Slovenia Travel
Slovenia clings to quiet anonymity, sitting on the sunny side of the Alps with a Mediterranean coastline and an Italian border. With fewer crowds than many other European locales, thrilling adventure sports, a countryside dotted with vineyards and a capital city brimming with Prague-like cobblestones, Slovenia won’t be under the radar for long. On the Web, you’ll find sites that capture Slovenia’s charm in words and photos, as well as sites to help you book flights and accommodations.
Slovenia could be considered a concentrated version of Italy and France, mixed with a bit of Prague and a dash of Switzerland. This understated Central European country may be smaller than its better-known regional counterparts, but it offers visitors plenty to see and do. Pretty and petite, Slovenia can give you a cultural escape in the thriving capital city of Ljubljana, an adventurous ski getaway in the Alps or a soothing stay along the Adriatic. The following sites should help you begin your journey.
- If you’re longing for a cultural sojourn without the crowds of Paris or Rome, Ljubljana is a fine choice. Try to visit in the spring or fall when university students lend palpable energy to the city.
- To get a taste of Ljubljana, read this travel essay on BootsnAll for an insider’s perspective on the city.
- Slovenia is a year-round destination. For hiking and climbing, the autumn months are perfect; winter in the Alps is a skier’s dream; valleys around Slovenian lakes are in full bloom in the springtime; and summer begs for a coastal getaway along the Adriatic. Official tourism sites can help you decide what works for you.
For official tourism sites …
The Slovenian Tourist Board
’s Web site is the country’s official guide to tourism, providing a wealth of information to help you plan your trip. Click the
interactive map for descriptions of cities. The “Experience” menu provides vacation ideas and cultural highlights. You’ll also find panoramic images of Slovenia and links to tourist information centers and embassies.
Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory
offers links to Slovenian tourism offices in Europe, as well as to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Slovenia. Contact these offices for holiday ideas and advice.
For well-known travel guides …
Fodor’s
offers a brief historical overview of Slovenia, as well as sections on the basics—entertainment, shopping and sights to see. Although there is not extensive information or visuals about each attraction, Fodor’s is a good starting point for creating an itinerary because it lists many varied things to do in Slovenia.
For restaurants and entertainment …
IgoUgo
presents traveler-written reviews of restaurants and attractions in several Slovenian destinations. Reviews vary in length from one to several paragraphs, but all are detailed.
Time Out
has a keen sense of what’s new and up and coming. Their guide to the Slovenian capital is not lengthy, but it offers insight into cultural trends and the mood of the city. Hotel and restaurant reviews are punchy and to-the-point.
Concierge.com
offers entertaining tidbits about where to dine and sleep, as well as what’s worth seeing in Ljubljana. Travel insiders reveal their secrets—they know about the oak-leaf lettuce and sheepskins for sale at Central Market, for example.
For wine and cultural activities …
Wines of Slovenia
is dedicated to Slovenian viticulture. Learn about wine-growing regions in the country and the different types of wines produced. The site also includes information on where to buy and sample wines in Slovenia, which should be helpful if you plan to hit a vineyard or two during your stay.
For the mountains and the coast …
TrekTrek
provides guided, self-guided and customized active trips in the Slovenian Alps. Find a variety of adventurous options, including walking and kayaking, as well as staff bios. The company does not list prices on its site or allow instant booking, but you can send them an e-mail requesting additional information. The expert staffers make this site particularly worthwhile.
Portoroz.si
provides information about travel to Slovenia’s Mediterranean coastal area of Portoroz, including the towns of Piran, Izola and Koper. Link to tourist agencies, make reservations and read about area highlights and activities.
For unique attractions …
Turizem KRAS
provides travel information about Postojna Cave, Sneznik Castle and Predjama Castle. Find out what to expect from your visit and get practical tour information and a historical overview of each attraction.
Kobilarna Lipica
is home to a stud farm in the Karst region. Learn about the history of the Lipizzaner, a breed of white horse, and get travel information about this recreational center near the Italian-Slovenian border.
For resort towns …
Turizem Bled
provides information about travel to Bled, an Alpine resort town and lake in northwestern Slovenia. Find practical details, links to tour providers and descriptions of recreational activities and sights, including thermal springs. Browse the organized sections to find maps and photos.
Bovec Local Tourist Board
is a resource for travel to Bovec, an area on the banks of the Soca River that’s rich in recreational opportunities. Link to area hotels and ski resorts, view photos of the lush landscape and connect to tourist information centers in Bovec.
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