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Slovenia Holidays

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Holidays in Slovenia

From fairy-tale lakes to its vibrant capital city, holidays in Slovenia offer an intoxicating mix of alpine scenery and urban attractions. It's a country where you can hike in the Julian Alps one day and explore coastal towns with Italian-style architecture the next. Much of Slovenia is covered in thick forest, with the iconic three-peaked Mount Triglav proudly watching over it all. Its compact size means you can easily discover its diverse landscapes, from the shores of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj to the lively riverside cafés of Ljubljana, all within a single trip.

Where to go in Slovenia

Slovenia packs a lot into its small landscape. You can choose between a city break in a green capital, a relaxing stay by a tranquil lake, or an active holiday in the mountains.

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj

Lake Bled is Slovenia's postcard-pretty jewel in the crown. You'll find a medieval castle perched on a cliff overlooking the water, with the Julian Alps providing a striking backdrop. The main attraction is the tiny island in the middle of the lake, home to a picturesque church you can reach by a traditional pletna boat. Just a short journey away lies Lake Bohinj, Bled's larger and more serene neighbour. Located within Triglav National Park, it's a peaceful spot for walking, swimming, and kayaking, surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Ljubljana – the capital

Ljubljana is one of Europe's greenest and most charming capitals. The city centre is a largely car-free zone, making its cobbled streets perfect for strolling. The Ljubljanica River flows through its heart, crossed by elegant bridges like the famous Triple Bridge, designed by local architect Jože Plečnik. You can spend your days exploring the hilltop Ljubljana Castle, browsing the bustling Central Market, or hunting for dragon statues – the city's protective symbol. The riverside is lined with cafés and bars, creating a lively atmosphere day and night.

The Julian Alps and Triglav National Park

For lovers of the great outdoors, the Julian Alps are a must-see. This mountain range is home to Triglav National Park and Slovenia's highest peak, Mount Triglav. The area offers some of Europe's best opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, with trails for all abilities. In winter, the resort town of Kranjska Gora becomes a popular hub for skiing and other snow sports. The emerald-green Soča River also carves its way through this region, offering impressive settings for water-based activities.

Piran and the Adriatic coast

Slovenia has a small but beautiful stretch of coastline on the Adriatic Sea. The highlight is the town of Piran, a cluster of terracotta-roofed buildings and narrow, winding streets that have a distinctly Italian feel. You can wander through its historic squares, climb the bell tower for panoramic views, and enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. Nearby, the resort town of Portorož offers a more modern seaside atmosphere with its beaches and promenades.

Things to do in Slovenia

Whether you're looking for adventure, history, or simply a chance to unwind in nature, Slovenia has plenty to keep you occupied.

Walking and cycling

With its vast forests and mountain landscapes, Slovenia is a paradise for hikers and cyclists. For an easy and rewarding stroll, the boardwalk through Vintgar Gorge is just over a kilometre long and follows the Radovna River to the impressive Šum Waterfall. The trails around Lake Bohinj offer gentle routes with spectacular views, while the Julian Alps provide more challenging treks for serious hikers. Cycling is also a popular way to see the country, with dedicated routes connecting towns and natural sights.

Castles and caves

Slovenia's history is written in its castles and underground worlds. Bled Castle offers commanding views of the lake, while Predjama Castle is a striking fortress built into the mouth of a cave. The country is also famous for its karst cave systems. You can explore the vast chambers of Postojna Cave on a unique underground electric train or visit the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves to witness one of the world's largest underground canyons.

A taste of Slovenia

Slovenian food is a delicious blend of influences from its neighbours – Italy, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans. On the coast, you'll find fresh seafood and pasta dishes, while in the mountains, you can expect hearty stews and cured meats like pršut. Don't leave without trying some national favourites, such as:

  • Burek: a flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat, perfect for a quick snack
  • Bled cream cake: with its layers of cream, custard, and pastry
  • Potica: a traditional rolled nut pastry

From its alpine peaks to its characterful capital, Slovenia is a destination full of surprising discoveries. It's a country that perfectly blends outdoor adventure with rich culture, making for a memorable holiday.

Need to know

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Capital
Ljubljana
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Language
Slovenian
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Currency
Euro
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Time zone
GMT +1
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Flight time
1hr 40mins

* Average time from London Gatwick to Ljubljana

All Regions in Slovenia

Ljubljana

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      Your questions answered

      There’s so much to see and do in Slovenia and any part of the year is a great time to visit. The weather is hottest between June and September; the perfect season to enjoy evenings of alfresco dining in Ljubljana. Spring is beautiful here too, and usually quite warm. Then, in autumn, you’ll be wowed by the countryside’s colours. Christmas and New Year celebrations are also really popular in Slovenia, so the most difficult problem is how to decide which season suits you best.
      Traditional food has been influenced by neighbouring countries, including the Balkans, Italy and Austria. That means it’s quite diverse, but there are also a number of regional variations. For example, in Ljubljana, typical dishes might include barley soup, ajdovi zganci, made from buckwheat, or a meat and cheese sharing plate; but pasta dishes are also popular. Slovenia’s traditional cream cake and burek, which is a sweet pastry, come highly recommended. And Odprta Kuhna, the weekly food festival here, is a great place to sample them.
      Slovenia is well known for a landscape of beautiful forests, mountains and lakes. The country also has the highest number of chateaux and castles per capita in the world; in the Ljubljana region alone, you’ll find great examples of both. What's more, it's famous for culture and events, including the Ana Desetnica International Street Theatre Festival.You can walk through the past here, for example at Ljubljana Roman Emona but, at the same time, there’s a modern and contemporary feel. And, of course, Slovenia’s known as a very environmentally friendly place.
      Some of the best ski resorts here are at Kranjska Gora – an hour’s drive from Ljubljana – and Krvavec, which is also in this area. They’re great places to visit at any time of the year, and their proximity to Austria and Italy means they have quite a cosmopolitan vibe. You can similarly enjoy watching international slalom and ski jumping events in Kranjska Gora, which are quite a spectacle. And then choose between 18 slopes at different levels of difficulty when you’re ready to demonstrate your own technique.
      English was adopted as the first foreign language in Slovenian schools, and this really shows. Virtually all of the young people now speak it at a conversational level. Among the whole population, around 59 per cent do too, which is very useful. Seen that way, every other person you speak to will be able to help easily. And, if not, the next one certainly will. A popular US magazine ranked it highly as a place where the ease of English use will surprise you. So there’s no need to worry about language barriers at all.
      Slovenia is a great destination, however long you plan to spend here. If it’s a short break you’re after, Ljubljana’s ideal, and you could just about take in the must-see attractions in a few days. However, it would also be possible to spend weeks in the city and still have plenty left to discover. If you want to stay even longer, you’ll never be bored, as Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, and caves at Skocjan or Postojna are around an hour away. Got even more time? You might want to visit the Goriska Brda wine district, which is sometimes referred to as a Slovenian Tuscany, or even the country’s family-friendly second city, Maribor.