Landlocked within the heart of Europe, Slovakia is a young, resplendent nation best known for its folk traditions and rustic mountain culture. The capital city of Bratislava boasts some of Europe's hottest party destinations. While on vacation, take your pick from a range of comfortably furnished vacation rentals that dot the pretty landscapes.
Traditional, hearty delicacies galore
Low on fat, Slovak cuisine often features elements of Austrian, Czech and Hungarian cuisine with a bias towards thick sauces, cheeses, pork, cabbages and potatoes. The base for most dishes is potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and onions. The traditional bryndzové halušky (sheep cheese gnocchi) is a dish you absolutely need to taste in Slovakia. It's often served with a glass of sour milk called žinčica. The cabbage Soup (Kapustnica), which sometimes features mushrooms, sausages and smoked meat, is as popular as fried fish with potato salad eaten during Christmas. For breakfast, try hemendex which comprises egg cooked sunny side up over slices of ham.
Art and culture in Slovakia
Slovakia's Gothic and baroque cities are a constant source of delight to lovers of medieval art, history, and architecture. The country boasts the highest number of castles and châteaux per capita in the world. The capital city of Bratislava is replete with Renaissance, baroque and Gothic architecture, suitably complemented by a cosmopolitan charm. Crowned with 300 kg of pure gold, St Martin's Cathedral is a must-visit.
The country's second largest city Košice houses the easternmost-located Gothic Cathedral in the World as well as the oldest European coat of arms. Once ruled by powerful kings, Nitra possesses the distinction of being Slovakia's oldest city. It hosts the Theater Festival of Nitra, Fascine Carnival, Academic Nitra, Cultural Summer in Nitra among other annual celebrations. The city of Prescov with beautiful Renaissance architecture is close to Europe's most interesting salt mine museum in Solivar. While in Slovakia, why not indulge in some rejuvenation at the spa town of Bardejov, a UNESCO's World Heritage Site. It also has fully-intact medieval town center.
Discover the gorgeous outdoors
Home to the tallest part of the Carpathian Mountain Range, the High Tatras are a hot favourite with winter sports enthusiasts. Straddling canyons, exquisite rocky formations and waterfalls of the Slovak Paradise and Slovak Karst, these mountains are most definitely a reason to visit. Vrátna Valley is a great option for skiers and hikers thanks to its panoramic vistas and inviting picnic sites. Lush forests and limestone pinnacles serve as momentous backdrops at Vrátna. Another gem is Orava Castle with its towering Gothic spires. Summer time tours bring the castle's spine-chilling history to life. The primeval forests and mighty waterfalls at Slovenský Raj National Park have left few disappointed. With a vacation home in Slovakia, you get an offbeat vacation surrounded by nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals in Slovakia?
At the moment, there are 30,609 vacation homes from 24 different providers in Slovakia.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities in Slovakia?
Many travellers are searching for Pool, Pets allowed, and Internet when booking a vacation home in Slovakia.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Slovakia?
If you're travelling with a dog, over 38% of vacation rentals in Slovakia are pet-friendly.
What's the best month to visit Slovakia?
If you're looking for balmy weather, August and July are typically the hottest months in Slovakia with temperatures around 23 °C. January and February in Slovakia are the coldest, with -8 °C on average.