Late deals

BALANCING on a paddleboard, I’m torn between basking in the heat of Slovenia’s midday sun and abandoning everything to dive into the cool blue water.

I’m in – or, rather, on – Lake Bohinj, a fine example of the natural beauty this Slavic country has to offer.

The setting is beautiful – crystal clear water and rich green alpine trees in the distance, all enveloped by the sprawling Julian Alps reaching high into the sky.

Slovenia is almost completely landlocked, situated to the west of Hungary and above Croatia, and has slowly been gaining more attention from holidaymakers, though the prices and crowds are still wonderfully modest.

This is particularly true for Lake Bohinj. It’s possible to spin 360 degrees on my paddleboard – hired from nearby PAC Sports for 30 euros (£26) for two hoXuXrXsXwXitXh xtuxixtixoxnx– and barely see a singXlextxrxapping of the 21st century. Life here is sweet. Along with adrenaline-pulsing activities, there are plenty of chances to indulge as well. Honey, for example, is one of the country’s biggest exports. Subtle reminders of how important it is are dotted across capital city, Ljubljana, about an hour’s drive from Lake Bohinj.

Slovenia’s best-known delicacy is Bled cake – a three-layer slab of creamy goodness which owes its name to Slovenia’s popular holiday destination.

Aside from good cake, there are many more reasons to visit Lake Bled.

From the quaint platna boats – the equivalent of a gondola, carrying passengers to tiny Bled Island in the middle of the lake – to the pure waters of Bled itself, it’s impossible to find a view unsuitable for the family album.

Slovenia is also an environmentallyfriendly destination.

Cycling tours are a popular way of getting a feel for Ljubljana’s history in a short space of time.

But those wanting to explore more challenging trails can get a helping hand with an e-bike. They are heavy but can mean the difference between getting to the top of the hill to take in the views of BY RYAN HOOPER the magnificent Tamar Valley, and not. We rent ours from Julijana for 25 euros (£22) for the half day, although regular bikes cost even less.

Within an hour, we have left the Hotel Kompas and are taking in the beauty of the Planica alpine valley.

Zelenci Lake, or the Green Lake as it’s known, is popular with those looking for peace. Funicular railways, cable cars and e-bikes offer means of reaching some of Slovenia’s highest peaks, while hiking is also incredibly popular.

At the capital’s Gostilna na Gradu restaurant, you can enjoy the finest locally produced fare in the grounds of the capital’s stunning castle.

Try the beef tongue with a glass of Slovenian wine. (Budget about 35 euros/£30 per person for two courses and drinks.)

Many of the global franchises that have infiltrated cities around the globe are yet to really permeate Slovenia. For me, that’s the country’s real charm. ■ Flying from Glasgow on July 19, 7 nights HB at the 4-star Sentido Gran Canaria Princess, Gran Canaria, from £499pp ■ Flying from Glasgow on August 3, 7 nights AI at the 5-star Bahia Principe Costa Adeje, Tenerife, from £829pp & £2099 Family-of-three ■ Flying from Glasgow on November 11/18, 7 nights HB at the 4-star Yaramar Hotel, Costa del Sol, from £399pp ■ Flying from Glasgow on December 18, 7 nights AI at the 4-star Flamingo Oasis, Benidorm, from £339pp ■ For more deals, visit www.holidayand flightcentre.com or call 01698 425 444