Understanding the key principle for building the best itinerary in Slovenia
This article will help you to plan your stay in Slovenia quickly. For a number of reasons, which I will try to explain clearly, you should not try to create a loop, as is often done when visiting a country. In Slovenia, the best itineraries are star-shaped.
In concrete terms, you really shouldn’t hesitate to retrace your steps on your itinerary towards the capital Ljubljana.
Here are the reasons for choosing a star itinerary in Slovenia (and not a loop):
- The country is small (the size of Picardy), so you don’t lose much time retracing your steps.
- The motorways are pleasant, fast and inexpensive. They provide quick access to the country’s best attractions.
- Most of the attractions are in the west of the country, and you can keep busy for a fortnight without ever getting bored just in the west.
- Ljubljana’s relaxed lifestyle and lush greenery make it a must-see even if you don’t like ‘big cities’.
Now, for your itinerary, here’s what you need to do
- A trip to the north of the country to see the most beautiful spots in the Slovenian Alps.
- –> Take your first accommodation in Bled, around Bled or in Bohinj.
- Stay in the capital to explore and enjoy it, but also take a day trip to Velika Planina, the Postojna caves, a beautiful panoramic hike… and enjoy Ljubljana’s lively evenings on the terrace.
- -> Accommodation in Ljubljana .
- A holiday on or near the Slovenian coast.
- –> Stay in Piran.
Note : If you’ve come by plane and hired a car, you can easily reach the airport from accommodation in the mountains (Bled, Bohinj)
On the map below, I’ve indicated the main excursions you can make from each base.
The loop trip, yes, but for a two-week itinerary!
If you’re coming to Slovenia for a fortnight or less, then you can build a loop holiday, as you’ll have time to include the magnificent Soca Valley in your itinerary. Here’s how to do it.
Warning : Although it may seem attractive, don’t follow this itinerary for a week, because you’ll be running around all over the place and that’s not at all what you need to do for a great holiday in Slovenia. There is plenty to do and see in every corner of Slovenia. You don’t need to run to the four corners of the country to have a great holiday.
To build this two-week itinerary
-> Stay 3-4 nights in Bled, around Bled or in Bohinj.
–> Stay 3 nights in or near Kobarid
–> Stay 3 nights in Piran.
-> Stay 3 nights in Ljubljana.
You can start planning your trip now by spending roughly the same number of days in each place. You won’t go wrong and there’s no chance of you getting bored in any of these places or regretting your choice.