New Year’s swimming tradition that should not be missed!

According to many scientists and doctors, taking a shower or swimming in cold water is extremely healthy for your body, from top to bottom. Since ancient Greece, ice or cold water bathing has been practiced in many countries across the world, and one such tradition also developed in Croatia and Montenegro.

Every year, between the 30th of December and the 1st of January, across the whole Croatian and Montenegrin part of the Adriatic, and some Croatian rivers such as Korana or Kupa people come together to join a New Year’s swim. Although, at this time of the year,  the seawater temperature is around 12 to 15 celsius degrees, and the river water temperature around 6 celsius degrees, many brave ones still accept the challenge.

It is a tradition that should not be missed! Even as a spectator!

After the swim or a quick dip is over, participants are awaited with robes, good food, and even better warm drinks such as mulled wine or mulled brandy.

The most famous New Year’s swimming traditions in Croatia are definitely in Mali Lošinj, Šibenik, and Opatija, and in Montenegro, those would be Sutomor and Tivat.

We must not forget the famous New Year’s picigin match at Bačvice beach in Split as well!

So what do you say? Would you dare to join them?