If you’re staying in Zagreb you must have wondered how to spend the summer and make the most of this beautiful area. In addition to a lot of sightseeing, beautiful architecture, and enjoyment of the city’s urban amenities, there are also numerous locations nearby that are worth a visit.
We selected the ten best-rated day trips to fulfill your stay in Zagreb. Here is the list!
Trakošćan Castle
When you say „castle“ to an average Croat, the first thing that will come to their mind is the famous Trakošćan castle. A symbol of some past time, different eras, and, above all, magnificent architecture. This castle changed many of its owners, and today it serves as a museum that is open to the public, so everyone is welcome to see what the walls of this fantastic monument hold.
Today the castle is owned by the Republic of Croatia and in 1954. was established as a museum with a permanent exhibition. This beautiful castle is a real “Croatian medieval treasure”! You can look at the gallery of beautiful Trakošćan castle here and why not also book a tour?
Croatian Zagorje
Croatian Zagorje is a beautiful hilly region in northwest Croatia. This area is located close to Zagreb and makes a perfect and quick escape from the city.“Zagorje” is Croatian for “backland” or “behind the hills” and is separated from the capital by the Medvednica Mountain. While visiting Zagorje, we suggest Zagorje historic & Tito’s ethno village day excursion. Aside from visiting this green area and beautiful yet undiscovered region, you can discover many historic attractions. Starting with Trakošćan castle, you will see many historical sites and churches. This thematic tour includes visiting the fort of Veliki Tabor. It is one of the most important cultural and historical monuments of secular architecture in continental Croatia, with a unique monumental and authentic fortification structure. And that’s not all. As a cherry on top, you will continue your tour to the Ethno village Kumrovec founded in 1954 – famous for the birthplace of Marshal Josip Broz Tito – the late Yugoslav president who ruled dictatorially until his death in May 1980. Even then, Tito’s village was one of the must-sees in ex-Yugoslavia. The beautiful ethno village represents life in those small houses and surroundings.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
National Park Plitvice Lakes are a must-see in Croatia so why not make it a day excursion from Zagreb? Plitvice Lakes is the oldest, biggest and most popular national park in Croatia. We will try to explain why Plitvice Lakes are a must-see even though any picture of these lakes is worth more than a thousand words. Plitvice lakes have specific universal value due to the formation process of the travertine barriers and the creation of the lakes (called calcification). This natural jewel is the first national park in Croatia, founded on April 8th, 1949. the uniqueness of Plitvice was recognized by UNESCO when putting it on its World Heritage List in 1979.
Walking along the Plitvice lakes, you are able to enjoy the natural harmony and beauty that engage all your senses. Surrounded by sights for sore eyes, the clean mountainous air fills your body while you enjoy the calming sounds of the waterfalls and birds chirping.
Opatija – the pearl of Northern Adriatic
Northern Adriatic is like a rare jewel. Hidden and hard to find sometimes but just adorable when you discover it. It is the exact reason why Opatija, a peaceful little town at the door of the Istrian peninsula, holds the title „The Pearl of Adriatic“ to this day. Those who seek a holiday inwrought in the beautiful scenery, peace, amazing sights, delicious meals, and a touch of some pastime – this is the place you’ve been looking for all the time, believe us!
It’s not only Opatija, the attraction. Little historical towns surround it, such as Volosko, right next to Opatija, known for its excellent restaurants and Lungomare seafront promenade. Besides Volosko, other towns along the Riviera like Lovran, Ičići, Medveja and Mošćenička Draga all give you a fantastic experience of this area!
And you know what? It only takes 2 hours to drive from Zagreb to Opatija!
Kvarner Bay
Kvarner Bay is in the northeastern part of the Adriatic Sea. The largest islands in Kvarner Bay are Krk, Cres, Lošinj, and Rab. Rijeka, the largest Croatian port, is located on the coast of Kvarner. Here is also a famous tourist destination we previously mentioned – Opatija. Kvarner Islands are very popular among Croatans, especially from Zagreb and central Croatia, so many of them have summer houses on those islands and coasts. In less than two hours drive you can get to this beautiful region. In case you are wondering what to see, discover the best places and events we have highlighted in this beautiful area: /kvarner-bay/
Krapina
This historic town in northern Croatia is located in the hilly Zagorje region. You must be wondering what is so special about Krapina?
In our opinion, Krapina makes a perfect full day excursion! The richest collection of Neanderthal men in the world was gathered at Hušnjak Hill in Krapina in Hrvatsko Zagorje, Scientifically known as Homo sapiens Neanderthalensis, the Krapina prehistoric man was discovered all the way back in 1899 when geological and paleontological research started on Hušnjakovo hill in Krapina. The Krapina Neanderthal Museum covers a surface area of around 1,200 m² and is one of the most modern museums in Croatia and central Europe. With numerous awards and certificates, Krapina Neanderthal Museum and Hušnjakovo Site were awarded the European Heritage Label, recognizing their importance and extraordinary value of this site.
The site is protected as the first paleontological natural monument in the Republic of Croatia and is listed as one of the richest Paleolithic habitats of Neanderthals in Croatia and Europe. Definitely a must see!
SAMOBOR
Samobor is a charming little town located only about 25 km away from the center of Zagreb. For years, it has been a first choice for many as a beautiful weekend getaway. We have prepared a cool day tour to experience Samobor in the best possible way. A gastro-historical tour aimed at tasting the traditional delicacies for which Samobor is famous: cream cake, bermet, and Rudarska greblica. In addition to tastings on tour, you will discover underground gems (a cave, a wine cellar, mines), which preserve various stories and legends you probably did not know about. To get to these positions hidden in the Samobor mountains, we will use e-bikes so that you can enjoy the surrounding nature and panoramic views.
Sounds good, right?
Varaždin – the mesmerizing baroque city
Varaždin is one of the cities you mustn’t miss in Croatia. It’s located on the Drava River’s banks and surrounded by Zagorje, Podravina, Štajerska, and Međimurje.Varaždin is according to Croatians the most pleasant city for living. Since 1993, Varaždin has been the head of Varaždin County.But – more importantly – Varaždin was the capital of Croatia! When in Varaždin, you will enjoy sightseeing the Old Town with its preserved palaces, important public buildings, Baroque, Rococo, Classicist, and Secessionist houses and villas, and one of the oldest City Halls in Europe.The angels that adorn altars, walls, and paintings will appreciate every glance they receive. Varaždin feudal fortress, from ancient times, called Old Town, the most important historical buildings of Varazdin and its famous Cemetery, one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Do not miss visiting this mesmerizing baroque city!
RIMAC – ELECTRIC SUPERCARS FACTORY
Are you looking for a little bit of adventure? Rimac Automobili factory stands for adventure & technology.T he most famous Croatian factory! It’s a Croatian brand! Croatia never had a car industry, and today we proudly present RIMAC ELECTRIC SUPERCARS of the 21st century. It wasn’t easy to make it; first was the vision, then it had to be invented using various technologies to make this possible! And today with the great help from another Croatian inventor and genius Nikola Tesla and his great influence and inventions the future just landed in the Rimac Factory in Sveta Nedjelja, only 10 minutes drive from Zagreb.
Let us dive into the innovative world of electric supercars and technology. We will take you for a half day tour where all of your senses will enjoy historical Introduction, showroom, assembly, component production, R&D department, Design department, Paint shop, Greyp Department & test ride with Greyp Bikes.
PLEŠIVICA – a champagne region of Croatia
Our last but not least suggestion for your perfect day trip is Plešivica! Let us take you on the Wine tour to the City of Jastrebarsko beneath the south slopes of Plesivica Hill. The city of Jastrebarsko is only 45 minutes away from Zagreb city.
This area is famous for winemaking because of its geographical position on the slopes. These hills are also known as Plesivica Amphitheatres. At the height of 350 to 400 m above sea level, they cultivate the white grape varieties of Rhine Riesling, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio, and the red grape varieties such as Pinot noir, Syrah, and Portuguese. To make the best of your day, we planned a visit to the local winemaker for a wine tasting followed by homemade specialties. You will enjoy the natural beauty of Plesivica Hills!
