The ancient Romans believed that warm, mineral-rich water could heal almost anything. They even coined the phrase Sanitas per aquam — health through water — and built entire temples and bathhouses around their beloved hot springs. If they could time travel to modern-day Croatia, they’d be first in line at some of the country’s most beautiful toplice (thermal springs).

Northern and Central Croatia are dotted with these steaming oases, blending wellness, history, and a dose of natural magic. From Roman ruins to modern infinity pools, here are five must-visit thermal springs where you can soak like an emperor.

1. Varaždinske Toplice – The Queen of Croatian Spas

If there’s one spa the Romans would still recognize today, it’s Varaždinske Toplice. Just outside the baroque town of Varaždin, this spot has been bubbling with thermal water for over two millennia. The Romans called it Aqua Iasae and built a whole settlement around its healing springs — you can still wander through the ruins of temples and bathhouses before dipping into the same waters they once adored. Modern wellness hotels now surround the site, offering pools, saunas, and treatments that feel like a mix of ancient ritual and modern luxury.

2. Tuheljske Toplice – Mud Baths and Family Fun

About an hour from Zagreb, Tuheljske Toplice is the kind of place where serious spa-goers and kids with water guns happily coexist. Known for its dark, mineral-rich mud (locals call it “the Zagorje gold”), it’s famous for skin-friendly treatments and thermal pools that steam even in winter. But this isn’t just a quiet wellness escape — Tuhelj also boasts one of Croatia’s biggest water parks, complete with slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Parents can sneak off for a massage while kids splash to their heart’s content.

3. Krapinske Toplice – Wellness in a Green Valley

Nestled in the gentle hills of Hrvatsko Zagorje, Krapinske Toplice is the kind of place that instantly slows your pulse. The town’s four thermal springs were first recorded in the 18th century, and they still draw those looking for a weekend detox. You’ll find elegant hotels with sprawling spa zones, quiet walking paths, and a deep sense of calm that seems baked into the landscape itself. It’s less flashy than Tuhelj, but perfect for anyone craving a few days of peace, nature, and mineral-rich water.

4. Stubičke Toplice – A Historic Escape

Stubičke Toplice feels like stepping into a postcard. Tucked into a forested valley, this spa town has long been a retreat for Croatian aristocrats, who came to “take the waters” and stroll its scenic promenades. Today, you’ll still find that same serene atmosphere — along with thermal pools, wellness hotels, and hiking trails in the nearby Medvednica Nature Park. It’s ideal for a weekend getaway where you can mix spa time with a bit of outdoor exploring.

5.Terme Sveti Martin– Modern Wellness Meets Tradition

Way up in Croatia’s far north, where vineyards meet the Slovenian border, Sveti Martin na Muri offers a fresh, modern take on the spa experience. Its sprawling resort is one of the country’s most advanced, with sleek pools, saunas, and wellness programs designed for everything from stress relief to sports recovery. But there’s tradition here, too — the surrounding Međimurje region is known for hearty local cuisine and excellent wines, meaning you can balance a detox smoothie with a glass of graševina at dinner.

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