The year 2021 will be something special for Slovenia from the gastronomic perspective. The European Region of Gastronomy 2021 is ready to utterly spoil your palate. The respected Gault & Millau restaurant guide has promoted top Slovenian gastronomy for some time, and this year Slovenia also received its first Michelin stars.
VThe outstanding qualities of Slovenian gastronomy go right back to its roots – increasing numbers of growers are following sustainable development practices, and with an enormous amount of care, patience, and sometimes even audacity, creating rich flavours which creative Slovenian chefs meld into a unique gastronomic symphony.
This has now also been recognised by one of the most prestigious and influential travel magazines, Condé Nast Traveller, which ranked Slovenia in first place on its list of the best holiday destinations for 2021.
The global giant in tourism, Condé Nast Traveller, was impressed by Slovenia’s sustainable approach in tourism, naming this green country at the heart of Europe one of the top 10 sustainable destinations to visit in 2021. It highlighted Slovenia’s green capital, Ljubljana, and the high share of formally protected areas, the picturesque and pristine landscape, as well as the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism where travellers can find the greenest hosts and camping sites.
Slovenia lies at a meeting point of several gastronomic traditions. In each part of this green land you will therefore find a wide variety of rich and genuine flavours that reflect the diversity of Slovenia’s landscapes and bioregions. Discover some of the Slovenian stories that Condé Nast Traveller found most persuasive.
The prestigious restaurant guide’s arrival in Slovenia is a confirmation of a well-conceived concept of haute cuisine. In the very first year, six Slovenian restaurants were awarded coveted Michelin stars, and one, Hiša Franko, received two. The heart of the establishment is its world-famous chef Ana Roš, who has developed her own unique style, connected to the tradition of the Soča Valley but with a modern and creative focus.
Less is more. This famous maxim is confirmed by organic winemakers through their involvement with natural processes. Here, nature has the last word, the vineyards are a unique ecosystem, and the wine in the barrels is rather more than less left to develop on its own. That may sound foolhardy, but it doesn’t mean that the winemakers are sitting around with their arms crossed. They are even more committed to their vines and their wine. And this harmony of man and nature has not gone unnoticed. The well-known wine magazine Decanter named Zorjan’s Dolium Muškat Ottonel the finest orange wine in the world.
Slovenia’s three wine-growing regions each have their own character. And each wine is a story in itself. Wine is a part of numerous stories that will show you how proud Slovenes are of their winemaking tradition. And have been for centuries. For more than 450 years this tradition has been accompanied by the Old Vine in the Lent section of Maribor, which is the world’s oldest grapevine. The wine-growing regions are places for inspirational new experiences, such as the Lendava Wine Road with the Vinarium Tower. But that’s not all...
Slovenia has so many little hidden gems that it will be hard for you to choose your favourite. Perhaps you feel the pull of iconic Bled with its glacial lake reflecting the neighbouring Alpine peaks, and Slovenia’s only island. Or fall in love with the green capital Ljubljana, where all of Slovenia’s different worlds meet – from cultural to gastronomic. Discover other outstanding attractions.
Nature is our inspiration for sleep too. We want to be close to her and at the same time experience the highest level of comfort. That’s why Slovenia is a land of unique glamping sites, where we are close to the stars and the birds among the treetops, where we are soothed by the pleasant smell of herbs and lulled to sleep by the gentle lapping of the waves below us.
Get to know the charms of Slovenian gastronomy, from our grandmothers’ recipes to the whimsical creativity of top Slovenian chefs. Discover inspiring stories of people who are committed to creating rich and unique flavours. Nature adds her own bounty with her treasure trove of flavours. Gastronomy in Slovenia has many faces. Which is your favourite?
Slovenia is an easy country to fall in love with. With its clear waters, green forests and charming towns it will undoubtedly seduce you. And since we in Slovenia like to say that the way to the heart is through the stomach, it’s worth trying something authentic and delicious.
Follow the production of world-class Slovenian olive oils from the olive grove to the bottle.
Small towns for big adventures.
Discover the freshness and purity of Slovenia’s waters.
Listen to the stories of the salt pan workers and experience the “salty” side of Piran.
Love is experienced through the stomach.
Where to taste wines from Slovenia's three wine-growing regions?
Follow the pleasant scent of herbs – which will lead you from herb farms and gardens to pampering; stay and experience in an herbal embrace.
Learn about the rich tradition of beekeeping in Slovenia and enjoy beekeeping experiences for all your senses.
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