Planning to visit the Croatian capital? Take advantage of your trip to also visit some beautiful towns and villages near Zagreb. Although much less popular, they are worth the visit!
Explore Croatia without limits
Croatia is known for its beautiful cities by the sea, like Dubrovnik or Split. But it is also popular because of Zagreb's alternative, yet cosy atmosphere. If a trip to the latter makes you want to visit other places with a similar charm, it is an excellent starting point, as there are several beautiful towns and villages near Zagreb.
This Balkan country is characterised by the diversity of its landscapes. There are also beaches with crystal-clear waters and a natural park with waterfalls. But beyond the usual routes, there are also towns and villages that have preserved their essence and will show you a more authentic side to the country. They are also great places to try the local cuisine and see how the local people live.
However, since there is a great variety of options, you will need to plan well to have enough time to get around to seeing everything you want to see. And what better way to do that than with a rental car. At OK Mobility we have locations all over Croatia, including Zagreb, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik, so it doesn't matter where you start or end your trip. Enjoy maximum freedom with the best coverage.
Beautiful towns and villages near Zagreb
In the northern part of the country, which is where you will find this city, there are also many other sites that may be of interest to round off the experience. Here are our suggestions for beautiful towns and villages near Zagreb.
Samobor
Samobor is located about 12 miles west of Zagreb, between the banks of the Sava River and the Žumberaky Mountain. It is a super destination for tourists and locals alike. And no wonder. This picturesque medieval town boasts imposing baroque architecture in the church of Saint Anastasia, quiet cobblestone streets and a lively central square.
In addition to taking a stroll, you have to taste the delicious local cake, called kremšnita. And if you like hiking, come to the Žumberak Natural Park because there are several routes.
Kumrovec
Close to the Slovenian border, another of the beautiful towns and villages near Zagreb is Kumrovec, about 40 miles away. Josip Broz Tito, leader of the former Republic of Yugoslavia, was born here. But what is really interesting here is the Staro Selo open-air museum, with old houses from the 19th and 20th centuries and farm facilities from the area. These houses represent blacksmith shops, weaving workshops, carpentry workshops and wineries, among other industries.
Rastoke
Rastoke is far removed from our idea of a typical town or village. It is also known as "little Plitvice". And if you don't know what the latter is, you should look it up because it is a stunning national park full of spectacular lakes. You can check it out via the official website.
But back to the village, it is at the confluence of the Slunjčica and Korana rivers, so there are also waterfalls. Next to them, the water mills and the beautiful wooden houses of its inhabitants.
Motovun
A little further away, in the Istria region, another medieval village awaits: Motovun. Located on top of a hill, it guarantees excellent views; in this case, of the surrounding vineyards and forests.
Its streets still preserve Celtic and Illyrian fortresses in the old town, which is why it is a World Heritage Site. Although it is touristy, you won't find it too overcrowded, so it has to feature in our list of the most beautiful towns and villages near Zagreb.
Buje
Also in Istria, Buje is a charming town surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Its medieval old town sits on a hill, known as the Watchtower of Istria. In its day it was a strategic location and today it offers an excellent viewpoint. The town is part of a wine route, so if you are a wine fanatic, it is a good place to visit a winery.
Klanjec
A little over 30 miles to the west, another town to visit is Klanjec. It is surrounded by hills and vineyards, and is culturally very rich. Some notable stops are the Franciscan Monastery and the Church of the Annunciation.
But most interesting of all is its link to the sculptor Antun Augustinčić, whose museum houses several of his works. A quiet place, perfect for a stroll overlooking the Sutla river valley.
Now you know which are the most beautiful towns and villages near Zagreb. If you don't want to miss the opportunity to see them for yourself, book your rental car with OK Mobility now!
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