Of Mountains And Lakes

Slovenia Is A Charming European Getaway With Lovely Cities, Spa Towns, Nature Parks And Cool Party Hotspots At A Price That Won't Make You Bankrupt

- MAMTA CHUGH

LET'S GO BOLD, TAKE THE LESSER-KNOWN PATHS, and leave the trail for others to follow!" I proclaimed, trying to convince my cousins to go on an adventurous holiday to an unconventional European destination— Slovenia. "There's beach, mountains, a lake, a buzzing city vibe, delicious food, and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. We can toboggan amidst the Julian Alps, and it's all very wallet-friendly." My pitch did the trick; my cousins didn't require any futher convincing.

I was clear about what I wanted for my perfect summer vacation: a European country brimming with character, diverse landscapes, fewer crowds, and affordability. Slovenia, a hidden gem that's still off the radar for many tourists, checked all these boxes. In the vibrant landscape of Eastern Europe, Slovenia is known for its unforgettable charm. Many of us assume that travelling to Europe is prohibitively expensive, but Slovenia proves otherwise. Despite having the euro as its currency, it remains more affordable than other European destinations.

BY THE SEA IN PIRAN

Our adventure began in Piran, a tiny town along Slovenia's modest coastline. Its charm lies in its Venetian architecture, medieval atmosphere, and pastel-coloured homes. Strolling through winding, cobblestone streets with a bar of sea salt chocolate—a local delicacy—was pure joy. "This town is unbelievable. Every corner looks like a postcard!" my cousin exclaimed as we scrolled through our photos sitting beside a window overlooking the ocean in our Airbnb.

The next day, we ventured to Portorož, a nearby spa town just seven minutes away by bus known for its luxurious resorts. We indulged in a spa session at Terme Portorož, enjoying ten types of saunas and treatments for only INR 1,800 per person.

GLAMPING AT LAKE BLED