Among the picturesque Slovenian villages
Medieval towns, with ornate buildings, imposing red roofs studded with dormer windows, topped by massive castles. This is the image left by most Slovenian villages, which you will often find quiet and deserted, which helps give them a special if slightly melancholy charm.
We have beaten the most and least well-known villages, some of which are not worth a trip, but may serve as brief stops along the way. Perhaps you will still find a small market where you can buy jams, or a village festival where you can sample fried doughnuts.
RADOVLJICA
Just 7 kilometers from Bled is this delightful medieval village that can be visited literally in 10 minutes, but invites you to spend a few peaceful hours among its little honey stores, typical gabled houses surrounding the town square, and its taverns, such as Gostilina Lectar, a historic tavern that prepares local dishes in comfort food format, such as excellent soups in the bread.
ŠKOFJA LOKA
Not far from the capital is this small village nestled in the woods, overlooking the river with its houses and their courtyards jutting out over the water. The imposing castle towers over the settlement, made up of streets with curtain-walled buildings, some washed-out and abandoned, others richly decorated, housing small craft stores all waiting to be discovered.
KAMNIK
Kamnik is another little gem in the mountains near Ljubljana. Another village that stands out for its brick roofs and colorful curtain walled houses. There's not much more to it than the main road, to be walked up and down, stopping at the church from which you can admire the village from a little higher up, but the view with the mountains as a backdrop is very picturesque, and definitely worth a short stop.
PTUJ
Approaching the eastern border of Slovenia, one reaches this small town lying on the Drava River, which as it approaches Lake Ptujsko becomes a wide basin that frames Ptuj. The usual castle, this time with walls, towers and picturesque steep cobblestone walkway (not recommended with a stroller) that reaches the top of the town center, dominates over the massive terracotta gabled roofs. A walk through the castle complex, which offers a beautiful view of the town from above, is undoubtedly the highlight of the visit, but the town's narrow streets also offer beautiful views.
We also recommend an excellent seafood restaurant, uncovered by chance just outside the urban agglomeration: Gostilna Ribič. The fish dishes, including the fried fish, are memorable.
Final thoughts on some of the villages and towns that are listed in guidebooks, but which we found of little merit.
First among them is Maribor, in which we made an evening stop and a morning visit that left us doubtful. Beyond the main square surrounded by a few profusely decorated buildings, the rest of the city offers no particular insights.
The villages of Dobrovo, Šmartno, and Vipava, known for their location in the Brda wine-area, also left us less than enthralled: they are mostly tiny hamlets, without too many attractions, and not very lively. Nice views of the hills with vineyards, but we do not recommend a focused trip.
EXTRA TIP: PREDJAMSKI GRAD
If you find yourself passing through the southern area on your trip, a stop to admire Predjama Castle is definitely recommended. It is a very special medieval castle built completely clinging and fused to a steep rock face that will capture your attention.
