Slovenia

Europe's hidden gem

Perhaps the most amazing thing about Slovenia is how unknown it still is. A combination of tight lipped refusal by those who have been and don't want it to change, coupled with a lack of advertising budget has meant that it isn't even on most people's holiday radar.

History

It's difficult to express how little relationship modern Slovenia has to any preconceptions many people have about Eastern Europe. After a relatively bloodless war that lasted only ten days, the most prosperous and liberal region of the former Yugoslavia officially became Slovenia in 1991. It now has the most successful economy of all the countries to join the EU in 2004. Unscathed by conflict, the stunning architecture of Ljubljana and the spectacular scenery across the rest of the country remains very much as it was under the control of neighbouring Vienna during the illustrious days of the Hapsburg empire. Still not convinced? Have a look at the
Common Misconceptions page.

Regions

For a country the size of Wales the range of things to do and see is remarkable. The country's four distinct geographical areas mean that you can hike up the glorious Julian Alps, swim in the Mediterranean, travel through Europe's largest cave network, watch a Lipizzaner riding display and do a tasting tour around the vineyards of the North East all in the same week.

And that's just for starters.

Visit Ljubljana for a truly delightful and little known European capital, kayak down the most exciting white water river in the continent or just slope off to the nearest restaurant to sample the local cuisine, half Italian, half Austrian but completely different to both. Whatever your passion, Slovenia has it in spades.