Slovakia is a central European gem, full of unique things to do and perfect for Maltese tourists seeking new adventures. With so much to see, from Alpine hikes to medieval castles, renting a car is the best way to enjoy the trip. That freedom lets you stop at hidden vantage points or detour into remote villages. Plan to hit the road and swap Malta’s flat Mediterranean scenery for mountain air and winding highways. Below are the top seven activities to do on a road trip in Slovakia.
Renting a car in Slovakia is easy for Maltese tourists. Most agencies rent to drivers 21 years or older, though younger drivers may be charged extra fees. Maltese citizens can use their EU driving license, but an International Driving Permit is not required. Bring your passport as a second ID. When picking up your vehicle at Bratislava Airport, the staff will check your license, passport, and credit card. A security deposit is held on your card and released once you return the car in good condition.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer when demand is high. Last-minute rentals can be expensive or unavailable. Choose your vehicle based on your travel plans: a compact for city driving, a mid-size for highway trips, or a van if traveling in a group. Basic insurance, including liability and collision damage waiver, is typically included. You can add full coverage or theft protection if desired. Motorway vignettes are required for toll roads, and most rental cars already have one. If not, you can purchase the electronic vignette at border kiosks or gas stations. Fuel up at standard petrol stations and return the car on time.
Here are seven things to do in Slovakia that combine nature, history, food, and local culture.
Malta’s sunbaked landscape is worlds apart from the dramatic peaks of the High Tatras, Slovakia’s highest mountain range along the border with Poland. The tallest summit, Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 meters, rises above crystal alpine lakes, dense forests, and rugged ridges. One of the most scenic spots is Štrbské Pleso, a glacial lake beside a mountain village. From here, gentle trails loop around the lake, while more challenging routes climb to breathtaking viewpoints like Rysy Peak or the Skok Waterfall. In summer, wildflowers brighten the paths, while in winter the region transforms into a peaceful ski resort.
The High Tatras are famous for their well-marked hiking trails. The climb to Rysy rewards you with wide views across Slovakia and Poland, while the trek to Ľadový štít offers a high-altitude panorama. For a shorter and more relaxed outing, the trail linking Štrbské Pleso and Popradské Pleso takes about 2 to 3 hours round-trip.
Weather can change quickly in the Tatras, even in summer, so pack a light rain jacket and warm layers for higher altitudes. After a rewarding hike, settle into a cozy mountain hut where you can try hearty Slovak stews or sample the herbal liqueur Tatratea, a traditional drink of the region.
One of Slovakia’s most thrilling natural treasures is Slovak Paradise National Park (Slovenský raj). This park is an adrenaline-filled challenge even for experienced hikers. It is famous for narrow gorges, hidden waterfalls, and ladders bolted into rock walls that help you climb through dramatic canyons. A popular route is Suchá Belá gorge, where metal rungs take you up beside rushing cascades. Along the way, wooden bridges and steep climbs reward you with striking views of cliffs and forest. Beyond ladders, you’ll test your balance on suspension bridges and use chains to pull yourself up steeper paths.
Hiking in the Slovak Paradise requires sturdy boots, water, and a head for heights. Mountain lodges are limited, so carry snacks for longer treks. Most routes are open from late spring to early autumn. However, heavy rain or icy conditions can close paths.
Slovakia has more castles per capita than any other country globally. Start with Spiš Castle, a vast 12th-century fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even as ruins, it remains one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Climbing its stone walls gives you sweeping views across fields and villages. Head north to Orava Castle, perched high on a rocky outcrop above the Orava River. Built in the 13th century, it features medieval halls, armor displays, and a small wax museum dedicated to Count Orlok. The castle's Gothic and Renaissance architecture is both imposing and atmospheric.
Closer to the capital is Bratislava Castle, with its iconic square shape and four towers dominating the skyline above the Danube. For romance, visit Bojnice Castle, rebuilt in the 19th century in a dreamy revival stle, with turrets and courtyards. It hosts festivals, medieval market days, and evening torch-lit tours. Beyond castles, Slovakia’s historic royal towns are equally captivating. Banská Štiavnica, once a thriving mining hub, is now a UNESCO site filled with baroque houses, cobbled streets, and an open-air mining museum. In the east, Bardejov boasts one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval squares, lined with pastel façades and Gothic churches.
Explore one of the country’s preserved folk villages for a true experience of Slovak tradition. In north-central Slovakia, Vlkolínec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to 45 wooden houses built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Surrounded by forested hills, the village feels like a living museum. Walking along its dirt paths, you’ll spot carved details on wooden façades, a small chapel, and artisans practicing old crafts.
Another highlight is Čičmany, a small village famous for its timber houses painted with striking white geometric patterns. This decorative stle started two centuries ago to protect the wood and has become a signature cultural symbol. Today, the entire settlement serves as an open-air museum, preserving this rare heritage. In summer, flower boxes brighten the black-and-white houses. You can step inside the folk-art museum to learn about each pattern's meaning and role in daily life.
No road trip is complete without exploring Slovak cuisine. The national dish, bryndzové halušky, features small potato dumplings topped with tangy sheep’s cheese and crispy bacon. Another favorite is kapustnica, a sauerkraut soup often made with sausage and mushrooms. For dessert, try trdelník, a rolled pastry baked over open flames and coated in sugar and walnuts.
In smaller towns, many restaurants resemble cozy home kitchens, with wooden interiors and simple décor. In Bratislava or Košice, you can also find modern bistros with a contemporary twist on classic dishes. Be sure to sample pálenka, a strong fruit brandy from plums, pears, or herbs. Locals often enjoy a small glass after meals to aid digestion. For something lighter, order a Kofola, Slovakia’s answer to cola, with a unique herbal taste that you’ll find on tap in many pubs.
Autumn brings the special drink burčiak, a young, fizzy wine made from partially fermented grapes. Seasonal dishes also include wild mushroom meals in the fall, fresh herbal teas in the mountains, and hearty stews in winter.
Sampling wine and spirits is one of the unique things to do in Slovakia. Slovakia has a rich wine tradition, with six wine regions along its southern borders. The most accessible from Bratislava is the Little Carpathians region, where villages such as Modra and Svätý Jur are filled with family-run wine cellars. In autumn, lively Vinobranie festivals transform the streets into open-air fresh reds and whites tastings. A seasonal highlight is burčiak, a fizzy young wine made from lightly fermented grape must. It's a drink popular in September and October that Maltese visitors will find surprising and unforgettable.
Further east, near Košice, is the Tokaj wine region, famous for its sweet dessert wines. Visiting a Tokaj vineyard is a cultural experience: grapes are carefully dried to produce the golden Aszú wine, which carries honey-like richness and centuries of tradition. Beyond wine, Slovakia is also proud of its pálenka, a strong fruit brandy distilled from plums, cherries, or pears. You may also come across craft breweries and the beloved local soft drink Kofola in towns and villages. Thanks to EU travel rules, Maltese tourists can bring a few bottles within duty-free limits.
Central Slovakia is primarily known for its scenic forest routes, where each curve opens up a new view. One memorable drive runs from Harmanec to Donovaly in the Low Tatras. Though only 20 km long, it feels like an epic journey. Early along the route, a short detour takes you to Harmanec Cave, a cool underground world of stalactites and vast chambers. Back on the road, you climb through thick forests and limestone ridges, with viewpoints offering sweeping looks across the Starohorské vrchy mountains.
As you near Donovaly, the trees give way to alpine pastures. On clear days, you can spot the distant peaks of the High Tatras. Donovaly is a mountain village popular as a winter ski resort and a summer nature retreat. You can ride chairlifts for even higher views or relax in open meadows surrounded by spruce forests.
For Maltese travellers used to warmer Mediterranean landscapes, these drives provide refreshing mountain air and a cooler climate. Another option is the Štiavnické Hills loop around Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO-listed mining town. This route takes you through volcanic hills, past Počúvadlo Lake, and into quiet villages like Štiavnické Bane.
Slovakia is welcoming and safe to explore as part of the EU. These practical tips will help Maltese travellers enjoy a smooth, memorable road trip experience.
A road trip in Slovakia offers mountains, castles, villages, and food that warms the soul. From hiking the High Tatras to wandering through folk villages and tasting local wine, every stop feels special. Start your trip the easy way by renting a car in Slovakia with Final Rentals. You’ll find a wide choice of vehicles, from compact city cars to SUVs for mountain drives. Pick up your car at Bratislava airport or the city center and enjoy budget-friendly rates with no hidden costs.
