Slovenia Offers Unique European Experience
Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps (known for its mountains, forests, rivers), the Mediterranean (known for its beaches, wines, olives, fruit), the Pannonian Plain (known for its thermal springs) and the Karst (known for its caves). It is just a 2-hour drive from the Venice airport or 4 hours from Vienna. By plane it takes only 1 hour from Rome, Munich, Frankfurt, or Dubrovnik and only 2 hours from Paris or Amsterdam.
Let’s explore a bit of what Slovenia has to offer:
Ljubljana: Vibrantly Modern yet Authentically Traditional
The capital city, Ljubljana, is small, beautiful, easy to get around and full of surprises. It is remarkable for its rich traditions, youthful vibrancy, cultural creativity, arts and entertainment and numerous green spaces. Central Slovenia features the Ljubljana Marshes, the Velika planina in the Kamnik Alps, subterranean caves, and the Polhov Gradec’s mysterious forests. Popular festivals include the highly acclaimed Druga Godba (one of Europe’s best world music festivals) and the Ljubljana Jazz Festival.
Lake Bohinj and Julian Alps: The Sunny Side of the Alps
Bohinj is in the heart of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. It is ideal for all sorts of day experiences: walking the many trails running throughout the valley, mountaineering and climbing tours as well as skiing, kayaking or fishing. Relax on the beach. Meander through the 13th century town of Ribcev Laz. Enjoy the spectacular views. In winter, the valley becomes a winter sports center. During the summer, Lake Bohinj, one of the best wild swimming spots in Europe, invites swimmers and sunbathers while the Sava Bohinjka River attracts kayakers and fishermen.
Goriška Brda: Charming Vineyards and Fabulous Wines
The Goriška Brda region in western Slovenia features stunning Alpine peaks and valleys, enchanting wine-growing areas, beautiful hills around Cerkno and Idrija and the distinctive emerald river Soča. It tempts your tastebuds with high-quality wines, the tempting flavors of Mediterranean cuisine; healthy, fresh and home-made Brda food; as well as locally grown olive oil and fruit. The traditional Cherry Festival is the biggest cultural and tourist event in the region. It has ethnological, cultural and sporting events and entertainment for all ages.
Slovenian Riviera — The Best of Istrian Peninsula
The Slovenian Riviera only stretches 28 miles along the Adriatic Sea, but it never fails to surprise and delight with its idyllic beaches, picturesque sights and towns and lively nightlife. The notable towns are Piran, Portoroz, Izola and Koper. Strunjan Cliff is the highest on the Adriatic coast. Nature sanctuaries protect more than 150 bird species. The area offers fully equipped marinas, sport airports, thermal baths, a casino, medieval landmarks, Gothic frescoes and a beautifully preserved Danse Macabre.
Lower Carniola – Love Itself, with Thermal Springs
There is a saying – the sky dreams of stars, the earth dreams of love. Lower Carniola does not dream of love – it is love itself. The charm of southeastern Slovenia is in its picturesque vineyards, churches, castles and monasteries, rivers, forests, and groves of birch trees. Its deep springs bubble restorative and healing thermal waters. Castles, religious buildings, monuments, gardens and historical architecture are the jewels that form its sparkling crown.
The Karst – Enchanted Underground World
The Karst is between the Trieste Bay and the Vipav-ska Valley in southwest Slovenia. Among its 1000 caves some of the most famous are the Škocjan, the Postojna, and the Križna Jama. The deepest potholes in the world are at Kaninski podi. The Snežna Jama Cave under Raduha reveals underground halls with ice dripstones and lakes. The Postojna Cave is the most-visited cave in Europe. It has a network of 12.5 miles of passages, galleries and chambers. The Vilenica cave is the first cave in Europe to open for tourists (circa 1633).