Julian Alps among top regions in Lonely Planet's best in 2018

According to the biggest travel guide publisher, the natural appeal of the Julian Alps offers "mountain bliss in an overlooked corner of Europe".

The highest mountain range in the country, rising to 2,864 metres at Mount Triglav, was "once only suitable for the intrepid", but it is now "gently opening the door to every stripe of traveller", with "upmarket versions of homestays in stylish shepherd digs".

Nonetheless, travellers can still take on "pulse-racing treks" in the region, which also boasts the picturesque lakes Bled and Bohinj.

Lonely Planet also praises the Triglav National Park, which covers more than two-thirds of the region, as "a mechanism that not only curbs development along the summits but ensures that improvements to local infrastructure are effected in a slow and studied manner".

Other regions shortlisted in Lonely Planet's travel...