Refreshment in green destinations: sustainable aquatic experiences

Visit destinations awarded the Slovenia Green label for sustainability, where you can enjoy water-based activities.

Green destinations for aquatic experiences

Welcome to green destinations where, especially in the warmer months, water becomes the main attraction. Slovenia is rich in water resources and renowned for its crystal-clear waters inviting visitors to enjoy various aquatic and waterside activities. As our aim is to preserve these natural treasures for future generations, we endeavour to create experiences that respect nature, tradition and local communities. Discover examples of how selected green destinations develop sustainable experiences on and around the water. You are invited to experience these destinations on and in the water while keeping your impact on aquatic ecosystems to a minimum.

A wooden boat on a turquoise lake heads toward an island church surrounded by forest.

Bled: experience tradition, respect the lake environment

With its iconic view of a lake and island framed by a mountain backdrop, Bled is a picture of paradise. Yet this paradise also brings greater responsibility and calls for a sustainable approach to development. Bled is doing well in this respect as it is the first Zero Waste destination in Slovenia. Drinking water fountains are available around the lake, where visitors can refill their water bottles. The iconic lake, with its deep blue waters and pleasant summer temperatures above 20°C, offers sustainable water-based and waterside activities. Here are some tips.

Experience Bled and Lake Bled

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Take a ride on Lake Bled with a pletna boat

The pletna is a traditional boat from Bled, propelled and steered by pletnarji (boatmen), whose craft is passed down from generation to generation.

Row across the lake

At various locations, you can rent handcrafted wooden boats and row across the lake, which is also renowned as an excellent venue for rowing regattas and international competitions.

Do not swim outside designated areas

Swim only in designated bathing areas and not along the entire shoreline of the lake. Public bathing sites include: Grajsko kopališče, Mala Zaka, Velika Zaka, and the hotel bathing areas at Grand Hotel...

Walk or cycle around the lake

A scenic walking path encircles Lake Bled; it is approximately six kilometres long and consists mainly of a paved road with some gravel sections. You can also cycle along it.

A calm mountain lake surrounded by forests and mountains, with a small boat gliding across the surface.

Bohinj: nature in its purest form

If you are a fan of nature’s wild beauty, Bohinj is the perfect choice for you. Locals have lived in harmony with nature for centuries and take pride in their cultural traditions, which they weave into their offerings at every turn. Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia and offers a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters. Alongside the lake, you will also find hidden gorges, waterfalls and rivers teeming with life, perfect for both adventure and peaceful reflection. Explore these natural attractions while minimising your impact on this sensitive ecosystem.

Enjoy the untamed beauty of Bohinj

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Boating on Lake Bohinj and the Sava Bohinjka river with permits

A special permit is required to go boating on Lake Bohinj and the Sava Bohinjka, and the designated entry and exit points must be used. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented from local providers.

Swim only in designated bathing areas of Lake Bohinj

These are the Ukanc and Fužinski zaliv bathing areas, where official water quality monitoring is carried out. Swimming in the alpine lake at Planina pri jezeru and the Mostnica, Ribnica and Bistrica rivers...

Canyoning is possible only with licensed local providers

In Bohinj, canyoning routes can be found in gorges both inside and outside Triglav National Park, so it is essential to choose responsible, guided nature experiences.

Boutique fly fishing on the Mostnica and the Sava Bohinjka

Fly fishing is considered a sustainable form of fishing in Bohinj. The Mostnica offers a truly unique experience, but fishing is limited to five anglers per day and operates on a catch-and-release basis.

A turquoise river winds through pale rocks, with a kayaker navigating a narrow canyon.

The Soča Valley: sustainable adventures on the emerald river

With its wild rapids and distinctive colour, the Soča river is a popular setting for adrenaline-filled activities. Its upper course lies within Triglav National Park, while most water-based experiences take place further downstream, outside the park boundaries. All activities are conducted under supervision and by licensed guides, ensuring both safety and respect for the natural environment. Activities are adapted to river conditions, helping to preserve its exceptional beauty for future generations. In addition to the Soča, aquatic experiences are also available on its tributaries.

Feel the energy of nature in the Soča Valley

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Rafting with certified local providers

Rafting on the Soča is one of the must-do activities in Slovenia. Choose an adventure with certified local guides, ensuring safety and respect for the river environment.

Kayaking in line with environmental guidelines

Kayaking in the Soča Valley offers a unique way to experience nature. Before heading onto the water, you must obtain the necessary permits and check information on navigation rules and safety conditions.

Swimming in designated and safe river sections

Natural bathing areas can be found along the Soča, the Nadiža and the Idrijca rivers. Be sure to check where swimming is permitted and safe.

Explore the Soča Trail with a Triglav National Park guide

The oldest hiking trail in Triglav National Park follows the emerald Soča river. You can explore it with a park guide. During the summer months, you can also visit the Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden.

Three paddleboarders move across the open sea, with a coastline and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Koper: experience the sun and sea in a sustainable way

Koper is the heart of Slovenian Istria and a town of a hundred suns. Its old town is adorned with Venetian architecture, adding to its unique appeal. The town is closely connected with its green hinterland, reflected in its cuisine and outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking. On the edge of the town lies the unique Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve. Along the coast, the destination offers sustainable experiences based on respect for the natural environment and the local way of life. Discover how you can enjoy your stay and act sustainably on the Koper coast.

Immerse yourself in seaside experiences in Koper

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Swimming in the sea at well-maintained beaches

Koper offers plenty of beaches to choose from for everyone who enjoys spending time by or in the sea. The town beach is popular with families, Žusterna Beach is well known for water sports, while the...

Exploring the sea under your own power

Combine pleasure with activity and head out onto the sea using non-motorised watercraft. Explore the coastline by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or other non-motorised craft.

Birdwatching in Škocjanski Zatok

The Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve is a unique salt marsh providing habitat for more than 260 bird species. Observe birds from the park’s viewing platforms.

Two kayaks glide along a shallow, clear river, surrounded by dense green vegetation on the banks.

Bela krajina: relaxation by Slovenia’s warmest river

Bela krajina is synonymous with a rich blend of unspoilt nature and cultural heritage. Its defining water feature is the Kolpa river, which is the warmest river in Slovenia. In summer, water temperatures rise above 20°C, making it a popular alternative to crowded coastal destinations. In the Kolpa and Lahinja Landscape Parks, visitors can experience rich biodiversity and even "hear" the silence. Let yourself drift along the river while respecting the natural environment and local surroundings.

Discover your own oasis of relaxation in Bela krajina

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Where can you swim in the Kolpa river?

Enjoy a refreshing swim at designated bathing areas along the Kolpa. The most popular spots can be found near the Podzemelj and Kolpa campsites, in Radenci ob Kolpi and Adlešiči.

Join a Robinson-style river adventure by canoe or raft

Embark on a unique wilderness experience and test your survival skills in nature. Pack a tent, essential supplies and a fishing rod, and embark on a multi-day journey along the river by canoe or raft.

Stay at well-maintained riverside campsites along the Kolpa

Stay at riverside campsites and enjoy an authentic connection with nature. Some of them proudly bear the Slovenia Green label.

Water-based activities with added value

Pair water-based experiences with discovering Bela krajina’s rich cultural heritage, cuisine and other activities such as cycling.

The coastal town of Piran with colorful houses and a church bell tower along a stone shoreline, backed by a green hill.

Piran and Portorož: sea, salt pans and a rich cultural heritage

A destination that blends the charm of the past with the vibrancy of modern life, connecting two coastal landscape parks – the Sečovlje Salt Pans and Strunjan. The enchanting historic town of Piran and the more modern seaside resort of Portorož intertwine into a shared story, where the sea and salt are the defining elements. Salt has played a vital role in shaping Piran’s history and way of life, and its presence can still be felt at every turn today. Portorož is a popular seaside resort that combines relaxation by the sea, a long-standing spa tradition and modern, sustainability-oriented experiences.

Discover salt-scented experiences in Portorož and Piran

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Sečovlje Salt Pans: salt-making tradition and an exceptional habitat

Visit the Sečovlje Salt Pans Landscape Park, where salt is still harvested by hand using centuries-old traditional methods. A distinctive feature of the salt pans is fleur de sel, highly prized in gastronomy....

Swim at Portorož’s green Central Beach

The Central Beach is the largest and most popular beach in Portorož. Despite its popularity, it maintains a strong commitment to environmental care and sustainability. It is among the Slovenian beaches...

Discover marine ecosystems with experts

Join a guided coastal walk in the company of nature conservation experts and gain a new perspective on the sea and the life it supports. Explore and actively contribute to the preservation of these valuable...

Paddle and collect

Combine leisure with purpose: whenever you paddle along the sea on a SUP, kayak, boat or inflatable raft, collect any litter you find along the way.

Green vineyards stretch along the Adriatic coast, intersected by paths and scattered houses, with a rocky shoreline at the edge.

Ankaran: a peninsula with some of the best-preserved nature on the coast

Ankaran stands out as one of the greenest parts of the Slovenian coast, where water, nature and a slower pace create a balanced experience. The coastline is less developed, with a strong emphasis on preserving natural habitats and the high quality of the marine environment. The nearby Debeli Rtič Landscape Park further enhances this setting, where sea and land form a unique ecosystem. Waterside experiences are rooted in respect for nature – from swimming in clean waters to relaxed exploration of the coastline and nature trails.

Experience Ankaran's authentic coastal landscape

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Visit the Debeli Rtič Landscape Park

Explore the unique interplay of the cliff-lined coast and the shallow sea, where a rich underwater world thrives alongside exceptional biodiversity.

Beaches for every taste

Along the Ankaran coast, you will find several well-maintained beaches where you can rent equipment for aquatic activities. You will also find beaches where you can peacefully immerse yourself in nature.

Explore the Ankaran coast on stand-up paddleboards

Paddle out to sea towards Debeli Rtič and take in the picturesque coastline from a maritime perspective.

Uncover the secrets of the Ankaran salt meadow

Join a guided walk through the salt meadow, a Natura 2000 protected site, and the unique seashell cemetery by the sea in Ankaran.

The coastal town of Izola with a marina, fishing boats, and a compact old town along the blue Adriatic Sea.

Izola: diverse beaches, a fishing tradition and a picturesque landscape

This former island has a rich fishing tradition and the sea remains closely intertwined with daily life and local identity. Numerous culinary festivals connect the coast and the hinterland, with fish, olive oil and wine taking centre stage. Less crowded than some other coastal towns, it offers a more relaxed pace and a chance to unwind. The varied beaches have something for everyone. Strunjan Landscape Park is a unique stretch of coastal landscape that you can explore from the sea or from land.

Visit and explore Izola

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Beaches for every taste

Izola offers eight distinct beaches along five kilometres of coastline. Choose your favourite from well-maintained and lively beaches, hotel beaches, beaches near the archaeological park or those set...

Izolana – House of the Sea: a journey through Izola’s maritime heritage

If you would like to learn about the relationship between the sea and the inhabitants of Izola over the centuries, step inside Izolana and explore the town’s rich fishing history.

Coastal road: a scenic route for recreation

The former coastal road between Izola and Koper is now a green oasis for active experiences. Breathe in the sea air while walking, cycling, rollerblading or enjoying other activities.

Explore Izola from a stand-up paddleboard

Explore Izola’s picturesque coastline from a stand-up paddleboard. Paddle towards Strunjan Landscape Park and admire the highest flysch cliff on the Adriatic coast.

Green water experiences in other destinations

Although water may not stand out at first glance, many green destinations still offer enjoyable waterside and water-based activities. Here are some tips.

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Kostanjevica na Krki: zen on the Krka river

Kostanjevica na Krki is Slovenia’s smallest and only inhabited island town. You can also explore it from the water on a boat ride along the Krka river.

Water adventures in the Kočevsko region

Have a swim in Lake Kočevje or in the River Kolpa. Go paddle boarding or rowing. Surrender to the wind and sail on the lake’s surface.

Radlje ob Dravi

The Radlje ob Dravi Water Park is something special, as this is the first biological pool in Slovenia. Swim among water lilies, jump from a wooden pier, or enjoy the sun on a green beach.

Ljubljana: green experiences along the Ljubljanica river

Ljubljana is one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Its lifeblood is the Ljubljanica, which you can explore from a stand-up paddleboard, electric boat or its well-maintained riverbanks.

Velenje: from mining heritage to a green oasis by the lake

Lake Velenje, a legacy of mining activity in Velenje, now thrives as the city’s unique green oasis. Velenje Beach offers a variety of experiences for every generation.

Experience our green story

Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories which show the sustainable path of Slovenia.

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Experience green Slovenia

Wherever you look in Slovenia, you will always encounter green stories. Discover hidden pearls of natural and cultural heritage. Enjoy the freshness of clear water in the shelter of nature parks. Taste local specialities and spend your free time in good company.

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Water trails in Slovenia

Take a refreshing stroll along the most beautiful water trails.

Where to go swimming in Slovenia?

Cool off at one of Slovenia’s natural bathing sites, municipal swimming pools or thermal water parks.

Slovenia’s waters

Discover the freshness and purity of Slovenia’s waters.

Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

Adrenaline water activities to try in Slovenia

Experience the refreshing and daring fun on the wild waters of Slovenian rivers.

Water activities

Vacation by rivers, lakes, in thermal spas or at the seaside.

Guided tours on rivers and lakes for the adventure you need

Discover how you can combine water experiences and relaxation in nature.

10 directions for responsible trips in the wild

Enjoy nature responsibly.

Nature parks

Discover a wealth of various plant and tree species.

@FeelSlovenia on Instagram

Discover your experience of freshness. Capture the best reflections on Slovenia’s waters. Share your photos and videos using #ifeelslovenia & #myway.

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Refreshment in green destinations: sustainable aquatic experiences

Green destinations for aquatic experiences