Despite having a relatively small landmass, Slovenia has an astonishingly varied landscape that’s ripe for exploration. When the snow melts and the temperature gets into the high twenties, summer is on, and Slovenia is one of the best countries where to spend it.
Adventures in the Soča Valley
The Soča Valley is one of the best places to experience Slovenia: the turquoise waters of the Soča River (also known as the Isonzo) make a magnificent backdrop for adventure holidays that include rafting, canyoning, and kayaking. In addition, there are countless hiking and biking trails that traverse through the valley’s mountainsides, which are covered in snow during winter, making summer the right time to visit Soča.
And we shouldn’t forget about another popular water-based activity everyone loves — fishing. Soča River should be the choice for your next fly fishing trip.
After you had your days full of adrenaline and fun, take a hike to some of the water wonders in the vicinity of the alpine town of Bovec. Hike to the magical Kozjak waterfall, hiding in a heavenly corner where it falls 15 meters into a green pool surrounded by dark walls. And if you walk a little further, you can explore the magnificent Tolmin Gorge on a circular path that leads you past waterfalls and pools, each one more picturesque than the next one.
Visit Lake Bled
If you only visit one place in Slovenia (and we’re not sure why you would want to), make it Lake Bled. Bled is a gorgeous town in the northwest part of the country, easily one of the prettiest places in Europe. The town sits surrounded by some stunning mountains and beside a beautiful lake with a charming island in the middle.
Holidays at Lake Bled are also a great chance for a hiking trip in the Julian Alps or walking around the more lowland but equally exciting Vintgar Gorge. You can also visit the Bled Castle, take a traditional boat ride to the church island, or cycle around the lake. And if you get sick of all that activity, there are plenty of relaxing spots just to sit by and enjoy the view.
Bled is easily reached by bus from Ljubljana — but don’t expect to be able to sleep on the way there since this drive offers amazing views!
Bike & Hike in the Alps
Slovenia’s mountains offer a range of hiking trails for all levels of experience. Covered in snow during winter, the Julian Alps are among the most striking sights in Slovenia, offering breathtaking views as well as challenging paths even in the summer. Going on a holiday in the Triglav National Park, the home to some of the country’s most majestic scenery, is perfect for those seeking more leisurely routes.
If you would like to combine your biking with a nature walk, then head to the Zelenci Natural Reserve. This beautiful reserve offers peaceful walks and bike rides along its network of paths. Alternatively, you could cycle from Kranjska Gora through picturesque villages and local farms en route to Tamar Valley, or make your way towards Lake Jasna and chill beside the peaceful lake.
Sunbathe on the coastline
Though it may not have a long coastline, Slovenia still has plenty to offer beach lovers. The Slovenian coast is just 46km long and lies on the northern Adriatic Sea, which is well known for its warm waters and cleanliness. Locals often refer to the area as ‘The Slovenian Riviera’ due to its charm, beauty, and accessibility from Ljubljana. All this makes it an excellent spot for family holidays by the sea.
Piran may be smaller than neighboring Portorož, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty: you’ll find yourself falling under the spell of its medieval streets, Venetian churches, and Baroque palaces. If you tire of relaxing on the beach or exploring the old town (which is unlikely), there is an exciting water park just a short drive away from Piran where you can splash around all day long or watch your children do so from one of the many cafés under the palm trees!
Portorož is a seaside resort that attracts many visitors each year. Relax on the beach, rent a deck chair, or have lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes near the sea. You can also explore the history of the nearby Sečovlje Salt Pans, a protected wetland area that has been cultivating the art of traditional salt-making for more than 700 years.
Foodie city break in Ljubljana
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a paradise for culinary lovers and perfect for a foodie city break. The city’s reputation as a culinary leader has been growing in recent years, and it’s now home to countless restaurants, cafes and bars serving delicious food from all corners of the globe. Whether you fancy local Slovenian dishes or want to sample some international cuisine on your trip, you’ll find plenty of options here.
What makes Ljubljana particularly attractive for foodies is its size. Unlike many capital cities, which are sprawling metropolises where you need to travel long distances between neighborhoods just to see the sights and try out different restaurants, Ljubljana is compact — so compact that it’s easily walkable from one end of the city to another! You can even visit the castle (and enjoy an incredible view of Ljubljana) without needing to take public transport.
Deemed the European Green Capital in 2016, Ljubljana has many parks located in different parts of the city. On the hot summer days, you are welcome to visit one of them and take a walk in the shade of the trees while listening to the birds singing.
Explore the Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
The Postojna Cave is the most visited cave in Europe. It simply needs to be on your list if you want to see the best of Slovenia on your holiday here. It is a vast underground world with stalactites, stalagmites, and peculiar rock formations that amaze young and old alike. While there, you can see the Proteus – an olm salamander that lives for more than 100 years.
Another advantage of visiting the cave is the cold air inside. The temperature always stays between 8 °C and 10 °C, making it a perfect place to cool off from the outside heat.
Not far away is the Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world. This ancient fortress was built into a 123-meter high cliff and has secret underground tunnels where Erasem of Predjama was once hiding from the Imperial invaders.
Visit Slovenia in the summer
Summer holidays in Slovenia are full of sunshine, water, mountains, and activity. Whatever you need, we got it. But it’s not only in summer that Slovenia is full of life and ready to offer any traveler an unforgettable experience. Every season has its unique charms and is an excellent opportunity to spend the perfect Slovenia holidays.
