Private Jet to Ljubljana, Slovenia
Between Italy and Croatia, an unsung country is ready for the limelight
The savviest travelers are wise to the great “second cities” of Europe — ones that offer all the charm of a more famous locale with fewer crowds and less hassle. Instead of Lisbon, go to Porto. Instead of Amsterdam, try Rotterdam.
We think Ljubljana, Slovenia is poised to become the next great in-the-know European destination. Since tourists have recently flooded the charming coastal villages in Croatia and cruise ship traffic still subsumes Venice in the summer, the smart move is to travel somewhere in-between and enjoy the untrammeled wonder of the Slovenian capital.
This former Yugoslav state has entered the 21st century with a spirit of environmental stewardship and gracious hospitality. Slovenia is a country of spotless cities, pristine nature, and some of the most dramatic Alpine views. Slovenes have the same acumen for winemaking as their Italian neighbors and make pork sausages that rival the Austrians.
Global Air Charters can fly you directly to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJLJ), the best arrival point for private jet traffic for its modern facilities and proximity to the capital. Here are a few tips to make the most of your Slovenian holiday:
Hit the Bricks
Ljubljana is a terrific city for a stroll. Visitors are always drawn to the cobblestone streets of the charming Old Town, while Tivoli Park and the Ljubljanica River’s embankments are a serene place to relax.
During your promenade, you can’t miss seeing the Ljubljana Castle, high atop a hill in the middle of the capital, with its 15th century ramparts rising above the tree line. There you can learn about the history of the town, but don’t miss having a meal at the castle’s Michelin-starred Strelec Restaurant, one of the country’s most lauded, where chef Igor Jagodic serves a contemporary take on medieval and traditional Slovenian fare.
While in Ljubljana, keep an eye out for the buildings designed by Jože Plečnik, the Slovene architect whose embellished Art Nouveau style is a notable fixture in the cityscapes of Vienna, Prague, Belgrade, and of course Ljubljana, his hometown. His works, including the Triple Bridge and the Central Market, feature prominently in modern Slovene heritage.
A Short Drive Out of Town
The most popular day trip from the capital is a 30-minute drive north to the stunning mountain hamlet of Bled. There, you can paraglide over Lake Bled to get the best view of its iconic island church.
The best restaurant in the country is Hiša Franko in the picturesque Soča Valley, a quiet hollow near the Italian border in the shadow of the stunning Julian Alps. Currently ranked #32 in the world and run by Ana Roš, the chef named World’s Best Female Chef in 2017, the restaurant showcases the hyper-local produce from farms no more than a few miles away.
Slovenia is also home to some of the world’s oldest grapevines and has a winemaking history that predates Ancient Rome. The southwestern part of the country approaches the Gulf of Trieste and its warmer Mediterranean climate, which hosts a majority of the country’s wineries (and its best wine tours). The region of Goriška Brda, with its red clay-roofed farmhouses and squat olive trees, looks indistinguishable from Tuscany.
Major Events in Ljubljana in 2024
The Ljubljana Festival (June 20 – September 3, 2024) is the highlight of the town’s summer season. It’s a sprawling festival featuring performances by some of Europe’s finest classical music ensembles, with opera, ballet, chamber music, and orchestral suites all on the docket.
The Dragon Boat Festival (June 8, 2024) features teams of canoers in a race down the Ljubljanica River. It’s a wonderful summer celebration that celebrates several local traditions.
Private Jet to Ljubljana, Slovenia
Global Air Charters has a fleet of ultra-long-range airframes that can easily reach Slovenia from the United States. Contact our flight coordinators today to begin arranging your flight to Slovenia.