The best holidays in Slovenia

What do these fabulous destinations have in common...

• Kakadu National Park, Australia
• Bavarian Alps, Germany
• Douro Valley, Portugal
• Corsica, France
• Mount Fuji, Japan
• Tuscany, Italy
• Serengeti Plain, Tanzania

They're not in National Geographic Traveler's TOP FIVE.

• Slovenia is though.

Read more here

The northernmost of the former Yugoslavia's republics, Slovenia wins praise for being "savvy about balancing tourism with cultural and historical preservation." Ljubljana, the capital, is "colorful, vibrant, and architecturally appealing," and "Slovenia's Alps and wine country remain among the most sustainable and authentic places to visit in Europe."

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"A magnificently scenic country with excellent environmental stewardship. It has a high level of integrity in both its natural and constructed beauty. The residents have an outstanding respect for and care of visitors. Since its independence, the country has been on an almost incredible upward climb. I would point to the effective restoration of the forests, rivers and lakes; the art and architecture; the ethics and joy of the people; and the wondrous parks, caves, and mountains."

"Slovenia has spent a great deal of money on its museums as it defines itself as nation. This relatively small country has some world-class museums based on best practices from the greater European museum community."

"The most eclectic, tourism-smart, authentic destination in post-Communist Europe. Topographically and architecturally diverse and very accessible. Along with Estonia, one of the best destinations in the 'old style' of European travel."

"Slovenia is one of Europe's best walking destinations, with well-maintained and well-signed path networks to suit all levels of walkers. Customer-service standards have improved immeasurably in recent years and local cuisine is gradually improving, with less emphasis on cheap pizzas and meat-heavy dishes. Ljubljana is one of Europe's most attractive small capital cities; it has the feel of Prague ten years ago. There is a palpable sense of local identity, although opportunities to experience genuine local culture outside the capital city are limited."

"Emerging from the ashes of communism and the breakup of Yugoslavia, Slovenia's population is primarily Slovene, making it a nation state with historical connections to Austria and Italy from colonial times. Slovenia contained the majority of Yugoslavia's industry and a portion of the state tourism infrastructure. Entering the EU in 2004 and adopting the Euro last year, Slovenia has been able to adopt a western economy and western standards of tourism infrastructure. Slovenia has chosen a more sustainable path in updating its existing infrastructure, maintaining employment for former state employees, and limiting mass-tourism development. Slovenia has some of the most spectacular natural environments in the world. Extensive karstic cave systems are Natural World Heritage sites. Most impressive is the political and cultural capital city, Ljubljana, with its three pedestrian bridges (recently completely shut to traffic) and unique architecture from multiple eras and reflecting diverse influences."

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• We have direct and personal relationships with our hotels in Slovenia.
• The business is founded on solid research... plus half of us were born in Slovenia.
• We constantly review... everything, so we can find you wonderful new hotels and things to see, do, experience, eat, drink... whatever we think about Slovenia that will make your holiday one of the best you've had.
• Furthermore, we use your feedback to help us keep an objective view.
• It's personal.