living reading time: 4 min publication date: 12.10.2019

TEA TIME: SWEET DESTINATIONS WITHIN AN HOUR OF VILLACH

© Nicole Lazzari
Cake and a nice cup of tea

Sometimes you just need a good cup of tea or coffee, and there are some great places right in Villach. But if you have a little extra time and want to try something new, here are a few suggestions to help you get out and explore what the wider region has to offer.

KLAGENFURT

Though Klagenfurt is close to Villach, you may not have discovered many of its cafés yet. If you’re looking for something modern and hip, check out the Hafenstadt Urban Area on the Villacher Straße in Klagenfurt. Just outside the old town, Hafenstadt has a very interesting design, focused on recycled and reused objects. You may think you’ve found yourself in a cool London locale! 

Here I can definitely recommend the savory snacks, which are innovative and tasty. They also have an interesting assortment of high quality teas and coffees. And if you’re in Klagenfurt in the morning or around dinner time, check out their great breakfast options or see what interesting events they have planned for the evening.

Tea time at Hafenstadt Urban Area in Klagenfurt
© Nicole Lazzari

TARVIS - ITALY

In just half an hour you can be in Tarvis enjoying a “merenda,” an afternoon snack that Italians love to share with friends and family in coffee shops or patisseries. 

There are many restaurants and cafés in this quaint town. A great one is Pasticceria Specogna, an artisanal bakery with a huge assortment of cakes, croissants, cookies, and pastries, both Italian favorites and more innovative choices. They also have different kinds of coffees and teas, including the typical Italian cappuccino. Though you’ll surely enjoy everything you taste, I suggest you try the croissant with pistachio cream - it takes you to heaven in just one bite!

Tea time in Tarvis
© Nicole Lazzari

BLED - SLOVENIA

Beautiful Lake Bled is about 45 minutes from Villach and has a truly magical atmosphere all year round. For great food and drinks, as well as an amazing view of the lake, the castle, and the church, try Art Café Bar. This café is in the city center and close to the lake, and so is a great place to take a break after a walk around.

Here you can try everything from burgers and omelets to tapas and bruschetta, as well as sweets like muffins and ice cream. Their extensive drink menu ranges from healthy juices to coffee and tea to cocktails and wine. And don’t leave without trying the amazing Bled cream cake, a mouthwatering square of puff pastry, vanilla cream, and custard - it’s famous in the region, and definitely not to be missed!

Tea time in Bled, Slovenia
© Nicole Lazzari

One of the great things about living in Villach is the proximity of three different countries and cultures - which can make an afternoon tea or coffee break that much more interesting and delicious!