Slovenia - the Unexpected "Best Holiday Ever!"
Slovenia was never really on our family travel wish list. After a brilliant summer in Croatia, my husband and I were simply looking for somewhere with that same mix of sunshine, scenery and laid-back charm, but with a little extra adventure for our two daughters. When a friend suggested Slovenia, I was intrigued. What we discovered was a country that exceeded every expectation. From a charming overnight stop in Ljubljana, to waking up to fairytale views over Lake Bled, to exploring turquoise gorges, underground caves and the gentle thrills of white water rafting, Slovenia delivered on every front. It was easy, welcoming and surprisingly compact, yet packed with experiences that felt big and memorable. In this blog, I am sharing how Slovenia became our “unexpected best holiday ever” as a family: a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, relaxing lake days and jaw-dropping natural beauty, all wrapped up in genuine hospitality and that irresistible European café culture.
After a fantastic family holiday in Croatia,
After a fantastic family holiday in Croatia, my husband and I were eager to explore more of that part of the world. With our two daughters in tow, we wanted a trip that struck a balance — something with enough adventure and outdoor fun to keep the kids happy, but also the kind of exploring and beautiful scenery we’d loved on our pre-kid holidays.
A friend suggested Slovenia and we decided to take a punt. And I can honestly say: it turned out to be one of the best holidays we’ve ever had.
First Stop: Ljubljana
We began with an overnight stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s compact capital. It’s one of those cities that immediately charms you — small enough to see the main sights in an hour, but absolutely packed with atmosphere. The riverside cafes are wonderful; you can sit with a coffee or glass of wine and just watch the world drift by. It has that relaxed, European café culture that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.
Lake Bled: A Postcard Come to Life
From Ljubljana, we headed to Lake Bled, staying at the Sava Hotel Garni, which has the most incredible view over the lake. Guests can also use the pool facilities at the neighbouring Rikli Balance Hotel, which the girls absolutely loved. But the first real “wow” moment came at breakfast.
I have never seen anything like it — endless tables of food, from fresh fruit and pastries to make-your-own crepes and waffles, cakes, cold meats and hot savoury dishes. Every time we thought we’d seen it all, another corner revealed another food station. The kids’ eyes were out on stalks!
Lake Bled itself is even more stunning than the photos suggest — that picture-perfect turquoise water with a castle perched high on the cliff and an island with a church in the middle. It’s like something out of a fairytale.
Getting Active
Slovenia is a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors. The local tourist office offered two hours of free bike hire, so we cycled around the lake to get our bearings. The water was so clear that we couldn’t resist a swim — or, in the kids’ case, endless jumps off the jetties. We hired SUPs one afternoon and spent hours gliding across the lake, soaking up the sun with the castle as our backdrop.
We’d hired a car but didn’t actually use it much. Most things were easily walkable or accessible by public transport. One day, we caught the Vintgar Gorge Shuttle Bus from Bled centre and followed the wooden walkways along the turquoise river and waterfalls. On a whim, we decided to walk back to Bled — a longer trek than we anticipated, but the scenery made every step worthwhile (though we did wish we’d packed more snacks!). Thankfully, Slovenia has plenty of free drinking water fountains along the way.
We also went white water rafting on the Soca River. The water levels were low in summer, so it wasn’t exactly adrenaline-fuelled, but the scenery was breathtaking, and our guide made it a fun and memorable family adventure.
Underground Wonders and Onward to Croatia
On our final day in Slovenia, we drove towards the Croatian border, stopping at the Postojna Caves. The visit begins with an underground train ride that takes you 100m below ground into a 3.7-kilometre network of chambers and tunnels. The stalagmites and stalactites are truly awe-inspiring — the most famous, the 16-metre-high “Skyscraper,” is millions of years old. A tip for anyone planning to go: it’s chilly down there, so pack a jumper!
Crossing into Croatia was quick and easy and we continued on to Pula for a week of beaches and relaxation — but it was Slovenia that stole the show. It was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty, wrapped up in warm hospitality and effortless charm. Without question, it was our unexpected “best holiday ever.”
