Slovenia

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Why visit Slovenia?

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Snow-coated peaks, turquoise-green rivers, and an Adriatic coastline inspired by Venice; throughout Slovenia, a gastronomic and cultural sophistication hides behind a rural, pastoral charm. Slovenia offers pristine landscape in the middle of Europe, with soaring views of Alpine peaks, hills and dales straight out of a 19th century landscape painting, and sparkling lakes and rivers that appear to be underlit by emeralds. Slovenians are well-attuned to natural beauty, and the inclination is nearly always to protect and preserve it. You may return from your holiday thinking Slovenia is the prettiest country you've ever seen.

Slovenia is an outdoor destination. Of course, there are great museums and historic churches, but the locals seem to favor active holidays. The most popular pursuits remain mountain walks and hikes, though increasingly Slovenians are discovering cycling (especially in the capital, Ljubljana).

What does Slovenia bring in mind?

River Soca

136 kilometers of emerald green river that defines the whole valley is something you should definitely not miss, even if you just come to look at it. You have got more options from rafting to kayaking, you can pick whatever suits you best. This region is famous for its lovely sheep's cheese and with high mountain peaks shielding it, gorges making it even more unique it is really hard not to.

Logarska Valley This is how a paradise looks like: lush green meadows, waterfall and an array of friendly tourist farms to make you feel welcome. One of the most beautiful hostile valleys in Europe, this is definitely the place we can split the gold with Switzerland again. You've got plenty of things you can do, if you want to hike in the surrounding hills or just soak up the beauty around you.

Lake Bled

Perhaps one of the most famous lakes in the world, Lake Bled exudes infinite beauty! Take a boat trip across the azure waters and explore the dream like medieval Bled Castle sitting atop the central island. With the wonders of the castle and surrounding alpine scenery to explore on foot, you will be sure to fall in love with nature.

Triglav National Park Dominated by Mount Triglav in the centre of the park, this is the only National Park to be found in Slovenia. It certainly makes up for it though and a visit here will behold stunning flora and fauna and a variety of activities on offer to help you enjoy it.

Vintgar Gorge

Vintgar Gorge is another must see on your tour of the top natural sites. Always popular amongst visitors, you can stare in wonder at the impressive gorge in safe hands from the galleries and bridges and also embark on the purpose built trail for an even better perspective. Just a short distance away, you can also explore the chapel of St Catherine.

Postojna Caves A tour of the Postojna Caves should certainly feature on your Slovenia itinerary. Take the train through the underground wonderland and lose yourself in the huge 20km network of caves, galleries and passages adorned in stalactites and stalagmites.

Predjama Castle

Perched on a rocky outcrop over 100 meters high sits Predjama Castle; an impressive fortress that has clung to the cliffs for over 700 years. Step back in time and wander around the refurbished rooms inside.

Portoroz If you only make it to one resort, make sure it is Portoroz. Here you will find sandy beaches, soothing sea air and great nightlife.

Hike to the Slap Sevica waterfall in Triglav National Park

An extremely green area with forests, streams, lakes and mountain peaks. As you drive through the park, you will come across remote villages with chalet-style houses and log piles. There are lots of outdoor activities to do here such as hiking, white water rafting, horse riding and rock climbing. One of the highlights is hiking up to Slap Sevica waterfall, which also offers beautiful views over the National Park.

Metelkova City in Ljubljana Metelkova City is a residential crouch in a former army barracks, and the buildings are covered in cool graffiti and art. There are all sorts of weird and wonderful things on these buildings, from mosaics to phantoms and ghosts.

Visit the Coast

Whilst you won’t find much in the way of beaches on Slovenia’s coastline, there are some pretty towns to visit. The most notable ones are Piran, Portoroz, Izola and Koper. In Piran, you can dine fresh seafood in one of the sea front restaurants, chew some chocolate with salt crystals from the chocolate shop in the square, and watch the locals as they attempt to catch some fish from the jetty.

Slovenia Sea Coast Birdview

Great things to do in Slovenia

• Admire one of the biggest ski jumps in the world at Planica. It’s famous as being the site of the first ever ski jump over 100 meters back in 1936.

• Drive through the hairpin bends and fantastic mountain scenery of the Vrsic Pass.

• Shop and eat at the open air markets in Ljubljana. They are a great place for a fresh healthy snack.

• For something different, you might want to try the Metal Camp music festival in Tolmin.

• Have a Mediterranean seaside holiday in Piran similar to the Croatian coast but without all the tourists.

• Go hiking in the Triglav National Park, part of the stunning Julian Alps, near Bohinj.

• Hike up a Slovenian hill just any random one will do, because this mountainous little country is so scenic that it’s easy to come across views from any short hike.

• Spend a couple of hours taking a stroll around Lake Bled; you will even see a former residence of Marshall Tito on your walk

• See the photogenic Veliki and Mali Å Umik waterfalls in Maribor, within the forest area.

• Admire the twin towers of the Ljubljana Cathedral; also check inside for the impressive frescoes too.

• Go rafting or canyoning on the Soca River.

Cities of Slovenia

Ljubljana

The capital, by no means should you miss it. I like to describe it as a big city life with the small town hassle. Meaning it has everything you might expect and it's in the palm of your hand, galleries, museums, ancient building, Roman ruins... But what you will definitely remember is the center, with the famous bridge and the lovely river flowing leisurely underneath it. It's best to visit it on a Saturday morning, go to the market and follow it with a cup of coffee right on the riverbank. Enjoy the sun, crowds of people and the beautiful views of the cathedral and the castle perched on top of the hill.

Maribor

The second largest city in Slovenia, Maribor boasts a small town feel with plenty of appeal. One of the main attractions is of course the Castle followed closely by the oldest growing vine in the world as certified by Guinness World Records. At 400 years and counting, this is a must see for any wine lover.

Bled

Mountain peaks surrounding an Alpine lake with an island right smack in the middle of it. To top it all the island has a church with a bell tower. The legend has it that by ringing the bell and making a wish, it will come true. And no that is not it, the picture is complete with a castle high on the rock overlooking the lake.

Piran

One of the towns on the Slovenian infamous coast. If I want a break from the often too foggy and cold Ljubljana, we go and enjoy the sun that seems to always shine in Piran. The smell of the sea in the small harbor, the narrow streets, squares and the architecture make you feel as if you've stumbled into one of the towns in Italy. The beautiful church set on the hill, offers beautiful views of the town and the bay.

Koper

Beautiful Panorama, Koper

Of all Slovenian coastal towns, Koper underwent the greatest number of changes and progressed a long way from the story Goat Island to the economic centre of Slovenian Istra. In its modern image and deep historic roots, Koper is quite an art to bring together all these influences.