Slovenia holidays: Ljubljana, Bled, the Soča Valley and the coast
Alpine lakes, a capital with a car-free centre, a river so green it looks dyed and a small slice of the Adriatic. Slovenia is Europe's most manageable road trip.
Bled
Photo: Ljubomir Žarković / Unsplash
Slovenia at a glance
It is seven in the morning and Lake Bled is perfectly still. A wooden pletna boat glides out towards the little island church, and the castle hangs on its cliff above. Slovenia is about the size of Wales, so you can get from the Alps to the Adriatic in a couple of hours.
Slovenia uses the euro and is in the Schengen area. There are direct flights from London to Ljubljana, and many visitors also fly to Venice, Trieste or Zagreb and drive. For more ideas, see our Europe travel guide.
How to plan your trip
Ljubljana, the riverside capital
The centre along the Ljubljanica is car-free, with bridges by the architect Jože Plečnik, markets and terraces. Two nights are enough.
Bled and Bohinj, the Alpine lakes
Bled has the island, the castle and its famous cream cake, kremšnita. Bohinj, half an hour further in, is bigger, wilder and quieter. Read more in our Lake Bled guide.
The Soča Valley and Triglav, for nature
The Soča river is emerald green and popular for rafting and kayaking. In Kobarid is Hiša Franko, Ana Roš's restaurant, with three Michelin stars.
Piran and the coast
Slovenia's short coastline has a Venetian-style town on a headland. Piran is perfect for a final stop with fish and white wine.
Postojna and Predjama
At Postojna a train carries you into the cave, and Predjama Castle, built into a cliff face, is next door.
Slovenia
Photo: Henry Sonnet / Unsplash
When to go
May, June and September: green, warm and quieter. The best time for a road trip.
July and August: peak season at Bled and on the coast.
December to March: skiing at Kranjska Gora and a Christmas market in Ljubljana.
Good to know
A hire car gives you the most freedom. You need a vignette for the motorways.
The Vršič Pass between Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley is closed in winter.
Bled is very busy in the middle of the day in summer. Come early or stay the night.
Where to stay
Vila Bled, Tito's former summer residence on the lake, and Grand Hotel Toplice are the classics at Bled. In Ljubljana the best hotels line the river. Ten hotels we recommend, from Bled to the coast, are in our Slovenia hotel guide. Travelling on? See our Croatia guide.
Frequently asked questions about Slovenia
How long should I spend in Slovenia?
A week covers Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj, the Soča Valley and Piran.
When is the best time to visit Slovenia?
May, June and September bring good weather and fewer crowds.
Is Slovenia expensive?
Cheaper than the UK for eating out. Prices around Bled are higher in summer.
Can I combine Slovenia and Croatia?
Yes. From Ljubljana it is around two hours to Istria and two and a half to Zagreb.