Feeling sLOVEnia

This post has a special dedication to my dear friend Nina Vodopivec...a woman, a rock star, a friend to keep forever. Thank you Nina for showing me your paradise :)

My visit to Slovenia was quite unexpected I have to admit and formed a part of my 6-month sabatical, which completely changed the way I approach life in general...for better of course. I had a chance to visit this surprisingly beautiful country, the only country that actually has the word "love" in its name and very appropriately so may I add. I mean really, how much breath taking nature and kindness can you fit in a country the size and shape of a chicken? Impressive.

I did have a wonderful guide, my dear friend Nina, a warm hearted and crazy Slovenian rock star (literary). Nina loves nature and is not afraid of the most extreme rafting, canyoning, horse racing, or whatever the day may bring upon you, and she takes you for a ride. So we begin our journey from the chicken's tail and the home to the turquoise waters of the Soča river.

Days 1-3: Soča

I could honestly say that Soča is one of the most beautiful rivers I have seen in my life. It's bright turquoise waters and white sandy bottom combined with the wild currents and unexpected waterfalls are like Tulum and the Caribbean beaches gone wild on a World tour concert to spread happiness. Soča will take you rafting, canyoning, hiking, kayaking, rock diving, bridge diving, and even water gliding. Are you ready to fly your body down a 12 meter waterfall?

Where to stay

Eco Kamp Korita and the Adrenaline-Check 

Ready for some camping? The staff in this lovely Eco Camp is so nice that they will go out of their way to make you feel sLOVEnia. They will make you breakfast, cook you dinner, and even play volleyball with you if you need extra players for your team.

The tents are clean and comfortable with proper sleeping gear and solar lamps for your evening ventures. We even had a VIP suite overlooking the whole camp. Yes, we could spy on everyone :)

Pristava Lepena is an upper scale option with lovely rooms and views of the valley. They also have horses, goats, a restaurant, and friendly staff.

Things to do and  and see

You can find it all right there at the Adrenaline-Check. There are plenty outdoor activities to enjoy the beauty of the river and bike or hike around the mountains visiting little villages and admiring the views. Everything is great and you must see the waterfalls and do some kind of river activity whether its rafting or canyoning or anything else. It is breath-taking really.

Local goodies for your belly

If you are there during the weekend then it is very likely that the guys from the camp are cooking dinner for everyone and you can then sit around the bond-fire with your fellow travelers and socialize a bit while having a good old local stew. This is an eco camp and they really mean it. Only local ingredients are served.

Otherwise here are some good lunch and dinner options:

Lepena Restaurant at Pristava Lepena serving good local food with lovely views of the valley. There are some other restaurants as well, which you can check here in the Trip Adviosor but Lepen is a must do.

As a wine lover, what surprised me the most was the good quality of wine in Slovenia, deli.

Day 4: Brda and the Wine Country

In just a couple hours by car we switch from the turquois magic of the Soča River into the beautiful landscapes and the lands of my favorite drink...the wine! Oh, Im getting thirsty. Right by the border with Italy. Many time you don't even know if you are in Slovenia or in Italy. That's why you need to talk to people, sip it up and socialize to see what language you hear. You can spend whole day sipping and driving around (well you really shouldn't be driving acctually) or have someone drive you around. What can I say, one gets happy by the end of the day and the wine is deli deli deli.

Day 5: Ljubliana

And so in just a couple hours we are in the capital, Ljubliana. It is small and cute as the rest of the country and beautifully set on the Ljublianica river. You can do Ljubliana in one day or a weekend really, just strolling around the city center and enjoying the local flavors. Stay along the river and the old town where you will find plenty of bars, restaurants, and cute butique shops with a beautiful view of the Triple Bridge.

Where to stay

Best Western Premier Hotel Slon (Elephant), Slovenska 34 (located in center), ☎ +386 (0)1 470 11 00 (sales@hotelslon.com, fax: +386 (0)1 251 71 64). Rooms are bright, parquet-floored, include desks and chairs. Good restaurant on site. From €100.

Grand Hotel Union Executive, Miklosiceva 1 (premier city centre location), ☎ +386 (0)1 308 12 70. Splendid art nouveau building. Ljubljana's most refined hotel. Rooms are huge and some have views of the castle. Fitness center, sauna, and rooftop pool. Nice a la carte restaurant. From €150.

Antiq Hotel, Gornji trg 3 (5 minute walk south from the triple bridge), ☎ +386 1 42 13 560 (info@antiqhotel.eu. Beautiful but very affordable antique-styled hotel; good breakfast, free Wi-Fi on all rooms, very nice staff. Double: from €90.

Local goodies for your belly


As, Copova Ulica 5A (located near the Triple Bridge.). Considered by many as Ljubljana's fanciest and most expensive, focusing on seafood and an extensive wine choice.

Manna, Eipprova 1A (South from the main tourist area), ☎ 01 283 52 94. Excellent traditional dishes. It advertises "Slow food", but in effect the service is both helpful and fast. The restaurant has friendly and artistic atmosphere. €20-€40.

Figovec, Gosposvetska 1. Serves pony steaks, horse goulash, and traditional Slovenian food. Mid range price.


Gostilna Pod Rožnikom, Cesta na Roznik 18 (near Ljubljana Zoo.). Specializes in grilled dishes from southeastern Europe.

Gostilna Sokol, Ciril Metodov trg 18, ☎ 01 439 68 55. This restaurant deals up authentic Slovenian cuisine, complete with all waiters and waitresses dressed up in traditional costume.

Stara Mačka, Krojaška ulica 8 (Next to the Maček bar/lounge, in the middile of the old town). This is one of the best deals in town if you are looking for an intimate steakhouse.

Day 6: Piran & the Beach

And again in just a couple of hours (isn't it amazing?) you arrive to the beach. It is small place yet cute and chill. Just enough to relax. Btw. it is the chicken's behind to be polite, but oh well it is a nice one. You can see for yourself: