Discover bewitching waterside jewels
Slovenia may have one of Europe’s shortest coastlines, but its compact size and authenticity are its charm. Travel beyond familiar Portorož and Piran to discover a coastline shaped by time, salt, and sea. Coupled with quiet lakes cradled by ancient forests and Alpine peaks, and you have a country of blue wonders waiting to be explored.
Hidden coastal corners
Start from Ankaran, the go-to escape for a low-key seaside retreat. From here you can easily explore Mesečev zaliv (Moon Bay), a protected natural area in Strunjan Landscape Park. You’ll find dramatic cliffs and some of the Mediterranean’s last remaining salt pans.
Further south, the Sečovlje Salt Pans offer a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. These ancient salt fields, part of the Piran Salt Pans dating to 804, are a haven for birdwatchers, photographers, and history buffs. Walk the interpretive trails, visit the Museum of Salt-Making, or take a guided tour to learn about the delicate balance between nature and tradition that sustains this magical area. For a rejuvenating experience, unwind at the Lepa Vida open-air spa, nestled right in the salt pans.
Lakes less travelled
While Lake Bled and Bohinj often steal the spotlight, Slovenia’s quieter lakes reveal a more intimate side of the country.
In the Notranjska region, Lake Cerknica changes seasonally. One of Europe’s largest intermittent lakes, it emerges in the spring and autumn, transforming into a paradise for cyclists, hikers, birdwatchers and kayakers. Take the award-winning Drvošec trail, which meanders through forest and wetland habitats, offering stunning views and surprising wildlife encounters along the way.
Velenje Lake tells a story of renewal and transformation. Once a mining site, it now offers clear water, swimming areas, SUP and kayak rentals, and lively beachside events, becoming a beloved summer escape. The adjacent Vista Park adds cultural flair with exhibitions and has panoramic viewpoints of the Šalek Valley.
Kočevsko Lake (also known as Rudniško jezero) makes a tranquil base for discovering the mysterious wilderness of Kočevje’s primeval forests, home to bears, lynx, and abundant birdlife. Well-marked hiking and biking trails allow for gentle exploration, while the calm lake offers a chance for peaceful rest and reflection.
Tucked into the northwestern corner of Slovenia, Lake Jasna in Kranjska Gora is where Alpine grandeur meets postcard-perfect serenity. Framed by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps, its crystal-clear waters invite visitors for a refreshing dip, a tranquil picnic by the shore, or an indulgent culinary experience at Milka, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Don’t forget the Kolpa River, which forms Slovenia’s southern border with Croatia. With its gentle flow, warm water, and lush, protected surroundings, it’s a haven for swimmers, paddlers and those who love a serene riverbank.
From waves to still water, Slovenia’s hidden lakes, rivers and coastline offer a peaceful escape where nature and culture meet.
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Lepa Vida Open-Air Spa
Nestled in the heart of Slovenia’s serene salt pans, Lepa Vida Open-Air Spa is not your typical wellness retreat — it’s an immersive experience where nature, tradition, and tranquility merge under the open sky.
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Velenje Lake
Once shaped by coal mining, this Slovenian gem has been reclaimed by nature and reimagined as a haven for outdoor adventure, slow moments, and meaningful connection.
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Moon Bay
A place of stillness, seclusion, and staggering natural beauty. There are no souvenir stalls here. No loud beach bars. Just a hidden crescent of shoreline where the cliffs drop into clear, turquoise waters — and time seems to pause.
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Kocevsko Lake
Kočevsko Lake is a peaceful pause in one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas. Formed by nature, embraced by the Kočevje community, and surrounded by legends of deep woods and deeper stillness, this is a place where the only thing scheduled is serenity.
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Kolpa River
Crystal clear, gently flowing, and fringed by forest and tradition, Kolpa is where Slovenia whispers, not shouts. A place where the days stretch longer, laughter carries across the water, and every paddle stroke brings peace.
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Lake Jasna
With its emerald waters, mountain reflections, and a stillness that speaks louder than sound, this alpine lake is more than a scenic stop — it’s a soul-stirring experience.
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A View from the Ankaran Coastline
From the shore of Ankaran, gaze across the gentle Adriatic as it sparkles beneath the sun, framed by olive groves, pine trees, and the timeless silhouette of the Karst hills.
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Cerknica Lake
One of Europe’s largest intermittent lakes, Cerknica appears and disappears with the rhythm of the seasons, turning meadows into mirrors and dry basins into watery wonderlands.
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