Slovenia’s rugged mountains dominate the skyline of its lush green landscapes. Water-rich valleys stretch into the foothills of the Alps, while hiker-friendly huts dot the terrain. Horses and sheep roam freely across verdant peaks scattered along lofty, windswept ridges. Although only 3.6% of the Alps lie in Slovenia—making it the southeasternmost reach of Europe’s highest and most extensive mountain range—the alpine tradition here is strong, authentic, and inviting.
Yet, just a four-hour drive south, you enter Croatia—a Mediterranean gem with over a thousand islands, long pebble beaches, and remote coves perfect for private dips in crystal-clear waters, accompanied by the rhythmic hum of cicadas and the occasional call of a seagull overhead.
Exploring Slovenia’s best multi-day treks:
Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands
Hut-to-Hut Trek in the Julian Alps
From Bohinj to Soča Valley Trek
7 Triglav Lakes Trek
By long-standing tradition, the two countries have been each other’s favorite destinations. Slovenians flock to the Croatian coast, while Croatians escape to the Slovenian mountains. For international visitors, this combination offers the perfect holiday: hiking, swimming, and relaxing in outstanding natural beauty, complemented by excellent food, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics. You can literally be hiking in the Slovenian Alps in the morning and swimming at an idyllic beach in Croatia by sunset.
That is why we introduced a brand-new 7-day guided tour last year: Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands. It combines the very best of both countries into a one-week adventure, designed for travelers seeking an active outdoor holiday. The idea is simple—explore through experience: hike scenic trails, spend nights in mountain huts, enjoy delicious local cuisine, swim in pristine waters, and unwind on idyllic beaches. Apart from relatively short transfers between locations, everything is explored on foot, making every relaxing moment by the sea truly well-earned.
Damien, one of the first guests to join the tour, described it as: “Exhilarating and fun! Those seven days of hiking were no joke—we trekked along beautiful ridges, stood atop the highest mountain in the Karavanke Alps, petted horses grazing at 2,000 meters, then moved on to the breathtaking Soča Valley, where we explored rivers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and mountains. Slovenia was such a treat! Then we headed to the Croatian islands, where we followed easier trails that always led to secluded pebble or sandy beaches. Our guide was fantastic—she accommodated extra wishes and took us to incredible sunset viewpoints. We were also amazed by the food: from tasty picnics to delicious mountain dishes (those štruklji dumplings!) and exceptional local restaurants.”
In the spirit of showcasing these destinations at their very best, we’ve also added a May departure this year. Why May? Because this is when nature truly comes alive. Fragrant wildflowers blanket the mountains in Slovenia and bloom across the Croatian landscapes as well. On the second and third days of the trek, you can expect a sea of daffodils. You’ll hike across slopes covered in white blossoms near our second mountain hut—perfect for an unforgettable sunset walk among the flowers.
Spring also brings powerful waterfalls and fuller rivers, thanks to melting snow in the high mountains. And in Croatia, you’ll enjoy quiet trails and empty beaches, lined with fragrant yellow shrubs and bathed in warm Mediterranean light.
Below is a selection of photos from the beautiful locations in Slovenia and Croatia that we visit on our May Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands tour.
Join us on a 7-day
Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands
Explore Slovenia on our Blog:
Hiking in the mountains of Jezersko
Best mountain hikes in Slovenia
Hiking in the flower paradise: Golica and its daffodils
Seven lush, green and fragrant mountain hikes in Slovenia
The May departure of our 7-day Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands tour is expected to showcase a sea of blooming daffodils during the first three days
Exploring Slovenia’s best hikes from Ljubljana:
Velika Planina
Goli Vrh above Jezersko
Photogenic Kamniško Sedlo
Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands
Join us on a 7-day
Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands
The Croatian islands are bathed in yellow and white as the landscape bursts into full bloom.
Exploring Slovenia’s best multi-day treks:
Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands
Hut-to-Hut Trek in the Julian Alps
From Bohinj to Soča Valley Trek
7 Triglav Lakes Trek
Join us on a 7-day
Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands
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Looking for a gorgeous tour in the mountains? Exploring Slovenia offers guided hiking and climbing tours!
Explore Slovenia on our Blog:
Hiking in the Julian Alps among flowers, a lake and stunning views
Best mountain hikes in Slovenia
Hiking in the flower paradise: Golica and its daffodils
Twelve mountain adventures in Slovenia you will likely fall in love with
