August 2024
Active Summer in the Paradise Valley
On the bike, on a hike, into the sky
In the Paradise Valley, there is a special time of year that begins with the grape harvest and ends with the ripening of must in the wine cellar. We don't look at the calendar, this golden season is measured out by nature. Locals are happy to preserve their tradition in the pleasant anticipation of a new wine vintage. This is the time of ripe summer, just warm and sunny enough to enjoy the outdoors. Did you know that the Vipava Valley is the wine country with the biggest variety of outdoor activities in this part of Europe? Discover the double pleasures of the land and its people. After an active day spent in nature, treat yourself to heavenly flavours.
Hop on your bike and stop for tastings
Between Mt Nanos, the highest plateau on the eastern edge of the Vipava Valley, and Mt Sabotin, the hill overlooking Nova Gorica, there are dozens of scenic cycling routes. Cycling enthusiasts can select between a variety of difficulty levels and lengths. You can also go sightseeing, choosing routes according to the landmarks you'd like to visit. Are you interested in historical events? If so, cycle to Mount Sabotin and the Peace Park dedicated to the memory of the First World War as your destination. Fascinated by cultural heritage from the distant past? Visit the mighty Rihemberk Castle, the walled medieval town of Vipavski Križ, or the remains of the Roman Fortress Castra in Ajdovščina. You can explore our natural attractions, seek out beautiful views and indulge in late-summer serenity on the remote trails. And when your day on the bike is complete, you simply must treat yourself to the flavours of the Paradise Valley. Wine tastings with the winemakers, agritourism farms, inns and restaurants reveal the local specialities that inspire us to say: everything is different here, all year round. To help you plan your activities, we recommend our Vipava Valley Outdoor web app.
Hiking the wine country
With the Vipava Valley Outdoor app, fans of hiking will also find their perfect trail. Want to visit the steep edges of plateaus and even higher peaks? From the Nanos Plateau, across the Gora Plateau and the Trnovo Forest, to the Trnovo and Banjšice Plateaus, hikers will find well-marked trails through biodiverse areas with numerous viewing points and hospitable mountain lodges. For their respectable ascents and outstanding scenery, these are increasingly popular with mountain runners, who come to the Vipava Valley as participants in several mountain races. The trails on the other side of the valley, along its hills and the edge of the Kras, offer a completely different experience: a leisurely walk among picturesque vineyards, olive groves, orchards, even lowland forests. As you stop in the villages, typical architecture with its narrow streets is the first impression, but the biggest secrets lie beneath the surface, in the traditional Vipava Valley wine cellars. You can rest there in the evening, enjoying a wine tasting filled with the passion of the local winemakers and the exceptional quality of Vipava Valley wines, served with tasty home snacks.
Paragliding across the sky
Wandering across the Vipava Valley and Goriška on a sunny and not too windy day, many colourful paragliders in the sky are sure to catch your attention. The geography and climate of the area create ideal paragliding conditions all year round, and our two official takeoff sites, the Lijak and the Kovk, are popular far beyond Slovenia's borders. Local paragliding associations keep things orderly, informing paragliders about specific flying conditions and safety rules. Are you tempted to soar the skies and enjoy fantastic views of the Vipava Valley, the neighbouring countries, the sea and the Julian Alps? You can book a tandem flight with a skilled instructor and jump into an unforgettable experience with our guided adventure providers.
Outdoor activities, particularly attractive in the late summer, encourage you to make time. Stay with us for a day longer and see all that the Paradise Valley has to offer. Just make sure to book your accommodations in advance as the countryside fills up quickly this time of year, especially around the popular sporting spots.
