Welcome to the Balkans, a region of Eastern Europe that boasts some of the most underrated and beautiful destinations on the continent. Often overlooked by tourists, the Balkans offer a unique mix of cultures, history, and natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere. Here we take you on a tour through the hidden gems of the Balkans, exploring its top destinations. Get ready to discover a side of Europe that you never knew existed!
Overview of Eastern Europe and the Balkans
Eastern Europe is a subregion of Europe that encompasses a diverse range of countries, cultures, and languages. The Balkans, located in southeastern Europe, is a peninsula that consists of countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.
The region is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique mix of Eastern and Western influences. Despite being often overlooked by tourists, the Balkans offer a wealth of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.
The Balkans as the Best of Eastern Europe
The Balkans is often considered the best of Eastern Europe for many reasons. This region, which stretches from the Adriatic Sea to the Black Sea, is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and traditions. It boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the rugged mountain ranges of Montenegro to the sandy beaches of Albania. The Balkans is also home to some of the oldest cities in Europe, including the ancient city of Skopje in North Macedonia and the walled city of Dubrovnik in Croatia.
One of the key reasons why the Balkans is so special is its history. The region has been shaped by centuries of conflict, conquest, and migration, leaving a rich and complex cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. The Balkans is a crossroads between East and West, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Austro-Hungarian Empire all coexisting in this fascinating region.
The Balkans is also renowned for its natural beauty. From the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic to the snow-capped peaks of the Dinaric Alps, the region offers a wide range of stunning landscapes. National parks such as Durmitor in Montenegro and Mavrovo in North Macedonia provide a home for rare wildlife and showcase the breathtaking natural beauty of the Balkans.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. One of the top destinations in the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its stunning landscapes and rich history.
The capital city, Sarajevo, is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and architectural styles, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Socialist Yugoslavia all coexisting in this vibrant city.
One of the highlights of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the city of Mostar, famous for its iconic bridge that spans the Neretva River. The bridge is a symbol of the country’s resilience, having been destroyed during the Bosnian War and later rebuilt using the original techniques and materials. Mostar’s old town is a maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings, and the nearby Kravice Waterfalls offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
Another must-visit destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sutjeska National Park, home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Balkans. The park is dominated by the towering peaks of the Dinaric Alps and features one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe. Visitors can hike to the stunning Skakavac Waterfall, explore the ancient forest, and learn about the park’s role in the Battle of Sutjeska during World War II.
Bosnia and Herzegovina also has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes such as cevapi (grilled meat), burek (a pastry filled with meat or cheese), and baklava (a sweet pastry) all popular choices. The country’s coffee culture is also worth experiencing, with traditional Bosnian coffee served in small copper pots and accompanied by a cube of Turkish delight.
Montenegro
Montenegro is a small but stunning country located on the Adriatic Sea, offering visitors some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Balkans. The Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the top destinations in the country, with its winding coastline, turquoise waters, and charming medieval towns such as Kotor and Perast. The towns are filled with ancient churches, palaces, and fortresses, reflecting Montenegro’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Another highlight of Montenegro is its rugged interior, which is dominated by the towering peaks of the Dinaric Alps. Durmitor National Park, in particular, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, with its glacial lakes, deep canyons, and pristine forests. The park’s most famous feature is the Tara River Canyon, the second-deepest canyon in the world and a popular spot for rafting and kayaking.
Montenegro’s coastline is also a popular destination, with sandy beaches, clear waters, and scenic coastal towns such as Budva and Sveti Stefan. The latter is a picturesque island that was once a fishing village and is now home to luxury resorts, boutiques, and restaurants. Visitors can also explore the nearby Lovćen National Park, where the famous poet and philosopher Petar II Petrović-Njegoš is buried.
Montenegro has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes such as seafood, lamb, and cured meats all popular choices. The country’s wines, in particular, are highly regarded, with the vineyards of the Crmnica region producing some of the best wines in the Balkans.
Albania
Albania is a country that has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, emerging as one of the most underrated destinations in the Balkans. The capital city, Tirana, is a vibrant and colorful city that is home to a mix of ancient Ottoman-era buildings and modern architecture.
Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and markets, as well as sample the country’s delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as fërgesë (a baked cheese and vegetable dish) and tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt).
One of the top destinations in Albania is the historic town of Berat, which is sometimes referred to as the “city of a thousand windows.” Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning architecture, including the 13th-century castle that sits atop a hill overlooking the town. Visitors can also explore the nearby Osumi Canyon, one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country.
Another must-visit destination in Albania is the ancient city of Butrint, which dates back to the 7th century BC. The city was once an important center of trade and culture, and today visitors can explore its ancient ruins, including the impressive amphitheater and the Temple of Asclepius. The nearby Butrint National Park is also worth a visit, with its scenic lagoons, wetlands, and forests.
Albania’s natural beauty is perhaps best showcased in the Valbona Valley National Park, a pristine wilderness area that is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Balkans. The park is dominated by the towering peaks of the Prokletije Mountains and features crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests. Visitors can hike to the park’s many scenic viewpoints and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
Kosovo
Kosovo is the youngest country in Europe, having gained its independence from Serbia in 2008, and is rapidly becoming a popular destination in the Balkans. The capital city, Pristina, is a vibrant and dynamic city that is home to a mix of ancient Ottoman-era buildings and modern architecture.
Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and markets, as well as sample the country’s delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as flija (a layered pastry dish) and tava e kosit (a baked lamb and yogurt dish).
One of the top destinations in Kosovo is the historic town of Prizren, which is sometimes referred to as the “cultural capital” of the country. Prizren is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning Ottoman-era architecture, including the Sinan Pasha Mosque and the 14th-century castle that sits atop a hill overlooking the town. Visitors can also explore the town’s many art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
Another must-visit destination in Kosovo is the Patriarchate of Peć, a complex of medieval Serbian Orthodox monasteries that date back to the 13th century. The monasteries are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are known for their stunning frescoes, which depict scenes from the lives of the saints and the history of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Kosovo’s natural beauty is perhaps best showcased in the Gadime Cave, a unique underground cave system that is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other unusual rock formations. The cave is located in the Sharr Mountains, which are also a popular destination for hiking and skiing.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia is a country that offers visitors a rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. The capital city, Skopje, is a fascinating blend of different architectural styles, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Socialist Yugoslavia all coexisting in this vibrant city.
Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and markets, as well as sample the country’s delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as tavche gravche (a bean stew) and ajvar (a pepper-based spread).
One of the top destinations in North Macedonia is the ancient city of Ohrid, which is located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ohrid is known for its stunning architecture, including the 11th-century St. Sofia Church and the medieval castle that overlooks the town. Visitors can also explore the many art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in the town.
Another must-visit destination in North Macedonia is the Matka Canyon, a stunning natural gorge that is located just outside of Skopje. Visitors can hike or take a boat tour to explore the canyon’s many hidden caves, waterfalls, and rock formations.
North Macedonia is also home to Mavrovo National Park, a wilderness area that is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Balkans. The park is dominated by the towering peaks of the Šar Mountains and features crystal-clear lakes, deep canyons, and dense forests. Visitors can hike to the park’s many scenic viewpoints and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
