Croatia may be the hottest European getaway (we even included it on our list of the top vacation destinations of 2017), but if you let your eye wander a little further west, you'll find Slovenia, a country that's about as far off the beaten path as any in Europe. When you look closer, you'll find a veritable storybook wonderland full of pristine Mediterranean coastlines, charming red-roofed cities, and secret networks of caves and caverns. Take a look at our list of the top attractions for Slovenia travel to see why this underrated vacation spot should be on your bucket list.

Lake Bled

Beautiful Lake Bled is by far one of the country's most-popular attractions. Take a look at any photo of the lake—tucked into the Julian Alps—and you'll see why. Surrounded by a thick forest, with mountain peaks rising in the background, a tiny island sits in the center of the lake, like a scene plucked straight out of a fairy tale.

Who should go: romantic types, who'll swoon for the stunning backdrop
Must-see attraction: Climb all 99 steps to reach the Assumption of Mary Church, whose 16th-century church bell is said to be a gift from the Pope himself.
Must-do activity: Rent a traditional wooden boat (or pletna) and paddle around the lake for some of the island's best views.
Where to stay: Hotel Park, located steps from the lakefront

Ljubljana

Slovenia's capital as well as its largest city, Ljubljana doesn't feel like a hectic metropolis the way London and Paris do. Part of the reason for that is the city's commitment to the environment, earning it the title of European Green Capital. Here, car traffic is restricted in the city center, leaving the gorgeous, leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River free for biking and strolling.

Who should go: cyclists, who'll appreciate the car-free pathways and baroque Italian architecture
Must-see attraction: Take in the sights (and smells) of the open-air market Tržnica na Prostem.
Must-do activity: Ride the funicular up the 1,200-foot-high hillside to reach Ljubljana Castle, which dates back to the 15th century.
Where to stay: Hotel Lev, in the heart of downtown Ljubljana

Piran

Jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, Piran has been referred to as a "gem of Venetian Gothic architecture." Until the mid-20th century, Italian was still the main language in the city. Walking around the historic Old Town's winding alleyways, you'll catch whiffs of the salty ocean breezes, making the city feel like a true Mediterranean escape.

Who should go: seafood fanatics, who'll dig the bounty of fresh fish on menus throughout the town.
Must-see attraction: Head toward the harbor and you'll find Tartinijev Trg, a stunning marble-paved, oval-shaped square overlooking the sea.
Must-do activity: Take a break from art and architecture with a visit to the Magical World of Shells Museum, which houses hundreds of specimens right on the waterfront.
Where to stay: Hotel Slovenija, which is only a few miles from the center of Piran's Old Town.

Predjama Castle

Slovenia travel buffs know this 13th century castle is something special, even among castles. Instead of rising over a vast swath of land, Predjama Castle is built into the mouth of a cave. The castle was once known as the seat of a robber baron who used the cave's passageways to aid in his thievery.

Who should go: anyone interested in medieval history or tales of cunning and intrigue
Must-see attraction: Don't miss the 16th-century treasure chest that's on display in the nearby Karst Museum.
Must-do activity: Tour Erazem's Passage, a narrow throughway that the besieged baron used to connect his fortress with the outside world (tours must be booked in advance).