Car Hire Slovenia

Mini guide to Slovenia

This tiny Balkan country, nestled peacefully in the beautiful Julian Alps, has enjoyed increasing prosperity since divorcing itself from Yugoslavia in 1991. With excellent ski resorts, lovely summer-time resort lakes, an interesting karst region and historic settlements, it has become one of the Adriatic’s favourite destinations.

Ljubljana is the country’s only significant city, and resembles Prague with its hill top castle and fine buildings. Certainly Slavic in character but also romantic, the old town is easily explored on foot and still displays evidence of its Roman origins, but most of its grandeur dates from the Habsburg era. Several squares and bustling markets, baroque churches, colourful buildings, grand architecture and plenty of delightful cobbled streets filled with pavement cafes all add to the city’s appeal.

Lake Bled has been popular with Europeans for decades, and enjoys a postcard perfect location beneath the Alps. Cool fresh weather and excellent natural environs add to the appeal of the little resort town on its shore. Cycling around the modest sized lake or exploring the nearby Alpine villages is delightful. There is a medieval cliff top castle dramatically located beside the lake and pretty 15th century church on an island. Similarly, the land around Lake Bohinj, 30km southwest, is undeveloped and beautiful, with trails up to Mt Triglav – an important icon in Slovene folklore.

Skocjan Caves, in the east, are a famous Karst region, and a tour through this massive, bizarre underground system is intriguing.

Slovenia has only the tiniest piece of Adriatic coast, but there are two coastal towns worth visiting. Koper has a distinctly Italian atmosphere with a medieval old town. Piran is a pretty little town nearby with narrow streets and gothic architecture, with a history dating back to the ancient Greek civilization. The nicest beach along the coast is nearby at Fiesa.

Slovenia also boasts a countryside to rival Switzerland. The Soca Valley, which borders Italy, offers a fantastic day drive and was the setting of Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. the Haloze Hills and the Jeruzalem-Ljutomer districts, near Ptuj on the Croatian border are two well know wine areas that are typified by gentle rolling hills, fields of sunflowers and vineyards. Another popular destination is Rogaska Slatina, a popular old spa town in the best Eastern European tradition.

Hardly overrun by tourists, and with friendly locals, Slovenia has a laid back atmosphere and enjoyable but modest entertainment options.

Ljubljana's international airport has frequent flights to cities all over Europe. Arriving by train or road through the Alps from Austria or Italy s also popular.