October is a good time for visiting Slovenia, one of the first republics formed during fragmentation of the former Yugoslavia – just don’t confuse it with the similarly sounding and not-so-distant Slovakia!

In autumn, summer’s high season is over, yet there’s still a good chance of holiday-friendly weather before winter arrives – not least in the beautiful Julian Alps of the country’s north-western corner.

Visiting Slovenia for the first time, everyone, it seems, heads for Ljubljana’s photogenic bridges, traffic-free centre, Baroque-Vienna Secession architecture and medieval hilltop castle.

Drive north-west from the capital for an hour more and you reach Bled – home of Slovenia’s ubiquitous kremna rezina cream cakes – on its aquamarine lake with fairy-tale island. There, up 99 steps, visit ruddy-roofed St Mary’s Church, ring the famous wishing bell and enjoy moreish sweet or savoury potica pastries at Potičnica.

Triglavski narodni national park and Lake Bohinj

For many, exploring the Julian Alps starts and finishes with Ljubljana and Bled. But venture further and you’ll discover the rewarding natural majesty of Triglavski Narodni Park. Established in 1981, it’s Slovenia’s only national park and home to inspirational Lake Bohinj, nestled among coniferous forests and alpine meadows south of 2,864m-high Triglav – Slovenia’s highest peak and iconic symbol.

On and around Lake Bohinj, you’re immersed in the heart of unspoilt Slovenia at its most sublime. It’s perfect for walking, cycling and water sports, or just relaxing with a glass of Laško beer or delicious Beli Pinot, as trout cruise lazily under Ribčev Laz’s stone bridge.

It’s idyllic – the essence of autumn holidaying in Slovenia’s Alpine corner. And before you head home, do visit the towering Savica Waterfall, just a couple of kilometres beyond Ukanc at the lake’s western end.

A wonderful air, road or rail destination

Tucked away between Austria and Croatia, Wales-sized Slovenia makes an ideal destination or part of a more extensive European road or rail adventure. Ljubljana’s Jože Pučnik Airport is only two hours’ flying time from the UK.

Alternatively, if high-flying aluminium tubes have temporarily lost their allure, how about making Slovenia your end point for a trans-European rail trip – perhaps with a whistle-stop break in Munich or somewhere similar on the way?

However you reach Slovenia, myriad treats await – and not just those world-famous cream-stuffed pastries! As an interesting alternative to traditional Alpine destinations, it’s definitely somewhere to earmark for a memorable autumn visit.