Town in Zagreb region
Plešivica
- Best time to go
- May, June, Sept, Oct, Nov
- Part of
- Zagreb region
Plešivica is a ring of vine-covered hills above Jastrebarsko, and one of Croatia's best wine areas close to a big city.
Family wineries here are known for traditional-method sparkling wines, crisp whites and Portugizac, a light young red released each November. The wine road winds past cellars, tasting rooms and restaurants with views over the vineyards. It makes an easy day out from Zagreb or a relaxed overnight stay.
Things to do
Don't miss in Plešivica
- Drive the Plešivica wine road and stop at family cellars to taste sparkling wines and local whites.
- Book lunch or dinner at one of the wine estates, where the food is cooked to match the house wines.
- Try young Portugizac when it is released around St Martin's Day in November.
- Walk the lanes between the vineyards for wide views over the hills and the plain towards Zagreb.
- Hike to the ruins of Okić, a medieval hilltop castle a short drive towards Samobor.
- Visit Jastrebarsko and see the Erdődy castle and park in the town centre.
- Combine the wine road with Samobor for an afternoon of cream cake and old-town strolling.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Wine estates and guesthouses on the wine road
couples who want to taste, eat and stay overnight without driving afterwards
Jastrebarsko
travellers who want a small town with shops and a train station at the foot of the hills
Samobor
people who want a livelier base with restaurants and cafés, about half an hour away by car
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Plešivica
Wine tours from Zagreb visit two or three Plešivica cellars with a driver, which saves arguing over who stays sober. Many people combine the wine road with Samobor in a single day, and some tours add the Žumberak hills.
You need a car, or a driver, for Plešivica: the wineries are spread across steep, narrow hill roads with little public transport. Cyclists on e-bikes enjoy the quiet roads, but the climbs are steep. Never drink and drive; Croatia's limits are strict.
Getting there
How to get to Plešivica
Plešivica lies in the hills just north-west of Jastrebarsko, about 35 km south-west of Zagreb. By car it takes about 40 minutes from Zagreb via the A1 motorway (exit Jastrebarsko), then narrow country roads up into the vineyards. Trains and buses run from Zagreb to Jastrebarsko, but the wineries are spread out along the hills, so you will need a car, a taxi or a tour. Agree on a designated driver before you start tasting.