The National Park of Pieniny (PIENAP) is the smallest of the Slovak National Parks, but as far as its beauty concerns, it is in no way less beautiful. It is the second oldest Park in Slovakia. It stretches on the border with Poland; the river Dunajec passes through it. It is possible to hire a raft and admire the wonderful scenery of the Park navigating down the river.

The National Park of Slovenský kras lying in the south of Slovakia next to the frontier with Hungary is the largest karstic area in the middle Europe (440 square kilometres) with the densest concentration of underground forms. There is 1100 caves and abysses, which are inscribed in the UNESCO List of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

The primeval forest of Badínsky prales, with its rare primary fir and beech habitat almost untouched by human activity, is one of the oldest protected areas in Slovakia. It was visited by Prince Charles in 2000.

The Protected landscape area Poľana situated in the very heart of Slovakia is typical for dense forest and wonderful alpine meadows. For its assets this PLA has been included among the World Biosphere Reserves.

The PLA Strážovské vrchy  in western Slovakia is an attractive world of bizarre rocks, dense forests and picturesque basins and valleys.

The natural setting of the mountain range Štiavnické vrchy stretching in the centre of Slovakia is protected since 1979 in form of the Protected landscape area Štiavnické vrchy, which includes a unique set of mining monuments and the gem among the Slovak towns - Banská Štiavnica (the UNESCO monument).