5 ways to look after yourself and the planet in Croatia and Slovenia

Main image: (Slovenian Tourist Board)

Urban stress is something most of us yearn to escape from. In Croatia and Slovenia, people keep a fine balance between modernity, convenience and finding joy in nature. Maybe it's thanks to their dramatic mountains, deep seas and castaway islands. Or maybe it's a lifestyle choice. Here's how you can look after mind, body and Mother Nature in Croatia and Slovenia...

1. Be like a local

Slow down and savour the moment. Surely this is what travel is about – harmonising with the rhythms of the places we visit. People in Croatia and Slovenia still know how to enjoy life's simple pleasures, like drinking coffee at open-air cafes, shaded by palm trees or big white parasols. Or watching local fishermen deliver the night's catch to the morning fish market. Or maybe swimming in the deep blue Adriatic, then lying on smooth rocks, to dry naturally in the sun. People here are still attached to the seasons. In spring, families take to the countryside to pick wild asparagus and plump red cherries. Many city dwellers still have village homes, dating back generations, where they spend weekends. Slovenes love hiking, and retreat to the mountains during holidays, in the same way that Croatians love indulging in gablec and marenda (a mid-morning snack) or enjoying coffee with friends and family at local cafés. Do as the locals do and tune in to nature.

2. Slow down and soak up culture

Ljubljana owes its impressive, eclectic collection of architecture largely to one man: Jože Plečnik. A talented student of famous architect Otto Wagner, Plečnik first worked his magic in major capitals like Vienna and Prague before returning home. A wander around the Slovenian capital is akin to taking a tour of the great man's most magnificent work, such as the Three Bridges, the Central Market and the Church of St. Francis. If you want to learn more about his life, his former home Plečnik House is stuffed with his authentic project plans, furniture and more. In Croatia, the languid pace of its historic towns offer an invitation to truly slow down; one that you won't fail to grasp with both hands. There are a string of handsome towns and cities to spy, from the iconic UNESCO-protected Dubrovnik to the lively Split and up north to, Zagreb, the capital. But there are also places here that aren't as well known, such as the crossroad of cultures that dress Poreč to the medieval walls of Trogir. The key to them all, however, is to go slow and dive into their charms.

3. Indulge in wellness experiences

The ability of Mother Nature to heal was known in ancient times. Almost two millennia ago, the Romans enjoyed bathing in hot mineral springs across Croatia and today thermal springs and spas dotted throughout the country are fuelled by mineral water that's considered one of Europe's best when it comes to quality. In Slovenia, Portorož became a place of healing in the 13th-century, when monks discovered the benefits of thalassotherapy. Wellness took on new significance in the 19th century, when wealthy Central Europeans began visiting Opatija in the Kvarner region, to convalesce and rehabilitate, enjoying the balmy climate, warm sea and fresh saline air. Other destinations followed, like Lošinj, now dubbed the 'island of vitality' thanks to its favourable microclimate, supreme air and sea quality, as well as its excellent wellness facilities. The waters of the thermal springs which pool Central Croatia are consistently regarded among the highest quality in Europe, too. Recently, health tourism has made extraordinary advances. Eastern Slovenia is also known as Thermal Pannonian Slovenia for its abundance of healing waters and centuries-old health resorts like Pomurje, Rogaška Slatina and Dobrna (the later of which is the oldest operating thermal spa in Slovenia) nestled within sun-streaked vineyards. In the forests of the Pohorje Hills, you can even indulge in warm body wraps made from natural peat bogs.

4. Visit their sustainable destinations

The Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, was the European Green Capital in 2016, so its eco-friendly credentials are assured – a car-free city centre, tree-lined riverside promenades, leafy parks, extensive cycle lanes and bike sharing, and public drinking fountains. Beyond Ljubljana lie soaring mountains, loved by adventure sport enthusiasts, unspoiled green valleys supporting agrotourism projects, and lush vineyards, attracting wine aficionados. Moving south into Croatia, we come to the less-visited region of Lika, separated from the Adriatic coast by the dramatic Velebit mountains – it's still little-known to travellers, but the potential for hiking, cycling and farm-stays is enormous. The emerald-coated region of Medimurje was the first to be named a Green Destination by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, while off Croatia's coast, the Cres-Lošinj archipelago is participating in the Clean Energy for EU Islands project. Ideally, you might explore the islands is by sailing boat, itself a sustainable form of transport. Further south lies Konavle, a fertile valley planted with vineyards and olive groves where traditional farming practices endure, makes for an easy day trip from Dubrovnik.

5. Eco-friendly stays

In both Slovenia and Croatia, agrotourism centres (working farms) offering authentic local meals and eco-friendly experiences are a great option. This is wonderful choice for families, allowing kids to experience rural life and in some cases even help feed the animals. In Slovenia, there are plenty of places for an unforgettable glamping experience, whether it's bedding down in a cosy alpine chalet on the wooded banks on Lake Bled, beside the Drava River near Maribor or among the fragrant pines of the Vipava Valley.  Other green options include camping and glamping near Plitvice Lakes, which not only mean you're sleeping surrounded by nature but you're merely a stone's through from some of Croatia's greatest natural treasures. The island of Hvar is home to the first hotel in Croatia to have signed the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge, while the luxury, locally run collection of Stories hotels never fail to immerse you in their Croatian locale, whether that be within the walls of a city palace or flanked by olive groves.

Feeling inspired?

For more inspiration, head over to the official Croatian and Slovenia tourist board websites.

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