Places to swim in Croatia: rivers, lakes, and watercourses

The Krka River in Dalmatia is known for its impressive waterfalls and natural pools. This river landscape allows swimming in designated areas, where the water is calm and deep. The Krka flows through green surroundings and offers a refreshing place to swim on warm days. The natural pools beneath the waterfalls are popular spots to cool off and enjoy the surrounding nature.

The Dobra River in central Croatia winds through forested landscapes and provides several spots for freshwater swimming. It is one of Croatia's waterways where you can dive into cool water on hot days. The river flows through quiet, tree-lined areas that invite relaxation and swimming. Along the river, you will find different places where you can swim safely and enjoy nature.

The Cetina River is a waterway in Dalmatia that flows through deep canyons and offers swimming spots in its cool and transparent waters. With its natural pools and surrounding cliffs, this river creates a special experience for those who enjoy swimming in refreshing water.

The Danube in this part of Croatia is a large river that forms the border between Croatia and Serbia. It flows through the flat landscapes of Slavonia and offers places to swim and relax. The water is wide and calm, perfect for anyone seeking a simple swimming experience in nature. The banks are shaped by nature, with trees and open spaces. The Danube is an important part of the landscape in this region and draws people who enjoy swimming in the river.

The Korana River in central Croatia is a peaceful waterway flowing through forests of beech and spruce trees. You can swim at several spots along its course, surrounded by woods and natural surroundings. The water is clear and the landscape feels undisturbed. This river is ideal if you seek a calm swimming experience away from busy areas.

Lake Bundek sits within Zagreb's urban area and offers swimming opportunities that are easily accessible from the city center. The lake has been developed with dedicated swimming areas and recreational facilities, making it a popular spot for locals to cool off on warm days. The water is inviting, and its proximity to the city makes this lake a practical choice for anyone wanting to swim without traveling far.

The Drava is a river flowing through northern Croatia that eventually joins the Danube. Along its banks, it creates natural sandy beaches where visitors can stop and swim. The water here is calm and welcoming, perfect for cooling off during hot months. The surroundings are forested, offering a sense of quietness and connection to nature. This is a place for those seeking a relaxed swimming experience in natural settings, away from busier bathing areas.

The Mrežnica is a limestone river in central Croatia that flows through numerous waterfalls and turquoise pools. The water is perfect for swimming and draws families who want to enjoy canoeing and other water activities. The river offers many places to cool off and relax along one of the country's most appealing waterways.

The Una River marks the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering excellent swimming opportunities in a pristine natural setting. The Una stands out for its clear waters, perfect for swimming, and its wild banks lined with dense forests. The river flows through deep canyons and creates small coves where you can swim peacefully. The surroundings feature natural rock formations and green shores where you can enjoy the quiet of nature. For visitors seeking an untamed, natural swimming experience, the Una is an ideal destination in central Croatia.

The Zrmanja is a river that flows through deep gorges and rocky canyons, offering swimming areas with clear, cool water. The river cuts through the rock like a natural channel, creating a special place to swim. Visitors come here to cool off in the refreshing water and take in the steep rock walls surrounding them. The Zrmanja is a great choice for anyone seeking a natural swimming experience in wild landscapes.

Lake Bajer is an artificial lake set in the mountainous Gorski kotar region, surrounded by dense forest. It offers designated swimming areas and is ideal for swimming and water activities. The clear water and natural surroundings make it a popular spot to cool off on warm days.

Daruvar Lake is a thermal lake fed by natural hot springs that maintain a constant warm temperature year-round. The water invites you to swim, particularly during cooler months when the steady warmth makes bathing relaxing and comfortable. The lake sits in a peaceful setting and is easy to reach for visitors looking for a warm dip.

Lake Jarun in Zagreb is a reservoir created for the city's needs. It has beaches where you can swim, sports facilities for games, and spaces to rest and relax. This lake is one of the places in Croatia where people come to swim during the warm months.

Lake Peruća is an artificial lake created by the Peruća Dam on the Cetina River. It covers about 15 square kilometers in the Dalmatian hinterland and offers excellent conditions for swimming. The water is cool and clear, and the surroundings feel wild and remote. Around the lake there are coves and shallow areas where you can easily enter the water. The landscape consists of forests and hills that reflect in the water. This is a place where you feel far from everyday life and can simply swim and enjoy nature.

Modro jezero is a crater lake in Imotski, nestled in a limestone depression. The water changes color depending on the weather, displaying shades of blue. This lake was formed through natural geological processes and offers a unique swimming environment. Steep rock walls surround the water, creating a dramatic backdrop. The water is cool and clear, perfect for a refreshing swim on hot days. The location attracts visitors who appreciate nature and water activities.

Lake Orahovacko is a natural swimming lake set within protected nature reserve surroundings. Forests shade the water and create a calm environment for swimming. The lake offers clean water for a refreshing dip during warm months. The shoreline is accessible and welcoming to swimmers of all levels. This spot works well for families looking for an easy day trip to swim and relax by the water.

Lake Petnja is a human-made body of water situated in Slavonia's flat landscape. It was created through the regulation of the Petnja River near Slavonski Brod. The water is calm and welcoming, perfect for swimming on hot days. Green areas surround the lake, inviting visitors to relax. This lake provides a soothing alternative to the natural rivers and lakes found elsewhere in the region.

Berberov buk waterfall near Obrovac is a natural cascade formed by the Zrmanja river. The water falls over rocky steps and creates several pools where you can swim. The area is surrounded by forest, and it attracts visitors who enjoy bathing in cold, flowing water. There are also smooth rock surfaces that work like natural slides.

Lake Čabraji is a small reservoir nestled in the Kalnik hills, surrounded by oak and beech forests in the Podravina region. This lake offers a peaceful place to swim surrounded by nature, far from crowded coastal beaches. The clear water and forested setting make it a pleasant destination for those seeking a refreshing swim in a natural environment.

Vransko jezero is a large freshwater lake in northern Dalmatia, situated between the towns of Zadar and Šibenik. The lake has been a protected nature reserve since 1999 and offers clean water for swimming and cooling off on hot days. You can swim here in a natural setting, surrounded by local plants and wildlife. It is one of the larger swimming destinations in Croatia for those seeking a natural lake environment.

Lake Šoderica in Koprivnica is a freshwater lake with fine sandy beaches. The water stays warm throughout the summer months. Around the lake you will find areas for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying water activities. The landscape is flat and green, with trees providing shade. Many people come here to cool off and enjoy the warm season.

The Gacka is a river in central Croatia fed by numerous underground springs that keep its waters transparent and cool year-round. You can swim in this karst waterway and experience the clarity of the water. The river offers natural swimming zones that are especially refreshing on warm days.

The Neretva River flows through southern Croatia, creating a marshy delta with many water channels for swimming. The water here is fresh and cool, perfect on hot days. The surroundings feel wild and natural, with reeds and trees lining the banks. You can swim in calm pools where the water is clear and moves gently. The river is easy to reach and safe for swimming.

The Korenica is a river in central Croatia that flows through the karst landscape, creating several small natural waterfalls before emptying into lakes. These waterfalls are easy to reach for visitors looking to swim and cool off. The clear water and forested surroundings make this river a peaceful place to take a swim.

Lake Lepenica is an artificial reservoir near the town of Fužine in the mountainous Gorski kotar region. The lake sits surrounded by coniferous forests and offers a quiet place to swim during the warm months. The clear water and surrounding woodland create a peaceful setting for visitors seeking a refreshing dip in nature. The lake is easy to reach and appreciated by both locals and travelers.

The Krupa is a river in northern Dalmatia that stretches for 75 kilometers, forming deep gorges and natural pools suitable for swimming and fishing. The water flows through a wild landscape with forests and rocky cliffs that give the river its special character. You can refresh yourself on warm days and experience nature in its raw form. The river's clear waters and peaceful surroundings make it a welcoming place to spend time in the water.

The Plitvice Lakes form a striking system of interconnected basins in central Croatia. Natural barriers made of travertine limestone have built up over thousands of years, creating a chain of turquoise pools stacked at different levels. Water cascades from one level to the next, creating waterfalls that appear throughout the landscape. Wooden walkways and paths wind between the lakes, allowing visitors to move through the system on foot. The setting is heavily forested, with trees growing right to the water's edge. The water is cool and clear, reflecting the sky and surrounding vegetation. The color of the water shifts throughout the day as light changes, ranging from deep blue to bright turquoise depending on the angle and time of day.

Lake Mir on the island of Dugi Otok is a salt water body with a high salt concentration that makes swimming and floating particularly easy. This water offers a unique bathing experience, as the high salt content naturally keeps your body at the surface. The lake sits on a Croatian island in the Adriatic and is a popular place to relax and swim during the warm months.

Strbacki buk waterfall sits on the Una River at the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This 24-meter waterfall drops into natural pools where you can swim and cool off in the fresh water. The setting is wild and undisturbed, surrounded by dense forest. The water moves quickly where it falls, but calmer spots exist for swimming. Visitors find this place easy to reach and come for the chance to refresh themselves in the cold pools beneath the cascade.

Lake Butoniga is an artificial reservoir in Istria created to supply drinking water to the surrounding communities. Today it has become a popular swimming spot with clean, inviting waters. The green landscape around the lake makes it a pleasant place to swim and enjoy water activities during the warm months.

Lake Trakošćan sits in the hills of northern Croatia and provides clear water for swimming surrounded by thick forests. The medieval castle of Trakošćan overlooks the entire scene, creating a backdrop that feels both historical and natural. This lake offers a quiet place to swim where nature and old architecture come together.

Crveno jezero is a natural sinkhole lake set within a deep rocky depression. Vertical rock walls rise more than 280 meters (920 feet) above the water surface, creating a dramatic landscape. The water takes on a reddish hue, which gives the lake its name. Swimming here means taking a dip surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that form a natural amphitheater around the water. This is a place where the landscape feels powerful and the experience of swimming becomes something more memorable.

The Baćina Lakes form a connected system of seven water bodies linked together by natural channels running along the Adriatic coast. These lakes offer excellent places to swim in clear water during the warm months. They are easily accessible and provide a relaxed setting for visitors seeking refreshment. The surrounding vegetation creates a natural environment where you can spend time in the water without crowds.

Veliko jezero on the Island of Mljet is a large saltwater lake connected to the sea by a narrow channel. The water here stays warmer than the surrounding seawater, making it a pleasant place to swim. The lake sits in a quiet setting surrounded by pine forests and offers a peaceful alternative to the busier coastal beaches.