Slovenia with kids: a full family itinerary

In recent years Slovenia has become one of Europe's best-kept secrets for families, and rightly so. It's a very small country (you can cross it from the Alpine mountains to the coast in under two hours' drive) with clear lakes, spectacular caves, a small and pleasant capital, and green nature everywhere. That combination makes it ideal for a family trip at a relaxed pace. Here's a suggested itinerary and how to get the most out of it.

Why Slovenia suits families

Its small size is its big advantage: the bases are close to each other, distances are short, and almost everything is a short drive away. English is widely spoken, prices are reasonable, and the mix of nature, lakes and caves works wonderfully for kids of every age.

A suggested 7-day itinerary

• Days 1 to 2: Ljubljana. Get to know the compact capital before heading out into nature.
• Days 3 to 4: Lake Bled and the area around it. Only about 45 minutes from Ljubljana.
• Day 5: Lake Bohinj. The bigger and quieter of the two.
• Day 6: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. A day of caves and knights.
• Day 7: the coast, Piran. A Mediterranean finish.

Ljubljana with kids

The capital is small, safe and easy to walk. Take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle above the city, play in green Tivoli Park, and visit the zoo with its playgrounds and workshops. Don't skip Slovenian ice cream along the river, and on hot summer days, the city's water park saves the day.

Lake Bled and the area around it

Bled is perhaps Slovenia's most famous view: a turquoise lake with a small island and a church in the middle. A ride in a traditional pletna boat to the island thrills every child, and on the island you can ring the wishing bell. From there, climb up to Bled Castle for a superb view, and finish with a slice of the local cream cake (kremšnita). Energetic families can kayak on the lake, and 10 minutes away the old town of Radovljica is worth a stop.

Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

One of the unforgettable experiences in Slovenia: at Postojna Cave you ride in on a miniature train that runs through an impressive system of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave tour takes about an hour and a half, so think about the pace with young kids. Nearby is dramatic Predjama Castle, built into a cliff: a real knights' tale.

Lake Bohinj

Bohinj is Slovenia's largest natural lake, quieter and wilder than Bled. You can go out on the water, take the cable car up to Vogel for the view, and teenagers will enjoy rafting and cycling in the area.

The coast: Piran

At the southwestern tip, Piran awaits: a Mediterranean seaside town with cobbled alleys, old architecture and a sparkling sea view. Slovenia's beaches are mostly pebbly, so bring water shoes; the water is calm, and there are also seawater pools for safe swimming.

Practical tips

A rental car gives you the most flexibility for moving between bases. English is spoken almost everywhere, so communication is easy, and family lodging is easy to find: farm stays, campsites and hotels with facilities for kids are common and available.

Slovenia is the destination we recommend most to families, but if this is your first trip with kids, the family trip abroad guide goes through age, pace and budget first, and only then the destination.

All that's left is to set off

Diretix builds you a Slovenia itinerary matched to your kids' ages and your pace: lakes, caves, a capital and a coast, with hotels and a daily budget, in minutes. One trip a month is built in full, for free, up to 12 days.