Fužine: Croatia’s Hidden Gem Offers Respite from Summer Heatwaves

In response to relentless heatwaves, more tourists in Croatia are opting for the upland escape of Fužine to avoid the soaring coastal temperatures. While Croatia is famed for its stunning Adriatic coastline with numerous islands, Fužine, located just an hour's drive southwest of Zagreb, is emerging as a cool mountain retreat with temperatures up to 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than on the coast.

"The scenery is beautiful and the climate is great," said Gerald Bostwick, an American tourist enjoying the view. After spending several days in the coastal resort of Split, Bostwick made his way to this tranquil mountain village. "I would rather stay here. There is a cool breeze. You can sleep easily; temperatures are better," shared the retiree from Denver with AFP.

The Gorski Kotar region, often referred to as "Croatia's Switzerland," is located southwest of the capital and is covered by forests that span over 60 percent of the area. This region experiences harsh, snowy winters and summer temperatures that rarely exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), with cool, crisp nights.

This summer, like much of southeast Europe, Croatia has faced a series of heatwaves, with temperatures frequently surpassing 37 degrees Celsius. Even the Adriatic Sea offers little relief, with water temperatures recorded at 29 degrees Celsius along the coast.

Fužine offers tourists the best of both worlds. Located just a 20-minute drive from the seaside town of Rijeka, visitors can enjoy the sun along the shore and then retreat to the refreshing mountain climate.