Lipica - Where Lipizzan Horses, Fine Wines and Timeless Landscapes Meet

Just over two hundred kilometers from Zagreb, on the border of Slovenia and Italy, lies the Karst plateau of Kras. It is a destination that uniquely combines natural beauty, rich tradition, and an authentic way of life, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world for years. What makes Kras so popular and why has it recently attracted more and more Croatian travelers? This landscape, shaped by stone, wind, and changeable weather, is known for its dry stone walls, vineyards, herds of Lipizzaner horses running freely through the meadows, and mysterious underground worlds, such as caves that need to be explored.

In the heart of the Karst is Lipica, a place that embodies the elegance and tradition of this region and is also home to one of the world's oldest stud farms. Founded in 1580 by Charles II of Austria to breed strong, refined horses for the Habsburg court, it has become a symbol of nobility and top-notch Lipizzaner breeding, maintaining an uninterrupted tradition of breeding in the same place.

The oldest stable, known as Velbanca, bears witness to the rich history and care that has been devoted to each horse for centuries; an interactive museum connects the past and the present, and the entire estate on which Lipica is located resembles a beautiful film set. Here you will be delighted by the spacious pastures, alleys of century-old oak trees, white fences that create a recognisable landscape, peace, beauty, and elegance of the Lipizzaner horses who will 'dance' in front of you, in a 55-minute performance directed by the Lipica Riding School. Lipica is a wonderful destination for a day trip or a weekend, and you can extend your stay to the entire destination.

In the heart of this unique landscape lies Hotel Maestoso - a sophisticated hotel that perfectly embodies the spirit of Lipica. Its name comes from one of the classic Lipizzaner horse lines, and its architecture and design pay tribute to the traditions of Lipizzaner breeding. The hotel's exterior blends unobtrusively into the karst landscape, while the interior brings warmth and authenticity through details inspired by the equestrian world - specially designed fences, partition walls, rustic doors, beds that resemble haystacks are just some of the elements that create an atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else.

With its 139 elegantly decorated rooms, the hotel offers a perfect balance of modern luxury and natural ambiance, which is confirmed by the Green Key label, which guarantees a responsible attitude towards the environment without compromising on the quality of service.

When visiting Lipica, upon entering the estate that stretches over 311 hectares, know this: if you come for a one-day visit, you will be captivated by the interesting tour of the stud farm, the Lipizzaner shows, and the beautiful green oases that can be enjoyed by all ages. When you get hungry, there is the Gratia restaurant, from which you can smell excellent food all day long. The restaurant is a hotel restaurant (part of the Maestoso hotel), and the food you will eat here is far from that 'hotel food taste'. Here, young chef Blaž Vodopivec and his team make pasta by hand every day, especially ravioli filled with local cheese and spices, combining tradition and modernity in a special way and allowing each guest to finish their meal with a unique dessert.

If you are staying in Lipica for a few days, be sure to try the cuisine at Hiša Krasna, located not far from Lipica, in the village of Lokva. The food in this boutique gastronomic haven is designed by chef Aleš Širca, who creates dishes in line with the philosophy of "modern and homemade". Local, seasonal and organic ingredients take on a completely new dimension here, and the pleasure is complemented by local wines.

Speaking of wine, the star of the wine in the Karst is Teran, which you can taste at the Lisjak family winery, one of the most recognizable wine destinations in the Karst. This family winery is known for its top-notch wines and the special experience it offers every guest. You will hardly forget the winery run by Boris Lisjak - Boris will take you on a unique wine story through cellars that are up to 100 years old, serving you top-quality wines. Among the wide indigenous varieties, such as Teran and Vitovska Grganje, stand out, complementing the plates with Karst prosciutto and sausage.

Apart from the fact that you will not go hungry or thirsty in the Karst, and that the hosts will offer you unique gastronomic experiences, this area is also ideal for anyone looking for an active holiday in nature. A stay in Lipica offers the perfect balance between relaxation and activity. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the only golf course in the region open year-round, surrounded by typical scenery and a mild climate that allows play in all seasons. For those who prefer to stay in nature, the Karst offers numerous walking and cycling trails that lead through vineyards, stone villages and endless dry stone walls. Each route reveals a new dimension of this unique landscape, where natural beauty and cultural heritage intertwine.

A stay in Lipica is also an excellent starting point for exploring the wider region. The Škocjan Caves, which are under UNESCO protection, are a spectacular underground world hidden in one of the largest underground canyons in Europe, through which the Reka River flows, leaving visitors breathless with its size and the power of nature.

In Sežana, be sure to check out the Botanical Garden, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll among exotic plants, carefully landscaped historic gardens, and an elegant palmarium reminiscent of Vienna's luxurious gardens. This green oasis provides the perfect place for the whole family to take a break and relax.

If you want to feel the spirit of the past, head to Štanjel, one of the oldest settlements in the Karst. Its cobblestone streets, Ferrari's Garden and enchanting viewpoints offer unforgettable views of the landscape, while the interior of this fortress hides a wonderful gallery, an interactive museum that tells the story of the Karst, and a unique Slovenian language museum where you will want to learn a little Slovenian. Stop, learn - who knows, maybe you will speak it on your next visit to the Karst - a destination that offers a unique experience for all the senses.

Photo: NIkola Zoko and promo