Planning a road trip through Slovenia and Croatia to the historic city of Zadar? You’re in for a treat, with plenty of stunning places to visit along the way. Slovenia and Croatia are countries blessed with breathtaking nature, cultural richness, and historical monuments. Here are some tips on places you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your journey.
Lake Bled: Jewel of the Julian Alps
Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful lakes in Slovenia and a wonderful place to relax while soaking in the views of the surrounding mountains. On the lakeshore stands a small church, and on the island in the middle of the lake sits the charming Chapel of St. Mary.
Make sure you don’t miss a visit to Bled Castle, perched on a cliff above the lake. The castle is a thousand years old and now serves as a museum where you can see traditional Slovenian costumes, weapons, and tools.
If you’re in the mood for some exercise, you can rent a bike and ride the cycling path around the lake. The trail is about 6 km long and offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. If you prefer the water, you can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat and paddle around the island. During the summer months, various cultural events are held here, including concerts, festivals, and markets.
Škocjan Caves: Karst Wonders in the Heart of Slovenia
The Škocjan Caves are a true natural wonder that you absolutely shouldn’t skip on your way through Slovenia. Located near the village of Divača, they are one of the largest karst cave systems in the country. Their uniqueness and beauty have earned them a well-deserved place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.
The caves offer a fascinating glimpse into the underground world. During the two-hour guided tour, you’ll have the chance to discover incredible rock formations, stunning ceilings, and underground rivers. Entry to the caves is organised with a guide who will share the history and geological highlights of this remarkable place.
If you want to secure your spot, book your tickets in advance on GetYourGuide:
The Škocjan Caves are divided into several sections, the most famous of which is the Great Canyon. This section is awe-inspiring in its sheer size and dramatic appearance. You can walk along walkways suspended above chasms and take in the breathtaking views into the dark depths below.
During the tour, you’ll follow well-maintained pathways and bridges that guide you across cave chasms and gorges. You’ll breathe in the mysterious, enclosed atmosphere of the underground world.
In some sections, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world entirely, filled with underground lakes and massive stalactites and stalagmites. The Škocjan Caves are exceptional not only for their natural beauty but also for their biological diversity.
The caves are home to rich fauna and flora, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, this place is a true paradise. When visiting the Škocjan Caves, wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.
💡The temperature inside the caves hovers around 12 °C (54 °F), so be prepared for a cooler environment.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a true natural paradise and one of the biggest tourist attractions in Croatia. Located in the mountainous Lika region in the centre of the country, it’s one of the oldest and most beautiful national parks in Europe. Its natural wealth and beauty attract visitors from all over the world.
The park is home to cascading lakes that stretch over 8 km and are connected by picturesque waterfalls and streams. The blue-green lakes, the largest of which is Lake Kozjak, alternate with canopies of dense forests and stunning waterfalls that create incredibly scenic landscapes.
Walking through Plitvice Lakes National Park is an unforgettable experience. The park offers many well-built trails and boardwalks that let you explore its beauty up close. You can choose from numerous routes that take you past lakes and waterfalls.
Plitvice Lakes is also a paradise for photographers. Every step offers new impressive views and enchanting details that deserve to be captured on camera.
Every cascade of waterfalls, every reflection on the lake’s surface, and every glimpse into the deep gorges gives you the opportunity to capture truly unrepeatable moments. During your visit, you can stop at one of the restaurants or picnic areas located nearby.
Read more about Plitvice Lakes.
Zadar: A Crossroads of Culture, Beaches, and Gastronomy
Zadar’s Old Town is a true treasure of Croatian history and culture. This picturesque city on the Adriatic coast attracts visitors with its rich history and fascinating landmarks.
Walking through the streets of Zadar feels like stepping back in time. The Cathedral of St. Anastasia, towering over the main square, is one of the most significant religious buildings in the city. Its impressive architecture and intricate details represent an important part of Croatian cultural heritage.
Another unforgettable stop is the Roman Forum, a testament to Zadar’s rich Roman past. As you wander among the ruins, you can travel back to antiquity and imagine how important this site once was.
Zadar is also famous for its unusual art installation – the Sun Salutation. This large solar-powered disc on the waterfront is made of 3,000 small lights that respond to the movement of the sun, creating a mesmerising light show in the evening. It’s a unique way of combining art, technology, and natural phenomena.
Beyond the historical landmarks, you can soak up the city’s atmosphere by strolling through narrow streets lined with traditional restaurants, cafés, and shops. Zadar is also known for its vibrant music scene, so you can enjoy concerts and music festivals that are frequently held here.
Well Prepared for the Trip: Essentials for Your Slovenia to Croatia Journey
Before setting off on your road trip through Slovenia to Croatia, it’s important to pack well so you have everything you need and can fully enjoy your holiday. Here are some essential items you should have with you.
- The most important thing is to have a valid travel document so you can move freely between countries. Make sure your passport is valid and won’t expire during your trip. Both Slovenia and Croatia are in the EU, so UK citizens need a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of departure.
- For comfortable and hassle-free driving on Slovenian motorways, you’ll need a valid motorway vignette for your vehicle. This vignette is mandatory for all motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. You can purchase the e-vignette online at evinjeta.dars.si. When buying the vignette, choose the correct validity period to match the length of your stay. Vignettes are available for 7 days, 1 month, or 1 year. Bear in mind that driving without a valid electronic motorway vignette, which is linked to your vehicle’s registration plate, can result in heavy fines from the Slovenian police.
- If you’re planning to drive your own car, don’t forget your driving licence and vehicle insurance documents. Also, check the current road traffic regulations in both countries – for example, headlights must be on at all times while driving in Slovenia.
- Make sure you have enough cash or payment cards to cover accommodation, meals, transport, and other expenses during your trip. Both Slovenia and Croatia use the euro (€), making things convenient. Ensure you have a sufficient financial reserve for any unexpected costs.
- Pack suitable clothing and footwear for the various activities you plan to do – from hiking boots for the national parks to comfortable walking shoes for city sightseeing.
- Croatia and Slovenia can be very hot and sunny during summer, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, and a hat or scarf to protect your head from the sun. Be careful with direct sunlight and avoid excessive sun exposure.
- To navigate easily and safely through Slovenia and Croatia, it’s useful to have maps, a sat nav, or a mobile navigation app. Make sure you have access to up-to-date maps and traffic information. Consider getting an eSIM from Holafly or Yesim to stay connected throughout your trip.
- Although many people in tourist areas speak English, it’s always appreciated when you learn a few basic phrases in Slovenian and Croatian. A simple “hvala” (thank you) or “dobar dan” (good day) can go a long way when chatting with locals.
If you’d like more tips on what to explore in Dalmatia, check out our article.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
