I’ve lived in Slovenia for 15 years, and these are the places I keep going back to. Not just because they’re beautiful—but because they feel special, every single time.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these 9 spots belong on your list.
And don’t miss the video at the end—it captures the quiet magic of Slovenia better than words ever could.
Lake Bohinj, an unspoilt Alpine paradise
Lake Bohinj is surrounded by high mountains and feels far from everything. From the lake, you can hike for a few hours—or a few days—into Triglav National Park. In winter, you can ski at Vogel, just above the lake, and get one of the best views in the country.
Good to know: Many travellers end up preferring Bohinj to Lake Bled — it’s quieter, less developed, and closer to nature.
The coastal village of Piran and its dolce vita
Piran is the prettiest village on the Slovenian coast. After a dip in the Adriatic, you can relax on the terraces of the bars and restaurants in this small fishing port. Try fried calamari, Italian coffee for €1.80 or a large ice cream for €3. Wander the narrow streets of Piran in your flip-flops, and before you know it, the whole day has slipped by. Tourists often leave Piran with only one desire: to return the next day to spend the same day there.
Worth knowing: Summer evenings in Piran are magical and the sunsets are often magnificent .
Preseren Square, the heart of Ljubljana
Three Bridges Square is the heart of Ljubljana. It’s also where Slovenians meet up. I like to sit for a few minutes on the pedestal of the large statue of Preseren to feel the slow, soothing rhythm of the Slovenian capital (try it yourself when you’re there). Ljubljana’s city centre is car-free. The hum of traffic has been replaced by the sound of the river and the melodies of small acoustic concerts in the evenings. In spring and summer, you can listen to them almost every evening.
June is the busiest month on the streets of Ljubljana. There are also dozens of incredibly pleasant terraces along the Ljubljanica river. In my opinion, Ljubljana is one of the three most liveable capitals in Europe.
Velika Planina, the most beautiful hike in the Julian Alps
To discover the magnificent Velika Planina plateau, start by climbing up an old cable car dating from the Communist era. At the top of the gondola, take a chairlift to the top of the hill. A staggering 140 pastoral huts appear! Meadows, shepherds, cows tinkling their bells… Velika Planina is an Alpine paradise — as beautiful as any mountain pasture you’ll find in Switzerland.
It’s my favourite walk in the whole of Slovenia and the Julian Alps. You must go there during your stay.
Vintgar Gorge, 2 km of crystal-clear water
The Vintgar Gorge is just a few kilometres from the magnificent Lake Bled. A tumultuous emerald-green river runs through it. The Vintgar Gorge is a must-see. In fine weather, the crystal-clear water will seduce even the most jaded of visitors. You can walk for almost 3 kilometres on small wooden footbridges.
Tip: Come as soon as it opens to enjoy the play of light as the sun streams into the gorges and, above all, to be alone with the gorges. Those who want to discover the secret gorges should visit the Pokljuka gorges, which are also very close to Lake Bled.
Lake Bled, Slovenia’s picture postcard
Lake Bled is Slovenia’s postcard. A place to spend a bucolic day or a week’s holiday. I’ve devoted two articles to it, which I wrote while spending seven days there, the first on the best activities and the second on the secret spots around the lake. Use them to enjoy a wonderful stay around Lake Bled.
The fabulous Skocjan caves.
I love these caves, which are unique in Europe. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a unique experience right next to the road linking Ljubljana to the Adriatic. It begins like a classic cave tour with stalactites and stalagmites — then suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of an enormous underground canyon. It’s one of the most incredible experiences Slovenia has to offer, as well as being a great place to stay.
The two fabulous Pericnik waterfalls
It took me a while to find these extraordinary waterfalls because they are well hidden in the Triglav National Park. The experience there is one of breathtaking beauty. What’s more, you can walk behind the two waterfalls. It’s great fun and a bit wet. I spent several days exploring this beautiful valley at the foot of Slovenia’s highest mountain(Triglav) and put together a programme for a great day out.
These waterfalls are not far from Lake Bled and you can combine these two visits.
The immense caves of Postojna
These caves are vast and beautiful — their only drawback is their popularity. When you arrive at the caves, you see a large car park, tourist shops and crowds… To put it mildly, we’ve arrived at Postojnaland, but everything is very well organised and the visit to the caves is extraordinary.
and the tour? It begins with an underground train ride through fabulous rooms at top speed, before exploring them on foot in a magical journey. The lighting in the caves is particularly well done.
In short, apart from the rather high entrance fee and the fact that crowds are not really a problem, these caves are a must-see on any trip to Slovenia.
The wooden village of Zajamniki
An incredible longmountain village on the Pokljuka plateau, where you can go for some great hikes and even stay overnight. There are very few tourists here, so if you want to get off the beaten track, this is the place to go. You can also reach it by taking the magnificent route des alpages.
The incredible diversity of Slovenian landscapes on video
To get an idea of the incredible diversity of landscapes in Slovenia and plan your visits, watch this splendid video. All these landscapes can be found in a Slovenian territory no bigger than Picardy.
Slovenia remains almost unknown in France. If you don’t want to hear“What, you’re going on holiday to Slovenia? But what are you going to do there, it’s a grey Eastern country?”, you could share this article on your Facebook page.
Vivek
Thanks a lot for all your lovely blogs and the wealth of information. This has really helped me to finalize my trip.
We (couple) are coming on Sep 02, 2025 and planning to stay for 3 days. Based on the your blogs and advise, this is what I have finalized and wanted to your views on two points –
1) Should we rent a car on first 2 days to save time and see off track places you have mentioned in your blog
2) Should we stay at Bled and Bohinj for 1 noght each or plan to stay at Ljubljana and travel every day?
Here is the plan –
1. Arrive on 02 Sep morning to LJU airport – visit Bled and Vintgar Gorge
2. 03 Sep (Wed) – Lake Bohinj, Vogle Cable Car and Skocjan caves
3. 04 Sep – From Ljubljana, take return bus to Venice, Spend evening
4. Train from Ljubljana to Innsbruck ( We hear it is beautiful)
Not sure if we would be able to visit Velika Planina? or Should we cancel Venice trip and extend stay by 1 day in Ljubljana
Let me know your views as we are open to change the plan between 2-5 Sep.
adminflorent
Hi Vivek,
Thanks so much for your kind words—I’m really glad the blog helped you plan your trip!
To be honest, I think you’re trying to do a bit too much in just three days. Venice is incredible—maybe even the most beautiful city in Europe—but visiting it as a day trip from Ljubljana will be extremely tiring. You’ll spend hours on the road (or on the bus), and it won’t leave you enough time to really enjoy either Venice or Slovenia. I’d suggest saving Venice for a separate trip of at least 2–3 days. It deserves it!
Instead, you could use that day to explore something more peaceful and unique to Slovenia, like Velika Planina, which is stunning in September. Or, simply enjoy a slower pace around Bohinj or Ljubljana—especially since travel can be tiring.
If your flight lands early on Sept 2, your Day 1 plan—**Bled + Vintgar Gorge**—works well. You could add Bohinj. You’ll definitely save time and enjoy more flexibility if you **rent a car.
About where to stay: **spending one or two nights in Bled or Bohinj would be ideal (d’on’t do both).
In short:
– Yes to the car
– Keep Venice for another time
– Consider Velika Planina or just a more relaxed itinerary instead
Let me know if you want a revised 3-day plan—I’d be happy to help!
Brian
Thanks so much for the great info! My wife and I are visiting in mid-october 2025 and are planning on staying 3 to 5 days (part of an East coast Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia trip). You have convinced me to rent a car for part of our visit as well has stay a day or 2 at Lake Bohinj and probably 2 or 3 days in Ljubljana. Do you have a car rental company in Ljubljana that you would recommend?
Thanks again!
adminflorent
Hello Brian, You’re very welcome! For renting a car in Ljubljana, I recommend Avant Car. They have good prices, a modern fleet, and offices both in the city center and at the airport. I’ve used them myself a lot of times and had a smooth experience. They’re a reliable local company and a great alternative to the big international brands.
Vivek
Thanks a lot. I have gone with your advice and dropped Venice for some other time.
I have rented a car. Was looking for your blog but could not find it 🙁 Booked it through Discover.
Staying in Lake Bled area for 2 days and then 1 day in Ljubljana City.
Thanks a lot. and I think I will come back again for sure.
Once again thanks for your time and efforts. I am going to tell al my friends to look for your blog when planning Slovenia trip.
adminflo
That sounds like a fantastic plan — and great choice to leave Venice for another trip, you’ll enjoy Slovenia more that way!
Discover is a very good option for car rentals — they often have great prices and a clear booking process.
Thank you so much for your kind words — it really means a lot. Wishing you both an amazing trip, and I’ll be very happy to help again !
Vivek
Here is my Revised 3 day plan. Please share your expert comments and I will be happy to make changes
Day 1 – Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge, Bohinj .
Day 2- Skocjan Caves
Day 3 – Ljubljana City
From your blog, I have thought about Pericnik Waterfalls, Piran. Not sure if I do add them on day 2 or 3? Also we love to drive and would prefer long scenic drive so no sure if their is any special drive which we are missing.
Thanking you in advance.
Also, thanks a lot for the parking trips. Those were great.
adminflorent
Hello Vivek, Your plan looks great! Just a few quick tips:
Day 1 is full — start early to enjoy Bled, Vintgar, and Bohinj without rushing.
Day 2: Visit Škocjan Caves, then drive to Piran and spend the evening there — it’s scenic and worth it.
Day 3: Keep it for Ljubljana as planned.
Brian
Great, Avant it is! Thanks much!
Brian 😊👍