Slovenia Guide
The Soča Valley to the Istrian coast
The thin wedge of land skirting the Italian border – known as Primorska – is unquestionably the country's most diverse region, constituting four geographically distinct areas: the Soča Valley, Central Primorska, the Karst, and the Coast.
Crossing over from the Julian Alps or Triglav National Park, your first encounter with this region is likely to be the magisterial Soča Valley, the country's premier adventure-sports centre, thanks both to its mountains, which embrace a continuous stream of hikers and skiers all year round, and the amazing Soča River white-water rafting, one of Europe's most scenic, chock-full of rafters, canoeists and kayakers during the warmer months.
The valley's alpine peaks eventually give way to the more uniform topography of Central Primorska, a region defined primarily by its fertile wine and fruit-growing regions. Central Primorska also incorporates an attractive belt of subalpine countryside. Nature asserts itself in spectacular fashion a short way south of here with the Karst region, whose star attractions are the jaw-dropping Škocjan Cavesand the world-famous Lipica stud farm.
While the Slovene coast might lack some of the glamour of its more well-heeled Croatian cousin to the south – its beaches are, for the most part, rocky, concrete or grass affairs – there is still much to enjoy. Nearly five centuries of Venetian rule have endowed its towns with some fabulous architecture, not least in its prettiest and most popular resort, Piran. Those seeking more self-indulgent fare should find Portorož, the coast's brashest resort, more to their liking.
Highlights
1 White-water rafting on the Soča This magical alpine river affords some of the best rafting, kayaking and canoeing in Europe.
2 Kobarid Museum Compelling and moving museum documenting the region's World War I mountain battles.
3 Hiša Franko, Kobarid Enjoy top-rank comfort and food in this sublime pension/restaurant.
4 Oldtimer Museum Train Enjoy the wonderful alpine countryside from the comfort of the Oldtimer.
5 Goriška Brda Trek down the cellars of these gorgeous, vineyard-clad hills, which touch the Italian border.
6 Franja Partisan Hospital, Cerkno This former World War II hospital has been converted into a moving memorial museum.
7 Škocjan Caves Take a trip through this breathtaking cave system, which features the world's largest subterranean canyon.
8 Church of the Holy Trinity, Hrastovlje A Romanesque monument, smothered with exceptional fifteenth-century frescoes including the famous Dance of Death.
9 Piran The coast's most beautiful resort has Venetian Gothic-inspired architecture, Italianate squares and pretty churches.
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