Slovenia is a small but beautiful country in Central Europe that is known for its stunning mountains, picturesque lakes, and charming medieval towns where it feels like time stood still. Plus, Slovenia is so clean and green that it literally sparkles, with stunning landscapes that will make you say, “Wow!” It’s a place that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list, so if you are considering Slovenia as one of your next travel destinations, then you definitely want to check out these 10 amazing Slovenia travel destinations!
Some Benefits of Going to Slovenia
The good thing about Slovenia is that it is significantly more affordable than some other popular Western European countries like France. So, you can save your hard-earned cash and still have a wonderfully special experience.
There are also many ways to get around this small but fascinating country. You can take a regional bus practically anywhere you want to go, and the city buses are excellent for getting you around the city.
You can also rent a car if you like the independence of coming and going as you please. Plus, a car rental is useful if you would like to explore some of the more remote hiking trails and waterfalls available in this country. The roads in Slovenia are excellent so you won’t have any trouble navigating them.
Most importantly, the country is one of the safest in Europe, so you can’t go wrong when you go for a visit. You can walk around as late as night as you like and still feel safe and secure.
The 10 Amazing Slovenia Travel Destinations!
1. The Charming City of Ljubljana
The capital of Slovenia is brilliantly designed around a bustling river. You can take a free walking tour and see all of the most beautiful buildings, churches, bridges, fountains, and squares in the Old Town. Then, try sitting at one of the many riverfront restaurants and watch as the world passes you by. This city somehow manages to be both quaint and lively at the same time. It’s an interesting dichotomy that you simply must experience for yourself!
But, Ljubljana has so much more to see and do. Check out 17 of the best things to do in Ljubljana here!
2. The Stunning Lake Bled
The jewel of Slovenia is Lake Bled! This picturesque lake will bring you back to Slovenia time and time again. You can explore the castle on the hill and then take a boat out to the cute island in the center of the lake. There are also some amazing hiking trails that payoff with spectacular views of the lake once you reach the summit.
Once you are done with your sightseeing adventures, cool off with a dip in the lake itself. You can take part in many of the water activities available including swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You might want to try all three as the lake is so beautiful that you will want to experience it in as many ways as possible.
Explore even more things to do in Bled here!
3. Postcard Perfect Piran
This historic seaside town has many Venetian influences from the clock tower replica, to all the Venetian lions that you will see all around this city. You will love exploring the old city walls and will be amazed by the views from St. George’s church at the top of the hill.
You will love ending your sightseeing by taking a dip in the Adriatic sea and seeing stunning views of the multi-colored houses in the distance. It’s a view that you won’t soon forget. Discover even more things to do in Piran here!
4. Skofja Loka
This cute village makes a great day trip from the capital Ljubljana. You will enjoy having a drink by the town’s waterfall, visiting the town castle, and standing in awe at the view from St. Cross Church. The view from this church’s hill is definitely worth the climb!
5. Kranj
Kranj is another nice day trip from Ljubljana. You can explore the old town, connect with nature in the canyon, and enjoy the waterfront views of the two rivers. Our favorite part was Brdo Castle which has a lovely park-like setting worth exploring.
Learn even more about Kranj and Skoja Loka day trip here!
6. Ptuj
Ptuj is one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. It has a very interesting castle museum and one of the best riverfront viewpoints in the country. This town is so cute and picturesque. Plus, Ptuj is just a stone’s throw away from Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia.
7. Maribor
This charming city in the northeast of Slovenia offers a beautiful square, riverfront, and a small castle that is worth seeing. In particular, we loved the view from Mestni Vrh which is an excellent viewpoint from a vineyard at the top of the city. This viewpoint is definitely worth the climb!
Read even more about the gems of Eastern Slovenia, Maribor and Ptuj here!
8. Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle was built beautifully into the side of a mountain and is a wonder to behold. When you visit, you can learn about this castle’s interesting history, the family who lived in this castle, and how the castle walls were never breached. Predjama Castle is truly a fascinating visit.
9. Postojna Cave
Slovenia is also known for its large and intricate caves. Postojna cave is unique because you can actually take a train ride through this intricate cave system which is such a unique way to experience just how large this cave system is. The cave has some of the most beautiful stalagmites, stalactites, and columns that we’ve ever seen in our travels. It’s really a wonder to behold!
10. Skocjan Cave
Skocjan Cave is the largest known underground canyon in the world and has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site because of that. It’s definitely the largest cave that we’ve ever seen and if you want to be in awe of the size of it you should definitely go visit it yourself.
Click here to learn even more about the best caves of Slovenia!
The Best of Slovenia
If you are short on time and cannot make it to all ten of these Slovenia travel destinations, I recommend that you focus on Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and Piran. These three locations will give you a good sampling of Slovenia and are the most impressive places of the bunch.
Other favorites include day trips to Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, and the small town Skofja Loka. These spots really wowed us and are great additions for short trips.
It took us 14 days to see all 10 Slovenia travel destinations, and if you have time we can highly recommend exploring all ten!
So, Is Slovenia on your travel bucket list?
Pin this post to your travel vision board so you will never forget to keep working toward your dreams of seeing Slovenia for yourself!
Looking for even more destinations to add to your bucket list? Then, check out these must-see travel destinations as well!
