Slovenia

The Soca Valley

Europe's premier water sports river is not just full of gushing rapids and people in life vests, although there is plenty of that.

Skiing and Mountains

Just outside Bovec is Slovenia's highest ski resort at Kanin which offers some superb off piste as well as a host of blue and red runs. Plans are already afoot to link it to the Italian resort on the other side of the mountain turning it into a sizeable resort. In the summer the downhill skiing gives way to downhill mountain bikers as they tear down the forest trails and around the terrain park.

The Soča River

Down in the valley, springtime brings snow melt which means white water rapids much faster and bigger than the rest of the year. Endless water sports are available from April right through until late Autumn offering the opportunity to raft, kayak or hydrospeed through the emerald valley. The water is so packed with nutrients that, in deeper sections, with the blue sky behind it the colour has to be seen to be believed. Fishermen flock here too, drawn by the elusive and extremely rare Marble Trout. Thought to have originated here, the Soča is still the best place to catch them, or at least brag about the ones you almost caught.

Towns

Bovec offers a host of bars and rowdier hangouts for those who prefer a shindig to a natter, while Tolmin and Kobarid offer street-side cafes and restaurants if you'd rather have some peace. The guest book in the Retreat has an ever increasing list of recommended eateries to enjoy.