The European country declaring victory over the Corona opened to tourists • The landscapes are varied and breathtaking • Among the turquoise lakes, ancient castles and quality hotels - attractive, inexpensive and close to destination • Welcome to Slovenia
The hot season begins and it's a great time to visit Lake Bled
Photo:
Slovenia Tourism Bureau
The moment the Corona virus erupted, we jumped to visit the amazing Slovenia. We did not believe that it would be the first to open its doors to tourists and be the first country in Europe to declare a crushing victory against the spread of the virus. It is slightly smaller than Israel's, and the population of only 2 million inhabitants, but as the well-known saying goes, good things come in small packages and so is Slovenia.
In recent years, this magical state has become a popular destination among Israelis, with sane prices and very diverse landscapes.
And when it comes to castles and lakes it is impossible not to mention Lake Bled and the castle that bears its name. After a refreshing bed and breakfast in the heated pool at the SAVA BLED, from which you can see the lake and the castle, you should go out and see them closely. At the end of a slightly steep ascent, you reach the ancient castle below which is a breathtaking view of the lake and the center of the picturesque island (the only one in the country). Admission for adults will cost 11 euros, for students 7 euros, and children up to the age of 14 will pay 5 euros.
Slovenia - a country of incredible landscapes // Photo: Slovenia Tourism Bureau
A short drive will bring you to the boat dock in the lake. The sailing was done by gondoliers, and the noise of the paddles that split the water between the swans and ducks prompted instant calm. The island has a church where you can ring bells and make a wish. Adjacent to it is a cafe that specializes in baking the pota, a traditional cake that locals say smells like Christmas.
About an hour's drive is the ski resort at Wogel Mountain. The road goes through magical landscapes, no wonder they were part of the movie Narnia. Mountaineering takes place by cable car, during which the scenery changes rapidly. Initially we will see the Bohin Lake, which lies at the foot of the mountain, and after passing the thick layer of clouds one can see Mount Triglav, which is the highest in Slovenia and even appears on the state flag. The ski resort is open in winter, and in the summer you will find bike trails, hiking guides and paragliding. The visit is recommended to end at a mountain-top restaurant that serves traditional food that warms your stomach.
Classical Europe
The capital city Ljubljana is characterized by a modern European look and is easy to find. During the holidays, the city is teeming with lights, and you will find small markets where you can warm up with spiced wine and buy local produce. Shopping enthusiasts will surely be pleased to hear that the BTC Mall has a branch of Israel's favorite Primark, and the makeup enthusiasts will find the drugstore chain dm across the city. And to put your head, and the bags of course, the Cubo Hotel in the city center offers great service and spacious rooms.
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If you are looking for a pampering spa vacation, the TERME OLIMIA hotel will be just right. This is a small hotel village where you will also find a water park for children. The spa center has indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, and the brave who spend the night in the outdoor hot tub will have a special experience. The entrance to the sauna area is free of clothing, as well as late-night swimming. Complementary massages and treatments are recommended in advance.
We can't write about hotels here without mentioning at least one boutique hotel. Located in the small town of Nova Gorica, the DAM Hotel offers less than ten bedrooms. Chef Uroš Fakuč founded and runs the hotel and the on-site restaurant. The rooms are particularly spacious with a modern and warm design and it is evident that every thought has been invested. The bed is soft and large, and don't be surprised if you have trouble getting out of it for the wonderful breakfast the chef prepares.
If you have arrived in Slovenia, do not miss out on a trip to the Poustino Cave, one of the most popular destinations in the country. Inside the cave are a train from which you can see the ballroom, the special stalactites and the river Pivka that flows inside. The legend tells of a dragon living in a cave, and when a lizard found living in extreme conditions was discovered, it was dubbed the "baby dragon" and became a symbol of the place.
A few minutes' drive away is Paradiama Castle, which was built in the Middle Ages and served as a hiding place. The castle was built inside a rock cave and thus entered the Guinness Book of Records. In 1986 Jackie Chan filmed parts of her movie "God Armor." You can purchase a combined ticket for a tour of the cave and castle at a cost of about 35 euros per adult, about 28 euros per student, and for children aged 15-6 the price is about 21 euros.
Culinary develops
Across Slovenia you will find a culinary scene that has evolved over the last decade. Lior Kochavi, founder of the food market venture in Ljubljana, tells locals who like to use quality raw materials and make traditional dishes, and in recent years only learned how to market themselves and reach new audiences and tourists. Star Operator Mid-March to the end of October is an open market in the capital, where booths combine luxury food and street food at prices that are accessible to everyone, with the most expensive dish costing eight euros.
If you are looking for a meal at a luxury restaurant that combines original and fresh ingredients, Zimono Restaurant is the place for you. The restaurant is led by chef Tomaž Kavčič, who is ranked as one of the 100 best chefs in the world. In the restaurant you will find dishes that glorify one raw material and present it in different textures, and food that you will be asked to eat directly from pebbles that come from Vipaba Valley where the restaurant sits. The cost of a nine-course tasting meal is about 100 euros without wine. It is highly recommended.
Other restaurants to visit during your visit to Slovenia are Chef Izidor's Landerik restaurant in Ljubljana, where you will find meticulous dishes with a particularly rich flavor. The last restaurant we recommend is the Grič restaurant of chef Luka Košir, located in the mountains near Ljubljana. The restaurant has taken the Farm To Table concept a step further, so if you stand on the balcony you can see the farm where the raw materials in your plate grow.
Another thing that stands out in Slovenia is the love for wine. Slovenians produce large quantities of quality wine, and most of them consume themselves. In advance, you can taste twelve local wines at a family winery in the vineyard of Lepa Vida, and hear detailed explanations.
So if you are looking for a cheap holiday in Europe at a destination that the Israelis are just beginning to discover, which combines nature and urban landscape, cheap shopping, quality wines and high-quality culinary, Slovenia is the destination for you.
The writer was a guest of the Slovenian Tourism Bureau