Enjoying a perfect location caressed by both the Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia is a compact Balkan corner in which travellers can find themselves walking in snowy alpine fields in the morning, and bathing in the warm sea in the afternoon.
Such is Slovenia’s modest size, holidays here are ideal for those looking to enjoy a gamut of travel experiences, from outdoor activities to culture to relaxation, all in a short space of time. The wealth of mountains, lakes and rivers entice hikers and skiers, while Medieval towns, picturesque churches and hilltop castles looming are enough to draw even the most hardened of history buffs.
Ljubljana is a lively, cultural city with an abundance of architectural styles, from Art Noveau to socialist-era, while Piran and Koper on the coast proudly display their Venetian influences. With Slovenia’s cities smaller than most by European standards, they’re easy to explore on foot.
Lake Bled is the star of the show, however, and is not one to be missed off any Slovenia itinerary. Surrounded by alpine mountains, overlooked by an imposing castle on a cliff top and crowned by a tiny picture-perfect island in the centre, either take a rowing boat out onto the blue waters, stroll around the lakeshores or climb up to the castle to admire it from above.