When visiting Slovenia, travelers are impressed by its vibrant history, beautiful nature, and rich culture. Many of the country’s castles and museums make visitors feel like they are traveling back in time. Slovenia’s pristine nature is full of mountains, rivers, and caves for visitors to discover. Here are the 15 must-see attractions when visiting Slovenia.
On the tip of Southwestern Slovenia, and on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, is the resort hotspot called Piran. The destination is reminiscent of Italy, which makes sense since it was actually part of the Venetian Empire for more than five centuries. Piran is small in size, but it is quaint, historic and scenic. History buffs might want to explore landmarks like the main square called Tartinijev trg, the oldest building in the city called the Venetian House and the Church of St. George. You can also walk right on top of the city walls or hop off one of the piers for a refreshing swim in the Adriatic.
Predjama Castle is a magnificent Renaissance castle. What makes this castle unique is the fact that it is built inside a cave. The castle used to be home to Erazem Lueger, a knight, who was known as the local Robin Hood. Available audio tours reveal the exciting life of Lueger and the history of the Predjama Castle. Tours of a secret tunnel, which served as a supply route when the castle was under siege, are also available when scheduled in advance.
Searching for Vipava apartment? Vipava Valley … Golden hues of ripening spill across the greenery. The air is heavy with the scent of apricots, peaches and ripe grasses. If valley days appear too hot, the Nanos, Gora and Trnovo Plateaus offer plenty refreshment, alongside the crystal rivers and springs. Tastings in superb wine cellars make for joyous evenings in good company. Whether hiking, biking, exploring or simply enjoying nature, the perfect summer day lies at your feet ….
Slovenia’s wine regions may not be well known internationally but a visit can be just as rewarding as exploring the wineries of Tuscany, and you’ll avoid the crowds. We visited the Vipava Valley just an hour’s drive south of the capital Ljubljana but it feels far away from city life. Here we discovered karst hills and vines heavy with grapes, terracotta roofed villages and gothic churches, gourmet food using local produce, and of course many excellent wines.
Our day began in Vipava, the principal town of the region, with less than 2000 inhabitants. In the main square men were drinking beer in the pavement cafes at 10am on a weekday and the town had a sleepy unhurried air. Rugged karst mountains, limestone protruding from the green-blue forest, are the backdrop to the town of simple but elegant white and pastel buildings all with terracotta roofs.
The Salt pans in the Secovlje Salina Nature Park are one of the few places in the world where sea salt is still produced by using a centuries-old method. When walking on the park trails, visitors can observe salt being harvested manually by local workers. For those who wish to pamper themselves, Lepa Vida Thalasso Spa offers massages and baths where the healing powers of the sea salt are used.
In the Lent area of Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city grows the oldest grape-producing vine in the world. Records show that the vine has been growing on the façade of an old house since the seventeenth century. The house is now a visitor’s center where guests can taste the best wines of the Maribor region. In honor of the oldest vine, The Old Vine Festival is organized every year. The festival starts in September with picking the grapes off the vine, and it ends with a big celebration on St. Martin’s Day when the must turns into wine.
LIPICA STUD FARM: Lipica is famous worldwide for its Lipizzaner horses, and the stud farm here has over 400 years of history behind it. The horses are as elegant as can be, and modern presentations (be they interactive displays or classical exhibits) showcase this clearly. To find out more about Lipica, read our in-depth article.
VIPAVA VALLEY: Ajdovscina is the biggest town in Vipava valley. The town was built on the basis of roman Castra beside Hubelj river. Believe it or not, roman Castra is the most preserved defense fortress with 14 towers and thick walls from the roman times in Slovenia. Make sure to visit roman spas, Veno Pilon gallery so as to enjoy a short walk to Hubelj spring.. For rooms/accomodations please check Ajdovscina rooms.
S?KOCJAN CAVES: An UNESCO World Heritage site, S?kocjan caves are one of only three caves in the world to gain such distinction. Located just outside the town of Divac?a, a plethora of sites within the caves are waiting to be discovered.