Car Journey Across Slovenia: Ljubljana, Smartno, Lipica and Piran
Journey Through Slovenia
A journey featuring Ljubljana opens the door to a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a favorite for travelers exploring Central and Eastern Europe by car. The route winds through charming towns such as Smartno and Lipica and reaches the coastal gem of Piran, offering the flexibility to discover Slovenia’s hidden corners along the way. Car travel is consistently praised because it gives access to unique local experiences and allows visitors to enjoy everything from historical landmarks to coastal vistas at their own pace.
Cultural Sites
Natural Beauty
Perfect For All
About This Road Trip
This route through Slovenia brings together the best of inland culture and coastal relaxation, making it perfect for couples, families, nature lovers, and history buffs. You’ll journey from the lively streets of Ljubljana to the medieval village of Smartno, encounter the historic Lipica Stud Farm, and unwind by the Adriatic in Piran. Every stop offers a new perspective and insight into the diversity of Slovenia. With easy driving distances, plenty of sightseeing, and the freedom a car brings, you can tailor your trip to your interests and pace, ensuring a memorable experience for every kind of traveler.
View route on map
Starting Station: Ljubljana Slon Hotel (LJ2)
Trip Duration: 3 days
Mileage Distance: 401 km
Perfect For: Couples, Families, History Enthusiasts, Nature
Loading map...
Reddit Reviews
· Ljubljana is recommended by travelers interested in history, culture, and natural beauty, and is often combined with camping or hotel stays.
· Travelers are interested in history, culture, natural beauty, and unique local stops when visiting Ljubljana and the surrounding region.
· Ljubljana is frequently included as a stop on multi-country European road trips, especially those exploring the Balkans and Central Europe.
· Some travelers report challenges with car rental companies allowing cross-border trips, so it's important to check policies for each country before booking.
· Some travelers face challenges with car rental policies for multi-country trips, as companies may have restrictions or require multiple rentals.
· Ljubljana stands out as a favored destination on European road trips, valued for its history, culture, and access to natural attractions like Lake Bled. While the city is widely recommended, travelers should be aware of potential challenges with car rental policies for cross-border travel and plan routes accordingly.
👍 87 % positive|👎 13 % negative
Begin Your Slovenia Adventure
Set off from Ljubljana and dive into the best of Slovenia’s cities and countryside. Drive at your own pace, take in historic castles, charming villages, and Adriatic coastlines, and let each stop reveal its unique story. With Abbycar’s support, you can enjoy a smooth, flexible, and rewarding Slovene escape.
Listen to our favorite spotify Music lists for roadtrips
Loading...
Where To Stop
Road Trip Stops
Discover five unique stops across Slovenia, each offering a special blend of cultural, historical, and natural experiences suited for every style of traveler. From the vibrant capital to tranquil villages and the Adriatic coast, each stop adds its own flavor to your journey.
1
First stop
Ljubljana
Start your trip in Ljubljana with a visit to Ljubljana Castle, perched above the city and offering panoramic views and fascinating exhibitions about the city’s history. It’s the perfect introduction to Slovenia, with cobbled streets below and vibrant local culture on display everywhere around the hill.
Based on 8551 reviews
(3.9/5)
2
Second stop
Smartno
In Smartno, explore the beautifully preserved Smartno Village. This medieval hilltop settlement charms visitors with its narrow streets, stone walls, and historic churches. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning views make it an ideal place to experience Slovenia’s rural traditions and take a leisurely walk.
Based on 130 reviews
(4.6/5)
3
Third stop
Lipica
Lipica is world-famous for its Lipica Stud Farm, the cradle of Lipizzaner horses. Visitors can tour stables, watch dressage shows, and learn about the storied history of these beautiful horses—making this an essential stop for animal lovers and culture seekers alike.
Based on 647 reviews
(4/5)
4
Fourth stop
Piran
In Piran, climb the Town Walls for fantastic views of the old town rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. This highlight offers insight into Piran’s Venetian history and rewards visitors with some of the area’s best photo opportunities—perfect for ending your coastal visit on a high note.
Based on 676 reviews
(4.5/5)
5
Fifth stop
Ljubljana
Complete your journey in Ljubljana with a relaxing stroll through Tivoli Park, the city's largest and most cherished green space. Enjoy walking trails, lush gardens, and local art installations—an inviting spot for families and anyone looking to unwind in nature before concluding the trip.
Based on 1550 reviews
(4.4/5)
All you need to know before you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ljubljana is frequently included as a stop on multi-country European road trips, especially those exploring the Balkans and Central Europe.
Lake Bled and Bled Island are popular must-see stops near Ljubljana, often included in road trip itineraries.
Some travelers report challenges with car rental companies allowing cross-border trips, so it's important to check policies for each country before booking.
Travelers often plan to drive mountain pass roads through the Alps and consider scenic routes along the Adriatic coast when traveling to or from Ljubljana.
Latest Articles
Stay informed and inspired for your next journey
AbbyCar Travel Experts
Car Rental & Travel Industry Specialists
AbbyCar Travel Experts are the experienced professionals behind AbbyCar, one of Europe’s most trusted and value-for-money car rental brands, operating in over 30 countries. With more than 14 years of hands-on experience in car rentals and road-trip travel, the team has helped more than 1.5 million travellers explore their destinations with comfort and confidence. Drawing on in-depth knowledge of local routes, travel trends, and driving conditions, AbbyCar Travel Experts provide reliable, experience-based advice to help every traveller enjoy a safe, smart, and stress-free journey.
For more road-trip ideas and expert travel inspiration, visit our Road Trips Section
