Sečoveljske Soline, or the Sečovlje Salt Pans, are located just south of Portorož on the Slovenian coast, close to the Croatian border at the Dragonja river estuary. This is a poetic landscape steeped in history, where salt has been farmed for over 1000 years. It is also an important wetland bird sanctuary and nature reserve.... Continue Reading →
Izola is a small fishing town on the Slovenian coast, which retains much of its Venetian character. It boasts a picturesque marina affording stunning views across the Adriatic Sea towards Venice, and some great restaurants serving up local delicacies and of course the freshest of seafood! History of Izola Izola seen from the nearby hill... Continue Reading →
The Italians and Hungarians have stuffed peppers; in the former Yugoslav countries both stuffed peppers and stuffed cabbage leaves are popular; and in Greece the recipe becomes stuffed vine leaves. This culinary heritage of filling whatever vegetable you have available with a simple meat stuffing is fascinatingly diverse but also shows the connection between these... Continue Reading →
As we are locked down within our borough at present, I sometimes worry about these posts getting a bit monotonous. Thankfully the weather is providing variety as the landscape does not look set to change for weeks to come. I could write about places I've visited in the past, but I think this kind of... Continue Reading →
I was surprised by how quickly winter descended upon our area as we entered the fourth week of lockdown. I've found it quite enchanting as I haven't seen a hard frost like this for years. Even in the UK before we left for Spain, 'cold and frosty mornings' were a rarity. Here, the temperature doesn't... Continue Reading →
The Vrata Valley is one of the most spectacular glacial valleys in the Julian Alps. This valley begins in the town of Mojstrana close to Kranjska Gora, and ends abruptly in the north wall of Slovenia's highest mountain, Triglav. Although it provides a door (literally vrata) to the highest of the Julian Alps, the valley... Continue Reading →
I had forgotten how much I loved travelling, until I had the privilege of a trip to Lake Garda last weekend. With winter looming and lockdowns likely, we headed first to Gardaland for some socially-distanced family fun. This was a real treat, and so well-decorated for Halloween; the kids absolutely loved it. But we also... Continue Reading →
Mala Osojnica is a bluff on the eastern face of a larger hill, Velika Osojnica, overlooking Lake Bled. Its modest height, at least in Alpine terms (645m, or 2116 ft above sea level), makes it an 'easy' walk from the lake shore and a fantastic viewpoint over the lake to the Karavanke Alps and the... Continue Reading →
I have already talked briefly about Lake Jasna in my post on Kranjska Gora in Summer. It's a man-made lake at the base of the Vršič pass. The water is shallow and clear to the bed of the lake, making it perfect for fishing, swimming (in Summer) and stand-up paddling. On crisp Autumn evenings, the... Continue Reading →
The Church of St John the Baptist is situated at the foot of Lake Bohinj, beside the bridge which spans the Sava Bohinjka river. Built in the typical Slovenian Alpine style, it is notable for its picturesque location and the striking fresco of St Christopher on its southern exterior wall. I have passed the church... Continue Reading →
