Bled, Slovenia

Bled is by far the country's most popular destination, thanks to its placid fairytale lake and island, dramatically sited castle and snow-tipped mountains. The town itself, which is most densely concentrated to the east of the lake, is thoroughly unspectacular, and there's nothing specific to see. In contrast, the lake is a natural playground, deluged with skaters during the winter and bristling with row-boats, gondolas and swimmers during the spring and summer months.

Bled is the place high-ranking officials and diplomats are ushered to when visiting Slovenia. Despite its status as the country's star turn, Bled rarely feels overwhelmed – indeed it can even feel a little bleak outside summer and winter – but if you do fancy a change of pace and a bit of solitude, there are some terrific attractions close by, notably the Vintgar Gorge, Babji Zob cavesand the Pokljuka Gorge. Furthermore, it's a good place to base yourself for hikes into the eastern tranche of the Julian Alps.