The third month of the new year 2026 is slowly beginning, but we are not left cold by the fact that the year 2025 was a breakthrough year in terms of visitor numbers in the Prešov Region. In our region we welcomed more than 62 thousand visitors from Slovakia and abroad.
The Prešov Region is the second largest region in Slovakia and covers 18.3% of its territory. There are many cultural monuments, centres of sport and recreation, catering and accommodation services. This and a number of cultural events have been responsible for the record success in the tourist development of the Prešov Region in the past year.
Data from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic show that the year 2025 was very favourable from the tourism point of view. In the Prešov Region we welcomed exactly 62 472 visitors who spent a total of 150 896 nights in our region. We are talking about 4% growth in the number of visitors and 5% growth in terms of the number of overnight stays of visitors. Tourism in Slovakia is stabilising and recovering to its pre-COVID-19 pandemic status.
The most popular season for visitors was summer and summer months. The region is visited by domestic and foreign tourists especially in the month of August. The year-on-year increase in foreign tourists is at 14%. Poles, Czechs, Hungarians and Ukrainians visited our region in particular. From other countries, the Prešov Region was especially popular with visitors from Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Germany and Latvia.
We are planning a number of interesting events and activities for visitors this year as well. An advantage will be the launch of discount times Prešov Regional Travel Card this spring, which will provide discounted admission to attractions and events in the region, all with essential information right at your fingertips on your mobile phone.
We are already looking forward to what 2026 will bring!
Source: the Regional Tourism Organisation Region Šariš, KOCR Northeast of Slovakia
Photo source: the Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
The Slanské vrchy Mountains are not only a quiet haven of nature. They are a dynamic area where history, adventure and community life are combined. We bring you three recent news stories that prove this volcanic mountain has something to offer all year round.
The world's unique opal mine - the oldest opal mine in the world - welcomes visitors again. Regular guided tours take place at the Opal Mine site, which tell the story of Slovak opal, mining work and legends about the rare finds.
For families with children, there are adventure tours with opal hunting elements, themed events during the holidays and special programmes for schools. The underground of the Slanské Hills thus offers not only history, but also an authentic experience to take home with you.
In cooperation with local partners, signage and orientation elements on selected routes in the Slanské vrchy area are being gradually added. The aim is to better connect the villages, natural attractions and viewpoints.
Visitors can thus plan trips to favourite peaks, forest corners or lesser-known places with views of eastern Slovakia more easily. The area is gradually being profiled as a destination suitable for hikers, cyclists and e-bikers.
The Slanské vrchy Mountains are increasingly presenting themselves as a year-round destination. Spring attracts to flowering meadows and quiet forest trails, summer to active hiking and cycling, autumn to colourful panoramas and photography, and winter to quiet walks or cross-country skiing at higher altitudes.
Thanks to the volcanic origin of the mountains, the area offers unique relief, forest scenery and natural authenticity that will be appreciated by lovers of silence and adventurers alike. The Slanské vrchy Mountains preserve their naturalness - without mass tourism, with an emphasis on experience and respect for nature.
The Slanské vrchy development project gradually introduces new activities, thematic events and cooperation with local partners. Keep an eye on our website and social networks to make sure you don't miss any news, tips for trips or seasonal events.
Slanské vrchy is not just a place on the map. They are the story of a landscape worth discovering.
Author: the Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
Author of the photo: Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
