-
What makes Slovenia a unique travel destination?
- You will fall in love with this small country in the heart of Europe, stretched between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, where breathtaking natural beauty competes with centuries of human endeavor.
-
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Slovenia?
- Go skiing on the modern, well-maintained slopes of the Alps and then drive an hour to find yourself on a charming stone terrace, sipping excellent local wine and watching the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
-
What are some of the top destinations in Slovenia?
- From the sophistication of Ljubljana and the spectacular beauty of Lake Bled to the rustic European villages and elegant resort towns on the coast, Slovenia has it all.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Piran
Piran is charming small Slovenian town on the Gulf of Piran on the Adriatic Sea, which, with its closely built houses jutting out into the sea, is as beautiful as a fairytale. You can see the remainders of its rich, turbulent history as you stroll through beautifully restored historic Old Town with Venetian Gothic architecture, narrow medieval streets, ancient churches and cobblestoned squares.
Walk along the stone pier or sit in one of many quaint cafes and watch lovely yachts, fishermen pulling out nets full of daily catch, and local women carrying fresh produce to the market. Visit Sergej Mašera Maritime Museum to learn more about Slovenia’s maritime past and naval history. Take the kids to the Piran Aquarium to see more than 200 sea creatures that live in the Adriatic Sea just outside the aquarium. Catch a show at the Tartini Theatre or have a look at the monument to the city’s favorite son, violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini at Tartini Square.
2. Mokrice Castle
Mokrice Castle is a medieval castle in southeast Slovenia, near the Croatian border. Dating from around 1444 or earlier, the castle has been rebuilt twice, most recently in 1941. It is surrounded by a 200-hundred-year-old park that is in and of itself an attraction. After World War II the Mokrice Castle was made into a hotel.
Today Mokrice Resort is a high-end hotel and golf course. Tours of the castle are available and guests can listen to the stories of Countess Barbara von Cilly, the crow that saved the castle from a Turkish raid, and other fascinating historical anecdotes about the area.
3. Logar Valley
The Logar Valley is a beautiful glacial alpine valley nestled deep in the heart of the Kamnik - Savinja Alps. The valley is an ideal destination for nature lovers as it offers an abundance of natural wonders in an almost pristine environment. The Logar valley is an excellent starting point for hiking to the peaks of the Kamnik - Savinja Alps.
Only 35 people live in this 9+ square mile valley and a walking path of moderate difficulty leads through the valley past a number of points of interest such as the source of Black Creek, wooden logging chutes, a burl covered ash tree, and a charcoal-maker’s hut.
4. Lipica
The Lipica Stud Farm is located in the southwestern most province of Slovenia. At over 400 years old, Lipica is the birthplace of the Lipizzaner stallion and one of the oldest stud farms in the world. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the farm, performances presented by the riding school or carriage rides led by these amazing animals.
For adults, there is the opportunity for riding lessons. For those looking for less direct interaction, there is the Lipizzaner Museum. Lipica also boasts the Hotel Maestoso for guests wishing to stay and enjoy the horses and surrounding area.
5. Tolmin
Tolmin, a town of 3800 people, is the largest village in the Upper Soca Valley. It sits at the confluence of Soca and Tolminka Rivers and is close to the natural wonders of the Tolmin gorge and Triglav National Park.
Tolmin was an important military location for centuries, right up through World War I where it played a significant part in the Allied victory. This history can be explored by visitors at the Tolmin Museum and Javorca memorial Church of the Holy Spirit. In the hills above Tolmin, guests will find traditional alpine cattle ranches and famous Tolmin cheese.
6. Nova Gorica
Nova Gorica is a small town in western Slovenia. It sits on the Italian border and shares a close relationship with its neighboring Italian city of Gorizia. Nova Gorica is a gaming town and offers guests a variety of casinos and entertainment venues.
The town also boasts a large number of concerts, festivals, theater performances, and fairs. It is also great starting point for those who wish to explore the rest of the Slovenian Riviera. Located in the center of 3 wine regions, it is a prime base for wine and food lovers. Sports enthusiasts will find it to be a great spot for kayaking, paragliding and sport climbing.
7. Skocjan Caves
Skocjan Caves Regional Park lies in southwest of Slovenia. Though this small country boasts seven thousand caves, the Škocjan Caves are considered unique. The park is a 1000+ acre area with eleven vast caves. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, these caves entrance visitors with their many spectacular geological features.
Tours of the Škocjan Caves are available to visitors year-round and the park also offers visitors the Škocjan Museum and the Škocjan Education Trail – both of which educate guests about, the caves, local plants and animals, and the area’s culture and heritage.
8. Cerkno
Cerkno sits in the hills of western Slovenia and the name references both a geographical region and a small village. The area boasts not only a rich cultural heritage, but also beautiful, rich, hilly, and unspoiled nature. In the winter months, skiing is the activity of choice and Cerkno offers a state of the art ski center and accommodations at Hotel Cerkno.
In the summer season, hiking and exploring are available. Guests will be fascinated by the picturesque archaeological site Divje babe, where a55,000 year old Neanderthal flute was found in a cave in Paleolithic layers. The area offers a wide variety of outdoor and cultural attractions.
9. Metlika
The town of Metlika is on the sunny side of the Gorjanci mountain range and sits at the confluence of three streams. It was first incorporated in 1365. Metlika is situated less than a mile from the river Kolpa and the international border crossing to Croatia.
For a town of only 3500, Metlika has an abundance of cultural history and has been a key influence in the history of Slovenia. Cycling paths along the river are available and will take visitors past many inns and restaurants where they may enjoy homemade dishes, good wine, and excellent hospitality.
10. Lasko
Lasko is a town of 3600+ people lying nearly in the center of Slovenia. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Slovenia, and has a compact old city center located amongst rolling hills and picturesque valleys that spread out in all directions from the river Savinja.
The town is best known for the locally-produced Zlatorog brand pilsner beer and its brewery, as well as for the healing powers of the local thermal springs. It was a favorite holiday spot of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph during the middle of the 19th century, and is still a picturesque place to explore on bike or on foot.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Piran
- 2. Mokrice Castle
- 3. Logar Valley
- 4. Lipica
- 5. Tolmin
- 6. Nova Gorica
- 7. Skocjan Caves
- 8. Cerkno
- 9. Metlika
- 10. Lasko