5 Reasons To Make Slovenia Your Next Vacation Destination

I like to think of myself as a seasoned and sophisticated globetrotter, especially since I’m a travel writer who has been lucky enough to traverse the globe. My adventures have taken me to Australia, unknown parts of Italy and Croatia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Bhutan, and beyond.

Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you I’m plugged into the latest “it” destinations and hit up-and-coming-ones before the crowds descend in.

When I went to Slovenia last summer, however, I was in for a surprise. Slovenia, I said, where have you been all my life?

My trip was one of the best and most memorable I have ever taken. My husband Mahir and I were blown away.

Truthfully, I am not sure that I had even heard of Slovenia until I connected with Matej Knific, who co-founder the Ljubljana-based travel company Luxury Slovenia with Mattej Valencic.

His enthusiasm for his country drew me in: I could indulge my love of hiking to my heart’s content, he said, and enjoy gorgeous landscapes, delicious food and wine, and the sea, too. “Slovenia is the size of New Jersey, Matej said, and you can be anywhere by car in two hours or less.”

“Slovenia has the vineyards of Tuscany, the coastline of the Amalfi Coast, the mountains of the Dolomites, the city scene like a mini Milan, and the countryside with incredible greenery,” Matej told me. “But coming here is going to cost you less than 1/3 the price of going to Italy or somewhere else in Europe."

Done. I’m in. I’m coming.

So, off we went to Slovenia and discovered a country that captured our hearts.

We flew into Venice from New York and reached there by car- it’s only a two-hour drive, and flying into Zagreb is another option.

Below are five reasons why everyone needs to visit this gem now.

The Scenery

We started our adventure in the countryside and ended up at the sea. Everywhere we went, the scenery had us saying “wow” again and again. Matej says that the country’s green forests cover over 70% of the land. Slovenia truly looks like a painting.

Expect to see pristine lakes, vineyards, dramatic river gorges, and medieval castles perched atop hillsides, mountains, and miles of coastline. And be sure not to miss Ljubljana, a charming city with a lively riverfront scene.

The Food and Wine

Eating and drinking well is the best part of any trip, and this country has it going on. Slovenia is known for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and offers a tasty convergence of Alpine, Mediterranean, Pannonian, and Balkan cuisines converge. You’ll find Italian-inspired dishes in the west, Austro-Hungarian influences in the east, and fresh seafood along the coast. And I mean really good. Think wild calamari and whole fish caught the same day, served alongside the best tasting salads, homemade breads, and all manners of cooked vegetables.

According to Matej, “Michelin-starred chefs like Ana Roš of Hiša Franko are redefining Slovenian gastronomy on the world stage. Must-visit restaurants include Milka in Kranjska Gora and Strelec in Ljubljana, offering farm-to-table dining with a contemporary twist.”

Now, to the imbibing. “Wine is deeply rooted in Slovenian culture and daily life. Even the country’s anthem, "Zdravljica," is a toast,” Matej says.

Goriška Brda, often called the “Tuscany of Slovenia, " produces underrated yet exceptional wines. The region is home to world-class wineries that produce both traditional and modern varietals.

Matej shares, “Slovenia is also home to the world's oldest, nearly 450-year-old vine, which you can visit in the North-Eastern town of Maribor. While there, don’t miss a trip to Ptuj, where you will find the oldest wine cellar in Slovenia and a renowned archive wine collection, including the oldest Slovenian wine from 1917. “

The Active Pursuits

Any country where I can walk and hike is a destination that I instantly like.

We took beautiful walks through the forest and around lake, multi-hour hikes up mountains, riverside strolls in Ljubljana, and also went kayaking.

As Matej says, “Slovenia is an exceptional destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for every adrenaline level.”

A variety of trails suit all levels of hikers. Triglav National Park, home to Slovenia's highest peak, Mount Triglav, has challenging routes for more experienced hikers, while other trails, such as the Juliana Trail, offer a mix of both difficulty and stunning views.

Speaking to bikers, Matej says, “Cycling enthusiasts will find a range of scenic routes throughout the country, including the renowned Soča Valley, which provides a perfect setting for both road cycling and mountain biking.”

For water-based adventures, Slovenia has Lake Bohinj for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The Soča River is where to go for more action-packed experiences like rafting.

You can be active come winter with skiing and snowboarding in resorts such as Kranjska Gora and Vogel- the latter of which offers excellent slopes and facilities for all skill levels.

Cultural Attractions

Slovenia’s cultural scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Ljubljana’s old town, with its castle, cobblestone streets, and art nouveau architecture, offers a deep dive into history.

But beyond the capital, Matej says Slovenia offers rich cultural experiences, such as visiting Ptuj, the country’s oldest town, notable for its medieval streets and Roman heritage. “For hands-on connections, try local artisan workshops like pottery, printmaking, or goldsmithing,” Matej says.

He also shares, “Sustainability also plays a role in Slovenian culture, with initiatives like Ljubljana's Rog Center—a former bicycle factory now transformed into a cultural hub supporting local craftsmen and entrepreneurs.”

He also says that for an easy hike with cultural flair, travelers should explore the Bela Krajina region. “It’s famous for its traditional Belokranjska pogača flatbread . You can also visit and learn from beekeepers, cheesemakers, or participate in cooking classes that preserve Slovenia's rich culinary heritage.”

Affordability

At a time when traveling is becoming more and more expensive, Slovenia's prices are very approachable. You can stay in luxury properties with breakfast and all for as little as $250. Getting into sites and hiring guides isn’t going to blow your budget, and neither are meals- you can have a feast with wine for $100 for two people. We had many, complete with wild sea bass caught that morning, appetizers, vegetable sides, and wine. It would cost more than four times that in Italy, for sure.

“From boutique accommodations to Michelin-starred dining, travelers can indulge in luxury without overspending. The quality of experiences remains exceptional, complemented by the warm hospitality of Slovenians, ensuring that visitors feel both welcome and cherished.,” Matej says.

I end this story by asking him when I can come to his beautiful country again.