Although it is relatively small, Slovenia is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. From the mighty mountains and the dreamy Adriatic coast to the wine-growing regions in the eastern part of the country, there are countless options to choose from.
Unless your vacation lasts multiple weeks, it is impossible to see them all and hard to decide where to go. That is why we have made this list on which you will find some of the top attractions and the most beautiful places in Slovenia.
Bled
One of the best places to visit in Slovenia is without a doubt the charming alpine resort Bled. Located on the doorstep of Triglav National Park, it is the proud owner of the only island in Slovenia, found in the middle of Lake Bled.
When visiting this picturesque town, we recommend you take a ride in the traditional Pletna boat to the Bled Island, or maybe take a tour of the Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia. Other activities that Bled can offer include SUP paddling, cycling, hiking, and let’s not forget, the fantastic gastronomical treats like the world-famous Bled Cake, known as Kremšnita.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital city of the country, located in the heart of Slovenia. It is also known as Europe’s Green Capital for its sustainable initiatives like the car-free city centre, making it a paradise for pedestrians and cyclists. Because of its convenient location, it is a great starting point for all of the best places to visit in Slovenia.
It is a lively town with beautiful architecture that you can enjoy while strolling around the streets of the old city centre. We recommend visiting the magnificent Ljubljana Castle overlooking the entire city or taking a relaxing boat ride on the Ljubljanica river and seeing the town from a different perspective.
Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave is an astonishing natural wonder located in the Karst region of Slovenia. Because of its one-of-a-kind features, it became the most visited cave system in the world and is one of the most unique places to see in Slovenia.
It is home to the famous “baby dragons”, unique amphibian creatures, living in the depths unchanged for thousands of years. You will be able to see them while exploring the underground canyons on foot and with the historic underground railway.
Piran
Piran is a historic old town on the Slovenian Coast that will amaze you with its charming character and rich history, dating back to Venetian and even medieval times.
You can still see some beautifully preserved pieces of architecture like the Stone walls of Piran and the historic Church of St. Clement. For a truly epic view of the town, you can take the 146 wooden steps to the Campanile Bell Tower, which is a replica of the famous St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice.
Soča Valley
Home of the stunning emerald Soča river, the alpine Soča valley surrounded by the mighty Julian Alps is undoubtedly among the most beautiful places in Slovenia.
There you can try many outdoor activities like white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and more. It is also an important cultural site with places like the Kobarid Museum that serves as a reminder of the fierce battles that were fought there in the first world war.
Wine Regions
There are three main wine regions in Slovenia: Primorska (Littoral region), Podravska (Drava region), and Posavska (Lower Save region). Each of them is home to different kinds of local wines, different traditions, and different wine storing techniques.
For an authentic experience of the regions, you can join a wine tasting tour with local winemakers who will let you in on the secrets of their wine production in a traditional setting. Here’s a tip for all the wine lovers and foodies visiting the Primorska region. Be sure to check out the Marezige wine fountain, the first wine fountain in Slovenia, for excellent wines and tasty local delicacies.
The Alps
Slovenia is a mountainous country and a hiking paradise with over 10 000 kilometres of marked hiking trails. There are three major mountain groups in the country: the Karawanks, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Julian Alps.
The vulnerable nature around the Julian Alps is protected by a vast area called the Triglav National Park which is filled with surprising natural features and is considered to be one of the most pristine and untouched places to see in Slovenia. It is named after Mount Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia. They say that to become a true Slovene, you must climb it at least once in your lifetime.
Maribor
Maribor is the second-largest city in the country and an excellent starting point for exploring its eastern regions. It is well known for its rich archaeological, ethnological, and cultural heritage, making it one of the top Slovenia places to visit.
The charming old part of the town is alive with cafes and restaurants, its beautiful architecture steeped in history on the banks of the Drava River. The city also boasts a strong winemaking tradition and is home to a 400-year-old wine, which holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest noble vine in the world still bearing grapes.
Ptuj
Once a base for the mighty Roman legions, Ptuj is now a lively city and a cultural centre of Slovenian folklore. Among the town’s most important landmarks and places to visit are its 12th-century castle, the quaint Old Town, and St. George’s Church.
If you are lucky enough to visit Ptuj when the winter is ending you are in for a one-of-a-kind experience. The streets of Ptuj transform into a colourful carnival town with a traditional ethnographic parade ruled by the Kurenti masks, the exceptional character of which has also been recognised by UNESCO.
Dolenjska Region
Last but not least on our list of best places to visit in Slovenia is the Dolenjska Region. It is a land known for its many healing thermal springs and a rich wine-making tradition, rooted deep into the country’s history and folklore.
Often overlooked by tourists visiting Slovenia, Dolenjska is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. You can relax in the warm thermal waters at the Šmarješke Toplice Spa and Dolenjske Toplice Spa or visit the Olimje monastery, which houses the third oldest monastic pharmacy in Europe.
