Italy has its famous cities. Croatia has its islands. Austria has its mountains. Sitting quietly between them is Slovenia and it might just be one of the most interesting places you haven’t thought about visiting. A Slovenia holiday packs an extraordinary amount into a relatively small country. You can wander through a beautiful European capital in the morning, find yourself beside an alpine lake by lunch and be sipping local wine overlooking rolling vineyards the next day.
Start slowly in Ljubljana
You don’t need a long list of attractions to enjoy Ljubljana. In fact, part of its appeal is simply spending time there. Slovenia’s capital is compact and easy to explore on foot, with pastel-coloured buildings, leafy riverbanks and outdoor cafés lining the Ljubljanica River. Browse the Central Market, cross the city's distinctive bridges and follow the cobbled streets towards Ljubljana Castle for views across the rooftops. Order a coffee, find a table by the river and watch the city go about its day.
Look beyond Lake Bled
Lake Bled may be Slovenia’s postcard star, but travel a little further into the Julian Alps and you’ll find Lake Bohinj. Surrounded by forest and mountains within Triglav National Park, Bohinj feels wilder and less polished than its famous neighbour. Walking trails follow the water, cable cars climb into the surrounding mountains, and in warmer weather the lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking or simply finding a quiet spot along the shore. And yes, visit Bled too. Its tiny island church and clifftop castle are famous for good reason. Just don't stop there.
Follow the impossibly blue Soča River
There are some places where photographs look suspiciously enhanced. The Soča Valley is one of them. The river really is that colour – an almost luminous blue-green that winds between forest-covered mountains and rocky gorges in western Slovenia. The valley is made for getting outdoors. There are walking and cycling trails, waterfalls, suspension bridges and plenty of places to stop beside the river. More adventurous travellers can try rafting or kayaking, while those who prefer a slower pace can explore mountain villages and take in the scenery.
Find a little slice of the Mediterranean in Piran
Just when you think you understand Slovenia, you reach the coast. The country has only a short stretch of Adriatic shoreline, but Piran makes the most of it. Venetian architecture, narrow lanes and terracotta rooftops tumble towards the sea, giving this small coastal town a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Climb above the old town for views across the Adriatic, wander around Tartini Square, then settle in somewhere near the waterfront for fresh seafood and a glass of Slovenian wine.
Come hungry
Slovenian food can be difficult to define, which is exactly what makes it interesting. The country sits at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Alps and the Mediterranean and its food reflects all three. Depending on where you travel, you’ll find everything from handmade dumplings and hearty mountain dishes to seafood, truffles, cheeses and excellent local produce. Then there’s the wine. Slovenia has a winemaking history stretching back thousands of years, yet its wine regions remain relatively unfamiliar to many. Areas such as Goriška Brda are filled with family-run wineries, orchards and hilltop villages.
Make Slovenia part of a bigger European adventure
One of the best things about a holiday to Slovenia is how easily it fits into a wider trip. Italy lies to the west, Austria to the north and Croatia to the south and east, so Slovenia can be combined with some of Europe’s most popular destinations without requiring major detours. You could pair Venice with Ljubljana and the Julian Alps, continue south towards Croatia's Istrian Peninsula or cross into Austria after exploring northern Slovenia.
Contact your local Travellers Choice expert and start planning a Slovenia holiday that's designed around the way you like to travel.
