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Why go? Slovenia is a little green gem, roughly the size of Wales, but packed with stunning alpine scenery, flower-filled meadows, lakes, crystal-clear rivers, caves, castles and a small stretch of Adriatic coastline. It's like Europe was a 100 years ago - heavily wooded with historic towns, minimal traffic and few tourists - but with all the benefits of modern infrastructure and a prospering economy. The relaxed and attractive capital, Ljubljana, is likened to a mini-Prague without the tourist hordes. The people are friendly and welcoming. Although a former Yugoslav province (it gained independence in 1991), Slovenia escaped the Balkan conflict that engulfed its southerly neighbours. Tucked in between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, it's easy to get to, easy to travel around and inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe. For those who enjoy fresh air and outdoor pursuits (from fly-fishing, riding and hiking to rafting and canyoning), the Soca Valley is a real discovery and we've found a few charming little hotels that make an ideal base. Any downsides? It's hard to think of any! Those seeking wild nightlife or fine dining will find Slovenia's selection limited compared to other European countries. Slovenian food, which comes with a strong Austrian and Italian influence, is simple and filling rather than 'Michelin-star' gourmet - unless you eat at the fabulous Hisa Franko! Current time/weather In Ljubljana  |
Activities * Hiking/climbing: the large Triglav National Park covers the major part of the Julian Alps and Slovenia's highest peak, Mt Triglav (2,864 m). Slovenes are keen mountaineers and there's an extensive network of trails and mountain huts. We've even found a tranquil mountain retreat for a base: Nebesa * Riding: Lipici, near the coast, is the original home of the Lipizzaners (the finest riding horses in the world). Take lessons or go trail riding on these graceful creatures further north at Pristava Lepena, where the atmosphere is more relaxed and the scenery more beautiful. * Fly-fishing: Slovenia's best known and most beautiful river, the Soca, is home to brown, rainbow and marble (Europe's largest) trout and the Soca grayling. Season: April-October. * Rafting, kayaking, paragliding: the village of Bovec in the Soca Valley is Slovenia's centre for adrenaline sports. * Castles: Slovenia has an abundance of castles. Some of the more dramatic are those at Bled, Ljubljana and Predjama. * Karst Caves: the Karst region in the south west hides some of the world's most extensive underground caves. The Postojna cave is the largest and most commercialised; the Skocjan caves are more spectacular and less touristy. * Coastal Resorts: Piran, is the most picturesque, with its Venetian gothic architecture, winding streets and harbourside restaurants. Portoroz is the equivalent of the Costa del Sol. * Lakes: in the north east, Lake Bled with its island church and medieval clifftop castle is the most popular resort, especially in summer. Nearby Lake Bohinj is just as beautiful but less developed. * Museums: the award-winning Kobarid Museum in the Soca Valley is largely devoted to the World War 1 Soca Front which claimed the lives of an estimated 1 million people. * Skiing: is very popular with Slovenes. The largest resort is at Kanjska Gora in the north, where the season runs from Dec-Mar. The highest centre is at Kanin (2200m) where you can often ski until May. |
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