Balkans travel guide

There is some dispute about which countries are actually Balkan. What this travel guide aims to do is not only clarify what ‘the Balkans’ refers to, but also highlight the beauty behind this behemoth. Because this collection of complex and culturally rich countries is packed with national parks, lakes, mountains and coastal gems that few tourists have heard of. Read more in our Balkans travel guide.

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The Balkans travel guide

This Balkans travel guide focuses not only on the Balkan region but also, for the main part, on vacations that take you to more than one country here. The first question on most people’s lips is: where exactly is the Balkans? Well, it comprises one of Europe’s three main peninsulas (the other two being the Italian and Iberian peninsulas). And the word Balkans comes from the Turkish for ‘mountains’, because although the peninsula is surrounded by four seas, namely the Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean and Black Sea, there is also the most colossal collection of mountain ranges running through it.

The Balkans are not just former Yugoslavia, with faded 50s glamour usurped by a faded dictator. They are all now countries in their own right. Fascinating, fun and the antithesis of faded.

The most prolific are the Dinaric Alps, which stretch down the Adriatic coast like an additional decorative ribbon to the already exquisite package consisting of Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. These countries, along with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia make up one big load of Balkans.

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Our Balkans Vacations

Balkan vacations are...

for the most part, small group tours taking in a combination of countries.

Balkan vacations are not...

for fly and flop travelers. History and culture, adventure and architecture are what make them so very appealing.

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Balkan vacations map & highlights

Overland small group trips are a fantastic way to discover this region. Transport is typically by private vehicles which can take you to lesser-visited towns, although there are spectacular train journeys such as the sleeper from Budapest to Belgrade, too. These vacations offer myriad Balkan combinations, from undeveloped Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia, to more of a grand tour taking in Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro, where Dubrovnik, Lake Bled and Lake Skadar are respective highlights. With added gems such as Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pelister National Park in Macedonia and other great capital cities such as Pristina, Tirana and Skopje. It’s one beautiful Balkan map.

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1. Albania
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina
3. Croatia
4. Kosovo
5. Macedonia
6. Montenegro
7. Slovenia
8. Sofia, Bulgaria

Albania

1. Albania

Albania is a forgotten part of Europe, It is tantalisingly close to home, yet a whole world away in terms of culture, history and landscapes. Slowly, it is making its return to the tourism scene, and we reckon it won’t remain forgotten for long. Albania offers magnificent mountains, beautiful Ottoman towns, Greek and Roman ruins and gorgeous Mediterranean beaches – all with a fraction of the visitors of its Balkan neighbours.

Albania

Bosnia & Herzegovina

2. Bosnia & Herzegovina

BiH for short is one of the Balkans’ hidden wonders. Tragically known for years of civil conflict and huge loss of life, we like to celebrate its relatively new found peace by using the correct name: Princedom of Bosnia. Majestic it is too, with the Dinaric Alps, lakes and waterfalls, Rakitnica Canyon, Ottoman architecture and ancient capital of Sarajevo. The train journey from Sarajevo to Mostar is a treat.

Croatia

3. Croatia

Already celebrated for its array of archipelagos, Croatia also boasts eight national parks. Balkans vacations nearly always include Dubrovnik, its Adriatic ‘pearl’ and walled city, or the less well known ancient marvel of Split. If you are approaching from Slovenia, Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is all things beautiful and baroque. It’s also popular as part of tri-destination cycling vacations, with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina part of the pannier.

Croatia

Kosovo

4. Kosovo

Europe’s newest country, Kosovo is not only open for tourists but also totally open hearted. Its cities are culturally cool, such as capital Pristina, which boasts mosques, churches and other sites dating back to the 15th century. Prizren has Roman, medieval and Ottoman architecture. Don’t miss Decani Monastery at the foot of the Prokletije Mountains, where monks gave refuge to all ethnicities during the war years.

Macedonia

5. Macedonia

Macedonia is often included in an Albania-Kosovo package, or on a tour from Dubrovnik to Athens. You will want to come back for more but, for starters, try Mavrovo National Park, home to the country’s three highest peaks, Lake Ohrid, with its waterside churches, and the magnificent Matka Canyon. This karst limestone valley is just 17km from the capital Skopje, which features just about every ancient influence you can imagine.

Macedonia

Montenegro

6. Montenegro

Montenegro boasts a triumvirate of leading highlights, its mountains, lakes and coast all hiding secrets and surprises. Coming from the north, Durmitor National Park and Tara Canyon are musts. The center has the historic capital of Cetinje, while Lake Skadar and the Prokletije Mountains, bordering Albania, dominate the south. Cycling vacations combining Montenegro with Croatia are greedy in their gorgeousness.

Slovenia

7. Slovenia

The northern starting point for many Balkan vacations, Slovenia’s lovely capital of Ljubljana is a ‘pretty’ hard act to follow. Lake Bled is another favourite stop, with its romantic fairytale church on an islet, medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and Julian Alps backdrop. If you are looking for a dream photography vacation, look no further, especially with Croatia, the next stop south, thrown into the mix.

Slovenia

Sofia, Bulgaria

8. Sofia, Bulgaria

Some Balkan overland trips include Sofia on their itineraries, as the sandwich city visit between Belgrade in Serbia and Skopje in Macedonia. A very cosmopolitan city, with cafés and boutiques along Vitosha Boulevard as well as sacred marvels like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and other Byzantine churches. Enjoy a mineral bath or the Natural History Museum, both in the shadow of the great Mount Vitosha.

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Best time to visit the Balkans

For hiking, spring and autumn are wonderful. You may want to stay clear of peak season to see some of the cultural greats, from Dubrovnik to Lake Bled...

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Written by Catherine Mack

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Photo credits: [Page banner: SarahTz] [Is/isnt: Mario Micklisch] [Map topbox: Jorge Franganillo] [Bosnia and Herzegovina: Michal Huniewicz] [Croatia: Arnie Papp] [Kosovo: Fatos Katallozi] [Macedonia: xiquinhosilva] [Montenegro: David Jones] [Slovenia: Marika Bortolami] [Sofia: Silvia Albini]

Balkans travel guide