The small country of Slovenia is an attraction. Slovenia, which covers more than 20273 km2 and is located in Central Europe, between Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy, has been a tourist magnet. It can be easily reached by all modes of transportation. Slovenian holidaymakers can reach the Alps in just a few hours. They also have the opportunity to relax at modern thermal spas and enjoy lively cities like Maribor and Ljubljana. Other highlights include the unique cave systems at Postojna or Skocjan that are unrivalled in the world and the cuisine which combines many European influences in the best way possible.
Extensive information can be found on http://www.slovenia.info but here are a few of current highlights:
The Julian Alps – on the Sunny Side of the Mountains
Slovenia is surrounded by the Julian Alps, the northernmost part of Europe’s mountains. The unique area is perfect for active sports and nature-lovers, including those who love to bike, ski, go mountain biking, kayaking, and fish. Its 84,000-hectares are renowned for its wild plant and animal habitat, as well as its towering peaks and thundering falls. Because of its superb labelled trails, it is one of Europe’s oldest protected areas. Aqua enthusiasts are attracted by the clear lakes of Bled, Bohinj and Soca River. Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations. It dates back to 19th century.
Magnificent hotels, magnificent villas and the towering castle dominate the view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding area, including the typical church island at the center. It offers guests top cultural events year-round, in addition to a large selection of sport facilities like walking, mountain biking or tennis.
Ski Centers For Everyone
More and more attention is being paid to winter sports venues. Slovenian ski centers in the Pohorje and Alps stand out because of their excellent snow safety, fair pricing and suitability for families. Kranjska Gora is Slovenia´s most famous ski centre – currently ready for the annual world cup racing on March 3rd and 4th, 2007. You can enjoy 30kms of easy ski-runs with moderate difficulty, most of which are family friendly. There is also 18 ski lifts. There are many places where guests from winter can enjoy the Slovenian hospitality, including studio apartments and modern hotels. Bohinj, situated at 1 800 meters above sea level, has ski runs of medium to difficult difficulty.
The Alps are just one side. There is a ski area for families with 21 lifts. This resort can be found in Pohorje (near Maribor). It is located at 1,350m above the sea level and boasts a strong international reputation. Every year, women compete in the World Cup Women’s Racing. Each day, 50 km of ski-runs covering an area of 220 ha are available for skiers. A skiing school, a skiing school for nursery children, a rental company for ski equipment and a five kilometres long ski-run with floodlights for night time skiing are at the guests´ disposal. There are many hotels around the area and town that provide first-class comfort. Some have spas to help you relax after a day of skiing. Rogla, a secret tip for skiers and families, is located at Pohorje Mountain’s southern slope.
The Adriatic Coast’s Slovenian Riviera
It is located between Croatian and Italian borders, at 46 kilometers long. The new motorway makes it easy to reach, as the Adriatic coast is close to Central Europe. There are many top European destinations that can compare to the standard and quality of hotels and other tourist infrastructures. Portoroz offers a unique combination of chic ambience, entertainment, and traditional beach style on your vacation. The spa and bathing resort has all the entertainment that discerning guests could desire. It was popularized during the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy. You can enjoy a traditional beach lifestyle on the sandy beaches of the nice bathing areas during the day. One strolls along the promenade, enjoys a cappuccino in a beach café and watches the colourful hustle and bustle. Shopping is easy with the many boutiques and sales stands.
Portoroz’s special charm shines in the evening. It is all possible. There are many options for entertainment, such as a casino visit or a dinner at a nice restaurant. You will find many top 5 and 4 star hotels along the coast with a friendly atmosphere and plenty of entertainment options. There is also a Thallasso Centre and numerous wellness options. You will find it quieter at the small bays and places along the Slovenian coastline. The small, medieval fishing villages of Piran and Izola will appeal to romantics and culture-lovers. Strunjan’s bay is known for its silence. Because of its ancient salt pans, the bay of Strunjan is set in a rich Mediterranean environment with pleasant-smelling cedars & pines. Strunjan’s modern therapy center by the ocean is a great choice not only for relaxing but also for healing and well-being.
The salt pans at Socovlje are a particularly fascinating place. They can be found on the coast to the south of Portoroz. Since 2003, these fields have been used for salt production. They are a protected nature area that houses over 200 species of rare and endangered birds.
The importance of this treasure is celebrated at traditional public festivals that take place between April and August.
Postojna, Skocjan – Magic Worlds Below the Earth
Hidden beneath the ground, there are world-class attractions that can be found in this area. It extends from the coast. Postojna is a well-known tourist attraction that has been around for over 800 years. This cave system is approximately 20 km long and has been visited by more than 30,000,000 tourists. The 5.2kms are available for tourist use, while 3.5 kms can be easily accessed on an electric train. It can accommodate 10,000 people and hosts concerts as well as other events. Even repeat visitors find it impressive. Another highlight in the Karst Landscape is Skocjan Caves. Due to its uniqueness, UNESCO added it to the world’s natural inheritance sites.
These walls are approximately 100 metres tall. Secretive canyons are inhabited by underground rivers, which can be crossed with bridges. The Skocjanske Caves National Park offers a range of museums, unusual plants and other historical attractions for interested tourists. A world-famous attraction can be found near Lipica. In modern times, the elegance and grace of this horse stud farm was unchanged from its 1580 founding by the Habsburgs. Horse enthusiasts have the option to take lessons for beginners and advanced riders in a traditional karst landscape with pleasant-smelling woods full of oaks, limes, and grovebeeches. Less active people can still enjoy demonstrations of riding and learn about the history of the stud farm.
For a relaxing holiday, consider modern spas
Slovenia boasts 87 hot springs, and fifteen very modern thermal springs that offer both traditional and contemporary health remedies. There are many options for visitors, including luxurious hotels and therapy centers as well as 38,000 sq metres of water. Everything is possible, from a traditional health treatment to relaxing holidays. Popular are many alternative medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Depending on the tourist´s personal preference and taste, Slovenia can offer both spas with an international reputation and rich tradition or relatively unknown new thermal centres. Many spas are available for couples and families, as well for those looking for quiet relaxation. Rogaska’s, Radenci’s and Dolenjske Toplice spas have a rich history and offer unique health programs in relaxing natural settings. Catez, which boasts 12,000 sqm of water, is one of the largest spas in Europe. It offers entertainment and family fun for all ages.
This sauna park, which is one of Europe’s largest of its kind, features a range of saunas. These include salt- or crystal saunas with negative Ions to Aquaviva saunas with sound and colour effects. Fun and relaxation can also be found at the Olimia Thermal Spa, which has two water slides as well as a variety of animations. The Moravske Toplice Spa is a top-of-the-line hotel establishment since its opening. It has 122 luxury rooms and 221 beds. 95 more couches are available. There are also 28 senior and junior suites. LcD TV sets, Internet access. Each room has a bath that is both traditional and a bath. All the rooms are equipped with a blackwater thermal bath – which contains the Moravske Toplice’s healing waters. The Moravske Toplice spa opened its new beauty and relaxation center, Thermalium, two years ago. It offers its clients a 3500 square metre total of different programmes that conform to the most recent European standards. Unique “black”Thermal mineral water has a remarkable healing power. It supports traditional and alternate therapies to treat rheumatism and diseases of the skin and respiratory tract. Portoroz, Strunjan are able to combine wellness and health holidays with holiday by the ocean.
Ljubljana, Slovenia´s Charming Capital
Ljubljana is Slovenia´s metropolis, but at the same time it is an easily comprehensible town worth living in, with numerous cultural attractions, shopping and the flair of a lively restaurant and entertainment scene. Ljubljana has seen a steady increase in foreign tourist interest, with a growth rate of over 10 percent this year compared to the previous. Its centre is enriched by the beauty of its Art Nouveau buildings and Baroque architecture. Slovenia´s famous architect Joze Plecnik has left his stamp on numerous buildings for the future generations. This family has a long history of more than 50 year. “Ljubljana summer festival”This is the largest cultural event in Slovenia. The capital of Slovenia is filled with opera and dance for seven weeks during July and August. Many artists, both from Slovenia and around the world, perform on stage. Ljubljana is a great shopping destination. There are many shops and boutiques in the charming streets of old town, as well as new shopping centers that cater to all tastes. You will find a wide range of restaurants and cafes that offer refreshing refreshments after shopping. If you want to see the clothes that they have just bought in person, then the city’s vibrant nightlife will make your trip worth it.
Delicious Culinary Experiences for Connoisseurs
Slovenia offers a wealth of culinary delights for gourmets. Slovenian food has taken the top spots in the Slavonic and Austrian cooking pots. It produces many unique delicacies. Many first-class restaurants offer excellent wines, and the number is increasing every day. In order to meet the expectations of gourmet tourists who are becoming more demanding, the quality of accommodations and other gastronomic services is constantly improving. Slovenia is considered an “insider’s tip” by trend setting chefs and culinary connoisseurs. For them, it might be the Styrian soup sour cream or ricet (barley soup) that is the real star. The common history of our neighbours to the North and West is reflected in many types of strudel, such as goulash variants or gnocchi. The air-dried Teran wine, Prasut, olives, and karst ham will make even experienced chefs clamor. For culinary delights, the wine routes which run throughout the country offer a wealth of opportunities. You will feel the Mediterranean vibe from the Brda, Vipava and Karst wine roads. The Jeruzalem or Ormoz wine route is also well-known outside of Slovenia. Those who are curious can explore the cellars and cooking pots of the lesser-known wine routes between Novo Mesto, Krsko and Bela Krajina.
The Euro, The New Method of Payment Since 1 January 2007. – Also the EU Presidency for 2008
It is now easier than ever to visit Slovenia as the euro has become the legal currency. Slovenia, as the country that joined the European Union in 2007, was able to meet all requirements for economic stability and political stability. This eliminated annoying currency change issues for tourists, and prices can be easily compared for holidaymakers. There is no reason to be concerned that the new currency will cause a strong price increase. Comparisons with Slovenia´s direct neighbouring countries on the Adriatic Sea illustrate the great restraint in prices for hotels and other services.
Slovenia will assume the presidency of European Union on January 1, 2008, and will therefore be at the forefront of international politics. Numerous meetings between European leaders will take place in Slovenia for six months. These events will draw many visitors and media personnel to the country.
More on Slovenia on its official travel portal http://www.slovenia.info