Slovenia: a small jewel to discover

Ljubljana is one of the greenest, quietest and most unknown cities in Europe, a small jewel to be discovered. The capital of Slovenia shines in the heart of the continent, in the center of Europe. The country, located between the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain, concentrates a great diversity of landscapes that allows you to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. An evocative destination where nature, well-being, culture, history and gastronomy coexist, now easily accessible also from Barcelona with two direct flights from Vueling.

It is a little-explored destination that preserves the charm of what is still unknown and invites you to discover, through different routes, a country that surprises with its diversity and the perfect harmony of all its attractions.

Outdoor activities

Kayaking through the caves of Mount Peca is one of the most unique underground experiences in Europe. These are not sea caves, but rather the flooded tunnels and lakes of an old lead and zinc mine located about 700 meters below the earth's surface: a magical labyrinth of crystal-clear underground lakes created by flooding.

Feeding salt to the sheep near Ceska koca is a traditional activity and a highly recognized official tourist experience in the Kamnik and Savinja Alps. In the alpine pasture areas above this historic mountain hut, known as Spodnje Ravni and Zgornje Ravni, at an altitude of about 1,543 meters, a flock of the native Jezersko-Solcava sheep grazes freely, and visitors offer them salt directly from the palm of their hand. Since nutrients are scarce in the high mountains, the sheep approach voluntarily and very docilely to lick the salt.

Also, walking through the forests of Kocevje, where the largest population of bears lives, makes the experience an unrepeatable activity in one of the wildest and best-preserved forested areas on the continent. There are closed and secure observation points where, accompanied by an expert forest guide, you can see the bears in their natural habitat in the mid-afternoon. Furthermore, the hiking routes taken in the Krokar forest or thePrisika reserve offer paths among centennial trees and virgin beech forests (some declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO).

Health and well-being

Slovenia also has another well-kept secret: its thermal waters and natural springs, recognized for their healthy properties, which make the country an ideal destination for wellness and rest as well. With a great thermal tradition, this European republic boasts natural resources such as mud and brine from the Adriatic salt pans, highly valued for their medicinal properties.

Discovering the spas spread throughout the territory, enjoying thalassotherapy by the sea at Talaso Strunjan, immersing yourself in the thermal waters of Terme Zrece, surrounded by nature, or sharing the thermal water parks of Terme Catez, Terme 3000, and Terme Olimia with your family are some of the experiences that make Slovenia a wellness destination for all ages.

History and roots

The history of Slovenia is also present in its cities and buildings, and one must delve into them to know its roots. A historical heritage like few others, which coexists with contemporary culture, architecture, and art, in cities that have known how to transform their past to give it new uses.

The capital of Slovenia, small and easy to explore, is an example of this. Cukrarna, which was once a sugar refinery, has today become a contemporary art gallery. Ljubljana allows you to explore different stages of the country's history, from the Roman era to contemporary culture with beautiful and relaxing walks.

Nova Gorica was the European Capital of Culture in 2025, together with the Italian city of Gorizia, in an initiative that highlighted the shared culture and identity between the two cities. Furthermore, it is one of the youngest cities in Slovenia, surrounded by nature and with a marked Mediterranean identity.

Maribor is the second largest city in the country and is well known for the Stara trta (the old vine), which grows on the facade of a house in the Lent district and is registered in the Guinness Book of Records. It is the oldest in the world, with more than 400 years of history, and represents the country's bond with the winemaking tradition.

Gastronomy and pairing

Slovenia's geographical diversity is also reflected in its gastronomy. Local produce, tradition and creativity shape a cuisine with Mediterranean, Balkan and Alpine roots. The Potica, one of Slovenia's most traditional desserts, is a rolled dough that can be made with different fillings, although the most characteristic ones are walnut, hazelnut, tarragon and cheese. The traditional Carniolan sausage, the Kranjska klobasa, dates back to the 19th century and the Zganci is a traditional dish made mainly with buckwheat, although it can also be prepared with corn or wheat flour. Local wines water a table full of flavours with good pairings thanks to its more than 2,500 producers.

How can you enjoy it? Book your flight at vueling.com and discover everything Ljubljana has to offer.