Europe’s Best Kept Secret
It’s no accident that the word ‘love’ can be found in the name Slovenia. This tiny country is easily one of Europe’s most lovable. If you bypass the tourist meccas of France and Italy and head instead to this adorable little nation, you’ll discover one of the coolest capital cities around, medieval castles with spectacular views, and some of the best hiking to be had in Europe.
At the end of your Slovenian getaway you’ll walk away with starry eyes and thousands of photos in your camera. You’ll be so loved up you’ll want to stop strangers in the street to tell them how amazing this country is — but be careful who you let in on Europe’s best kept secret.
After all, once people find out about Slovenia it’s just a matter of time until crowds and tacky tourist shops start to drown out the charm. Slovenia is one of the last corners of Europe where you can still get off the beaten track.
Once you’ve been, you’ll adore it so much that you’ll want to maintain Slovenia’s status as a hidden gem, saving it only for those in know. When people ask “what is Slovenia like?” you’ll brush it off, claim that it’s mediocre at best and really, Italy is a much safer bet.
Here’s why Slovenia is the most delightful destination in Europe (but shh, don’t tell everyone).
1. Slovenia is Perfectly Travel-Sized
As a country, Slovenia is compact and easy to travel around. It’s perfect if you have only one or two weeks’ vacation. Everything is reachable in less than three hours, which means you won’t waste time on long train rides, which means more time sipping wine in riverside bars or working on your tan next to one of the lakes — which basically means you’re winning at life.
2. Ljubljana is the Coolest Capital
It’s hipster without trying to be, exudes a natural calm and is unselfconsciously picturesque. The large pedestrian zones, sweeping Art Nouveau architecture, and turquoise river complete with willow trees and arched bridges all contribute to the relaxed pace of life in Ljubljana. The main activities here are strolling along the riverside and enjoying the many great bars and cafes that line the cobbled streets. It’s hard not to fall for Ljubljana.
3. Triglav National Park
There is only one national park in the whole country, but it’s a good one. Encompassing the Julian Alps and Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park is astoundingly beautiful, with gorges carved from glaciers, impressive waterfalls and alpine fields brimming with wildflowers. The hiking, swimming and outdoor adventure opportunities are endless. This is a spot that will truly capture your imagination. With the alpine cattle — complete with bells around their necks — and the picturesque shepherd’s huts dotting the hillsides, you could be forgiven for thinking you had somehow stepped into a picture book.
4. The People are Lovely
Sometimes the deciding factor in whether you love or hate a country can be the people you encounter. In Slovenia, locals are unfailingly kind and helpful. English is widely spoken and you will find that everyone is proud and excited to share stories of their nation. Slovenia is widely recognized as a very safe country to travel, which is a reflection of the gentle and welcoming nature of Slovenian people.
5. They Celebrate Poetry
The Preseren Monument in the main square of Ljubljana recognizes the national poet, France Preseren. The national anthem of Slovenia consists of part of one of his poems and words from this poem are etched into the pedestrian streets. The poem (and national anthem) talks about freedom, equality and the idea that “the man living at one’s borders will not be a devil but a neighbour!” Beautiful.
6. The Markets
Slovenia knows how to put on a good market. The beautiful Central Market of Ljubljana is a feast of cherries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches and other succulent fruit and vegetables, all locally and lovingly grown. You can also find homemade cheeses and freshly baked bread and other goodies. All of the necessary ingredients for an afternoon picnic in the sunshine.
7. It’s Green — Literally and Figuratively
As well as having postcard-perfect countryside and a pleasing number of trees in every town, Slovenia also happens to be the European Green Capital 2016. Nothing gives you a feel good buzz like visiting a country committed to environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Ljubljana is also the perfect showcase of how green can look good, with the city’s many cyclists pedaling around on gorgeous vintage bicycles.
Canada's Capital is Brimming with History Few Canadians, let alone tourists, know that Ottawa was the third choice for Canada's capital, after Toronto and...
8. The Castles
Who doesn’t love castles? They throw off fairytale vibes, they have fantastic views and fascinating stories. Slovenia has several very nicely situated castles, most notably one overlooking Ljubljana and another perched above Lake Bled. These castles are perfect examples of Slovenia’s rich and varied past. History buffs will love learning about these castles, both of which are nearly a thousand years old.
9. It’s Cheap
Despite using the euro, everything in Slovenia is dramatically cheaper than you’ll find in its neighbors Italy, Austria and even Croatia. Everyone loves a good budget destination, and Slovenia is exactly that for lovers of Europe. You can absorb all of the great things about Europe — architecture, culture, natural beauty and a rich history — for a fraction of the cost normally associated with Western Europe.
10. Lake Bled
Possibly the most romantic (or at least photogenic) lake you will ever lay eyes upon, Lake Bled is devastatingly beautiful. Bled has all of the ingredients for your perfect holiday snapshot – turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic mountains, a castle perched on a crag above the lake, and in the center of it all an island crowned by an elegant church. Lake Bled is the perfect place to immerse yourself in idyllic surroundings and forget about the stresses of the outside world.