Is Slovenia worth visiting?
Many people underestimate Slovenia because of its more famous neighbors. Italy and Croatia border the central Europe country.
Slovenia is worth visiting. This article will discuss 12 reasons why you should visit Slovenia.
The three most popular tourist attractions are the capital city, Ljubljana; the mountain town of Bled, and the massive Postojna cave, the largest cave in Europe, which is accessible to the general public. However, there are more fantastic locations worth visiting in Slovenia.
Visitors have long admired Slovenia’s beauty. Simply put, they are awestruck by the breathtaking glacial lakes, adorable medieval settlements, mysterious karstic caverns, hills covered in grapes, and fairytale forts. However, you should travel to this beautiful nation for more reasons than just the scenery.
Another reason why Slovenia is worth visiting is its remarkable diversity in landscape. Despite its small size, the country features a variety of scenery, ranging from the level Pannonian plains to the lofty peaks of the Slovenian Alps. And from deep karstic caves to the Adriatic Sea’s crystal-clear waves.
Also, Slovenia is one of the only nations permitting mountain skiing and ocean swimming on the same day. To truly comprehend how such a small area can contain so much variation, you must visit Slovenia. It is like a tiny pocket full of treasures waiting to be found.
Slovenia has fantastic prospects when it comes to health. So, Slovenia is a good place if you are health-conscious. Slovenians are active people, and there are many sports you can participate in while there. The most well-liked ones include cycling and hiking, both wonderful outdoor pursuits in Slovenia.
There are several ski areas, or you can choose one of the many spa resorts if you visit Slovenia in the winter. Both locals and tourists love taking spa vacations in Slovenia.
Here is a list of reasons why Slovenia is worth visiting.
1. Slovenia’s Beautiful Capital, Ljubljana
Your trip is worth it even if you only stay in Slovenia‘s capital- Ljubljana.
The capital is arguably the cleanest and quietest place in the world, and in 2016, it was named, “Europe’s Greenest City.” There are no cars in the old town.
Ljubljana is ideal for sightseeing entirely on foot. There are also tiny Eco golf buggies, dubbed “gentlemen,” that ferry passengers through the lovely cobbled streets for gratis for those who can’t walk far.
Ljubljana boasts of areas with a quaint medieval charm and chic bars, boutique stores, and eateries.
You can also visit the fantastic Museum of Slovenian History inside Ljubljana Castle, which spectacularly dominates a hill above the city and is reachable on foot or by glass cable cars.
If culinary delights are more your style, Ljubljana is home to some of Slovenia’s top eateries.
2. Slovenia loves dragons
There are dragon-related symbols everywhere. Dragons are the national animal of Slovenia.
In ancient times, people believed the dragon protected the city from invaders.
Less than an hour from Ljubljana, at the Postojna Caves, one of Europe’s largest cave networks, you can even observe “Proteus Anguinus,” a very endangered species of “baby dragon.” Or alternatively known as “Olms” in the area. These odd-eyeless salamanders, who are said to be the offspring of the legendary beast, are currently being reared in the depths of the caves to avoid their impending extinction.
The mythology surrounding dragons in Slovenia has a magical quality. They celebrate dragons in Slovenian music, art, architecture, and the founding tale of Ljubljana.
3. Slovenia’s picturesque lakes
From ancient times, Slovenia’s lakes have drawn tourists from all over the nation with their clear mountain water.
The most well-known lake is the fairytale Lake Bled, distinguished by the Julian Alps surrounding it and the picturesque chapel built on an island in the middle of the lake. A visit to Bled is a popular day trip from Ljubljana because it is only an hour away by bus.
Ice skating on the lake is a common pastime during the winter when it is completely frozen. When defrosted, it becomes a water sports mecca where people can go swimming, canoeing, and renting rowboats to go to church.
Walking around Lake Bled will take two hours, but the trip to the Straa viewpoint to see the lake from above is the most worthwhile. And you can enjoy its true beauty from this vantage point.
Many people consider Lake Bohinj, 26 kilometers from Bled, to be more beautiful and less popular with tourists. Although the lake is covered in snow in the winter, the area is excellent for hiking and skiing.
In the summer, Lake Bohinj is a hotspot for water sports, including kayaking, white water rafting, and paddle boarding.
4. Slovenia is relatively cheaper
With a Skyscanner to ‘anywhere’ search, Slovenia frequently ranks among the top 10 cheapest destinations from the UK. This implies you can find a good deal if you are flexible with your travel dates.
Hostels in Slovenia are typically affordable, and their dorm rooms are fair en-suite dorms. If you purchase your ticket in advance, transportation is also very cheap (buses are the quickest and most cost-effective option).
Eating out is the most expensive thing in Slovenia, albeit it is still affordable for central Europe. But, there are fast food restaurants and supermarkets if you want to spend even less.
5. There are castles in Slovenia
In Slovenia, any mountain crest may have a magnificent cathedral or a medieval castle perched above it.
Naturally, they constructed the castles in the 11th century strictly for tactical reasons to provide effective vantage points and protect against attack. As a result, these gorgeously rustic Gothic buildings now romantically decorate the skyline and can be seen for miles in all directions.
The castle in Ljubljana houses a superb restaurant and a permanent history exhibit (you must book in advance due to its popularity). As a bonus, you get stunning city vistas and top-notch temporary exhibitions. Despite significant modernization, Ljubljana Castle still boasts some beautiful original elements.
Bled Castle is reputed to be Slovenia’s oldest and most popular tourist destination.
A typical castle should have moats, towers, dungeons, and breathtaking terrace views, and Bled has all those things. You can be cunning and merely eat in the restaurant to enjoy the ambiance and views, so you do not pay the entrance fee.
6. It is a small country
You can easily tour most of Slovenia’s highlights in one week because it is a little more than 20,000 square kilometers in size (about the size of Wales).
You can visit a few nights in Ljubljana, Piran, Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj in just seven days. However, if you skip Lake Bohinj or stay in Ljubljana for only one day, you may still see Maribor and Ptuj in the East in this amount of time.
It is impressive that you can learn so much about a place in so little time.
7. Slovenia is safe
Slovenia is one of the safest countries and has low crime rates. Some of this is due to the high priority given to education in the country. It also has a low risk of terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
You will feel completely safe roaming the streets of Slovenia day or night as a solo traveler. Bus drivers, store employees, and others were incredibly nice and friendly, frequently going above and beyond to help.
Pickpockets are still a concern, especially in popular tourist areas like the Ljubljana center. However, Slovenia is a fantastic place to travel alone if you’re looking for a peaceful vacation.
Furthermore, Slovenia’s public safety also has other excellent features. There are not as many road accidents as in other European countries. If you need to see a doctor, they will take good care of you because the medical system is excellent and affordable.
8. Slovenia’s famous cream cake dish
Any nation that celebrates cake is fantastic.
“Kremna Rezina,” a Bled specialty, consists of rich vanilla cream slathered between two leaf-shaped pieces of flaky pastry and coated with icing sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, you must have one of these delectable sweets before leaving Slovenia.
The cakes pair well with coffee.
9. There is not much tourist activity going on there
Slovenia is one of the least visited countries in central Europe.
It is quiet when you stroll from the center of the town. You will enjoy having the pristine countryside all to yourself.
Did you know Slovenia boasts an entire stretch of beach between Croatia and Italy if you’re seeking an inexpensive vacation in the Mediterranean? Make your trip to Slovenia for your summer vacation to avoid the crowds!
10. Slovenia Wine
Slovenia has been producing wine since the time of the Celtic tribes that inhabited the region. As a result, some of the world’s oldest vines have been found in Slovenia.
A custom handed down through the ages—and is only becoming better and better—is making wine. Maribor is one of the top wine areas in Slovenia.
Slovenia vineyard tours are a fantastic way to visit some countryside and learn about this gastronomic and cultural legacy.
Slovenian wine, like the nation, is vastly underappreciated.
11. Slovenia is sustainable
Slovenians place a high value on sustainability, particularly regarding food. They prioritize fresh, regional foods, which have long been a staple of Slovenian cuisine. You will always enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal in a classic Slovenian restaurant.
Slovenia is also setting the standard in other areas of sustainable tourism, as evidenced by its numerous awards from international authorities.
12. Boutique tourism in Slovenia
Due to its tiny size, Slovenia cannot afford to be overrun by the mass tourism prevalent in its neighboring countries, Italy and Croatia. Slovenia is therefore emphasizing a unique brand of hospitality. The main focus of its approach is to offer distinctive experiences and more individualized travel arrangements that are supported by top-notch services.
In all facets of Slovenian hospitality, including attractive hotels operating sustainably, haute cuisine emphasizing regional products, and custom experiences with additional value, so-called boutique tourism is rising to the fore.
In conclusion
Slovenia is a small country in the heart of Europe. You only need about a week to see the unique places. The country has beautiful scenery, delicious food, cheap hotels, and many fun activities.
You will enjoy strolling, hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, and paddle boarding.
Are you ready to visit Slovenia? Let us know in the comment section.
