Slovenia has lately attracted a lot of attention from the global tourist media. This is mostly due to its sustainable orientation and top-level gastronomy, as well as its natural and cultural treasures and exceptional individuals.
Among other renowned tourist media, Slovenia or its individual regions has also been highlighted on several occasions by the popular travel guidebook Lonely Planet. It placed the Julian Alps, Vipava Valley and Bled, among others, on its lists of top destinations. Now, Slovenia as a whole has found itself in 5th place on a list of the top ten destinations in the world to visit in 2022. And that’s not all. A photograph of the coastal pearl of Piran has made it onto the cover of the book edition of the top 2022 destinations. Have a look at what impressed the renowned travel guide book the most and learn more about the background.
This is not the first time that Slovenia has made it onto the top lists of the renowned tourist media outlet. Have a look at when and where Lonely Planet placed Slovenia or its regions among the top destinations in Europe or the world.
countries were not ranked in this edition
2006
5th place
2022
Discover Slovenian destinations that have impressed the world‑renowned travel guide publisher and made it to its Top Destinations lists.
If one word could describe Slovenia it would be green – literally and figuratively.
Best in Travel 2022, Lonely Planet
Sustainability has become a trend and Slovenia is a visionary in that field. This tiny country in the heart of Europe followed green development even before sustainability became a thing. Slovenians have known how to coexist with nature and its laws for centuries, which is why responsibility to the green environment and tradition is in our blood. Get to know our green story.
Slovenia was the first country in the world to be declared a green destination as a whole.
The capital, Ljubljana, was the European Green Capital in 2016 and it belongs among the cities of the world that have the largest share of public green areas per resident.
The Slovenia Green national sustainability labels have been awarded as part of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism to more than 100 destinations and tourism providers so far.
Ever more restaurants follow sustainability principles, gaining Slovenia the title of the 2021 European Region of Gastronomy and attracting the attention of the world-renowned Michelin Guide.
Our natural assets and rich tradition demand that we act responsibly at every step we take. We strive to preserve our treasures and culture for future generations.
Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
Play interactive videoWatch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
MoreWe pride ourselves on our unspoilt nature and rich cultural heritage, which we actively protect for the generations to come. We encourage you to help us in achieving this. Follow the green guidelines for ensuring sustainable behaviour before, during, and after your visit to Slovenia, so as to have a positive impact on the natural environment and local communities.
MoreThe mosaic of Slovenia’s green story is made up of individual pieces that form a model of responsible preservation of natural and cultural heritage and attitude towards the environment. The most sustainably aspiring destinations bear the platinum and the golden Slovenia Green label. Destinations with a silver or bronze label are on a good way to follow the green path.
MoreHotels and tourist farms provide it. Camps, glamping resorts and spas provide it, too. And it is also provided by a range of other accommodation options that not only offer comfortable beds and food, but think more broadly about their place in the environment. With all the responsibility to future generations. Choose accommodation with the Slovenia Green Accommodation label and contribute a piece to the mosaic of sustainability.
MoreSlovenia will be the European Region of Gastronomy for 2021. The main attributes of Slovenian cuisine are local ingredients used in both traditional dishes and masterpieces from top chefs. Discover chefs with prestigious achievements in sustainability and see for yourselves the inspiring reasons for the positive development of Slovenia's profile as a country of sustainable culinary excellence.
More
Slovenians like to be active outdoors. The most popular activities are hiking and cycling. There are more than 10,000 developed and marked hiking trails and a developed network of cycling paths. Get to know some of the most popular and sustainability-oriented paths that take you through this green country.
Discover long-distance cycling tours that take you to the destinations and providers with the Slovenian Green sustainability label.
Everybody who likes long hikes is sure to find something to delight them in Slovenia. Some trails are sections of international routes, while there are also trails that take you exclusively through Slovenia. Here are Slovenian long-distance trails that enable you to discover history and natural and cultural heritage.
Lonely Planet singles out the top five sites that summarise the story of Slovenia.
There are countless reasons to visit Slovenia. It is amazing to be able to enjoy mountains, the sea, the Pannonian plains, wine-growing hills and vast green forests in such a small area and within such a short time. Slovenia is also special because of numerous outstanding individuals who promote the country around the world.
Slovenia is a unique destination committed to sustainability, which offers experiences that are intended for individuals, couples, groups of friends or families all year round. It’s a country where everyone can find something for themselves: active experiences in the embrace of pristine nature, city breaks topped with culture, relaxing holidays in spa centres or gastronomic pampering with local flavours in first-class restaurants.
MoreSlovenia is a unique destination committed to sustainability, which offers experiences that are intended for individuals, couples, groups of friends or families all year round. It’s a country where everyone can find something for themselves: active experiences in the embrace of pristine nature, city breaks topped with culture, relaxing holidays in spa centres or gastronomic pampering with local flavours in first-class restaurants.
MoreSlovenian spas and health resorts offer everything you need to relax and strengthen your health. They are located in green nature, which provides the best raw materials that bring you beneficial effects. A team of experts will help you get exactly what you need in a perfectly safe and responsible way.
MoreIn Slovenia, including ingredients from the environment, local field or garden is not only a fashionable trend, but a matter of tradition. Fresh local ingredients find their way both to local taverns and top-level kitchens whose chefs like to browse the recipes of their grandmothers and present them in a new, modern and creative way.
MoreWhen your legs get heavy, it’s time to rest. But not just anywhere. Unique glamping and camping sites take you closer to the stars and nature. In neat rural houses and farms, you will experience the idyll of countryside. For more glamorous accommodation, choose elegant villas or romantic castles. Let the comfort lull you to pleasant and relaxing sleep.
MoreSlovenia is a nation of top-class athletes. We are a true phenomenon when it comes to the number of medals and achievements per capita. There are many reasons why this is so – from the natural gifts to our character.
MoreIn Slovenia they say that a good name is better than riches. The good name of Slovenia has reached numerous global media outlets, having been recognised as a trendy tourist destination, mostly due to its orientation as a sustainable and boutique destination. Have a look at the media outlets, in addition to Lonely Planet, which have put Slovenia on the pedestal of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world.
The green nature and landscape of Slovenia are an excellent venue for numerous outdoor activities. Lovers of urban strolls will be charmed by pleasant historical cities, led by the capital, Ljubljana, which offers modern urban living and a lively cultural buzz, while being only a step away from nature. Slovenian gastronomy offers a luxurious journey for the taste buds, and when your legs become heavy, you can pick a comfortable and pleasant place to stay in the city or in the middle of nature.
Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.
Feel the pleasant effects of the natural green environment in Slovenia.
Ljubljana. Vibrant. Lively. A city that combines the charm of a small capital and the confidence of big European cities.
Small towns for big adventures.
Meet Slovenia's gastronomic stars that are now shining on the Michelin sky.
Natural wines are an important complement to sustainable gastronomy.
From luxury hotels to tourist farms, from private rooms to camping grounds. An exclusive offer of glamping accommodation or staying at the vineyard cottages. In Slovenia, you will find accommodation to suit every budget and every taste.
Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage
Latest travel information & safety guidelines: 
Privacy settings