Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and there are so many beautiful cities to visit. You’ve probably read why quite a few posts about why you must visit Lake Bled, however the best Slovenian cities to visit for me were the ones where we could sit back with a glass of Slovenian wine—and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.
Thanks to some other bloggers and amazing readers, I’m publishing the 10 most beautiful cities that you’ve probably never heard of to inspire you to visit Slovenia! (My amazing readers gave me FIVE more in Eastern Slovenia, so keep reading for a few more reader-suggested gems!)
This includes some cute Slovenian cities surrounded by vineyards, overlooking mountains, and nestled next to the sea. Keep reading for the best places to visit in Slovenia if you hate the crowds (or just love beautiful villages in Europe!)
Edit: It turns out that this list is focused on Western Slovenia. I’ve have updated the post with 5 cities in Eastern Slovenia to make it fairer to other regions. This list is intended for foreigners visiting Slovenia, not Slovenian. Many people visiting Slovenia only know about Bled, Bohinj, and Ljubljana, so although some of these are known to Slovenians, they are lesser-known to a wider audience. I hope to do better in the near future!
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Smartno
Šmartno is still a secret, but is easily one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia that you can visit. This tiny fortified hilltop town overlooking the Italian border, in the Gorica wine region, is full of beautiful alleyways to wander down, cozy cafes to get 1 euro wine at, and atmospheric doors. Despite its beauty, we were one of the few tourists in this tiny village. If you’re looking for a cute Slovenian city that feels magical, this is it.
Some of the houses date back to the 1300s and it is possible to visit a typical “Brda” house if you can find the nice looking art gallery that doubles as a cultural museum. In the museum, they show an interesting film from communist times depicting life in Brda as well as explain elements of a traditional house from the region. (The houses have been passed down over the generations and most are not open to the public.)
The wine itself is the reason to visit Šmartno as the wine in this region is just as good (although much less expensive) than the wine you’ll find on the other side of the border (visible from the town).
Be sure to stop into an atmospheric cafe to try both the red and the white varieties. Although the cities further from the Italian border are more famous, Šmartno is something you won’t regret adding to your Slovenian
Kobarid
This lovely city is the perfect jumping-off point for adventure travel in Western Slovenia. It is an easy drive to Triglav National Park for a day of hiking, a nice mountain biking adventure in the area, and only 15 minutes from Tolmin Gorges (a gorgeous nearby park with gorges carved out by the Soca river with incredible views). Kobarid is very reasonable to stay in and calm. It’s pretty small, but there are quite a few beautiful blocks with cute houses!
At night, its main street comes alive and if you look hard enough, there’s a cafe with a view of the church that serves up Slovenian craft beer. Try the beer from Reservoir Dogs if it’s in stock!
Mojstrana
We spent one week staying on the outskirts of Mojstrana, and already have tentative plans to go back next summer! This tiny town in Slovenia is nestled right up against Triglav National Park, making it the perfect place to access stunning trails.
The town itself is adorable and quiet, complete with a delicious pizzeria recommended by our Airbnb hosts. The real charm, though, is the access to the surrounding nature: it’s impossible not to fall in love with the dramatic peaks, nearby waterfalls, or colorful Soca River.
If you’re looking to expand your horizons even more, Mojstrana is roughly an hour’s drive from well-known locations such as Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge. – Kate @ Our Escape Clause
Medana
In the last decades, ecotourism has strongly developed and it is possible to buy tasty organic home-grown products and local specialties at most of the wineries and restaurants around here. The main reason for visiting
If you are there in August, make sure not to miss its most famous festival, the Days of poetry and wine. -Kat (Places and Notes.)
Koper
The small city of Koper in Southwest Slovenia is located along the water making it a
Ribcev Laz
Ribcev Laz to Lake Bohinj is like what Bled is to Lake Bled, though it is by no means not the only small town in the Bohinj region. Perched on the eastern shore of the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, Ribcev Laz and its picturesque stone bridge and church are popular for tourists.
The town might be small, but its excellent location means it’s well connected to other towns in the area and offers an excellent base to explore the area. It is also one of the two places where you can rent water sport equipment to explore Lake Bohinj.
To the northwest edge of town, you’ll find vast expense of grass on the lake shore that are perfect for a picnic or relaxed afternoon. You’ll even get to see para-gliders from the east, too! For more on Bohinj, check out Nam’s guide!
Kranjska Gora
At the very north-western part of Slovenia, not far from the triple border to Italy and Austria, you find Kranjska Gora – the country´s most famous ski resort. This little town has a long tradition in tourism and maintains a strong connection to the surrounding nature
Summertime is all about hiking and concurring the peaks of some breathtaking mountains, cycling all the way to Italy, playing golf and relaxing by nearby picturesque lakes, like lake Jasna, where you can also swim or stand-up paddle. Definitely worth a visit while
Radovljica
Radovljica, the cutest small town in Slovenia, is often overlooked because of the proximity of Bled and Bohinj lakes. It might not be as popular, but it boasts a wide range of sights and activities, while being calm and quiet at the same time.
Its rather small, but picturesque and colorful city centre is a great place to start your visit by exploring a Gingerbread museum and learn how to make it yourself or try traditional cake gibanica. The city is like an outdoor museum, where every road and building tell another, interesting story. After enjoying the splendid views on the valley underneath, you can decide to explore some of numerous hiking or cycling trails in the region or proceed to nearby Lesce to understand the importance of beekeeping traditions for the area and taste different kinds of honey.
The visit to Radovljica can be indeed very sweet and short, but you will always remember this extraordinary small town. You will miss its tranquillity and beauty will visit some more popular areas in Slovenia. Read more by Maja’s experience in Slovenia on her blog!
Piran
I came to Slovenia prepared to love its mountain forests and greenery, but instead it was another part of the country that stole my heart: The coast, and in particular the pretty coastal town of Piran.
With such a small share of coastline compared to all-stars Croatia and Italy on either side, it’s easy to see why coastal Slovenia is often overlooked. While the well heeled and heavy-pocketed head to the nearby town of Portoroz, Piran felt relaxed, easy going, and suitable for a range of budgets. Stone steps lead down past the rocks to allow bathing in the crystal clear Adriatic, and you can climb the old city walls and bell tower for a view that stretches as far as Venice.
Piran is about three hours from Ljubljana by bus, or you can take the train to the city of Koper further up the coast, and take a local bus to Piran from there. I visited in September, when the weather was still warm and the summer holiday crowds had flown. (Read more by Ellie on SoulTravelBlog!)
Kanal
Driving from Slovenia to Italy meant that I wanted to take the scenic route, so when we passed through this beautiful small town in Western Slovenia, I had to pull over after seeing kids jumping off the rocks close to the river. The famous Soca river runs through this charming and small town that has a rich cultural heritage and great hiking/nature nearby.
If you come here in summer, you’ll see local citizens and a few foreigners (very few!) wading into the very cold Soca river for a quick dip or a dive off the nearby rocks. Watching the local kids can be fun although there’s a festival in summer where people dive off its most famous bridge into the freezing cold water.
Even if you’re not one for very cold rivers, don’t miss this beautiful city, which has a handful of cute cafes nestled up in the town square. Its colorful houses and iconic river make it one of the best cities in Slovenia to stop off in when doing a road trip!
I did not receive any submissions about the East for the original 10 cities post, but I want to be fair to the rest of Slovenia. Many readers recommended cities in Eastern Slovenia, which is lesser known to foreign tourists. These were the most recommended at time of editing. I am open to editing these further, so please comment with your favorites if they’re not here!
Jeruzalem
This city in Eastern Slovenia (close to the Croatian/Austrian border) is recommended as one of the most beautiful cities to visit…and for its wine. Visit for the historic church, the wine, mountain biking, and friendly people! One reader mentioned that the nearby Mura river is beautiful and perfect for crossing on a wooden ferry.
Otočec
This picturesque town in the southeastern part of Slovenian has a castle in the middle of the river. It sounds like a fairy tale and you can even STAY in the castle. I’m sold.
Maribor
Maribor is Slovenia’s second largest city and I’ve already experienced the friendliness of its residents (many who have personally reached out to offer to show me around upon mentioning that I should visit!).
It has many historic buildings, including Europe’s second oldest synagogue and a church built in the 14th century. Combined with its beautiful red houses and its festivals, I want to visit!
Metlika
This cute town was recommended by quite a few Slovenians–and its castle sold me right away. Metlika is located in the southeastern part of Slovenia and is part of the White Carniola region, which is famous for its special folk traditions (including pottery/dance/food). There’s some jaw droppingly beautiful springs nearby not to miss.
Ptuj
Ptuj is one of Slovenia’s oldest cities and one of the one that keeps coming up in the recommendations! It is a medieval city with beautiful architecture, including castles and historic churches. It also boasts a famous Carnival.
I did a road trip around Slovenia a few years ago and visited quite a few of these towns. I couldn’t get over just how naturally beautiful the whole country was. I’d love to go back and visit the ones I missed out on 🙂
Whoa! I think you have convinced me to get to Slovenia this year <3 These photos are unreal! I liked the photo of Piran the most. The vibrancy of the city is dazzling.
You are wellcome to isto our country.
That mountain shot of Radovljica, wow! We definitely hope to check out Slovenia this year. What a fantastic compilation of images. They really highlight the beauty and diversity of the country!
Hay. we Will be happy tp see you here.
Mountains shot is next to Kranjska Gora
WOW great pictures! We are going on interrailing though Europe in the Summer and Slovenia is on our list – this will be so helpful! Thanks for all the tips. They all look so beautiful – so much to see, so little time.
Hello, you must to see Kamnik and Škofja Loka too. They are old towns and they are beautiful. Welcome.
Damn you would think the eastern side of Slovenia is empty and since the whole country is just 300 km from the furthest ends you could have at least add one.
Mario, I didn’t mean to offend I’m sure there are gorgeous places in Eastern Slovenia, but these weren’t the submissions I got. I’d be happy to add a few and if you email me, I’ll be updating the post tonight with some cities in the East!
Beautiful photos you have. I’m from eastern Slovenia. If you’re interested I can give you some tips what to explore or see in this part of the Slovenia.
I’d love that. I’ll be updating the post in a few hours, so I hope to get in touch!
My name is Barbara and my husband and I went to Slovenia to look for my relatives. My grandma left Slovenia in 1907 with my grandpa and made a life here in the US. My trip was something I will never forget. I found my great grandfather’s grave. We spent a week in Slovenia and hope to go back some day.
In eastern part of Slovenija you must visit at least Maribor and Ptuj. In region Prekmurje, you have few little towns, and its “a must”
I found one page in english, I hope this links would help 🙂
http://www.prekmurje-slo.com/?p=prekmurje&l=en
http://www.izletko.si/kam-na-izlet/prekmurje
http://prekmurje.si/
Wow, these look amazing! Yes, I will definitely include them when I get home! Thank you for taking the time to share your insider knowledge!
If you come to visit Maribor, let me know 🙂
As you mentioned it before, Jeruzalem is the one that should definitively be on your list 🙂 The region around river Mura (which is one of few not yet destroyed by hydroplants) is just amazing and breath-taking. You can cross it with few wooden ferries or take a rafting… anyhow, east is full of thermal spas and has exclusive wines (like whole Slovenia), but the nature is still intact in some places, specially in Goricko region.
Food is another part of Slovenia you haven’t mentioned 🙂 No matter how small we are, we’re extremly diverse in every aspect and people are (mostly) friendly.
Also let me know if you’re ever near Jeruzalem 😉
Cheers!
I have visit Slovenia from end to end and haven’t seen a more beautiful or friendly country in all of Europe. The younger generation speaks English so it is easy to travel anywhere. I thoroughly fell in love ❤️.
Thank you for your lovely coment.
You forgot Celje, wonderful City, Museum and Castle. There are so many other lovely places in this small country I can’t believe but I see them. Forget Spain, Italy and so on…
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’ve decided to do another round of edits, so I will look these up to see if I should add another five…
Except that the title of the article is “10 Beautiful Slovenian Cities That You Have Never Heard Of” and Maribor is the second largest city after Ljubljana and not really “unherad” of. Ptuj might be a better pick (though still quite well known and on a bigger side (as far as cities in Slovenia go), just like Velenje, Novo mesto, or Kranj or Koper, that you have already included) for this article. You could also pick Sevnica (it’s where the flousa is from), Kostanjevica na Krki
Thank you for the feedback! I will be updating and looking into this city. Looks lovely!
Thank you for reading and commenting. Indeed, they are gorgeous and I’ll be updating this with even more cities I think…
Wellcome in Metlika
Vipavski Križ ?
You forgot wonderful VIPAVSKI KRIŽ ???
My family and I are planning to visit Slovenia for the Easter holidays and booked a week’s accommodation in Svino. Is it easy to drive around the country since it might rain and the area is mountainous (we are not used to these factors). And do you have any suggestions as how to plan the 6 days please. thanks
hey. the whole country is easily crossed with a car in any weather. Or if you like cycling i suggest you check out simple cycling slovenia. there you can cross the whole country by bike with a guide.
It is very easy to just use Google maps, which is how we did it!
Don’t make too many plans. Depending on the weather you can do a number of things (also depends on what you like to do…)… ask the locals.
The area really isn’t mountainous… There’s just hills west, south and east of the town (Kobarid). With mountains on the north.
As far as driving goes… stick to your lane and you should be fine.
Feel free to ask whatever questions you want… I live here.
You can definitely add Celje to this list. One of the greatest places in Slovenia. Hotel called Evropa is the best! Nice people and overall nice service!! 🙂
So many more than 10! The Slovenia Riviera: not only Koper and Piran, but also Ankaran, Portoroz, and especially Izola. And Lipica (for horses) and Postojna ( the caves are magnificent).
Here in Sweden, Slovenia is almost unknown. People go to Croatia instead. Me and my daughter spent a week in Bled some years ago, and last year she met a guy from Ptuj on the web and fell in love. A beautiful country and lovely people!
Have been to Maribor and Piran- beautiful!!
super pays allez-y faire un tour vous ne le regretterez pas, trop beau
montagne, campagne, mer tout pour vous satisfaire
Živim v Sloveniji/Maribor in povsem soglašam z izborom naših lepih krajev; imamo jih pa še veliko, veliko več – pridite jih pogledat sami.
I live in Slovenia/Maribor. I agree with your selection of our beautiful places. As we have more and more places like those, unknown yet, you have to come again. Best regarsd from Maribor.
It’s always nice to read such lovely comments about my homeland. You left out a great bunch of cities, towns and villages that are worthy of a glance at least 🙂 I come from Kisovec in Zasavje region, a region full of history and importance since circa 1700s. I’ve be more then happy to host or guide some people if interested during their stay in Slovenija. Best regards
U will be there during summer?
My grand father has also brother and sister who left SLO before war. I must have relatives in California and Celeveland.
In region Mojstrana is not Soča river but Sava ( Dolinka). Is start of big Sava river we have two Sava rivers. One start near Rateče . This is Sava dolinka, second start as waterfall Savica near Bohinj Lake. This is Sava Bohinka. They comes together near Radovljica.
These places are definetely worth seeing. Some others are however left out and should be on the list as well (to name but a few):
Celje
Logarska dolina
Škofja Loka
Slovenj Gradec
Zajamniki
Laško
Lipica
Rogaška Slatina
Hrastovlje
Rimske toplice
Vipava
Štanjel
Velenje
Postojna
These are just few of the must-see cities/places/towns. Slovenija is beautiful, small and cosy, but still needs at least 14 days to explore it in a way that you get the whole picture of how diverse and stunningly beautiful really is…
You should definetely add ŠTANJEL to this list, as well as VIPAVSKI KRIŽ. Also hidden and forgotten but as authentic as it gets – GOČE. On the eastern part you should also visit KOSTANJEVICA NA KRKI
A very proud Slovene here. Been there many times though sadly did not grow up there. Heading back in September and visiting some of these places again while others for the first time. Love the Savinjska Dolina region. Čudovita država!!!
I just visited Slovenia for the first time last month. I only got to spend 5 days in the country and it was just enough to whet my appetite. I can’t wait to visit again and stay longer to enjoy all of these pretty towns.
We are regularly going in Austria for summer and mountains but we want to try also Slovenia we was in bled …but we want to try something new….can you recommend me some places ….for visiting and hiking and nice areas ????
Hi Radu,
I recommend just visiting the Triglav area. I hiked near Mangart and it was absolutely beautiful.
Best,
Karen
Wow!! I am completely torn between doing south of Austria or exploring more of Slovenia… but I think Slovenia is winning…
I know I am a little late on the reply to this thread, but I am so happy I read this article. We went to Slovenia in 2017, almost on accident and absolutely fell in love with the country. It was by far our favorite country we visited (I lived in Italy for a short time and was convinced nothing could top it, but Slovenia did!). We are coming back to Slovenia in May 2019 for our Honeymoon and cannot wait to see the Eastern part of the country, that we did not get to explore on the first trip. Thank you for the information and comments!