and wellbeing. The festival is returning this year for twice as long, from June through early September. It will feature an extended range of fitness classes, including group yoga and Pilates as well as a dedicated wellness center.

The beautiful island nation is also becoming widely known for its health offerings, due in large part to its quiet, relaxing vibe and nearly endless sunshine. Travelers from around the world are visiting for yoga retreats, scenic hiking and biking routes, sailing classes and excursions, and other water-based activities. Since a well-rounded healthy lifestyle involves eating well, Croatia is also among the top destinations in the world for delicious and environmentally conscious food, from freshly caught seafood to locally sourced produce. Travel doesn’t have to be unhealthy, and Croatia is one of many cutting-edge travel destinations proving just that.