Why you need to visit Slovenia!
1. Storybook Scenery
Lush forests, snowy peaks, sparkling waters and castles so many castles. Slovenia is a fairytale that comes to life! A real-life Narnia (indeed many of the scenes from the 2008 film Prince Caspian were filmed here) you’ll find yourself enchanted by a world of knights, dragons, white horses and rich folklore at every corner. There’s even a castle in a cave! The vivid turquoise rivers and emerald lakes will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Children will love learning about local legends at some of the many festivals throughout the year.
Suggested Itinerary:
2 weeks Ultimate Family Fun holiday from £1560
2. Diverse Nature
Tiny Slovenia, hemmed into the Adriatic by Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, packs a lot into its diminutive proportions. As the only country that combines four of Europe’s distinct geographical features – the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain (a lowland basin) and the Karst (a rocky limestone region) Slovenia exhibits a vast diversity of nature.
The country’s numerous mountains and hills are suitable for all levels of hiking and offer jaw-dropping views. The Prekmurje lowlands in the northeast are perfect for the cycling enthusiast. The Adriatic coast offers Mediterranean warmth, clear waters and beautiful sunsets. In complete contrast, the underground world of the Karst region contains some of the largest cave formations in Europe.
And the best thing is you can see it all in a relatively short amount of time: small is beautiful! Roughly the size of Wales You don’t have to choose between swimming in the balmy Mediterranean or a cool Alpine lake – you can do both in the same day!
Suggested Itinerary:
Check out the Highlights of Slovenia 7 Day self-drive tour from £750 pp
3. Gastronomy
They say the best way to experience a country’s history and culture is through its food. This is especially true in Slovenia, which has become a melting point of cultures, thanks to its neighbours, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Slovenia has no less than 170 typical dishes, all characterised by using locally produced ingredients. Discover special Slovenian cheeses, meat products, sausages, oils, honey, and other food.
Any self-proclaimed foodie will have Hiša Franko on their must-visit list. The brainchild of Ana Ros (of Netflix Chef’s Table fame), this pink farmhouse in the whisper-quiet Soča Valley serves Alpine dishes from the future—think roebuck sashimi with juniper and chestnut, or goat’s-milk croissants stuffed with rosehip and roasted apple ice cream.
There’s much more to Slovenia’s foodie scene than just fine dining, however. Ljubljana boasts a thriving street-food culture, the highlight being a weekly “Open Kitchen”—or Odprta kuhna—which runs from Spring to Autumn. The open-air culinary celebration draws food producers from all over the country.
All this, however, is just for starters. With more than 20 gastronomic regions to explore, Slovenia features traditional farms making their own sausages, mountain huts preparing savoury stews for hikers, and coastal towns offering fresh seafood from the Adriatic. Whether you’re a passionate foodie or casual traveller, life here tastes pretty sweet.
Suggested Itinerary:
Try the Gastrony private tour of Slovenia to whet your appetite.
Tempted to go on your own adventure around Slovenia? Have a look at some itineraries for inspiration but chat to Sarah and she’ll put together a bespoke holiday to suit all your needs.
Written by Sarah Leckie
Top Travel Tip
“Spas offer a retreat from the outside world with all its stress and pressure. Most people have lives filled with demands that never really stop. A stay at a spa is a rare opportunity to step away from all of that” – Sarah, Spa and Wellness Travel Specialist.
