In a nutshell
- Even though Slovenia as a whole is still considered a hidden gem, its most famous attractions have gotten seriously popular in recent years.
- If you’ve already ticked off all the top attractions in Slovenia, or you’re looking to discover a few highlights off the beaten path, we’ve got 7 great insider tips for you right here.
- Our top pick on Slovenia’s coast is Moonlight Bay, for a charming small town we recommend Škofja Loka, and for hiking the Valley of the Seven Lakes is absolutely unmissable.
Moonlight Bay on the Coast
Slovenia’s coastline stretches only about 47 kilometers. And we have a genuine off-the-beaten-path pick for the Slovenian coast: Moonlight Bay.
It’s located between the popular towns of Izola and Piran, and the only way to get there is on foot. From the nearest bus stop (open in Google Maps) or the parking lot (open in Google Maps), it’s only about a 15–20 minute walk.
Above the bay, there’s a hiking trail with beautiful views. You can also head down to the beach. Since there isn’t much space to lay out, it can get quite crowded.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can walk all the way to Piran from Moonlight Bay — our favorite town on the Slovenian coast.
Valley of the Seven Lakes
The Valley of the Seven Lakes is one of the best hidden gems in Slovenia for hiking enthusiasts. It stretches from Lake Bohinj near Bled all the way to Trenta, south of Kranjska Gora.
Since you can only get there on foot, the valley is never overcrowded — you’ll have those stunning mountain lakes almost entirely to yourself.
Plan this hike for summer, as snow can linger on the ground from October through May. Find out more in our tips on the best time to visit Slovenia.
If you want to hike the entire valley, a multi-day trek is your best bet — there are mountain huts where you can spend the night. From Lake Bohinj, you also have plenty of options for day hikes.
Also check out our tips for cool activities in Slovenia
Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is a charming, medieval town halfway between Ljubljana and Bled — it’s the perfect stop on your Slovenia road trip.
Several rivers flow through Škofja Loka, and the historic center is lined with beautiful old buildings. The best way to enjoy it is to simply wander through the alleyways and stroll across the bridges.
If you’d like to spend more time outdoors, we recommend the Krancelj hiking area, which borders Škofja Loka directly and offers plenty of easy trails.
You can also take a day trip to Škofja Loka from Ljubljana. Check out our tips on where to stay in Ljubljana and our guide to boutique hotels in Ljubljana.
Nova Gorica
Nova Gorica is a small town on the border with Italy and the gateway to the Soča Valley. We stopped here on our way from Koper to Bovec.
The standout is the Soča River, with its historic bridges and a whitewater kayaking course. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch athletes battling through the rapids.
We hardly ran into any tourists, but the scenery seriously blew us away! And here’s a bonus secret: the town center of Gorizia (the Italian side of the city) is absolutely worth a visit too.
Kubed Campground
Looking for a secret place to go camping in Slovenia? We really loved the campground in Kubed: Osmica Jakomin. Kubed is about 13 kilometers from the coastal city of Koper, set in the middle of a wine-growing region.
Because the campground sits up in the hills, you get fantastic views — especially gorgeous at sunset.
It’s a small campground, which gives it a wonderfully personal feel. The restrooms are clean, there’s a kitchen, and a small café where you can pick up local products.
We booked our spot by phone a few days in advance. You can also find the campground on Booking.com. For more advice on getting around, check out our travel tips for Slovenia.
Celje Castle
Celje is located between Ljubljana and Maribor and is a pretty unconventional destination for a city break in Slovenia. But the castle looming over the city makes it totally worth the detour.
Admission costs 7 euros, parking is free, and you can stroll among the castle walls — which are remarkably well preserved — without the usual tourist crowds.
The castle dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, and today it offers a wonderful panorama over Celje. There’s also a lovely café within the castle complex. One of the best hidden gems in Slovenia!
Klingenfels Castle
Despite the name, Klingenfels Castle isn’t quite what you’d expect — instead of a fortress, you’ll find a thermal pool fed by a stream. There’s not much left of the actual castle structure.
Entry to the natural spring is free, and the water sits at a pleasant temperature of around 68–77°F (20–25°C). You can also cool off in the cold stream right alongside it.
While Klingenfels Castle is still largely unknown to tourists, it’s a genuine hit with locals. That’s why you should try to visit on a weekday or early in the morning if possible.
