Top 5 Slovenian destinations according to Canadian Traveller

The Canadian Traveller reveals five Slovenian destinations which are easy to fall in love with. Experience the buzz and vibe of Ljubljana, the colours of Piran, the pristine nature of Velika Planina, the valley of the emerald Soča River and the Vintgar Gorge near Bled. Slovenia is an idyllic destination combining the features of the Eastern and Western Europe. The landscape is fresh and green while the cities are a vibrant source of culture and entertainment.

The Canadian Traveller says that the capital city of Ljubljana is a charm in itself. Its beauty is accentuated by its picturesque, colourful buildings of ornate Baroque and Secession architecture. Architect Jože Plečnik, contributed the most to its modern appearance and transformed it with his architectural masterpieces into a large open-air museum. Take a walk along the streets of the town centre and visit Tivoli Park, which is intertwined with walking paths and recreational open spaces, fountains and flower beds. The park represents the green heart of Ljubljana, European Green Capital 2016. The Ljubljanica River flows through the heart of the city. Enjoy a relaxing walk along its embankments, cross the river at the Triple Bridge or Dragon Bridge and enjoy a refreshment in the shade of the many lively bars.

A picturesque experience may also be enjoyed in the charming coastal town of Piran. Take a walk along the seaside promenade where wooden fishing boats bobble on the sea on one side and the colourful façades of buildings stand for you to admire on the other. Get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets leading past Tartini Square to the end of the promontory with its lighthouse. Look right towards Italian Trieste and left towards Croatia. While sailing boats are catching the wind in their sails on the open sea, you can enjoy the view from one of the many restaurants on the coast where you can taste fresh sea specialities and the culinary masterpieces of Primorska.

Venture from the Adriatic coast towards the Alps along the valley of the emerald Soča River. In its upper section, this Alpine river is ideal for an active vacation in nature and white water adventures. A network of cycling and hiking trails can be found on the surrounding hillsides, while paragliders and hang-gliders can have fun in the air. On its route, the Soča River becomes more tranquil and crosses regions united by the history of the First World War which served as an inspiration for many poets and artists. Walk along the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea.

From the Emerald land and after crossing the Julian Alps at Vršič, the highest Slovenian mountain pass, you arrive at the iconic Bled while admiring the highest Slovenian mountain, Triglav. In addition to the world famous island in the middle of the lake, Bled Castle and the renowned local cream cake, the surrounding area hides yet another gem – Vintgar Gorge. This is one of the largest and most distinctive natural features of Gorje, where the crystal clear waters with many pools and rapids created a narrow ravine. Take a walk through the gorge along the 1,600-metre long path that spans wooden bridges. The path was first open for the public in 1893.

Velika Planina is a pristine high mountain meadow in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, which offers views over the Ljubljana Basin and over a large part of the central Slovenia. The mountain meadow is known for its shepherds’ settlement, one of the few preserved settlements of this kind in Europe. Its typical architecture became the symbol of Velika Planina attracting visitors from around the world. The settlement comes alive particularly in June when shepherds move to the cottages and take care of their grazing cattle until September. Try their homemade dairy delicacies and an authentic shepherd’s snack, sour milk and žganci (polenta spoonbread).

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