Travel in city Ljubljana

In the final part of our four seasons in Slovenia series, we meet the orange winemakers of the Goriška region, and discover why autumn is one of the best times to visit the country. Eleanor Aldridge went to find out more.

Slovenia is small and it’s possible to cross the country by car, bus or train within the course of a day.

Slovenia is an all-year destination. Every season has its appeal, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and priorities.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a country that packs so much to see and do in such a compact area.

For proof that good things come in small packages, one need only visit Slovenia. In an area half the size of Switzerland, this Central European country packs in breathtaking mountain scenery, lively coastal resorts, fashionable cities, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and charming, isolated villages.

I’ve been writing about Slovenia for Lonely Planet now for more than a decade.

Driving through the Tuscan hills, the sun beginning its slow descent in the hazy, glowing heat on an August evening was one of the most exquisite experiences I have ever had. Travelling slowly along small, winding roads near Siena in our old Polo, we settled in to the rhythm the locals live by. The peaceful embrace of the Tuscan way of life was felt at every turn, with every smile we saw and every vineyard we gazed across. The cypress trees lining other, yet-to-be-discovered roads in the distance added to our awe at our surroundings.Lotta

Without question, you can spend plenty of money in Slovenia. In every corner of the country, there are enough high-end resorts, wellness centers, hotels, vineyards and restaurants to make any five-star visitor feel at home. But it's also an ideal destination for budget travelers.

The new routes will be operated by Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

The largest range of novelties for summer flights from Riga is offered by the national airline airBaltic.

New records of the Serbian national airline.

Winding through Slovenia’s Julian Alps, it’s easy to miss the signs to the Vogel ski centre and carry on driving. The cable car and car park are concealed deep in woods above beautiful Lake Bohinj – a deliberate policy to keep the landscape free from tourist clutter and visible ski infrastructure. The result is one of the most natural skiing areas in Europe.

A museum store – but not as you know it... The minute you spot the enormous mirrored ark that is Rotterdam’s Depot, you know you’re in for something extraordinary. Open to the public, its Escher-like staircases are designed to encourage visitors to get lost; to discover objects from below, from above, to look at the backs of pictures. Tours (you get to wear a white coat for this bit) give visitors insight into the storage of objects and the complex process of a museum loan. And when you are full of wonder, you can fill up on delicious teas and food at the rooftop restaurant, enjoying city views from the roof garden. Tickets are €20.Lydia Thornley

The most festive time of year is now and with just under two weeks left before the end of 2023, time is running out to explore some of the world's very best Christmas markets.

Each year, Ljubljana's LUV Fest celebrates love in all its guises — whether it's romantic affection, the love between good friends, a passion for the arts, an appreciation for great food or the deep connection many have with nature. The festival also celebrates the beauty of Ljubljana itself — the Slovenian capital with no shortage of charm.

Despite sharing a border, Italy and Slovenia are not connected by a direct train. That could be about to change.

As every skier knows, there is something more fearsome than even the iciest cliff face: the cost of a ski trip.

If you're in search of an under-the-radar European getaway – one that will surprise and delight while inciting major FOMO in others – consider Slovenia for your next trip.

Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills, Ljubljana is often described as one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Ljubljana's small size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it a city that's easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. No cars are allowed in the center of town after 10 am every day. There’s plenty to do in town and its central location allows for lovely day trips to nearby lakes and national parks. No trip to Slovenia would be complete without a visit to the picturesque Lake Bled, the former summer playground of the infamous dictator Tito. Today, it’s a popular vacation spot for Slovenians and tourists, less than an hour from Ljubljana.

A new study commissioned by hotel chain Premier Inn has revealed the “most beautiful” cities to visit in the fall. The study used eye-tracking technology to record the average length of time the participants spent looking at the image of each destination to find which cities around the world were considered the most eye-catching during the autumn months.

The 14th edition of Ljubljana Fashion Week in the stunning new creative hub, Center Rog, a former bicycle factory, was a brilliant showcase of 30 Eastern European (mostly Slovenian) established and emerging designers, including some interesting collaborations and comebacks. Open to the public, LJFW is an independent fashion platform, headed by the super energetic Melinda Rebrek who says “in addition to having a focus on sustainability, Ljubljana Fashion Week embraces all forms of creativity with joy and pride, showing a diverse range of aesthetics and trends, from avant-garde couture to streetwear chic.” Here is a selection of some of the most interesting brands on this year’s catwalk, in Slovenia’s charming capital.

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