The Ultimate Guide to Vacation in Slovenia

Slovenia may be small in size, but it offers endless variety. Emerald-green rivers wind through majestic mountains, fairy-tale lakes sparkle in the sun, and an intimate stretch of coastline exudes pure Mediterranean charm. In just one vacation day, you can stand by a thundering waterfall, wander through a charming historic town, and enjoy a glass of world-class wine amid rolling vineyards in the evening.

Whether you love active adventures, breathtaking nature, or rich culture, Slovenia surprises you time and time again. Curious about the most beautiful spots and the best experiences you really shouldn't miss? In this blog, we tell you why Slovenia is a destination you can't skip.

• Central Market: A covered hall full of stalls with delicious treats. The market is open Monday to Saturday, and it's especially lively and bustling in the morning.

• From late March to late October, the open-air food truck festival Odprta Kuhna takes place next to the Central Market. Enjoy street food from around the world, local Slovenian dishes, and bites from renowned chefs. Every Friday from 10:00 a.m. until late in the evening.

• Feeling active? Book a bike tour. With a local guide and a small group, you'll explore the city.

• Trubarjeva Street: A fun mix of small boutiques, colorful murals, and cafés. Students love it here too, so you can grab a meal for just a few euros.

• Metelkova: Ljubljana's creative hotspot in a former military complex. Especially in the evening, there's plenty going on—performances, parties, and comedy shows.

The most famous cave systems in Slovenia—and Europe—are the Postojna Caves. A small train takes you deep into the cave, into an underground network of tunnels and halls filled with stalactites and stalagmites. You'll step into a completely different world. On foot, you can admire the impressive rock formations. An excellent day trip from Ljubljana, just 53 km away.

For nature lovers, Lake Bohinj is an absolute must-visit. Its crystal-clear water is surrounded by the high mountains of Triglav National Park. Here, you'll find complete peace and tranquility.

Cool off in the lake on a warm summer day. There are various grassy areas and small pebble beaches where you can relax on your towel afterward. No restaurants or facilities are present directly at the lake.

Want to be active on the water? Rent a SUP board or kayak—several companies along the shore offer rentals.

Slovenia's most famous waterfall, Slap Savica, is located on the west side of the lake. Climb up in about 20 minutes via many stairs and through dense forest. From the top, especially in the morning, you'll have a stunning view of the 78-meter waterfall plunging into a turquoise pool.

Want to see Lake Bohinj from above? Take the cable car to Vogel Mountain. The first cable car lifts you from Ukanc to the Vogel Ski Center. From the mountain station, simply switch to the chairlift that takes you even higher to the beautiful panorama at Orlove Glave.

The Mostnica Gorge is a gorgeous 15 km hike along impressive gorges, wooden bridges, and rock formations. Pause for lunch at a mountain hut for the best strudel.

From Lake Bled, you're less than half an hour by car to Lake Bohinj—perfect for a day discovering this lake's beauty.

Lake Bled looks truly fairy-tale-like, surrounded by mountains and forests. In the middle stands the famous island you can row to yourself with a traditional pletna boat or paddleboard. On the island, climb to the Church of the Assumption of Mary, where the famous wishing bell hangs. Ring it three times, and your wish will come true.

From the shore, it's a delight to admire the crystal-clear water of Lake Bled. You can walk all the way around the lake. In summer months, weekend markets feature local products, art, and jewelry.

A short distance from Lake Bled, visit Vintgar Gorge. Walk through the gorge on wooden bridges along turquoise water. Along steep rock walls, you'll reach the highlight in 45 minutes: the 13-meter-high Šum Waterfall. At the end, grab a snack at the small restaurant. For the return, choose either the short River of Trees trail (4.3 km, 2 hours) through the forest, or the longer King of Triglav trail (5.7 km, 2.5 hours) with beautiful views and past St. Catherine's Church.

Surrounded by the Julian Alps and the gateway to the Soča Valley, Bovec is a paradise for outdoor activities.

The most fun activity is kayaking or rafting on the Soča River. While kayaking, enjoy Slovenia's most beautiful natural area. Some sections are calm and relaxed, while others have faster currents—a nice variety. Rafting includes exciting rapids.

Europe's longest zipline is in Bovec. Experience a spectacular ride totaling over four kilometers, made up of ten separate ziplines ranging from 500 to 900 meters. The tour starts with a jeep ride through the mountains, followed by a 20-minute walk to the practice area for instructions. A fantastic adrenaline rush if you love thrills.

After a 45-minute drive from Bovec, reach Slovenia's highest mountain pass at 2,055 meters. This pass starts in Log pod Mangartom—a stunning route with countless hairpin turns and five narrow tunnels up to Mangart Saddle. Breathtaking views over the Julian Alps and the deep Log Koritnica Valley. At the top, enjoy more vistas and a break at the mountain hut. Return the same way down.

Another charming town to visit is Piran. Located on the Adriatic Sea, it's Slovenia's most beautiful coastal town. In Piran, stroll through narrow streets lined with colorful houses and Venetian architecture, with constant views of the azure-blue sea. The center is compact, easy to navigate, and car-free. You have to park outside the center.

Want to combine city exploration with the beach? Piran is the best spot. A short 15-minute walk from the historic center brings you to the beautiful, quiet Fiesa Beach, surrounded by green hills. For more liveliness, the city beach along the boulevard is a great alternative.

To see Piran from above, walk 15 minutes to St. George's Church. This elegant baroque and Renaissance church from 1608 is built of gleaming white limestone, contrasting beautifully with the deep blue Adriatic. From here, look out over lively Tartini Square, Piran's warm red roofs, and the endless azure sea.

From the old city walls, you'll also get great views of the town itself. The eastern section is accessible for a small fee—perfect for the most beautiful sunset.

For atmosphere, head to Tartini Square. It always buzzes with a vibrant Mediterranean vibe—locals and visitors stroll relaxed along the terraces, kids play on the spacious square, and street musicians often add a cheerful, romantic touch.

Unwind completely during a walk along Piran's promenade. At the end stands the old lighthouse, Piranski Svetilnik. A perfect spot to enjoy the Adriatic Sea.

Piran is an enchanting coastal town where culture, history, and relaxed Mediterranean vibes blend seamlessly.

Slovenia is a destination that keeps surprising. Perhaps it's the fresh mountain air in the Julian Alps, the emerald-green water of the Soča, or the warm hospitality in the charming villages. Here, you effortlessly combine action and relaxation, nature and culture, peace and adventure.

From your ideal vacation rental booked with Leisure Time, discovering Slovenia is a true pleasure. So pack your bags and experience for yourself why Slovenia leaves such a lasting impression. One thing is certain: this is a destination you don't visit just once—you'll keep coming back.