Slovenia

Located in central Europe, sharing borders with Italy, Croatia, Austria and Hungary, Slovenia is without doubt one of the most spectacular countries on the continent.

Holidays in Slovenia are ideal for outdoor adventurers and city explorers alike, marrying ski resorts, hiking trails, an incredible network of underground caves and the picturesque Lake Bled with fascinating museums, glorious architecture, palaces and castles in perfect harmony.

The historic capital, Ljubljana, is one of the best city breaks in Slovenia. Here, culture vultures will be in their element as the city wows with its charms. The medieval Ljubljana Castle, the majestic Dragon Bridge and the beautiful Tivoli Park are all worth visiting, while taking a boat ride on the tranquil Ljubljanica River is a dreamy way to trundle past all the sights, as it flows right through the heart of the Old Town.

To experience some of Slovenia’s most unique sights, however, you’ll need to head underground. In the south-west of the country, Postojna Cave and Skocjan Caves are both absolutely stunning and a must for Slovenia holidays. The networks are vast and the scenery simply jaw-dropping. Postojna Cave even has a little train to take you through the passageways.

Back above ground, Lake Bled is among Slovenia’s most popular attractions – and it’s hardly surprising. The abundance of beauty on offer has us packing our bags already. Set against a stunning backdrop of the Julian Alps and luscious forest, Lake Bled also has an island in the middle with a picturesque church, which can be reached by gondola. Watersports enthusiasts can head out onto the water too.

Keen skiers will also find a home away from home in this fairy tale country. Across the north of Slovenia are numerous ski resorts, offering a much more budget-friendly alternative to nearby Austria and Switzerland. In the Julian Alps, you’ll find Kranjska Gora Ski Resort – the most famous in the country as it often hosts World Cup slalom competitions. Elsewhere, Bled Straza Ski Resort is perfect for beginners, while Krvavec Ski Resort is ideal for combining with a trip to Ljubljana, just 25 kilometres away.