Set between Slovenia and Hungary, Čakovec is the capital of Međimurje County, a pocket-size region known for vineyard-cloaked hills, thermal waters, and a culinary repertoire that punches far above its weight. The town grew around a 13th-century fortress later transformed by the powerful Zrinski noble family, whose legacy still anchors the historic center.

Expect gentle cycling paths, riverbank forests along the UNESCO-listed Mura–Drava Biosphere Reserve, and a wine scene crowned by Pušipel (Furmint)—Međimurje’s signature white. The nearby Terme Sveti Martin adds spa bliss to the mix, while fairy-tale Varaždin, one of Croatia’s most elegant baroque cities, lies just a quick hop away.

Practical notes: Croatia uses the euro, tap water is excellent, and English is widely spoken. Regional cuisine highlights include međimurska gibanica (layered cake), turoš (paprika-dusted cow’s cheese), hearty stews, river fish, and amber pumpkin seed oil. Spring-to-autumn is ideal for vineyard rambles; winter brings Advent lights and cozy taverns.

Čakovec

Čakovec centers on the green swath of Perivoj Zrinskih, a landscaped park that wraps Zrinski Castle and the Međimurje Museum. The old town’s streets radiate from King Tomislav Square, where cafés fill with locals and weekend markets brim with farm produce, pumpkin-seed oil, and regional wines.

• Top sights: Zrinski Castle and the Međimurje Museum, Perivoj Zrinskih park, King Tomislav Square, day trips to Varaždin, Štrigova wine hills, and the floating Mura mill at Žabnik.
• Eat & drink: Book Mala Hiža (Mačkovec) for refined regional cooking; Međimurski Dvori – Etno restoran (Mačkovec) for heritage recipes; Terbotz (Železna Gora) for hilltop views and seasonal plates; and Le Batat at Terme Sveti Martin for fresh, local-forward menus.
• Wine notes: Seek Pušipel (Furmint) and aromatic whites at Štampar, Cmrečnjak, Dvanajščak-Kozol, and Jakopić (Terbotz).
• Fun fact: Čakovec’s emblematic Zrinski lineage once shaped the region’s politics and defense; their fortress evolved into today’s graceful castle complex.

Where to stay (search and compare): Browse stays in and around Čakovec on VRBO Čakovec and Hotels.com Čakovec. For a resort-style spa base, look for properties near Sveti Martin na Muri (25–30 minutes by car).

Getting to Čakovec: Fly into Zagreb (ZAG). For flights to/from Europe, search on Omio Flights. Flying in from outside Europe? Compare long-haul options on Kiwi.com. From Zagreb to Čakovec, take a direct train (about 1h45–2h15, roughly €8–12) via Omio Trains (Europe), or a bus (about 1h45–2h10, roughly €8–14) via Omio Buses. Taxis or car rentals shorten some rural hops; factor €25–35 for a 30-minute regional taxi ride.

Day 1: Arrival, Zrinski Castle, and a Taste of Međimurje

Afternoon: Arrive in Zagreb and continue to Čakovec by train or bus (budget 2–2.5 hours door to door). Check in, then take a gentle loop through Perivoj Zrinskih to Zrinski Castle. Inside, the Međimurje Museum traces the region’s noble past, folk crafts, and rural traditions in compact, well-curated galleries.

Evening: Settle into dinner at Međimurski Dvori – Etno restoran in Mačkovec (short taxi). Try turoš (paprika-dusted cheese cones), zlevanka (cornbread), and a Pušipel white. Cap the night with a stroll along King Tomislav Square and a coffee or herbal tea at a classic city café.

Day 2: Varaždin’s Baroque Old Town

Morning: Hop a quick train or bus to Varaždin (20–30 minutes, ~€3–4 via Omio Trains or Omio Buses). Start at the snow-white Stari Grad fortress, then wander pastel façades and cobbles where the “City of Angels” hosts street festivals and classical concerts. Pop into boutiques for gingerbread, lace, and local design.

Afternoon: Lunch at Restoran Bedem by the town walls for seasonal cooking, or choose Verglec for homestyle northern Croatian dishes. If you have time, stroll the landscaped Varaždin Cemetery—famed for its sculpted greenery—before returning to Čakovec.

Evening: Back in Čakovec, enjoy a casual bite on the square or book Mala Hiža (Mačkovec) for an elevated tasting of regional classics paired with Pušipel or Graševina. Dessert? Save space for međimurska gibanica, the layered walnut–poppy–cheese–apple indulgence.

Day 3: Spa Day at Terme Sveti Martin and the Mura River

Morning: Transfer to Terme Sveti Martin (about 25–30 minutes by car/taxi). Unwind in thermal pools, saunas, and quiet zones. Day passes typically run €20–35 depending on day/season; arrive early for a calmer ambiance.

Afternoon: Lunch at Le Batat inside the resort—light, local-forward plates with vegetarian options. Rent e-bikes and ride gentle lanes to Žabnik to see the floating Mlin na Muri mill and wooden river ferry. The riverside here belongs to the Mura–Drava UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—watch for kingfishers and herons.

Evening: Return via the rolling vineyards. For dinner, taxi to Terbotz (Železna Gora): order river fish or venison when in season and linger over sunset views across rows of vines.

Day 4: Međimurje Wine Road – Štrigova Hills

Morning: Aim for Mađerkin breg, a scenic lookout above Štrigova that reveals a patchwork of Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary on clear days. Start tastings at Dvanajščak-Kozol, where aromatic whites and friendly cellar chats set the tone (allow €6–12 per tasting).

Afternoon: Lunch at Terbotz if you didn’t dine yesterday, or a countryside klet (wine tavern) offering platters of cured meats, local cheeses, and pumpkin-seed oil. Continue to Štampar for Pušipel styles—from fresh to oak-aged—and then to Cmrečnjak for Riesling and Graševina. Arrange a driver or taxi between wineries (short 10–20 minute hops across the hills).

Evening: Back in Čakovec, choose a relaxed bistro near the main square and end with a slice of međimurska gibanica or a glass of late-harvest Pušipel as a nightcap.

Day 5: Full-Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes (from Zagreb)

Rise early for the train to Zagreb (about 1h45–2h15, ~€8–12 via Omio Trains). Join this guided small-group excursion—tickets included—to Croatia’s most famous turquoise cascades:

Plitvice and Rastoke day trip from Zagreb w/ticket (guar. dep.) (typical duration: full day; indicative price range €95–140; check exact departure and inclusions on Viator). Expect wooden boardwalks, thundering falls, and a photogenic stop in Rastoke watermill village.

Return to Zagreb in the evening and take a late train/bus back to Čakovec. Pack a light windbreaker and non-slip shoes; trails can be misty.

Day 6: Lake Bled and Ljubljana (from Zagreb)

Another cross-border classic pairs Slovenia’s postcard lake with a lively capital. Take an early train to Zagreb, then join:

Ljubljana and Bled Lake - small group - day tour from Zagreb (full day; usually €95–130). Walk Ljubljana’s bridges and baroque streets, and circle Lake Bled for views of the cliff-top castle—treat yourself to a Bled kremšnita cream slice.

Seasonal note: visiting in December? Consider the Christmas-market version of this outing (also from Zagreb) for lights, mulled wine, and choir music. Return to Čakovec after dusk.

Day 7: Čakovec Markets, Museum Moments, and Departure

Morning: Browse Čakovec’s town market (best on weekends) for pumpkin-seed oil, honey, walnut cakes, and cured meats. Pick up wine to take home from a local bottle shop—look for Pušipel and late-harvest labels.

Afternoon: Circle back for any museum rooms you missed or linger in the park with a final espresso on King Tomislav Square. Depart in the afternoon: trains/buses to Zagreb run frequently (about 2 hours; check Omio Trains or Omio Buses). For onward flights within/to Europe, search Omio Flights; for long-haul connections, compare on Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have one last meal, make it at Terbotz for a view-driven farewell or Mala Hiža for a polished send-off rooted in local flavors.

Insider tips: Book winery visits in advance; many are family-run with limited drop-in capacity. Cycling is gentle but hilly—e-bikes help on the Štrigova climbs. If you’re here on a Saturday, watch for the Zrinska Guard’s ceremonial appearances near the castle.

Seven days in Čakovec and Međimurje balance easygoing pleasures—vineyards, spas, and parks—with bucket-list day tours to Plitvice and Lake Bled. You’ll leave with a newfound affection for Pušipel, pumpkin-seed oil, and the quiet elegance of northern Croatia.