Most of us know much about Croatia’s most popular destinations; e.g. Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Split and Hvar. But how about those unexplored gateways full of history and heritage in the Continental Croatia? And yet unexplored? We have put together a list of 5 unexplored places that you want to visit while in Croatia. These are very easy to reach from the Capital and serve great as day visits!
1.Sveti Martin na Muri
Resort Sveti Martin na Muri is an ideal day gateway, located in the far north of Croatia, just by the Slovenian border. This area is known for its beautiful hill scenery, fantastic wine and delicious local food. With over some 100 years of tradition in thermal bathing, wellness facilities and walking zones, this area has been, for years, a home to professional and recreational athletes preparing for tournaments and Olympic games. For those wanting to experience rest and relaxation in one of the most well put together thermal bathing resorts, this is the place to go!
DAY TRIP TRAVEL PLAN SUGGESTION: Relaxation at SPA Resort Sveti Martin ➔ Lunch at a local restaurant ‘Mala Hiža’ ➔ Wine tasting at a local winery (choices) ➔ Drive through the hills of Međimurje ☑ Return back to the Hotel (To book your trip fill in the booking form HERE)
2.The City of Varaždin
The city of Varaždin is definitely one of the unique gateway places you want to visit while in Croatia. It is most proud of its historic ‘Old Town’ – central city zone rich in Baroque palaces, churches and monasteries – still very well preserved. Varaždin has once been a home to the Parliament of Croatia, as well as Croatia’s capital city. It has been highly influenced by Austro-Hungarian empire and its culture, which left a mark on the landscape of the Old Town buildings and culture. For years, many noble families have called Varaždin their home. Great big palaces that served as their homes are still very well preserved and have been turned into museums – open for visitors. With lots of places for walking, drinking coffee and shopping, Varaždin really is a day gateway you don’t want to miss!
DAY TRIP TRAVEL PLAN SUGGESTION: Coffee in the city centre – at ‘Hotel Park Boutique’ ➔ Slow walk through Zakmardy, Drašković and Erdody palaces ➔ Lunch at a local restaurant – ‘Restaurant Palatin’ ➔ Free time for shopping in the ‘Old Town’ area ☑ Return back to the Hotel
3.Samobor
Samobor is a medieval town located 20 kilometres northwest of Zagreb and 5 km from the eastern Slovenian border. It is found on the slopes of Samobor mountains, at the entrance to the romantic valley of Gradna stream. This picturesque town is full of life all year round. Besides the carnival and great food markets throughout the year, Samobor is known among gourmets for its vanilla cream cake (Kremsnita) and fantastic local food. Throughout centuries Samobor has been a home to some well-known Croatian poets, sculptors and compositors. Today it still breeds history and is a wonderful day gateway. It is equally attractive in summer and winter, in spring and autumn, offering beautiful landscapes with flowers and orchards on almost every porch. It’s certainly worth a shot!
DAY TRIP TRAVEL PLAN SUGGESTION: Walk around the city of Samobor ➔ Coffee and Kremšnita cake at ‘Kavana Livadić’ ➔ Visiting the Samobor musem ➔ Lunch at a local restaurant ‘Gabreku 1929’ ☑ Return back to the Hotel (To book your trip fill in the booking form HERE)
4.Kumrovec Ethno Village
Kumrovec is a small village in the Croatian Zagorje region known as a birth place of Josip Broz Tito (an ex-Jugoslavian ruler and dictatorship). It is situated on the wooden banks of the river Sutla that runs alongside the Slovenian border. ‘Kumrovec Ethno Village’ is one of the most attractive of its kind in Croatia – a unique open-air museum which has preserved the traditional houses built on the cusp of the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can explore permanent ethnological collection of traditional ways of life – such as: the Zagorje marriage, the Life of the Young Married Couple, From hemp to linen, Farriery, Carth-wright’s Crafts, Pottery, From Grain to Bread, and other.
Nearby Kumrovec, Veliki Tabor castle is found – one of the most well preserved late medieval Croatian castles. Due to its proximity to Kumrovec Ethno Village it is easy to link the two experiences into one and enjoy a full day visit. This is a fantastic way to enjoy the history of Croatia while experiencing the life of the old!
DAY TRIP TRAVEL PLAN SUGGESTION: Visiting ‘Ethno Village Kumrovec’ ➔ Visiting ‘Veliki Tabor’ castle ➔ Lunch at a local restaurant ‘Restoran Grašo’ ➔ Drive through the hills of Zagorje ☑ Return back to the Hotel
5.Trakošćan Castle
Undobtedly, Trakošćan is one of the most beautiful and certainly the most romantic castle in Croatia. Found in the Zagorje region (area known as an oasis of preserved nature, clean air and thermal waters), Trakošćan castle is a cultural heritage protected by the Republic of Croatia Ministry of Culture as a significant historical entity. The Castle was built in 13th century and served as a home to many feudal lords throughout centuries. With its spacious park, forest and lake, Trakošćan perfectly represents the calm and slow-paced life of its lords. Today, Trakošćan Castle is open for public and offers visitors a collection of books, paintings and original furniture to see.
DAY TRIP TRAVEL PLAN SUGGESTION: Trakošćan Castle ➔ Visiting local wine producer ➔ Lunch at restaurant ‘Vuglec Breg’ ➔ Shopping in Roses Fashion Outlet ☑ Return to the Hotel
Travel Transfer offers private transfers (3+1 and 8+1) to all of the above Gateways. For more information and your personalized offer please get in touch with us by filling in the booking form HERE or by requesting an offer through reservations@traveltransfer.hr.