3 Days on the Karst – Day 1: Škocjan Caves and Lipica
What we recommend to our guests who come for a short escape
The Karst is a truly distinctive landscape. It is defined by vine-covered hills and white stone houses scattered across gentle ridges, forming compact villages that have preserved their identity and characteristic architecture in almost untouched form. Even a simple drive through these sunlit hills is enough to bring a quiet smile to your face.
Yet beyond the beauty of its cultural landscape, the Karst offers much more. We have prepared a three-day itinerary for you that combines the most iconic sights with lesser-known places – and brings you back to the borjač each evening, before the day tips into noise.
Before You Set Off (Practical Tips)
-
Start early, especially when visiting caves and during summer days along the coast.
-
Wear good shoes. Karst stone is sharp, and prehistoric hillforts are uneven.
-
Book tickets in advance, particularly for the Škocjan Caves.
Škocjan Caves (UNESCO)
Begin your first day underground. The Karst is not known for what we see – but for what lies beneath.
More than 13,000 karst caves have been recorded in Slovenia, and 21 of them are open to visitors.
The most famous and most visited is the Postojna Cave. Our personal favourite, however, is the Škocjan Caves, which we always warmly recommend to our guests. They are monumental, raw and authentic, yet still restrained enough to preserve a sense of reverence for the space.
The Škocjan Caves are becoming more popular each year. If you wish to avoid the crowds, the Karst also offers other, less touristy options. Nearby, you will find Divača Cave, Vilenica Cave, or Grotta Gigante near Opicina in Italy.
>>> Tickets (we recommend purchasing online)
>>> Tours and information
Tip: Caves are an excellent choice if the weather turns less favourable during your stay.
Lipica Stud Farm
From the underground to open landscape. Lipica reveals a completely different face of the Karst – long tree-lined avenues, open pastures, and Lipizzaner horses.
Tip: If you would like to watch a training session or performance, check the daily schedule when purchasing your tickets.
Dinner and Return Home
On your way back from Lipica, stop at Domačija Šajna in Šepulje. It offers authentic local cuisine in the remarkable setting of an old Karst homestead. Among locals, it is considered one of the finest restaurants in the area – and we are confident it will not disappoint.
Reservations: +386 40 56 96 66