Travel Guide
Discover the Hidden Treasures of the Balkans: A Traveler’s Guide
The Balkans are situated in southeastern Europe encompassing Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Greece (most parts) and Bulgaria whereas for scenic marvels the beautiful interiors of the destinations of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is the best of the Balkans tour that we managed to see and a bit of enlightenment for you on why some places add emphasis to your visit.
Overview
Reasons to Visit the Balkans
Balkans now ranks as one of the hot favorite tourist locations for those interested in off beat exclusive destinations. The top of the range into The Balkans expedition incorporates a special blend of advantages that differentiates it from more conventional European destinations:
- Diverse Cultures: All the Balkan countries have their unique character which developed throughout centuries of rich history and interconnection.
- Natural Landscapes: The Balkans are geographically diverse with beautiful views of the Adriatic sea, sandy beaches, deep forests, and towering mountains.
- Affordability: The Balkans are cheaper than Western European countries, and this means that tourists can afford luxury here.
- Authentic Experiences: Experience authentic cultures that are yet to be flooded by large scale tourism and learn about people’s lifestyle that has not changed much over the years.
In this travel guide, you are going to discover the Balkans’ gems and moments that will leave you breathless. If you are looking for thebest of the Balkans tour, then this diverse peninsula has something for all kinds of traveler.
Culture
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Attractions
Dubrovnik – Croatia
Also referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic, this is a city with lots of historic features and great middle age architecture and comes with beautiful sea scenery. When strolling along the walls of the stone towns you will feel like you are in the time of maritime republics and active trade.
Key features for tourists:
- Explore the many areas within the city but most importantly find the old town which is on the UNESCO world heritage list.
- Take a walk around the wall for an aerial view of the Adriatic Sea
- According to the author, it is suggested that one ought to visit Rector’s Palace, boasting of Gothic and Renaissance elements.
- Visit sunny and clean beaches, for example Banje one, or take a boat and see some of the islands.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina – The Stari Most, the Old Bridge
Mostar is also an interesting city for tourists for the Old Stone Bridge over the Neretva River. This bridge with arches was built in the later half of the 16th century.
Key features for tourists:
- Watch divers swim and even leap off the bridge into the sub-zero water.
- Go to the old Bazaar and look at the souvenirs and try the dishes that are prepared in the region
- The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is also very good if you want to look at the city from above
- Know more about the history of the city at the Old Bridge Museum
Belgrade Serbia – Fortress and Old Town
Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and has a long history but also has some things for the tourists. The place that now embraces the contemporary Belgrade Fortress has witnessed more than two thousand years of history.
Key features for tourists:
- You can get the best city views from by climbing the Belgrade Fortress.
- The Knez Mihailova Street is the largest walking and business area in Belgrade. You can walk around to get a feel of the history.
- You can also visit St. Sava Temple It is one of the largest Orthodox temples in the world.
Heritage
Architectural Marvels
Rila Monastery, Bulgaria
Rila Monastery is a flagship attraction in your tour package and it’s one of peaks of the Balkans guided tour. This 10th-century Eastern Orthodox monastery is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For Bulgaria, this is also considered as a national shrine of.
Visiting these historical and cultural sites will make you understand the histories of Balkan and the unique cultures that define this region. Whether you are on a cruise or tour of Croatia Bosnia and Montenegro or traveling through the wider Balkan region, these sites provide some of the most memorable views of the region’s history and today.
Nature
Natural Wonders of the Balkans
The Balkans are a true travel lover’s dream as it has a number of natural deposits which include lakes, forests, mountains and canyons.
Lakes National Park, Croatia
One of the world’s seven natural wonders, known for its breathtaking waterfalls and cascading lakes, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s oldest and largest park boasting 16 lakes of varying hues of blue, green and turquoise. Stepped ponds are interconnected and consist of 16 ponds with water cascades, and the park is situated in a dense forest and it has wooden walking trails which allow people to walk throughout this fabulous site.
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Durmitor National Park: Mountain Valley landscape within the framework of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Being located around the Durmitor massif it is home to 48 more than 2000m high peaks, 18 mountain lakes called ‘’the mountain eyes”, and Europe’s deepest gorges.
Tara River Canyon str., Bosnia & Herzegovina/Montenegro
The Tara River Canyon, locally known as the ‘Tear of Europe,’ it is a marvelous natural wonder representing the deepest and the longest canyon in Europe and the second largest global Canyon after the Grand Canyon. It is the longest river running through the Sichuan province and measuring to 82 kilometers with some gorges reaching up to 1,300 meters deep; making it ideal for rafting and scenic viewing.
Adventure
Mountains and Hiking Trails
The Balkans Range, Bulgaria
Balkan mountains that are the backbone of the whole area stretch from the black sea coast in the east to the Serbian border in the west. Adi this mountain range is composed of different types of terrains among them being steep slopes, forests, meadows, snowy slopes and large rocks.
By the time you are touring these areas you will understand why the Balkan region is slowly developing into a hotspot for nature and adventure freaks. The Balkan country offers perfect hiking trails from challenging steep terrains to beautiful lakes and from beautiful mountain ranges to daring activities for the entire community.
Food
Balkan Cuisine and Culinary Experiences
To feel the taste of Balkan food, there is a necessity to go further than restaurants that offer international cuisine and restaurants which are interesting for tourists. Here are some culinary experiences not to be missed:
- Markala Market, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina:
This is one of the most vibrant markets located in the central region of Sarajevo with special emphasis in fruits and vegetables, cheese and other Bosnian foods. You should also not leave without taking burek, dough layers with stuffing of meat or cheese.
- Kalenić Market, Belgrade, Serbia:
A bit off the tourist trail but in the very center of Belgrade, Kalenić is one of the oldest and largest green markets where you may want to taste ajvar (red pepper spread) or kajmak (clotted cream).
- Dolac Market, Zagreb, Croatia:
Locally referred to as the ‘stomach of Zagreb’ this is an excellent place for fresh fruits and vegetables, honey and olive oil produced within the Balkans.
- To Steki tou Ilia, Thessaloniki, Greece:
It is an old style Greek restaurant as it sells authentic Macedonian-Greek food which is made from our heart in a homely environment of a family business.
Local
Farm-to-Table Experiences
The Balkans’ rich agricultural heritage makes it an ideal destination for farm-to-table experiences:
- Agroturizam Ograde, Istria, Croatia:
This is a family farm with a kitchen garden used in preparing food for the cooking classes, wines, and olive oil are made here.
- Etno Selo Herceg, Montenegro:
Enjoy the Montenegrin dishes together with a view of countryside as old as the hills and food as fresh as the hills indeed.
- Macedonian Village, Skopje, North Macedonia:
At this kind of a museum the visitors are enabled to prepare the dishes in the traditional format and also taste the Macedonian food.
Street Food
Street Food Delights
Balkan street food is that real gastronomical haven full of flavor and textures. Some must-try options include:
-
Ćevapi: This kind of grilled meat sausages with flatbread and onions is popular all over the Balkan Peninsula.
-
Burek: A kind of meat, cheese or vegetable pie prepared from puff or rough puff pastry which is popular in the region.
-
Pljeskavica: Popularly recognised as the Serbian burger, it is a broiled meat patty sandwich, located in two slices of flatbread accompanied by various toppings.
-
Souvlaki: Popular outdoor barbeque dish made on a stick like Middle Eastern gyros and served with fresh pita bread and yogurt-based cucumber sauce tzatziki.
-
Trileçe: A very yummy cake made from three sorts of milk and the well-known cake in Albania and Kosovo.
Logistics
Planning Your Balkan Trip
Travel stories, route ideas, and practical Balkan tips prepared for you by the Balkland regional team.