This Tiny European Nation Is House to Emerald-green Lakes, an Beneath-the-radar Nationwide Park, and Alpine Peaks

Tucked between Italy and Croatia in central Europe, Slovenia is a compact nation that packs a punch. Regardless of its dimension — it’s barely smaller than New Jersey — the nation provides an astounding number of landscapes. With towering alpine peaks, emerald-green lakes, and sandy seashores, Slovenia is a perfect getaway for vacationers who crave selection in a European getaway.

Out of doors actions abound. Go mountain climbing or biking in Triglav Nationwide Park, white-water rafting on the glowing Soča River, or spelunking within the Postojna Cave system. Catch your breath and check out a metropolis break, exploring the historic metropolis of Ljubljana. Right here’s my itinerary for an action-packed week.

What to See and Do

Begin in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s full of life capital, the place cobblestone streets, historic structure, and colourful buildings create a fascinating old-world environment. Stroll alongside the Ljubljanica River and cross iconic bridges like Dragon Bridge, embellished with dragon statues, and Triple Bridge, designed by famend architect Jože Plečnik. 

When you’ve labored up an urge for food, head to the Central Market, which is filled with stalls promoting contemporary produce, cheeses, spices, fish, ready meals, and extra. On Fridays from mid-March by way of the top of October, it’s essential to cease by Open Kitchen, a road meals market with distributors from throughout Slovenia.

For a pleasant day journey, go to Predjama Citadel, perched atop a sheer cliff. Courting again to the thirteenth century, this fortified fortress is built-in into the caves beneath it, the place you possibly can discover the stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden rivers with a information. 

The subsequent day, you possibly can head north to Triglav Nationwide Park for countless outside actions. Get acquainted with the spectacular alpine surroundings and experience mountain bikes by way of picturesque villages. Or get pleasure from leisurely hikes alongside the Mostnica Gorge path, and marvel at its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil swimming pools. 

It’s also possible to spend a day visiting Bled, the enduring postcard-worthy city on Lake Bled. Board a conventional wood boat to go to the virtually 900-year-old Church of Mary’s Assumption, perched on tiny Bled Island. Hike across the lake or take a dip if it’s heat sufficient. Add a facet journey to Vintgar Gorge for views of the looming cliffs and speeding Radovna River.

Subsequent up, prepare for an adrenaline rush with a rafting journey on the turquoise Soča River. The wild rapids take you underneath the towering peaks of the Julian Alps, a few of Europe’s most breathtaking surroundings. 

With extra time, you’ll need to discover the Goriska Brda wine area, referred to as the Tuscany of Slovenia, and go truffle searching on the Istrian Peninsula.

The place to Keep

The five-star Zlata Ladjica boutique resort provides a novel keep within the coronary heart of Ljubljana’s Previous City. Positioned alongside the Ljubljanica River in one of many metropolis’s oldest buildings, it has 15 individually embellished rooms. The InterContinental, in the meantime, has 165 up to date rooms and suites, in addition to fantastic views of the town and the river.

Exterior the town, lodging are sometimes alpine in type, with knotty wood furnishings, hearty meals, and scenic vistas. The five-star Milka, a boutique property within the coronary heart of the Julian Alps, is a unbelievable choice, with jaw-dropping mountain views and a Michelin two-starred restaurant. 

In Triglav Nationwide Park, four-star properties like Sunrose 7 and Lodge Bohinj supply easy accessibility to the world’s unimaginable adventures. 

When to Go

Spring and summer time supply the most effective climate for mountain climbing, biking, and exploring Slovenia’s ample pure magnificence. Autumn, with its vibrant foliage (to not point out fewer crowds), can also be a unbelievable time to go to. For these looking for winter sports activities together with snowboarding, snowboarding, or mountain climbing, December to February is good. 

Rachael Mendizabal is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Record and focuses on journeys to Slovenia. You’ll be able to create a tailored itinerary with Mendizabal by contacting her at Rachael.Mendizabal@scottdunn.com.