Slovakia is well-known as one of Eastern Europe's prime hiking areas, but it's also good for rafting, especially on the Dunajec River in Pieniny National Park. Slovakia is also hard to beat for top value skiing: the best skiing is in Jasná, Nizke Tatry, and it's also very good in the Malá Fatra. With its uncrowded roads and beautiful scenery, Slovakia is prime cycling territory. Mountain bikes can be rented in the Vysoké Tatry where the pedal-pushing opportunities are endless.

Practically every day is a saint's day in the Slovak Republic, and 'special days', festivals and public holidays are widely acknowledged. Public holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Three Kings Day (6 January), Labour Day (1 May), Cyril and Methodius Day (5 July) and Christmas (24-26 December). The Bratislava Lyre in May or June features rock concerts. During June or July folk dancers from all over Slovakia meet at the Vychondná Folklore Festival, 32km (20mi) west of Poprad. The Bratislava Jazz Days are held in September.