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Europe is the hot spot for summer travel now that border checks and international travel have resumed.
Famous for its ancient heritage, its cobbled old towns and fairytale castles, the continent is currently poised for its highest season in years.
That said, most visitors continue to flock to just a handful of countries, particularly Western European ones like Italy, France, Spain, and Germany, either out of a lack of knowledge of Europe’s vastness and cultural diversity or because of decades old. misconceptions about the ‘dangerous’ East.
Turns out there’s a european country out of the way located in the Central-East part that is not only one of the most beautiful destinations but also one of the safest for American travelers:
Slovenia is one of the safest countries in the world
In a continent replete with beautiful swimming spots, up-and-coming resort areas, and world-class city breaks, it’s easy to forget that there are other, smaller, less-visited, and arguably more picturesque nations like the little slovenia.
It is technically a Central European power, although culturally and politically, it has always been considered an ‘eastern’ nation.
Partially located on the Balkan Peninsula, it was once part of the now-defunct communist state of Yugoslavia, a union that comprised the historic neighbors of Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and several other newly founded republics.
Slovenia has always retained a certain level of autonomy: even within Yugoslavia, where the lingua franca was Serbo-Croatian, Slovene was one of the three official state languages, and Slovene nationality and local culture have always showed signs of distinction.
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However, independence would only be achieved in the 1990s, and while most of the post-Yugoslav countries were embroiled in a bloody war, Slovenia emerged almost unscathed and, thanks to the strengthening of the state and security forces, became one of the safest countries in Europe. Destinations
According to the US Department of State, it is up to IcelandFinland and the like, as one of the few European countries that enjoy Tier 1 status in the United States.
This means that the security risks are as low, or even insignificantthat Americans can exercise « normal » visiting precautions.
In essence, there is No-go areas in Slovenianor suburban areas with significantly high levels of crime, unlike France, parts of Britain or even Spain, countries hard hit by rising crime rates and where problems stemming from ghettoization have led to an uptick in urban problems .
Slovenia is the eighth most peaceful country in the world
Petty crime rates are also quite low, and while visitors are advised never to let their guard down, especially in popular areas, the risk of being mugged or facing threats or serious harm in Slovenia is virtually non-existent, whether in the Slovenian capital or in other urban settlements.
As reported by the Institute of Economy and Peace, through its Global Peace Indexcalculated using ‘23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources‘, Slovenia is the eighth most peaceful country in the entire worldwith a ‘peace’ score of 1,334.
The number one country on the list, the unbeatable Iceland, tops the rankings with a stellar 1,124 (the lower the score, the better).
You know that now Slovenia is perfectly safe to visitand not at all the dark and dubious European country that the remnants of the anti-oriental propaganda of the eighties that still poison our collective imagination would have some believe, but because should you visit it?
Slovenia is just beautiful
Slovenia may be very small at just 20,273 km², surrounded by Croatia to the southeast, Austria to the north and Italy to the southwest, with only a narrow strip of coastline to call its own limited landmass, but it is unquestionably one of the most beautiful European countries you could visit.
A quaint capital city
The charming capital, ljubljanait feels more like a small town than a proper regal financial capital.
The postcard-perfect historic center will take you back to the days of yore, when carriages rattled up the cobbled hills, the smell of home-baked bread baking in the morning filled the crisp air, and the loud sound of bells ringing of the gothic bell towers add to the ambience. idyllic atmosphere.
Wandering through Ljubljana’s Old Town, you won’t find ugly-looking experimental skyscrapers, or any buildings that, at least apparently, weren’t built after the 19th century.
They are gathered at the foot of a huge fortress – Ljubljana Castle – a national symbol.
stunning alpine lakes
On the outskirts of Ljubljana, about a 40-minute drive northwest, visitors will come across the impressive lake bleda blue lake with an islet in the center, which houses an old medieval church.
The lake is part of the Julian Alps, which stretch from Slovenia to northeastern Italy.
Slovenia’s Dinaric mountain range is undoubtedly the most beautiful, particularly the area around Bled, which includes the lake, the bucolic city of Bled, and imposing fortresses such as Bled Castle.
Slovenian nature as a whole should not be underestimated: made up of alpine peaks, deep valleys, crystal clear rivers and natural lagoons, it can be surprisingly diverse for such a small nation.
dramatic nature
For epic waterfalls and waters of the brightest blue, head to the Triglav National Parkwhere you’ll find numerous hiking trails and family-friendly campsites.
He Kozjansko Regional Park not to be missed either, with its open green spaces that seem to blend into the horizon to challenge Slovenia’s own compact territory and landmark Skocjan Cave Park.
Other Slovenian attractions that should definitely be added to your list include pretzelsa Renaissance castle etched into the side of a cliff and the country’s beautiful Adriatic towns.
A Coast Free of Tourists
Yes, Slovenia has a coastline, albeit not a long one, but believe it or not, it can compete with the beauty of Dalmatian Croatia.
With ancient ports like Piran and Koper, famous for their Romanesque heritage, ocher-colored buildings in the southern European style, and pristine municipal beaches bounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, sure to steal your heart.
Since the Slovenian coast is not as popular a tourist destination as Croatia or Montenegro, or indeed any other nearby Balkan country, it is not so fulland it may feel more affordable to travel.
Americans can stay in Slovenia, and in the Schengen area in general, for up to 90 days of any 180-day period.
Starting in 2024, they will also need to apply for a travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area, including Slovenia.
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traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
