Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Slovenia
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| | | Lakes and mountains |  | Why go on holiday to Slovenia?
For picture-book lakes and mountain scenery, for lush green valleys to walk in, for historic towns and cities, fairytale castles, healing spa resorts and some of Europe's most spectacular caves.
How much does it cost?
Expect flights to the capital Ljubljana to cost around £200. A week's B&B on Lake Bled is from about £250 at time of writing. Two weeks, half at a major thermal resort, is from £580. A week's half-board accommodation on the coast is from £350. A week's B&B on a working farm is from £100.
When should I go?
Slovenia has three different climates. On the coast and in the west of the country it's mild and sunny most of the year. In the Alpine valleys of the north-west, it's pleasant in summer, cold in winter (down to -2C) and there's a fair amount of rain, most of it falling in March and April, October and November. The east of Slovenia has hot summers and cold winters. Summer sees many festivals in Slovenia, one of the prettiest being Rikkli on Lake Bled in July, when the lake is lit by thousands of floating candles. May and June are good months for seeing the valleys in bloom. September is good for walking - with less tourists around. December to March is best for skiers. World Cup slalom events are held at Kranjska Gora in late December. Many coastal resort hotels close in winter.
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| | | Exploring the underworld | | What should I do when I'm there?
Visit the capital, Ljubljana with its castle and picturesque old town along the river banks. Climb up to the castle ramparts for a view of the city and then chill out in Tivoli Park. Other historic towns worth a visit are Piran and Koper, both on the coast. They were ruled by the Venetians in the 15th and 16th centuries and the Italian influence is evident in the attractive buildings on the narrow streets.
What about lakes and mountains?
The Julian Alps offer some of Europe's finest hiking country, scenery simply to gawp at, and lakes to go boating on or swimming in. The most popular centres are Lakes Bled and Bohinj. The resort of Bled couldn't be more scenic, sitting on the lakeside with a tiny island and a church in the middle and a castle presiding dramatically over the lot. A good day out from Bled is attractive Vintgar Gorge. The only bad thing about Bled is the number of people it attracts in the height of summer, when prices also take a hike. The area of Bohinj is very scenic and less developed than Bled. From here you can climb Mt Triglav (2,864m), taking the Vogel cable car from the western end of Lake Bohinj up the first 1,000m. Vogel is a popular ski resort with skiing up to 1,840m - other popular places for skiing include Kranjska Gora and Planica, known for its ski jumps.
Where can I get away from it all?
The Soca Valley offers a peaceful escape and is particularly lovely in spring. You can go rafting and kayaking on the pretty River Soca that runs along the valley bottom or just enjoy the views. If fishing is your way of switching off, the Soca is also good - as are the Kolpa and Krka rivers and Lakes Bled and Bohinj. Slovenia is also known for its many thermal spas, though the biggest are best avoided if you want some peace.
What about these famous caves?
The Karst region is littered with interesting caves and sinkholes but top of the list for most visitors is Postojna Cave, where an electric train takes you through illuminated passages. The Skocjan Caves are a World Heritage Site. More difficult to reach, they are also less touristy than Postojna so perhaps worth the effort. They feature a 1,400m long, 150m deep, underground canyon.
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| | | Hearty fare | | Where's good for nightlife?
Ljubljana has plenty of bars with live music, clubs and two orchestras if you prefer something more sedate. There's also good opera and ballet, as well as a lively summer arts festival in the city. Portoroz, on the coast, is Slovenia's answer to Blackpool - brash and lively with plenty of nightlife and good people watching. Out on the lakes or in the valleys, watch the sun sink over the yard arm with a plum brandy or a glass of local wine. Podravje in the east produces a decent riesling and other white wines, the coastal region a full-bodied red called Teran and a lighter red comes from Posavje in the south west.
What's the food like?
Forget the diet - Slovenian food is hearty. There are many influences from surrounding countries like Hungary (goulash) and Austria (smoked sausage and strudel). Soup is on almost every menu and Slovenian dumplings are popular, especially cheese ones known as struklji. If you have a sweet tooth, tuck into kreme schnitte, which are cream slices, with your morning coffee or the equally calorific gibanica - a pastry filled with walnuts, fruit, cheese and poppy seeds and topped with cream. Try the village nut bread potica, sold in local markets.
What should I buy?
Lace from Idrija, crystal from Rogasyka Slatina, wine and fruit brandies, outdoor activity gear including hiking boots and skis. In Ljubljana, check out the flea market near Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) on Sunday mornings.
What is there for children to do?
They'll probably enjoy swimming and boating on the lakes and a visit to the caves. Horse-lovers will enjoy Lipica, home of the stud farm (first started in 1580) where the famous white Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna are bred. You can watch the horses being put through their paces and go riding at the 311-hectare farm. In Ljubljana, Tivoli Park's Recreation Centre has roller skating, swimming, bowling and tennis.
Tourist office
Slovenian Tourist Office, New Barn Farm, Tedlow Road, Tedlow, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 0EP. Tel. 0870 225 5305.
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| | Available rental properties in Slovenia |
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