Balkans Travel Guide (Europe)

Introduction to Balkans
List of Places to Visit in Balkans
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Balkans: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Balkans
Best Things to Do in Balkans: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Balkans
Food and Drink Scene of Balkans
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Balkans: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Balkans: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Balkans
Best Times to Visit Balkans
Do’s and Don’ts of Balkans
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Balkans
- Health in Balkans
Getting to Balkans: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Balkans
Where to Go Next from Balkans: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Balkans

Balkans, located in southeastern Europe, is a peninsula renowned for its diverse and rich cultural heritage, magnificent natural landscapes, and stunning ancient architecture. The region provides a perfect blend of tranquil coastline, rugged mountains, and lush countryside.

List of Places to Visit in Balkans

Whether you are an adventurer, a history buff, or a foodie, Balkans has something to offer everyone. Here’s a list of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia: a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.
National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo: The country’s most significant historical museum.
Ohrid, North Macedonia: Home to a beautiful lake and one of the oldest and most remarkable Orthodox Christian monasteries in Europe.
Kalemegdan Fortress, Serbia: A historical site that overlooks the confluence of two rivers is a symbol of Belgrade
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Known for the iconic Stari Most Bridge which is atop the River Neretva.

Natural Attractions of Balkans: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: One of the most beautiful national parks in the world, famous for its crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls.
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro: A stunning place for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the beautiful mountain range.
Tara River Canyon, Montenegro: Home to some of the deepest gorges and rapids in Europe. Enjoy rafting and kayaking in the river.
Lake Bled, Slovenia: A picturesque destination known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings.
Valbona Valley National Park, Albania: A nature lover’s paradise, offering scenic hikes, small local guesthouses, and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Balkans

Balkans offers an extensive network of hiking and biking trails through its varied and stunning landscapes. Here are some of the most popular routes:

Peaks of the Balkans: A 192 km trek that goes through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. The trail offers breathtaking views of the majestic mountain range, and visitors can stopover at the traditional guesthouses en-route.
Vjosa River Trail, Albania: A 300 km route that runs along the stunning Vjosa River, one of the last free-flowing rivers of Europe.
Biokovo Nature Park, Croatia: Offers a range of outdoor activities, from cycling to hiking. The site offers stunning views over the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands.

Best Things to Do in Balkans: Activities and Tours

Balkans offers a plethora of activities and tours for travelers, ranging from historical and cultural tours to outdoor adventures. Some popular ones are:

Wine tasting tour in the Istria region of Croatia.
Visiting the Blue Cave via a boat tour from Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Exploring the architecture and Ottoman miniatures of Skopje, North Macedonia.
The Sarajevo War Tunnel Tour for an immersive experience of the city’s siege history.
Roadtripping down the scenic Adriatic Coastal Highway that runs down the length of Montenegro.

Week-Long Itinerary for Balkans

Here’s an exemplary itinerary for a delightful week-long trip to Balkans:

Day 1: Start your trip in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and explore the Old Town and take a boat tour to Lokrum Island.

Day 2: Travel to Kotor, Montenegro, and spend a day exploring the city and walking around the historic fortifications.

Day 3: Spend the day enjoying the pristine Adriatic beaches of Budva, Montenegro.

Day 4: Visit the natural beauty, Lakes of Plitvice National Park, Croatia, and have a lovely walk amidst the waterfalls and greenery.

Day 5: Explore the charming city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the iconic Stari Most Bridge.

Day 6: Visit the historic town of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and learn about the siege and war history through the Sarajevo War Tunnel Tour.

Day 7: End your trip with a wine-tasting tour in the Istria region of Croatia, the country’s premier wine-producing region.

Food and Drink Scene of Balkans

Balkans offer a rich and diverse food scene, boasting a variety of dishes that reflect its remarkable cultural heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Cevapi, minced meat in the form of small sausages, wrapped in a traditional Balkan bread called Lepina.
Pljeskavica, the Balkan version of a burger, served with a salad and Ajvar, a flavorful relish made from roasted eggplant.
Burek, a savory pastry stuffed with cheese, meat, or spinach, and filo dough.

Local Beverages

Rakia: A potent fruit brandy, distilled from fermented fruits like plums, grapes, and apricots.
Kafa, a strong Turkish coffee served in a traditional cezve.
Local wines such as Blatina and Vranac.

Where to Stay in Balkans: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Balkans caters to various types of travelers, from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels and affordable guesthouses. Some popular options are:

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
Budva, Montenegro: Hotel Splendid, Hotel Astoria
Skopje, North Macedonia: Hotel Arka, Hotel Aleksandar Square
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Hotel Europe, Hotel Central
Belgrade, Serbia: Hilton Belgrade, Hotel Moskva

What to Buy in Balkans: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Travellers can bring back the local flavor and culture of Balkans by shopping for souvenirs and local products such as:

Wall carpets that reflect the Bosnian culture’s unique craft.
Ethnographic mementos like ceramic bowls, carvings, and textile pillows
Local honey, wine, and rakia make for great souvenirs that are unique to the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Balkans

The Balkan culture is a diverse mix of Eastern and Western influences and is rich in folklore, traditional art, and tolerance. The locals are very friendly and hospitable towards foreigners. It’s vital to be respectful of their culture and traditions, including dress codes and religious customs.

Best Times to Visit Balkans

The best time to visit the Balkans depends on the activities one has planned. Summer months from June to August provide the best weather for exploring the region’s beaches and enjoy outdoor activities. Spring and Fall can offer a pleasant weather, and the nature here is at peak beauty during the autumn season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Balkans

Do:

Try the local food and beverages during your trip.
Make an effort to learn some basic phrases of the local language.
Respect the local customs and dress codes of the region.

Don’t:

Do not litter in public places.
Do not make fun of or disrespect the local customs, religion, or traditions.
Avoid political discussions or sensitive topics related to the region.

Safety and Health

Safety in Balkans

Balkans is generally safe to travel, with the most common crime reported being petty theft. It’s advisable to take necessary precautions like keeping valuable belongings secure and not leaving them unattended.

Health in Balkans

The region is generally safe with no major health concerns. The European Union has a standard health system, and most countries have adequate health facilities. Before traveling, make sure to have comprehensive travel insurance.

Getting to Balkans: Transportation Options and Logistics

Balkans is well-connected to most European cities via multiple transportation options. Here’s a list of nearby airports, bus stations, and other logistics:

Airports Near Balkans

Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia (DBV)
Podgorica Airport, Montenegro (TGD)
Skopje Airport, North Macedonia (SKP)
Sarajevo Airport, Bosnia and Herzegovina (SJJ)
Belgrade Airport, Serbia (BEG)

Bus Stations Near Balkans

Dubrovnik Bus Station, Croatia
Montenegro Bus Station, Montenegro
Skopje Bus Station, North Macedonia
Belgrade Bus Station, Serbia

Other Options

Ferries: For travel between the coastal towns, visitors can take ferries or boats from Dubrovnik (Croatia) to nearby islands or Kotor (Montenegro) to explore the stunning fjords.

How to Get Around in Balkans

The Balkans on Intracity travel usually involves buses, trams, and taxis. Local transport facilities are affordable and well-connected. Cross-country travel options include trains, buses, and shared taxis. Road travel can be tiring due to the region’s rugged terrain, but it is possible to rent a car for self-drive.

Where to Go Next from Balkans: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time, there are plenty of nearby destinations worth exploring:

Greece: home to iconic sites like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos and a warm Mediterranean climate.
Albania: still relatively unexplored, has beautiful coastal towns, stunning mountains, and friendly locals.
Romania: offers its unique history and culture, from the Medieval town of Brasov to the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest.

Conclusion

The Balkans offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore fascinating culture and natural beauty all in one region. From the stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage to the delicious food and drink scene, the Balkans has something for everyone. Just make sure to plan your itinerary well and be respectful of the local customs to have a memorable experience.