Slovenia Holidays Guide
Europe
Slovenia is a hidden gem, with beautiful alpine mountains, pretty Mitteleuropean towns, and a small but lovely Adriatic coastline. It used to be part of Yugoslavia, but left the Federation comparatively straightforwardly in the early nineties, and since then has gone about turning itself into the prosperous Central European country that many Slovenians had always wanted for themselves. You'll love the baroque architecture found in the inland cities, and the Venetian feel of the seaside resorts. However, the main attraction of Slovenia is its countryside. Visit some extensive cave systems, ski in the winter and hike in the summer, and pamper yourself in luxurious mountain spa resorts. Slovenia is small, but that can be a bonus rather than a drawback, as it gives you the chance to visit the beach and the mountains in a relatively short space of time. Slovenia isn't as quiet as most of the rest of Eastern Europe, but its resorts are very well developed.
Map of Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia Holidays Planner
The chances are that you'll start off in Ljubljana, a picturesque city with castles, a cathedral and scenic bridges over the river. For culture vultures, there's an opera house, two orchestras and numerous concerts, while others will appreciate the enjoyable café and pub scene. Bled is another destination; a resort by a mountain lake, which has a castle topping its biggest island. This is a popular destination for hiking and kayaking. Piran is Slovenia's most popular seaside resort, with plenty of Italian style. See the churches and city walls, and take to the waters on a cruise. Nearby Portoroz is where you'll likely to stay if you visit on a package holiday, and has Slovenia's best beaches.
Ljubljana
Places to Visit
If you want to ski, head to the Julian Alps – Kranjska is reputed to have the best slopes, but there are several other resorts. The Postojna Caves are very popular with visitors, and you'll be pulled through the mountain's innards on an electric train. Nearby Predjama Fortress is an amazing castle built on a hilltop, and very impressive. Bohinj is close to Bled and its lake is just as beautiful, but it's far less busy. Those who are keen on horses will be glad to know that there are plenty of opportunities to try pony trekking throughout the region, and you can also visit Lipica, where Vienna's famous Lipizzaner horses are bred. Slovenian food is excellent, and is a mixture of Austrian, Italian and Balkan influences – try washing down a schnitzel or pasta dish with some of the local wine.
Travel Facts
Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave
Lake Bled
Slovenia Holiday Tips