Rick Steves Thinks This Tiny Overlooked Country Is Europe's Best-Kept Secret

Slovenia is a little European country so overlooked that it's often confused for Slovakia (ahem, former US President George W. Bush). Anyone who's been to Slovenia knows that not only is it completely different from Slovakia in millions of ways other than name (Slovenia doesn't even border Slovakia!), but also that this country is a seriously unsung gem. Everyone's favorite European travel expert, Rick Steves, agrees, saying on his website that "tiny, overlooked Slovenia is one of Europe's most unexpectedly charming destinations."

At a crossroads in Europe, Slovenia is primarily made of Slavic, Italian, and German influences, which can be seen in everything from its cuisine, architecture, and language. Bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, it's easily accessed as an add-on or detour to one of these bigger, more often visited countries. Yet Slovenia will stand out even among these powerhouses of tourism, thanks to its natural beauty along with some of the best charming villages and towns in the world. Just know that one visit may not be enough, and, as Rick Steves warns, "Everyone I've met who's visited Slovenia wishes they'd allotted more time for this endearing, underrated land."

Yes, Slovenia is small, but it certainly punches above its weight. Covering just over 7,800 square miles, Slovenia is approximately the size of the U.S. state of New Jersey. However, its geography is incredibly diverse, with the Julian Alps in one corner, the Adriatic Coast on another, and the beginning of the Pannonian Plain on the borders of Croatia and Hungary. More than half of the country is forested, and beloved for its rolling hills and mountains.

Slovenia has it all: the ocean, the mountains, turquoise lakes, alpine rivers, rural hamlets, and a few compact cities. At the foot of the Julian Alps, you'll find Slovenia's most famous site: Lake Bled, known for its picturesque church island, castle-topped cliff, and accompanying resort town. Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, which Rick Steves calls "an underrated gem in the heart of Europe," is a highly walkable city complete with its own castle, cobblestoned streets, and a historic riverside market. Head to Piran, the principal city of the Slovenian coast, which, once a part of the Venetian empire, feels like a piece of Italy. Enjoy the Mediterranean views, a plethora of seafood, and tower-topped churches. Although Slovenia only has about 29 miles of coastline, there are several gorgeous beaches, including the little-known Moon Bay Beach with crystal-clear water.

Slovenia is a land of legends, from their version of Robin Hood to the almost myth-like Counts of Celje, once strong enough to rival the powerful Habsburgs in Austria. Slovenia emits fairy tale vibes wherever you go, whether that's Lake Bled or the nearby lesser-visited but equally lovely Lake Bohinj, an underrated European destination for nature lovers. Predjama Castle, spectacularly built into a cliffside cave, was once the stronghold of Erasmus of Lueg, a 15th-century knight and heroic outlaw (the Slovene Robin Hood). Other castles are scattered throughout the country, such as the ruins of Celje looming over the eponymous town, or the park-surrounded Snežnik Castle. 

The towns and cities seem to come out of a storybook, too, from the quaint capital of Ljubljana to the mountain town of Kranj, which dates back 6,000 years. Slovenia also shines when it comes to nature as an official Certified Green destination. Even the towns and cities are filled with green space, but the true wilderness lies in the spectacular section of the Alps within the borders of Slovenia. Here, you'll discover miles of hiking trails in the summer, skiing in the winter, and easily accessible views by car over the Vršič Pass in Triglav National Park into the peaceful Soča Valley.