The Soca Valley is the first Slovenian tourist destination to receive the title ‘European Destination of Excellence’ (EDEN), given to the twenty best tourist destinations in the EU.

Slovenia received the award at the 7th European Tourism Forum in Bordeaux, France. The Soca Valley tourism project, which includes three neighbouring municipalities, focuses on stories from WWI, during which the valley was the site of violent battles on the Isonzo Front, which marked the front line between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces.

The Soca Valley welcomes thousands of visitors each year, some of whom come to the area to delve in to its history. The Kobarid Museum, a former European Museum of the Year, gives a compelling insight into the tragedies of battle on the Soca Front, where an estimated one million people lost their lives.

Many visitors flock to the Soca Valley to participate in the numerous water sports available along the Soca River, also known as the Emerald River because of its amazingly clear blue-green water. Kayaking, canoeing, hydro-speeding and white-water rafting, plus some of the best fly-fishing in Europe, are all on offer. The Soca Valley is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, horse-riding and skiing and offers breathtaking scenery in the Soca Gorge and around the Kozjak waterfall, as well as a plethora of excellent restaurants.

Specialist tour operator, Just Slovenia offers a range of holidays and accommodation in the Soca Valley, including a four-night break at the Hvala Hotel in the historic town of Kobarid. This welcoming, family-run hotel is the perfect base for exploring the Soca Valley, and offers the added bonus of being home to one of the best fish restaurants in the area.