Ptuj & The North East

The North East region is best known for its wine, its spa towns, rural tranquillity and the historic town of Ptuj. Ptuj is arguably the most attractive historic town and in fact the oldest continuously settled town in Slovenia. Situated next to the Drava river a jumble of medieval streets, squares and churches rise up to the picturesque castle that sits on top of the hill. It is a wonderful place to spend a day or two soaking up the history. One of the regions most attractive wine roads is east of Ptuj on the Croatian border running between Ormož and Ljutomer – cycling along the route stopping off at the many wine cellars and pretty villages is a wonderful way to while away a day. The far north eastern corner of Slovenia is called Prekmurje and is geographically and to an extent culturally distinct from the rest of the country and with a strong Hungarian influence and some of the best cuisine in the country. It consists mostly of tranquil flat agricultural land dotted with pretty villages, vineyards and churches. The best known attraction centres around the spa at Moravske Toplice, with plenty of modern family friendly sports facilities and a golf course. Close by is the lovely village of Bogojina, with a beautiful church designed by Slovenia’s most famous architect, Jože Plečnik. To the north of Prekmurje lie the lovely rolling Goričko hills, home to a regional park and the town of Grad, meaning simply “castle”, where, as the name suggests, you can find the largest baroque castle in Slovenia.