Slovenia is a country awash in natural beauty. Located on the Mediterranean Sea you can enjoy all that the turquoise, tranquil waters have to offer such as beaches and watersports. What is unique about this country, aside from the warm friendly people who are not bombarded by as many tourists as other Mediterranean nations, but over one third of the land in Slovenia is protected nature preserves. There is the largest population of brown bears in Europe here and Slovenia is one of the most forested nations in Europe. There are over 10,000 kilometers of hiking trails, vast cave systems that can be explored by foot or bike, rolling vineyards, and medieval towns, all making it a nature lover's paradise. So if you are looking to get away from the crowds and instead immerse yourself in the natural beauty of an ancient land then look nowhere else than Slovenia. Here are some of the best places to explore. Go Wild! Nature abounds here so without a doubt the best thing to do here is get outside and explore all of the natural beauty that Slovenia has to offer. There are vast forests, some of which are considered pristine, virgin forests and are fiercely protected. You can explore the wilderness through a guided tour however. In order to decide where you want to explore, it's important to get a feel of the terrain of the varied nation. Near the coast you will find warm Mediterranean climate making it a perfect place to lie on the beach, snorkel or scuba dive. The coast has warm clear waters in the summer and an abundance of wildlife to see. Just inland you will find a mountainous terrain with lush valleys and rolling hills. Here is where the largest karstic cave systems that are really are a must-see if you have the time. There are several cave tours you can join and since these are a major tourist attraction they are well light, organized, and most guides speak English. You can explore some by boat, foot, even bike. To the north you will find the Julian Alps of Slovenia. These mountains are home so some of the regions most endangered and endemic species. Mount Triglav is the highest peak and the entire area is covered in lush forest teeming with life, clear rivers snaking through the valleys and low lying mountains with alpine farmers who have been here for generations. In the winter you can find plenty of skiing and in the winter, venture down to the Soca Valley where the lakes and rivers are full of those enjoying the outdoor including white water rafting, kayaking, fishing and so much more. There are two major lakes here and they are a popular place to visit which has allowed plenty of hotels, golf courses and hiking trails to choose from. The Vineyards To the east you will find the majority of the vineyards set amongst the rolling hillsides and clean blue skies. While Slovenia might not have the fame of the other major wine producing countries like France and Italy, Slovenia has an ancient wine culture and produces some of the best wines in the world. You will find a wealth a family owned and operated vineyards to explore many with bed and breakfast and a warm welcoming family to greet you. The people of Slovenia are very friendly and it takes venturing out to the scenic countryside to find them but you won't regret a minute that you do. Here you will find a chance to relax, sip a glass of wine, and take in the centuries old history and culture that surrounds you. Food is also a big part of life here in Slovenia. Here the abundance of the Mediterranean Sea meets the influences of the Alpine region. The food here is fresh and very healthy and simply delicious. Try stopping at a local café or restaurant to experience the tastes of Slovenia. If you seek even more relaxation then Slovenia is the right place for you. There are several health resorts with natural thermal springs believed to have healing powers that can treat a host of diseases and relieve discomfort. You can find plenty of spas with every variety of services. Terme Snovik is one of the best known thermal spas. Terme Banovci in Prekmurje is another family friendly thermal spa that is fantastic. They even have pools and slides, and lots of other recreational activities to it is a great place to create an family vacation. Ljubljana The capital city of Ljubljana is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. You won't find the crushing crowds but plenty of charm and historic character. The Ljubljanica Rivers winds its way through the city and they are beautiful, picturesque bridges. A castle looms over the city and there are Old Town is full of fountains, cafes, and restaurants. The city is home to a wealth trendy artist and musicians. https://www.youtube.com/user/wikiturget https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpd1sfOjy8c&feature;=c4-overview&list;=UUhmM-28UnVF6Z7CjLXiAcXQ http://EzineArticles.com/8290051

• published: 04 Feb 2014
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