Lakes, Mountains & Coastal Magic In One Unforgettable Trip
We have just returned from the most wonderful family adventure in Slovenia, a country that manages to be serene, dramatic and endlessly fun all at once. With a flight time from the UK of under two hours, it feels incredibly accessible and would work just as well for a shorter break as it does for a longer holiday. With a hire car and a curious spirit, I stitched together three very different bases: storybook Lake Bled, the Adriatic coast at Portorož, and the charming capital, Ljubljana.
At the car hire desk we were asked whether we would be crossing any borders and, as we were planning to stay within Slovenia, we said no. It meant avoiding some of the faster routes that briefly dip into neighbouring countries, but in practice it just encouraged us to take scenic roads through mountains and valleys. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.
We began with six nights at the Park Hotel in Lake Bled. After a gentle walk around the lake to get our bearings, Bled quickly became our playground. We chose to hire a rowing boat across to the island rather than take one of the traditional pletna boats, which felt much more us with two teenagers (18 and 15). My youngest quickly claimed the oars and did all the rowing, as she was easily the best at it, and the rest of us happily enjoyed the ride. We rang the wishing bell in the little church and each made a quiet wish, then drifted back to afternoons of swimming and lazing by the lakeshore.
From Bled we explored some of the Julian Alps’ most beautiful spots: the jade-green waters and wooden walkways of Vintgar Gorge, the emerald pool at Zelenci Nature Reserve, and Jasna Lake near the pretty alpine town of Kranjska Gora, where we could not resist another mountain-framed swim. One of our biggest adventures was white water rafting near Bovec. The combination of laughter, splashes and alpine scenery was unforgettable, especially when our guides wedged the raft against a high rock, flipped it into a slide and we all took turns plunging into the icy water. I was nervous at first, but I did it and was so glad I did: that mix of fear, laughter and exhilaration summed up the trip perfectly.
We also loved seeing the lakes from above. The Vogel cable car lifted us high over Lake Bohinj to meadows and sweeping views, before we came back down to the water itself. One of the things that really struck me was how easy everything felt: on Bohinj we simply called a number and had paddleboards delivered to our spot on the shore, so the girls could head out on the water while we soaked up the peace from the lakeside.
After our time in the mountains, we traded peaks for the Adriatic. The drive over the spectacular Vršič Pass and down through the Soča Valley, where we also went zip-lining over forests and turquoise river gorges, made the journey part of the holiday. I absolutely loved driving in Slovenia: the roads felt straightforward and far less busy than in the UK, which turned these routes into a pleasure rather than a chore.
On the coast we based ourselves at Hotel Slovenia in Portorož. Life slowed a little here with pool time and sea air, but there was still plenty to explore. I particularly loved the nearby coastal towns of Piran and Izola. In Piran we wandered the narrow streets and climbed the medieval walls in time for sunset, watching the rooftops glow as the sun slipped into the sea. Izola had a quieter, laid-back feel that really appealed to me, and we swam in the sea there, surrounded by clear, calm water and views back to the colourful waterfront.
For our final chapter we headed to Ljubljana, stopping at Postojna Cave on the way. The visit began with a little underground train ride, clattering deeper and deeper into the mountain, and it felt instantly magical. Once inside, we walked through vast caverns filled with intricate stalactites and stalagmites: genuinely the most magnificent caves I have ever seen, and a complete contrast to the lakes and coast.
In the capital we stayed at the Cubo Hotel and instantly loved the atmosphere: elegant but relaxed, with pretty bridges, riverside cafés and streets that are perfect for wandering. The hotel provides free bikes, which made it even easier to explore. We took the funicular up to the castle for panoramic views, enjoyed seeing the city from the water on a gentle river cruise, and spent a fun afternoon at the House of Illusions, which appealed just as much to the teenagers as it did to us. On our last afternoon, my youngest daughter and I borrowed the hotel bikes and cycled out to Tivoli Park, ending the holiday with a peaceful ride through trees and gardens.
In just eleven nights Slovenia gave us crystal-clear lakes, dramatic mountains, coastal sunsets, caves, castles and so many active adventures. It felt incredibly safe and easy to explore by car, and each region had its own personality while still feeling part of a beautifully compact whole. With such a short flight from the UK, it strikes me as the perfect destination whether you are planning a longer adventure or just a few days away. We came home with tired legs, full hearts and a shared feeling that this small country had given us some of our biggest holiday memories yet.
