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The Slovenia Tourist Board and New Deal Europe invited me to Slovenia in May for the Incoming Workshops as a Buyer. I had just taken over the destination for Fleewinter, so I was excited to see what Slovenia offers. My goal was to find boutique properties and experiences that would delight our clients.

I spend months each year in Croatia but had never ventured north of the border until now. Once I arrived, I extended my trip and stayed nearly a month. I wanted to fully embrace Slovenia—a country I have fallen in love with.

If you’ve never thought of a holiday in Slovenia, you may not know much about it.

Let me fill you in…

Where is Slovenia?

Slovenia is in Central Europe, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and Alpine regions. Its strategic location makes it an ideal holiday spot with easy access to the Alps, the Balkans, and other European countries. Slovenia borders Croatia to the south, Italy to the west, Austria to the north, and Hungary to the northeast.

Because of this, Slovenia offers diverse landscapes like mountains, caves, forests, lakes, and coastal towns on the Adriatic Sea.

Sounds incredible, right? It is! Read on to hear more about my journey through Slovenia…

Ljubljana – Slovenia’s Charming Capital City

My adventure began in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, and ‘charming’ is the perfect word to describe this city. Ljubljana is a compact capital, easy to explore on foot, which gives it a cosy, intimate feel. The elegant Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, buzzing cafés, and cobbled streets of boutique shops make it a must for any Slovenia itinerary.

What stood out most to me was the strong sense of community. Whether it’s the lively farmers’ markets or the vibrant Friday food markets, there’s a palpable warmth here. Locals and visitors gather, enjoying live music from classical to contemporary, adding a magical touch to the experience.

Sustainability is also a big part of holidays in Ljubljana. The city’s commitment to sustainability is impressive. Over 70% of Ljubljana is green, with parks, woodlands, and natural reserves all around. The city centre is pedestrianised, making it easy to explore, and free electric vehicle rides are available for those needing assistance.

Top tip: Bring a refillable water bottle—the city offers fresh spring water from public fountains scattered throughout.

Onto Iconic Lake Bled

From Ljubljana, we headed to an industry event in the stunning setting of Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most iconic destinations.

Lake Bled, with its emerald waters and the Julian Alps as a backdrop, is the gateway to Triglav National Park. This park is home to Slovenia’s highest peak, Mount Triglav. Many visitors extend their stay to explore the park’s alpine trails, waterfalls, and meadows—an outdoor adventurer’s paradise.

As I walked along the lake at dusk, with Bled Castle towering above, I understood why Lake Bled is one of Europe’s most romantic spots. Traditional wooden ‘Pletna’ boats waited to ferry visitors to the small island in the lake’s centre the next day. Visiting the beautiful church on the island is a must, as is sampling the famous Bled cream cake.

The Logar Valley – Slovenia’s Hidden Gem

Slovenia’s Delightful Cuisine

Slovenia’s cuisine is a highlight of any trip, from rustic farm-to-table meals to fine dining in Michelin-starred restaurants. During my travels, Ana Roš, Slovenia’s renowned Michelin-starred chef, was often mentioned—a true national treasure. Each region takes pride in its culinary traditions, and I enjoyed lovingly prepared meals everywhere, paired with delicious local wines. This makes Slovenia a must-visit for food and wine lovers.

One particularly memorable meal was on the way to the Logar Valley. A rainy afternoon was the perfect excuse for slow dining. Slovenia’s food scene beautifully blends tradition, sustainability, and local pride.

Slovenia’s Coast – An Istrian Gem

Slovenia’s coast is compact, at just 46 kilometres. It forms part of the larger Istrian Peninsula, which it shares with Croatia. Piran is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the Slovenian coast. Its narrow streets and Venetian-style architecture make it a beautiful place to relax by the sea. The town’s seaside promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood, Mediterranean dishes, and Slovenian wine, perfect for watching the world go by.

Piran is known as the birthplace of composer Giuseppe Tartini. If, like me, you hadn’t heard of him before, you certainly will by the time you leave – the beautiful main square is named in his honour, and his influence is felt everywhere.

Piran is also famous for its salt cultivation, and I loved browsing the boutique shops that sell a variety of salt-infused products. A visit to the nearby salt pans is a must for anyone interested in this rich part of the town’s history.

If you’re planning a holiday to Slovenia, I highly recommend combining time on the coast with inland adventures to truly experience everything this diverse country has to offer.

From the Coast to the Karst

We continued to the Karst. This area is famous for its distinctive limestone terrain, with caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers. It is also home to the Lipica Stud Farm, where the world-renowned Lipizzaner horses have been bred for over 400 years and where we stayed the night.

An exciting part of my trip was learning about the cross-border Geopark partnership between Slovenia and Italy, which focuses on shared conservation efforts and cultural exchange. A personal highlight was an off-road e-bike experience from Lipica through the Karst to the Italian coast, where the rugged terrain added an extra thrill. Our journey ended with a boat ride past the stunning Miramare Castle – the perfect way to arrive for a seafood feast along the Gulf of Trieste.

The combination of cultures and heritage was fantastic, and it showed how easy it is to combine a holiday in Slovenia with Italy and other neighbouring countries.

The Queen of the Karst: Postojna Cave

Slovenia has uncovered an impressive 13,000 caves, so there are opportunities for everyone, whether you love the idea of a novelty underground railway, want to visit the largest underground canyon in the world, or prefer less commercial and more adventurous caving experiences.

We visited the Postojna Cave, often called the ‘Queen of Caves’. It’s Slovenia’s most famous natural wonder, stretching over 24 kilometres and one of the longest cave systems in Europe. Only 5 km are open to the public, but it’s more than enough to be wowed.

A novelty for me (and I imagine for most visitors) was the underground railway, built in 1872. It took us deep into the cave’s tunnels and chambers. When we arrived, a guide was waiting to take us on a walking tour to see its awe-inspiring formations up close. We entered the concert chamber to the sound of a saxophone and watched a waiter descend on a rope to deliver a magnum of prosecco. An example of the unforgettable concerts and galas that are held in the magical setting of Postojna.

 

 

Slovenia is the only country that boasts the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. This incredible variety of landscapes in such close proximity allows you to experience diverse scenery, climates, cultures, and activities. Each day of your holiday feels like a new adventure.

This was just the beginning of my Slovenia adventure, and there’s so much more to experience. From swimming in alpine lakes, rafting on emerald rivers, paragliding over dramatic scenery, and much more.

Ready to Book Your Slovenia Holiday?

Slovenia is the only country in the world with ‘LOVE’ in its name, and I certainly fell in love. Will you?

Contact me today to plan your tailor-made holiday to Slovenia and experience the magic of Europe’s hidden gem for yourself.

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