Julian Alps guide
Stroll around Ljubljana or flee to the ski resorts in the Julian Alps, which stretch from Italy to Slovenia.
Places to visit in Slovenia
Slovenia boasts amazing diversity for a country the size of Wales. Venetian-inspired Piran is one of the loveliest places to visit in Slovenia, star of an Adriatic coast backed by some of Slovenia's 300 vineyards. The Julian Alps are a must for hiking, climbing and landscape photography – plus a stunning backdrop to the gorgeous lakes Bled and Bohinj. Whitewater rafters plunge down the Soca River, while Postojna and Škocjan boast some of the world's finest caves. And is Ljubljana Europe's prettiest capital? You decide whether it's even Slovenia's prettiest town, given rivals like Celja and Ptuj.
1.
Celje
2. Lake Bled
3. Lake Bohinj
4. Lipica
5. Ljubljana
6. Maribor
7. Nova Gorica
8. Piran
9. Postojna Caves
10. Ptuj
11. Skocjan Caves
12. Soca River Valley
13. Triglav National Park
14. Vipava Valley
2. Lake Bled
3. Lake Bohinj
4. Lipica
5. Ljubljana
6. Maribor
7. Nova Gorica
8. Piran
9. Postojna Caves
10. Ptuj
11. Skocjan Caves
12. Soca River Valley
13. Triglav National Park
14. Vipava Valley
Celje
1. Celje
This often overlooked gem boasts a historic centre stuffed with fabulous architecture and excellent museums, overlooked by a vast castle gazing down on the Savinja River. Be sure to see the frescoes in the lovely 14th century Abbey Church of St Daniel, plus the grisly skulls of local nobles in the 16th century County Hall museum.
Lake Bled
2. Lake Bled
With its romantic fairytale church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and the magnificent peaks of the Julian Alps as backdrop, Lake Bled beguiles everyone from romantics to backpackers. The 11th century castle houses a fine history museum, while 4km from the lakeside town of Bled, the Vintgar Gorge offers a wooden walkway above the swirling Radovna River.
Lake Bohinj
3. Lake Bohinj
Twenty-five kilometres from Lake Bled is its arch-rival in the gorgeous lake stakes. Four kilometres long by 1km wide, Bohinj attracts fewer crowds, though its clear blue-green waters are no less ideal for swimming and kayaking. Add charming traditional villages to the lake’s northeast, and a gentle picturesque trail along its southern shore leading to the Savica Waterfall.
Lipica
4. Lipica
The impact of Lipica, some 9km southwest of Divaca and 2km from the Italian border, has been far greater than its tiny size would suggest. This tiny village lives for and on its snow-white Lipizzaner horses, which were first bred here for the Spanish Riding School in Vienna in the late 16th century.
Ljubljana
5. Ljubljana
Founded 2,000 years ago as the Roman town of Emona, Ljubljana is a leafy, compact beauty set neatly within a lazy bend of the Ljubljanica River. Enjoy the stupendous view from Castle Hill, then dive into an Old Town of 19th-century wooden shops, medieval architectural treasures, and atmospheric courtyards and cobbled lanes. A particularly pretty area is around Stari trg.
Maribor
6. Maribor
Set on the Drava River, Slovenia's second-largest city exudes a relaxed cafe-fuelled vibe centred on an unpolished Old Town with its 15th century castle. The annual riverside arts festival was a highlight of Maribor's turn as European Capital of Culture in 2012. Nearby, explore the pretty Maribor Pohorje hills plus the vineyards of Mariborske and Slovenske Gorice.
Nova Gorica
7. Nova Gorica
Nova Gorica is a university border town whose tree-lined boulevards and lovely parks actually stretch into Italy. Near the train station, the 17th century Kostanjevica Monastery boasts a lovely stuccoed church with the tombs of the last French Bourbon kings, while 3km outside the town, 17th century Kromberk Castle houses a fabulous archaeology and arts museum.
Piran
8. Piran
Perched on the tip of a slender Adriatic peninsula, Piran is a beguiling melange of Venetian Gothic architecture and seaside pleasures. Come in April-May or September-October to avoid the summer throngs, soaking up the briny air while pottering winding alleys and refuelling at a host of seafood restaurants.
Postojna Caves
9. Postojna Caves
With over 20km of passages, galleries and chambers, these are among the most spectacular cave systems in Europe – and its most visited. Since the 1870s, a fantastic cave train has whisked visitors through a sensitively-illuminated geological wonderland. Above ground, be sure to visit the nearby Predjama Castle, one of Slovenia's most atmospheric fortresses.
Ptuj
10. Ptuj
Rising gently above a wide valley, Ptuj is Slovenia's oldest and probably prettiest town, a symphony of Roman and medieval memories by the Drava River. Its glorious historic core – castle, monasteries, churches – is a compact joy, and complemented by side trips can easily be seen in a day.
Skocjan Caves
11. Skocjan Caves
This world-renowned UNESCO-listed cave system is where the Reka River disappears underground, and includes the world's largest subterranean canyon. Its extraordinary ecosystem blends Mediterranean, Central European, Illyrian and Alpine bio-geographical elements, highlighted by various rare cave animals. Above ground, local museums showcase remarkable archaeological finds dating back 5,000 years.
Soca River Valley
12. Soca River Valley
Tumbling from the western flank of the Julian Alps, the Soca offers some of Europe's most enthralling white-water rafting as it rushes to the Adriatic through a series of churning grade II/III+ rapids. Be dazzled too by the unique colour of the water – locals argue whether it's emerald green, cobalt blue or turquoise.
Triglav National Park
13. Triglav National Park
Slovenia's only national park sits in the country's northwest, taking in the majestic Julian Alps, sylvan woods and tumbling mountain rivers that are a wonderland for walking and white-water rafting. The iconic Mount Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak, is at the heart of the park, while the turquoise waters of the Soca and Sava rivers rush through gorgeous valleys radiating from the mountains.
Vipava Valley
14. Vipava Valley
This fertile vale near Nova Gorica is a red wine mecca (particularly merlot) with a Wine Road to aid exploration. The peach and apricot orchards are also renowned for their dazzling autumn foliage. The central town of Vipava is full of old stone churches in the lee of Mount Nanos, while 2km north lies Zemono Manor, a grandly frescoed 17th century summer hunting lodge.
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