Slovenia is close to Croatia for those who don’t know.

It has a rich natural environment with stunning nature reserves and scenery and is a geat place to go on holiday.  In fact, it’s this year’s latest fad place to travel to.

Slovenia has a temperate climate all year and you’ll see an amazing variety of bird life there as there’s an abundance of food.

The medieval towns attract visitors from all over the world with Koper being one of the prettiest parts of the Northern area of the Istrian Peninsula.  The Bay hosts many regattas and has a small marina which is a big attraction during the Summer Festival.  The countryside around Koper is beautiful and a big draw for free climbers and hikers alike providing a venue for culinary and wine tasting.

The Praetor’s Palace dominates the central Koper Square.  With its late Gothic Renaissance facade it is the leading secular palaces of its time in Slovenia. The building was constructed on the location of two older houses from the middle of the 13th century. In the second half of the 13th century the buildings were connected by a loggia and were later rebuilt several times and finished as a building with Venetian Gothic characteristics.

At the corner of the side facade of the palace there is a chiselled plaque with an opening, a typical Venetian  “bocca del leone”, where anonymous messages for the mayor were left.

Koper abounds in cultural architecture and history and is perfect if you enjoy an amble through town with your head craned skywards!

If you’re after a good seaside resort go to Izola as it has an abundance of beaches, resort hotels, swimming pools and restaurants. Izola is also the home of the church of St John the Evangelist. Measuring 8×4 meters this tiny church is characterized by its beautiful Baroque exterior. It was consecrated in 1459 and last renovated in 1975.

Piran is a protected town because of its cultural and historical monument and still has a sought after medieval layout with narrow streets and houses that are really close together rising in tiers from the coast to the hills and lending a real Mediterranean atmosphere.   It’s worth a visit to the Sergei Masera Maritime Museum and the aquarium if you’re touring.  The walking paths here are plentiful and varied in difficulty to suit all fitness levels.  As you walk you will explore breathtaking scenery and discover wonderful pathways and coves.

Portoroz offers good hotels and all the usual tourist trappings but it is known for its conference centre which accommodates up to 1500 visitors.  The town also has a great casino and marina and is a popular holiday destination and climatic health seaside resort.

Not too far from the coast is the beautiful village of Hrastovlje where the Church of the Holy Trinity has late gothic narrative frescoes on the walls and is a treasure of the arts.  Well worth a visit!

Slovenia is a delight for all holiday makers and the food selection is varied and often home grown!  Wine cellars are popular and you can call in to have a tasting.  The area is one of extreme natural beauty and great for relaxing at one of the many wellness centres if you don’t feel like too much of an active break!