Ptuj has also been newly crowned Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026 (Image: Getty)
The European Best Destinations list for 2026 has been revealed, and some may be surprised by the location which came in third. The region is located in northeastern Slovenia and, while it’s not a tourist hotspot, the area offers plenty to do for tourists keen to visit.
The Štajerska Region is renowned for its wine, home to rolling vineyards and boutique wineries producing white wines like Sauvignon Blanc. The area is made up of several towns including Slovenska Bistrica and Slovenj Gradec. Ptuj is also within the region and is believed to be Slovenia’s oldest town.
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The oldest vine in the world is located in Maribor (Image: Getty)
Ptuj has also been newly crowned Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026.
The town is home to the annual UNESCO-listed Kurenti spring festival and allows tourists to explore its incredible history and medieval architecture.
The city is famous for its prominent castle but, also, thermal spa, Term Ptuj, for those looking to unwind during their next holiday.
Štajerska is ideal for those looking for a nature escape, with the area offering stunning views with its mountain range and a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling and skiing. Visitors can also kayak or canoe through the region’s rivers.
While tourists can visit the region all year round, the summer is ideal for hiking and visiting lakes and beaches while winter offers the season for Christmas markets, particularly pretty in Maribor.
Between September and October visitors can enjoy wine harvest season and the various festivals that are on offer.
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One of the regions most iconic landmarks lies in Maribor. The Old Vine is the oldest vine in the world, with an age that spans over 400 years. The vine has even won its place into the Guinness World Records by being the oldest noble vine in the world still bearing grapes.
Visitors have praised the site with one TripAdvisor reviewer insisting it is “a must stop for wine lovers.”
But Maribor is also a trip for the family with some of the most modern puppet theatres in the world situated there along with a karting centre and adventure park.
European Best Destinations also highlighted choosing the Stajerska Region for the third-best spot on the list due to the region’s excellent gastronomy.
They wrote: “The region is known for dishes enriched with pumpkin-seed oil, locally grown produce, farm-fresh cheeses, artisanal breads, and creative menus that reinterpret traditional flavours.
“Meals feel both generous and thoughtful — a natural companion to the region’s wine culture.”
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