Spring is in the air and it’s such a perfect time to think about getting away for a few days, spending quality down time in beautiful surroundings. Have you been to Slovenia at this time of year? Easter is a wonderful time to visit.

Food, glorious food!
If a spring getaway is on the cards, celebrating Easter in Slovenia is sure to roll away any late winter blues. Food is a big part of the festivities here and visitors can tickle their taste buds with delicious local delicacies and traditional home cooked dishes. As Easter marks the end of the Lenten period and Good Friday fasting, what better way to rejoice in the most important date in the Christian liturgical calendar than by stuffing your face with tasty treats?

The Slovenian table will be filled with a traditional feast of Ham-en croute, horseradish, bird-shaped sweet bread, coloured eggs and of course, Potica, a traditional cake brought out for most celebrations. Easter Sunday is traditionally a day spent at home with family or in solemn contemplation but come Easter Monday it’s time to get out and about – perhaps work off all those extra calories!

Something else to make your mouth water is the Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen food festival) which runs from March until November. Attracting foodies and culinary adventurers to the beautiful city of Ljubljana, the popular event is sure to bring a little flavour to your trip. As well as the chance to sample delicious local food, this year will see some top chefs dropping by and visitors can enjoy entertainment  from street artists and DJs.
Another date for the diary is the spring edition of Restaurant Week. Slovenian Restaurant Week features some of the country’s best rated eateries and the chance to try some exceptional food at great prices. Over 100 restaurants are taking part this year.

Spring hiking and biking
If an Easter adventure is on the cards, you’ve come to the right place. Slovenia is a hikers paradise. There’s over 10,000KM of marked hiking trails to be explored. One route not to be missed is the Alpe Adria Trail. The Alpe-Adria Trail, spanning 450 miles, is signposted from start to finish taking in three cultures and three countries – Austria, Slovenia and Italy.

From the foot of Grossglockner mountain in Austria via the Slovenian Alps all the way to the Italian Adriatic coast, hikers can experience breath-taking natural scenery, alpine water adventures, and fascinating flora and fauna.

The Alpe Adria Trail is a summit-to-sea hiking experience and this epic discovery trail sends explorers deep into national parks, biosphere reserves and high onto peaks such as the 5,285-foot Vrsic Pass in the Julian Alps. The trail starts in Austria and finishes in Italy via Slovenia.

This epic cross-border experience winds its way through Carinthia, Slovenia and Friuli-Venezia-Guilia in 43 stages. The geographic destination at the end of the Alpe-Adria Trail is Muggia, which lies to the south of Trieste. Alternatively, head for the Julian Alps – home to some of Slovenia’s most beautiful spots with its crystal clear lakes, an emerald green river and incredible mountain landscapes. In spring there are few better ways to explore this natural paradise than a hiking or cycling adventure. For keen cyclists, Juliana Bike trail offers extensive routes throughout the Julian Alps so you can discover the region’s charming alpine towns, vast meadows and breathtaking view points.

Be at one with nature
As spring slowly awakens, now is the time to reconnect with nature. Of all the seasons, spring is arguably the most appropriate for embracing the great outdoors. Slovenia’s charms are plentiful – crystal clear lakes and rivers, glorious scenery, breath-taking mountain peaks and there’s even the chance to wander among plants in flowers in the towns and cities! Visitors can bring some flower power to their trip by visiting impressive botanical gardens this spring. You’ll find them in Ljubljana, Maribor, Stanjel and Zgornja Gorica. Easter time traditionally opens the main spring/summer tourist season in Slovenia so it’s an ideal time to experience the beauty of the country and its fascinating cultural heritage – and beat the summer crowds.

Last but certainly not least, Slovenia is one of the safest, greenest and most sustainable destinations in the world. For responsible travellers Slovenia will tick all the boxes. Sustainability is at the very core of the country’s tourism ethos and ‘green’ visitors will be welcomed with open arms – all year round!