With its castles, its beautiful countryside, and the range of available sports and activities, it can be a little overwhelming when you sit down and try to plan a holiday in Slovakia.

But don’t be put off, because we’d like to help. We’ve compiled a few of the top things to see and do in Slovakia and we hope one or two of our suggestions find their way onto your itinerary.

You’ve probably heard quite a few people advise you to go to Spiš Castle, and there’s good reason for this: it is absolutely breathtaking. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is built on a hill which makes it just as impressive when viewed from afar as up close. History buffs will love its complex history, as it dates back as far as 1120 and has been rebuilt, burned down and restored along the way.

If you’re a keen skier, then you have to try Slovakia’s slopes. The skiing industry is growing in Slovakia, as people have quickly realised how brilliant the Tatra Mountains are and how much cheaper the resorts are when compared with those in the French and Swiss Alps. Great-value drinks and food, as well as accommodation, make Slovakia an obvious candidate for your next ski trip.

This Danube river is famous around the world and it spends a good proportion of its 1,777-mile journey in Slovakia. The Danube has influenced the history and trade of the area, and Bratislava is even known as the Beauty on the Danube. As well as going for scenic walks and bike rides along the riverside, you can go on Danube River cruises. However, a Danube cruise is a holiday in its own right and you can spend a day or two in Bratislava before moving on.

As Slovakia’s capital city, with a population of approximately 427,000, Bratislava is a must-see location for any visitor. Spend at least two or three days seeing the sights and eating the wonderful food. Expect a vibrant culture and friendly people, and you won’t be disappointed.

Something you couldn’t miss if you tried, is Bratislava Castle, which sits atop a hill known as the Little Carpathians and overlooks over the city. If you take a trip up to the castle you will get a fantastic view of most of Bratislava, but, provided it’s a clear day, you’ll also be able to see a bit of Austria and even Hungary.

There are so many things to do and places to see in Slovakia, but don’t let that overwhelm you. Make a list of things you’d like to do and just tick them off. After all, you can always visit again.