With its turquoise rivers, mountain peaks covered with snow and a coast reminiscent of the Italian pearl Venice, this small European country is the perfect blend of natural beauty, charming rustic culture, delicious cuisine and elegant architecture. Why do people love Slovenia? Well, it’s a country created for outdoor fun, which means there’s a wide range of activities you can do in the fresh air, from rafting and hot air ballooning to horseback riding and caving. When you add the magnificent nature and very hospitable Slovenes, you can't resist choosing Slovenia for your next destination!
1) Maribor
Known as the second largest city in Slovenia and, more importantly, as the city where the oldest wine in the world comes from, Maribor delights with its charm that owes to the picturesque old town along the banks of the Drava River. Fantastic tradition of wine production, fun events such as a large summer art festival held by the river in the district of Lent, sports activities and ecotourism in the countryside are just some of the reasons to visit the capital of Styria. The city also leads to Mariborsko Pohorje, a popular recreational ski resort where you can cheer for skiers competing for the Golden Fox, which is a women's competition for the World Cup. You can also take a walk through Mariborske and Slovenske Gorice, nearby wine-producing regions.
2) Celje
The medieval town center in Celje attracts you to learn more about the Counts of Celje and to climb to the Old Castle, the largest fortress in Slovenia, overlooking the city and across the Savinja River. On this river is the Old Town of Celje, bordered by the Lower Castle on one side and trains on the other, and has two main squares, the Main Square and Krekov Square. Romantic streets, green parks, historically marked architecture, various museums, theaters and galleries all have something unique, and all these attractions are located a few steps from each other in the heart of the city.
3) Novo Mesto
There is no Slovenian city that is as beautiful and hospitable as Novo Mesto, which is why, when you go there, you will undoubtedly fall in love with it. In addition to numerous monuments and attractions, there is a special treat for lovers of archeology, the Dolenjska Museum, which contains numerous collections of various objects, the most special heritage of which is amber. In this town in the south of Slovenia on the river Krka, as well as in its suburbs, there are 8 medieval castles whose purpose was to protect the territory, and today some of them have been turned into museums where you can see the rich history of the city. The most famous sights are the People's House, the City Hall and the Church of St. Nicholas.
4) Dill
As the largest coastal town in Slovenia, Koper leaves the impression of a port city that does not pay too much attention to tourism. However, the central core of the city is medieval and has a special charm when you see that part that does not look like a harbor. The buildings reveal the city's past and are reminiscent of the era of Italian domination and the Venetian Republic, as well as the golden age of the Renaissance and Gothic style. Walking through the narrow streets towards the main square, you will come across one of the largest Slovenian cathedrals, the three-nave Romanesque cathedral. The city comes to life in the summer months thanks to numerous cultural activities organized on the streets and squares.
5) Postojna
Postojna is a town located in the traditional Notranjska region, very close to the Italian border. However, this is definitely not what defines this place. Karst cave Postojna, one of the largest and most special in the world, and is one of the most popular attractions in the country. Thousands of people visit the cave every year, so don’t miss the opportunity to be one of them. Another significant landmark is Predjama, a Renaissance castle built inside a cave in southeastern Slovenia. For adventurers among you, there is also a cable car and an air adventure park nearby, so you can test your courage and overcome your fears.
6) Ljubljana
We have finally reached one of the greenest and most popular cities in Europe. Indeed, the European Commission has declared Ljubljana the Green Capital of Europe for 2016. A huge plus for this city is the ban on traffic in the old town, which leaves the beautiful river Ljubljanica, which passes through the heart of the city free for pedestrians and cyclists.
The urban landscape of Ljubljana, over which a magnificent castle stretches, was designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik. It does not matter if you prefer culture and art, in which case you should go to Metelkovo, or you are more a fan of gastronomy, the capital of Slovenia has something for everyone.
7) Bled
Bled is a symbol of the beauty of Slovenia. It is a world-famous paradise on earth that attracts visitors with its natural beauty. The city is located on Lake Bled and is one of the oldest tourist destinations in the country. With its stunning green lake, picturesque church on the island and medieval castles located on a rocky cliff, it is the most popular Slovenian resort that offers its visitors numerous activities from hiking and biking to canyons and water sports. It is breathtaking at any time of the year, so you can immediately pack your bags to enjoy the untouched nature.
