Best experiences / Blog articles / Itineraries
Short description: Slovenia is one of the smallest countries in the European Union, but its geographical position is what makes this country unique. Here the Mediterranean slowly melts into the Alps, and continues into the Pannonian Plains – all reached within one hour drive. Slovenia was also a corridor through which people have traveled for centuries, and this has resulted in incomparable food and cultural mixes. Slovenia is perfect for those seeking to relax in undisturbed nature, try outdoor sports, and quietly spoil all the senses.
Best photos: check out our favourite photos from Slovenia
Best time to visit: summer for exploring or winter for winter sports
Best experiences
- rich underworld – Did you know that in this small country you can find over 11,500 caves? With so many, it is hard to pick the prettiest one – but for sure, none will disappoint. Here are our three top choices: Postojna cave for snow-white mineral formations and a train (this is also the most visited cave); Škocjan caves for the biggest underground canyon in Europe; and Predjama caves with a unique castle built inside a cliff. To avoid the crowds, the smaller (but no less beautiful) caves of Križna cave with emerald-coloured underground pool (and you get to explore it in a boat!); Kostanjevica or Vilenica caves with plentiful stalagmites and stalactites are also worth a visit. And don’t forget to look out for the human fish (or proteus) that is endemic to Slovenia and lives in this dark underworld.
- views from high above – Slovenia is a true paradise for hikers in the summer and winter-sports enthusiasts in the colder months. There are three high mountain ranges with many hiking opportunities that offer amazing views: the Julian Alps (which is also where the highest mountain, Triglav, is located), the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Karawank range. The most scenic hike is to Triglav Lakes Valley with seven fairyland-like lakes, although this is no easy walk. For those short on time, but still wanting to experience the Alps, Vogel mountain is the most accessible choice – the cable car runs all the way to the top offering a beautiful view over the Slovenian highest peaks and the Bohinj lake underneath. And if you would like to add some culture to the nature hikes and try traditionally made cheese and fresh milk, then Velika Planina, a plain with old dwellings of herders, is the right choice. For winter adventures, head to the magical village of Kranjska Gora in the Alps surrounded with plentiful ski-slopes, or to the gentle rolling hills of Pohorje.
- water adventures – Although the coast of Slovenian is only a bit over 46 km, it offers many options for visitors – you can take a swim in the Adriatic Sea (our favourite spot is under the cliffs of Moon Bay or Mesečev zaliv in Strunjan), explore one of the Venetian-influenced medieval old towns of Piran and Koper, or watch the sunset from the saltworks of Sečovlje. Further inland there are numerous fairytale-like lakes, the most famous and beautiful are Bled and Bohinj. Alternatively, stop at Lake Cerknica, one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe, to witness its mysterious disappearance into the ground.
- taking part in the Slovenian carnival of Pust – To chase away the winter season, Slovenians dress up in traditional costumes and masks, some of them looking quite bizarre (our favourite is Kurent, a sheepskin costume with huge bells around the waist). Pust is one of the most important traditional events in Slovenia featuring processions of people dressed in costumes, dancing to the music or trying to make as much noise as possible with their bells, which can be best observed in the cities of Ptuj and Ljubljana.
- charming medieval cities – Many of Slovenia’s cities have well-preserved medieval centers with an overlooking castle. The small streets with their little boutique shops selling traditional crafts are best explored by foot. While visiting one should definitely stop in Škofja Loka, Ljubljana, Ptuj and/or Piran to admire diverse medieval architecture. Besides cities, there are also plenty of beautiful castles all around Slovenia – if you have to pick only one, we recommend the romantic castle of Snežnik.
- remains of the two world wars – Both world wars also affected Slovenia, and one can find many private and public museums showcasing the remains of the wars. The mountains along the emerald river of Soča were once a place of the deadly Isonzo battles during World War I. The city of Kobarid found itself in the middle of the battles, and today visitors can find many remains of the war in its museums. But even more interesting experience is to hike along the Walk of Peace – a path leading through the remains of the army defense systems, cabins and caves dug by the soldiers.
- traditional dishes – What could be better than drinking a Slovenian wine (like cviček or teran) or beer (Union or Laško) while soaking in the Slovenian thermal waters? Beside the traditional beverages, here you can find also many unique dishes – there are many options for meat lovers (most famous Kranjska Klobasa, a special type of sausage), but also vegetarians like ourselves can find some options here (try žganci with sour milk!). In addition, those with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed as there are many unique desserts (try one of the variations of Potica, the Over-Mura-moving-cake, or Blejska Kremšnita).
