Visiting Slovenia: 10 places to see in Slovenia.

Slovenia is a scenic country with a fantastic position in the heart of Europe. The nation is surrounded by the Eastern Alps, the Adriatic Sea, the Balkans, Italy, Croatia and Hungary, making it very accessible. Planning a trip to Slovenia is an opportunity to see a variety of destinations including vibrant cities, charming villages, snow-capped mountains and picturesque beaches. On your next holiday in Slovenia, keep these 10 places to visit in mind.

10Maribor

After Ljubljana, Maribor is the largest city in Slovenia. It lies near the Austrian border and is built along the banks of the Drava river. Maribor is known for its wine industry surrounding the city and for its endless outdoor recreational opportunities. In Maribor, you can see the Stara trta, or the oldest vine in the world, which dates back more than 450 years. Take the wine tour with a guided visit to the famous Old Vine House and the huge Vinag Wine Cellar. Don't miss Maribor's main squares, including Slomškov Square, the main square and the castle square, which offer plenty of charm and historic architecture.

9Koper Capodistria

As one of Slovenia's oldest coastal cities and an important port, Capodistria is an integral part of the country's infrastructure. This is yet another coastal place that was once part of the Venetian Empire, and was formerly called Caprea. Later, it became part of Yugoslavia. Today, Capodistria is a lesser-known destination that still offers numerous fun attractions. You can visit Tito Square, the heart of the city, explore the renovated Praetorian Palace or climb the bell tower for a spectacular view of the city below. There is a public beach accessible from the Capodistria marina, ideal for swimming or simply enjoying a moment in the sun.

8Kranjska Gora

Popular with winter sports enthusiasts is the destination of Kranjska Gora, located in north-western Slovenia. During winter, Kranjska Gora is busy with visitors skiing and snowboarding at the Vitranc resort, taking advantage of the frequent snowfall and steep trails. Summer is just as attractive, however, thanks to the demanding hikes and the chance to rent mountain bikes in the area. Even if you don't like outdoor sports, Kranjska Gora is a scenic place to relax, unwind in luxury hotels and dine in world-class restaurants that attract travellers from all over the world.

7Celje

One of the oldest cities in all of Slovenia is Celje, a small town perched on the banks of the Savinja river. The town's biggest attraction is the enormous castle, which was erected in the 14th century and now looks down over the town from its hillside position. The best way to spend a day in Celje is to wander through the historic centre of Old Celje, where the buildings date back to the Middle Ages, and stroll along cobbled streets, dine in traditional restaurants and admire the traditional architecture throughout the town.

6Ptuj

On the banks of the Drava river lies the town of Ptuj, a destination in eastern Slovenia with an impressive collection of historic architecture. Ptuj is considered one of the oldest towns in the nation, and has been important in local culture since the Stone Age. Today, some of the biggest attractions include the Orpheus Monument dating back to Roman times, the collection of art and artefacts in Ptuj Grad, or the castle, the town hall that was built in 1907 and the 13th-century Dominican monastery that now houses the town's largest museum. Also in Ptuj are thermal springs ideal for relaxation and the annual carnival event called Kurentovanje.

5Piran

On the tip of south-western Slovenia, and on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Piran is the landmark. The destination is reminiscent of Italy, since it was part of the Venetian Empire for more than five centuries. Piran is a small town, but it is distinctive, historic and scenic. History lovers might want to explore monuments such as the main square called Tartinijev trg, the town's oldest building called the Venetian House and the Church of St George. You can also walk right along the top of the town walls or jump into the sea from one of the piers for a refreshing swim in the Adriatic.

4Postojna (Postumia)

Postojna is a relatively small town in south-western Slovenia, but it is an unmissable destination for travellers drawn to unique attractions and natural landscapes. Postojna is known for its vast cave system, which boasts 20 km of chambers, corridors and galleries, some of which have ceilings almost 50 metres high. There is also a train tour that takes you through the cave system, and then you can walk through some of the most interesting sections of the underground environment. North of Postumia there is a medieval castle built into the side of a cave, creating a spectacular setting.

3Triglav National Park

If you want to get out into the open air and explore some of the fantastic natural landscapes in Slovenia, Triglav National Park is the ideal place to visit. Most of the park consists of the Julian Alps, with regional highlights including the peak of Mount Triglav and the calm waters of Lake Bohinj. For a spectacular view, you can try hiking up Mount Triglav, or you can take the easier route and drive up on the Vogel Cable Car Ride. The adventurous traveller can also cross the Vintgar gorge on a 19th-century wooden walkway or climb a steep staircase to see the rushing waters of the Savica waterfall. Rafting on the Soca river is also a very popular activity.

2Lake Bled

As a starting point for Triglav National Park sits Lake Bled, a picturesque body of water surrounded by the Julian Alps. The emerald-green lake is not large, and it is possible to walk its perimeter in a single afternoon. What makes the destination so attractive is the small island in the middle of the lake, which houses a 17th-century church. You might also want to go horseback riding on the shores of the lake, rent a rowing boat to explore the water or climb for 15 minutes to reach Bled Castle, which dates back to the 17th century and boasts a magnificent view over the lake below.

1Ljubljana

One of the best places to visit in Slovenia is its capital, Ljubljana. Although Ljubljana is much smaller than most European capitals, it has a unique charm that is well worth a visit. One of the city's main attractions is Tromostovje, also known as the Triple Bridge, where three picturesque bridges cross the river side by side. You can also visit castles and medieval squares in the old town, see the Roman city walls or relax in the famous Tivoli park. As a capital, Ljubljana is also home to fantastic art and architecture museums, an impressive zoo, the Slovenian Philharmonic and the Slovenian National Theatre.