Top 7 Destinations in Magical Slovenia
- evesymington
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
From alpine lakes to underground caves, Slovenia has must-see sights, family-friendly adventures, wine country wanderings, jaw-dropping scenery, and a truly delightful vibe.
We loved our week-long romp through this unexpected country. We spontaneously added it onto a larger Euro-trip itinerary, and were not disappointed by the sights and more relaxed pace of the country.
With far fewer tourists than its neighbors (looking at you, Croatia and Italy), Slovenia has a unique mix of Balkan, Germanic, and Italian culture. Check out our Essential Guide to Slovenia for a full overview of the country’s history, language, and more!
If this overview of the top 7 destinations in Slovenia intrigues you, we have an excellent 7-Days in Slovenia itinerary, which can be extended if you want to stay overnight in the Julian Alps or explore more corners of the country. If you’re just passing through, check out our Flash Trip: 3 Delightful Days in Ljubljana and Lake Bled!
If you’re traveling with kids, we also have mega-guides on kid travel (everything from flight hacks to jet lag to our favorite travel gear).
Top 6 Destinations in Slovenia Quick Peek
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Ljubljana: Slovenia's Charming Capital City
Ljubljana felt instantly welcoming; we love a totally walkable city! At first it seemed like you could see everything in just a few hours, and honestly you can cover a lot of ground in a short time if you don’t have much time in the city. But we enjoyed a few of Ljubljana’s deeper cuts (like the Ethnographic Museum) and just strolling by the riverside or sipping a glass of delish Slovenian wine. Start in Prešeren Square, the heart of the city, where a big sculpture of Slovenia’s beloved poet watches over the bustling Triple Bridge designed by local legend Jože Plečnik. Stroll along the pretty riverfront embankments between the Triple and Cobbler’s Bridges, where cafés spill onto the sidewalks. A wander through the Riverside Market brings fresh produce, souvenirs, and a peek into daily life, with St. Nicholas Cathedral nearby showcasing its stunning bronze doors.
Cross to the Dragon Bridge to meet Ljubljana’s iconic green guardians before riding the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for sweeping city views (and maybe a traditional Slovenian lunch at Gostilna na Gradu). Back in the pedestrian-only Old Town, charming squares and cobbled lanes brim with shops selling tea, salt, and handicrafts, while Plečnik’s architectural touches appear everywhere you look. Museums range from modern art to puppetry to Slovenian traditions, and you’ll even spot some ancient Roman ruins. For something different, step into the Serbian Orthodox Church, climb to the rooftop of the Art Deco Nebotičnik skyscraper for a drink with a view, or visit Plečnik’s perfectly preserved home to see where the city’s visionary architect dreamed up his designs.
Lake Bled: Alpine Lake Bliss
Yes, you will take this photo a million times. Lake Bled is a sparkling alpine lake crowned with a tiny church-topped island and an old castle perched high on a cliff. From Ljubljana, it’s an easy 45-minute drive or a 90 minute bus ride, which drops you right into the heart of Bled’s charming little town. Once you’ve checked into your guesthouse or lakeside pension, the best thing to do is wander about. A scenic 6-kilometer path wraps around the lake, giving you shifting views of swans gliding across emerald water and the Julian Alps in the background. We did it every day we were there! Traditional pletna boats ferry visitors to the fairytale island, where you can climb the bell tower and sample Slovenia’s traditional nut cake. More active travelers can rent a rowboat, paddleboard, or even swim in summer, while thrill-seekers can zip down the summer luge ride on nearby Mount Straža. For history and panoramic views, hike or drive up to Bled Castle, where exhibits are nice but the sweeping vistas steal the show. Between strolls and sightseeing, cozy up in a local restaurant for modern Slovenian flavors, then indulge in the town’s famed cream cake.
If you’re staying a second day, Vintgar Gorge is a must: a stunning, one-way boardwalk hike along the turquoise River Radovna through mossy cliffs and waterfalls. Just remember to take your photos along the way—you won’t be walking back the same route!
Slovenia's Otherworldly Caves
About an hour south of Ljubljana, you’ll find two of Europe’s most impressive cave systems: Škocjan Caves and Postojna Caves. Škocjan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a jaw-dropping underground canyon and a roaring subterranean river, explored entirely on foot along winding paths and bridges. It’s a true natural wonder which we had a great time exploring. Postojna, meanwhile, is a more accessible adventure, famous for its electric train that whisks you deep into the cave’s chambers, making it an easy and fun option for kids or anyone not keen on too much climbing. If you have your own car, you can see both in a single day and even tack on a visit to the elegant Lipizzaner horses at Lipica or the Predjama Castle, which is dramatically built right into a cliffside cave.
Julian Alps
The Julian Alps are the height of Slovenia’s natural beauty. Centered around Triglav National Park, the region is a paradise for hikers, road-trippers, and anyone chasing some high-altitude peace and quiet. Note that summer and early fall offer the best weather for hiking and driving mountain roads (Vršič Pass is often closed due to snow in winter), so check the weather conditions through Bled’s Tourist Information Center before you head out.
Drive along the Vršič Pass: the highest mountain road in Slovenia and one of Europe’s most scenic drives, with 50 hairpin turns winding up and over the mountains. Along the way, you can stop to stretch your legs at lookouts, visit the Russian Chapel, or hike several short trails into the surrounding peaks. On the other side of the pass lies the Soča Valley, home to the Soča River, which is famous for its turquoise color and crystal-clear rapids. If you’re in an adventuring mood, it’s the place to go for whitewater rafting, canyoning, or fly fishing, but it’s also just a lovely place for a picnic by the riverbank. Don’t miss Peričnik Waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water, or a stop at one of the mountain huts (planinske koče) for a hearty bowl of stew and a cold local beer.
Seaside Piran
Piran is a tiny, terracotta-tiled town on Slovenia’s small Adriatic Coast that blends Venetian elegance with laid-back seaside charm. The medieval city walls still stand watch over the sparkling Gulf of Trieste, and climbing them rewards you with lovely views of red rooftops spilling into the turquoise sea. Life here is relaaaaxed: mornings begin with espresso by the harbor, afternoons with swims off rocky beaches or strolls along the promenade, and evenings with plates of just-caught seafood and local Malvazija wine. The Church of St. George presides over it all from its hilltop perch, offering sweeping vistas across the coast and into Croatia and Italy on a clear day. Whether you’re wandering ancient alleys, dipping into art galleries, or chowing down on some gelato (ahem, eating gelato elegantly) as sailboats drift by, Piran a tranquil counterpoint to Slovenia’s inland castles and alpine lakes.
Historic Ptuj
Visiting Ptuj (pronounced like pt-ooey, the spitting sound, forreal) is like stepping into a quiet corner of Europe that time forgot. Often called Slovenia’s oldest town, Ptuj has been continuously settled since the Stone Age, and its layered past shows up in everything from Roman relics to medieval streets to baroque mansions. Over the centuries, it’s been home to Celts, Romans, Slavs, Habsburgs—you name it—and each left their mark. The Ptuj Castle, perched above the red-roofed town, offers sweeping views of the Drava River. Inside, it’s packed with fascinating exhibits, including traditional musical instruments, historical weapons, and beautiful tapestries. Down in the old town, cobbled streets lead to wine cellars, cozy cafés, and one of the oldest town halls in Slovenia. It’s an easy day trip from Maribor or even Ljubljana, but it’s worth staying a bit longer to soak in the atmosphere, especially if you time your visit with the annual Kurentovanje festival, when fur-clad, bell-ringing figures parade through town in one of Europe’s most unique (and ancient) carnival traditions.
Tour Slovenia's Wine Regions
One of my favorite topics! Slovenian wine is a hidden gem in the world of viticulture. With 2500 years of winemaking history and an array of microclimates, Slovenia punches well above its weight wine-wise (say that 10 times fast).
Slovenia has three distinct wine regions:
Primorska (Coastal Region) lies along the Italian border and enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for bold reds and crisp, mineral-driven whites. It’s known for varietals like Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), Malvazija (Malvasia), and rich Merlots and Cabernets. The Vipava Valley is especially notable for its experimental orange wines (I love an orange wine!) and native grapes like Zelen and Pinela.
Podravje (Drava Region) in eastern Slovenia is the country’s largest wine region, specializing in elegant, aromatic white wines such as Šipon (Furmint), Laški Rizling (Welschriesling), and Sauvignon Blanc. This region is also known for its excellent late-harvest and sweet wines, thanks to the cooler climate.
Posavje (Sava Region) is located in the hills and valleys of southeastern Slovenia and is known for producing accessible, everyday wines. It’s home to Cviček, a unique low-alcohol and slightly sour red blend. The region also produces dry whites and sparkling wines, and many vineyards here continue to follow traditional winemaking methods.
If you’re thinking about exploring Slovenia through its wines, you’re in for a treat. Most wineries are family-run, often tucked into beautiful hillsides where you’ll sip with the winemaker themselves. In the Primorska Coastal Region, Goriška Brda is often called “Slovenia’s Tuscany,” with rolling vineyards, terracotta rooftops, and spectacular views. It’s a great spot for elegant whites, orange wines, and reds like Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Don’t miss Movia (a pioneer of natural and orange wines), Klet Brda (the largest co-op with a lovely tasting terrace), or bold winemaker Edi Simčič. Just south of there, the Vipava Valley is quieter and more rugged, home to indigenous grape varieties like Zelen and Pinela. Burja Estate, Tilia Estate, and Lepa Vida are known for thoughtful, organic wines. If you head northeast, Jeruzalem and the Štajerska region offer gentle green hills and cool-climate whites like Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, plus sparkling and sweet wines. Stop by Puklavec Family Wines or Kogl Winery and be sure to see the famous heart-shaped vineyard road near Špičnik.
Many wineries are by appointment only, so it’s a good idea to book tastings in advance. To relax and really enjoy the wine, consider staying overnight at a vineyard guesthouse—like Kmetija Štoka or Kmetija Stekar—or join a guided tour from Ljubljana or Maribor. Companies like Slovenia Wine Tours or Winestronaut offer full-day excursions with tastings and local snacks (yay!). Tastings usually cost around €10–20 and often include bites of cheese, bread, or cured meats. And wherever you go, you’ll get to try something distinctly Slovenian: Rebula in Brda, Cviček in the southeast, or a funky skin-contact white aged in clay amphorae.
Oh my gosh, take me back!
Our Essential Guide to Slovenia will answer lots of questions about the country in general, so make sure to check it out before or during your trip. Use our 7-Days in Slovenia itinerary, which can be extended if you want to stay overnight in the Julian Alps or explore more corners of the country. If you’re just passing through, check out our Flash Trip: 3 Delightful Days in Ljubljana and Lake Bled! If you’re continuing on in Europe, here are our guides to Prague and Kraków – both favorites of ours and super kid-friendly!
Ready for your Slovenian Road Trip? Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children.
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