European gem with 17C in November is ‘magical in winter’ but without crowds

Croatia‘s stunning Adriatic coastline and rich cultural history have made it a top summer destination for travellers across the world.

While well-known cities like Dubrovnik and Split continue to draw crowds, there are also lesser-explored regions that offer unique charm and scenic beauty in the winter— without the masses. According to TUI, the average maximum in Croatia in November is 17C and the average minimum is 10C.

To uncover these hidden gems, VIP Holiday Bookers conducted a detailed study using a weighted ranking system.

The analysis took into account factors such as local population, social media buzz, and overall tourism popularity.

The results highlighted destinations where authentic experiences and fewer tourists intersect, with additional insights provided by local Croatian travel experts.

In the top spot, ahead of the islands of Korcula and Rab, is the hilltop town of Motovun in the heart of Istria, which is surrounded by stunning vineyards and valleys.

The city is a beautifully preserved example of medieval architecture, with narrow cobbled streets, stone buildings, and a fortified city wall – and the old town is an impressive mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Due to its hilltop location, Motovun offers stunning views of the surrounding Valley of Mirna and the rolling hills of Istria, which are especially beautiful in the spring and autumn when the landscape is full of vivid colours.

The area around Motovun is also known for its wine production, especially the local Teran wine, a red variety unique to the region, as well as the truffle hunting tradition, where trained dogs are used to search for these prized fungi in the surrounding forests.

Motovun’s uniqueness has been highlighted by travel website Secret Dalmatia, which said is “equally magical in the winter time as in the summer”.

One Tripadvisor reviewer praised Motovun’s lack of crowds outside of high season, saying: “This town looks like a movie set and is quite charming.

“Everything was closed in the winter and the town is devoid of tourists. We felt like we had the whole town to ourselves being the only people walking the streets.”

Another user added: “If you stay in Motovun in October and you are early enough, the sunlight over the fog in the valley gives you an absolutely great experience.”