Beautiful lakes are set like jewels amid splendid mountain peaks. Country roads lead to mysterious caves and medieval towns. Waterfalls send a cool cascade splashing into rock pools below and sailing craft gently rock with the waves in marinas on the Adriatic. Slovenia is small but beautifully formed, young but already inimitable.

Absorbing aspects of culture from the countries which share its borders, this compact but strategically placed country sustains a melting pot of customs, adding its own mark to Austrian, Italian and Hungarian traditions. First among these is an ethos of warm hospitality, a quality which goes hand-in-hand with the country's international outlook. Small it may be, just half the size of Switzerland, but insular it certainly isn't. An independent republic since 1991, in the few short years since then it has developed into a successful nation, while cementing ties with Western Europe and becoming a member of the European Union. The Slovene language has resonances of both Croat and Czech, but many Slovenes are multi-lingual, as comfortable with Italian or German as with their native tongue - then happily switching to English, learned as a supplementary language. While most of the population is Roman Catholic, the largest minority religion is Eastern Orthodox - another example of Slovenia's bridge of the east-west divide.

The landscape is as richly varied as the interests of its inhabitants. Slovenia has just 30 miles of coastline on the Mediterranean, enough to contain the ancient port of Piran and the French-flavour seaside town of Portoroz - from where you could sail to Trieste or to Venice. The country's interior spans a spectrum of stunning scenery, from mountain peaks blanketed with snow to densely forested foothills, golden acres of sunflowers, and thousands of species of indigenous flora and fauna - with bears and boars, deer and lynx often seen by wildlife watchers. Slovenia's landscape makes water an art form ... incorporating rushing rivers, cool streams and tumbling cascades, along with the inspirational glacial lakes, Bled and Bohinj. Adorning all this with intriguing architecture may be gilding the lily, but there is a sprinkling of fairy-tale castles and Gothic churches, medieval monasteries and Baroque palaces and clusters of red-roofed whitewashed houses nestled in the folds of the hills.

Location

In south-central Europe, Slovenia fills the gap between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Almost completely encircled by its neighbours, the country keeps a toe in the water with a short stretch of coastline sandwiched between its borders with Italy to the northwest and Croatia to the south. Austria and Hungary meet its northern and eastern boundaries respectively.

Food & Wine

In a country with a hundred speciality soups and a thousand national dishes, there's sure to be something to suit every palate and pocket. Most menus reflect the tastes and traditions of Slovenia's neighbours, so an Austrian influence brings sausage, strudel, schnitzel and sauerkraut, Italy contributes risotto and ravioli, and Hungarian goulash is as popular here as in its home country. One thing Slovenia does superbly with no outside contribution is its baked fare - fabulous breads and pastries that look as good as they taste. With many more miles of riverbank than coastline, the country's fish dishes are as likely to be trout as seafood, while pork, veal and beef are the mainstays of the meat menu. With 14 wine-growing areas and the oldest vine in the world (the 400 year old Podravje vine), Slovenia can tempt you to a feast of fine wines.

Shopping

Basketry and black pottery, crystal and lace, silver filigree and fine gold jewellery all feature among locally crafted giftware. There are local shops specialising in natural remedies too, so you could add royal jelly, herbal teas and beeswax to your personal mementoes. Award-winning wines are deservedly popular souvenirs. Despite being in the euro-zone, Slovenia still offers excellent value for money.

Entertainment

Theatres, cinemas, casinos and nightclubs provide varied nightlife in the larger towns and cities, and the capital has an opera house and a symphony orchestra. Nightspots attracting younger people are focused on the coast, but even the small towns and resorts have ample restaurants and pavement cafes for leisurely dinners andpeople-watching interludes. Several of the larger hotels also offer evening entertainment.

Getting Around

Intercity and frequent-stop train services are efficient and generally inexpensive, as are the regular local and long distance bus routes. Slovenia boasts an extensive network of very good roads, so the adventurous traveller can confidently take to the hills in a hire car for independent exploration. It is usually quicker to travel by road than by rail.

Activities

Several Slovenian rivers are superb for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and rafting, and hiking and biking are especially popular in the Kranjska Gora, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj regions, where there are hundreds of miles of marked trails. There are ten golf courses in the country, some arranging temporary membership for visitors. Horseriding is available at Lake Bohinj and those with equestrian interests can visit the Lipica stables of the world famous Lipizzaner horses, to tour the stud farm, watch faultless performances and even ride these amazing animals.


Essentials

Language Slovenian, although English is widely spoken in most hotels and restaurants.
Money The currency of Slovenia is the Euro.

Local costs Despite being in the euro-zone, Slovenia still offers very good value for money. A 3 course meal with wine will cost around Euro 22, a large beer or a glass of wine around Euro 2, tea and coffee Euro 1 and a lunchtime meal with a drink is generally under Euro 10.
The above prices are approximate and for guidance only.

Vaccinations None are compulsory.

Water Safe to drink, but it may contain different minerals to those you may be used to. Bottled water is cheap and plentiful.

Visas None required by holders of British or other EU passports, USA, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passports.
Time difference BST + 1
GMT + 2 (GMT + 1 in winter)
Electricity 240v
Flight time 2hrs - 2hrs 20mins