Croatia in March 2026 - Travel Tips & Spring Festivals

Jessica Cerović
4 days ago
3 min read

March, or Ožujak in Croatian, is the first month of Spring. The weather is usually still on the cooler side, but snow is less likely and a few warmer days are not out of the ordinary. This is a pretty pleasant time of year to hike, run or cycle outside. Croatia in March is perfect for an early springtime day trip with lots of events around to choose from.

Depending on the calendar, Carnival comes to an end some years in February and sometimes in March. No matter when Carnival ends or when Easter begins, part of Lent, or Veliki Post in Croatian, takes place during the month of March. Lent lasts for 40 days before Easter and is a season of fasting, abstinence, penance and prayer. This year beginning February 18th and ending April 2nd.

This year Palm Sunday happens March 29th. Palm Sunday, or Cvjetnica in Croatian, takes place either in March or April depending on the calendar of when Easter falls. Some churches gather with olive branches, like in Igor's hometown of Tribalj, and others use flowers or palm branches. In the city of Dubrovnik, it is a tradition to braid the palm leaves, called Pome. The Holy Week continues and make sure to be on the lookout for giant painted easter eggs around symbolizing friendship, love and joy.

WineRi - March 13th-14th, Rijeka

This wine and gastro festival takes place in the city of Rijeka. Over 70 local wine producers come together for this delicious and fun event. Other items on exhibition include brandy, liqueurs, prosciutto, cured meat products, cheese, olive oil and chocolate from the Kvarner region. Restaurants, caterers, hotels and retailers participate and live local musicians provide the entertainment.

For more about Rijeka get our Travel Guide.

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Dugi Otok Trail - March 14th, Zadar

This is a trail race through the beautiful landscape of Telašćica Nature Park on the island of Dugi, near the city of Zadar. The race begins and ends in the village of Sali where you are treated to food and live music.

If a trail race is not your thing, there are plenty of other Outdoor Activities you can do!

Festival of Oysters - March 19th-22nd, Ston

This festival takes place in the town of Ston and Mali Ston. It traditionally marks the annual feast of Saint Joseph on March 19th with the tasting of local oysters and wines from the Pelješac peninsula. In 1687, St. Joseph was declared the patron saint and protector of Croatia and its people. There are presentations of traditional Croatian island products, Dalmatian music, folklore performances, raffles and more.

Want to know more about Croatian cuisine? Check this article out!

Croatia's Festival of Lights - March 18th-22nd, Zagreb

While most Americans celebrate a festival of lights around Christmas, this festival of lights

happens in the capital of Zagreb during this month. Attractive audio-visual installations and projections come to life at various locations around the city. The theme of the festival is spring which symbolizes the awakening, growth and renaissance. Each of the locations will try to evoke springtime through light performances held from 6:00 to 11:00pm. Zagreb joins other world cities that have a tradition of holding such festivals, like Lyon, France; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Helsinki, Finland; Prague, Czechia; St. Petersburg, Russia and Berlin, Germany.

Need help planning your travel to Croatia? Let me design a Custom Itinerary for you!

Zagreb Dox: March 19th-26th

Zagreb's international documentary film festival is where some of the most influential film makers from all over the world feature their work, including Oscar nominated films as well as Venice, IDFA and Sundance winners. Along with the international competition there is a regional competition of prestigious Croatian directors and live music events.

Croatia in March is filled with holidays, festivals and races that will have you discovering more than you ever imagined. Springtime has only just begun!

North Coast Croatia Travel Agency specializes in travel to Croatia and surrounding European countries. Providing consultations, custom itineraries, pre-designed theme itineraries, summer beach rentals and a travel blog. Booking flights, accommodations, cruises, tours, rental cars, transfers, bus/train/ferry tickets, travel insurance and more!

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