A weekend getaway, also known as teaser tour from field to table
If you’re looking for the perfect weekend escape, allow us to suggest you head on east in Croatia. Pack a light bag, leaving room for a few bottles of wine – and off to Slavonia and Baranja. About as far from Zagreb as Zagreb is from there, a pleasant two-hour drive.
A ROYAL Welcome, Blacksmithing with the Master, Slavonian Sushi
To make the most of your weekend, start with a picnic right next to the the elegant residents of Ivandvor. This outpost of the famous Đakovo State Stud Farm is home to a herd of magnificent Lipizzaner mares and foals that spend their summer days grazing on vast pastures, while the historic buildings still tell stories of royal visitors from centuries past. You’ll find it difficult to leave your new friends behind, but there is so much to discover. From Ivandvor, the road naturally leads to Đakovo, the cultural heart of Slavonia and Baranja.
It’s never a bad time to visit Đakovo, but late June is special, as the town hosts the renowned Đakovački Vezovi Festival (or Đakovo Embroidery), celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and always showcasing the region’s rich traditions. Be sure to visit the monumental cathedral and stroll along the lively town centre, where life follows its own rhythm: always moving, yet never rushed. People gather over coffee or a glass of wine, enjoying life at a relaxed pace.
Speaking of wine, Bačva Wine Shop offers the finest regional wines, spirits, cheeses and cured meats, along with an excellent selection from all of Croatia. The atmosphere invites visitors to slow down and chat with the hosts who welcome every guest like an old friend. By the third glass of the Đakovo vineyards Graševina, you will definitely feel like one, and by the fourth you’ll be ready for a snack. Fortunately, you’ll find all the traditional favourites at Kuća Dida Tunje or Loora, while the newly opened Omakase combines Asian flavours with a uniquely local creation: Slavonian sushi.
The burst of energy from a hearty local lunch should be put to good use. If there is one person who knows exactly how to do so, it’s master blacksmith Franjo Vinković, one of only seven practicing traditional blacksmiths in Croatia. In his career, he has forged everything from swords and flowers to restored historical metalwork found throughout the country.
As you journey on towards Osijek, allow the mighty Lipizzaners to bid you farewell. You can watch them train, bathe and enjoy their daily routine, a sight that never fails to amaze. If you prefer to relax in Đakovo, the recently opened Hotel Diaco provides everything you need for a perfect night’s rest and moments of wellness with impressive views of the monumental cathedral.
Craft Beer and Dinner by the River
Osijek moves to the same relaxed rhythm. The best views of the sunset are naturally from the beach. Locals affectionately call it Kopika, Osijek’s answer to the famous Brazilian Copacabana. Whether you choose the newly renovated swimming complex with slides and attractions or a refreshing dip in the Drava River, the vibe is all about chilling. A beach volleyball court and beautiful city views complete the experience. If you are, above all, the beer type at the beach, the riverside cafés and bars offer plenty of refreshment.
Dinner is also best enjoyed by the river. Along one of Europe’s longest riverside promenades, you can find restaurants serving everything from traditional river fish and meat dishes to modern cuisine, award-winning pizzas and Asian specialities. To round it off, families should not miss a ride on one of Osijek’s most beloved attractions. The Kompa, a traditional ferry powered solely by the river current, transports passengers from the city promenade to green spaces, playgrounds and, most importantly for the small ones, the city zoo. The integral Slavonian Village petting zoo allows children to interact with farm animals and learn about rural life.
Villages Scented with Paprika, Wine Hills, Cellars and the Danube
After a riverside evening in Osijek, begin your second day surrounded by nature. Kopački Rit Nature Park is only a short drive away, yet it feels like an entirely different world. Water, reeds, forests, birds and the silence of one of Europe’s largest wetlands create exactly what every weekend escape needs: a chance to forget schedules and meetings. Whether by boat, along educational trails or simply observing wildlife, visitors quickly discover that Baranja should not be experienced only through its cuisine, no matter how exceptional the food may be.
And it is quite exceptional. From Kopački Rit, the road leads into the villages of Baranja, each with its own character and speciality. Explore it slowly and spontaneously. One of the villages may tempt you with the aroma of fish stew, another with flower-filled courtyards, homemade paprika or views across vineyards. For more active travellers, e-bikes are the perfect companion: slow enough to notice the geese, sheep, horses, poppy or sunflower fields, viewpoints and wine roads; yet fast enough to ensure you’re in time for dinner in one of the region’s celebrated rural restaurants.
Should your journey take you towards Našice, more surprises await. Valpovo and Donji Miholjac reveal another side of eastern Croatia through castles, parks, rivers, industrial heritage and stories of noble families who shaped the region. Prandau-Normann Castle in Valpovo and Mailáth Castle in Donji Miholjac create a charming castle route for visitors who enjoy history without excessive formality. For something more relaxed, spend a few hours at Bizovac Thermal Spa, which is equally fun for both adults and children.
Day Three – Or Next Time
Many visit Slavonia and Baranja primarily to learn about the region’s long wine tradition. The Baranja wine region finds its stage in Zmajevac, where traditional wine roads and centuries-old cellars (known as gatori) carved into loess hills welcome guests every weekend, even when no major event is taking place. Descend into the cellars and listen to local winemakers. Taste the indigenous Graševina, Frankovka or Cabernet Sauvignon, and allow the conversation to continue long into the evening. Throughout the year, wine walks, open-cellar weekends, festivals and community gatherings transform entire villages into living wine cards.
If your route follows the Danube, Erdut offers another great wine story. Here, vineyards descend towards the river, while the famous 75,000 litre barrel of graševina serves as a reminder that wine culture in this region can be spectacular in scale. The Danube, the pilgrimage sanctuary in Aljmaš, or just the panoramic viewpoints and historic wine cellars can easily extend your weekend or provide the perfect excuse to return.
The final wine route leads towards Feričanci and the Našice area. The vineyards of Feričanci’s naturally come with stories of horses, music and the lush landscapes of Slavonia. Nearby Našice, known for its harmonious parks and the Pejačević castle, is perfect for visitors wishing to conclude their weekend with culture, leisurely walks and a touch of royal atmosphere. The Našice region beautifully demonstrates that Slavonia and Baranja is far more than a flat landscape seen through a car window. It is a destination of castles, parks, vineyards, lakes, forests and countless small surprises waiting to be discovered.
