Balkans Adventure
Welcoming People and Rich History
The Balkans have a rich history and diverse culture due to being ruled by various European powers such as Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans. Foreign visitors are welcomed warmly by friendly locals eager to share their culture. Learning another language can be helpful for better communication, but there’s no pressure to do so when visiting a new place.
Beauty of Nature
The Balkans region in Europe has stunning landscapes, including mountains, beaches, lakes, and rivers, making it a popular tourist destination. The Adriatic Sea is a popular vacation spot for its clear waters and rocky coastline. The Dinaric Alps have peaks over 2,500 meters, and Durmitor National Park offers hiking trails through pine forests and glacial lakes.
Top Food Regions
Balkan cuisine is a delicious blend of flavours influenced by neighbouring countries like Turkey and Greece. Travelling to the Balkans offers an excellent opportunity to indulge in it. Sample local dishes like “ćevapi” and “burek” at restaurants. Portions are usually large, so you may have leftovers to take home. Try Balkan coffee for a strong taste and aroma. Enjoy it with friends at a local “kafana” coffee house.
The diversity is incredible.
Travelling in the Balkans is a chance to experience diverse cultures, religions, and languages while learning about the region’s history and culture. The Balkan countries offer various experiences. Plan an extended trip for the best adventure, or focus on one country for an unforgettable journey. Consider Slovenia for its breathtaking landscapes. Slovenia Tours offers the best of this small yet stunning country.
Affordable, Safe, and Easy to Reach
The Balkans offer affordable options for travellers, with great deals on lodging and meals in Eastern European countries. Ideal for those on a budget. The Balkans are safe despite misconceptions. Crime rates are lower than in Western Europe. Slovenia is one of the safest countries in Europe. Travel to the Balkans by car or plane with convenient starting points at Zagreb, Brnik, Rijeka, and Pula airports.
Let’s Begin - Shall We?
Start your Balkan Road journey in Montenegro and explore the country’s steep mountains, mediaeval villages, and a small strip of Adriatic coastline.
Albania
Albania has a population of around 3 million and is located in the western Balkan region. It has a long coastline bordering the Adriatic Sea, and its capital is Tirana. The official language is Albanian, and it operates as a unitary parliamentary constitutional republic.
Blue Eye
Have you heard of the Blue Eye in Albania? It’s a stunning natural attraction that draws tourists from all over. Located in the southern part of the country, the Blue Eye is an underwater spring that feeds the river and lake at Blue Eye National Park. The water is a mesmerizing blue shade you must see to believe.
The Blue Eye is reputed to be deeper than 50 meters, but its proper depth has yet to be determined due to the powerful force of the water pushing to the surface, which makes it difficult for divers to descend further.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a diverse country with three main ethnic groups and a population of 3.8 million. The capital is Sarajevo, and the government is a representative parliamentary democracy.
Mostar
Mostar is a famous city in Bosnia and Herzegovina known for its ancient Ottoman bridge over the Neretva River.
Despite destroying Mostar’s famous 16th-century bridge during a brutal war, the surrounding area is still a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site to explore. For the best view, climb up to the minaret of Koskin-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque. Other notable sites include the Sniper’s Tower and a park with a statue of Bruce Lee.
Stay longer in Mostar to fully experience it.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria has 7 million people who speak Bulgarian, with Sofia as the capital. It’s a diverse country with Bulgarians as the largest ethnic group. It’s a parliamentary representative democratic republic.
Sofia
Sofia is a city that combines history and modernity. Its capital centre has old landmarks and new art and hospitality.
Visit galleries, museums, parks, and Mt. Vitosh for stunning views. Sofia is a must-see destination in Bulgaria.
Croatia
Croatia is a democratic republic on the Balkan peninsula, with Zagreb as its capital. The official language is Croatian, and the population is 4.2 million, mostly ethnically Croat.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is a stunning wonder. The turquoise lakes and waterfalls are mesmerizing.
The area has 16 connected lakes, with the largest being Kozjak. The lakes are separated by travertine and have vibrant colours. Wooden boardwalks are available for exploration.
Kosovo
Kosovo is a democratic republic with 1.9 million people. Albanian and Serbian are the official languages, and Prishtina is the capital. 93% of the population is Albanian.
Gracanica Monastery
Don’t miss the Gracanica Monastery in Pristina, a UNESCO site inspired by Serbian architecture with tomb-shaped structures on the exterior.
The interior has original art and Byzantine decor. Fire destroyed them, but they’ve been replaced.
Moldova
In the eastern Balkans, Moldova has a population of 3.4 million, with 75% being ethnic Moldovans. It’s a parliamentary representative democratic republic with Moldovan as its official language. Chisinau is the capital city.
Saharna
Visit Saharna, a charming village with the Holy Trinity Monastery and Virgin Mary’s foot imprints on one of its rocks. A popular pilgrimage destination in Moldova.
Saharna in Moldova offers 22 serene waterfalls, including the famous Gipsy Hole. A hike through the Saharna dor provides stunning views and peacefulness, making it a tourist must-visit destination.
Montenegro
Montenegro has a population of 610,000 who speak Montenegrin as their official language. The capital is Podgorica, and the political structure is a parliamentary representative democratic republic.
Kotor
Kotor is a medieval town on the Adriatic coast, known for its well-preserved, fortified walls and Venetian-stle Old Town. The 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon dominates the area.
Kotor’s cathedral altar showcases impressive Middle Ages stonemasonry. Hiking to the hilltop fortress provides breathtaking views of the city and bay.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia has a population of 2 million, with Macedonians (64%) and Albanians (25%). Macedonian is the official language. It’s a democratic republic with Skopje as its capital.
Marble Lake
Park near Belovodica village and hike up the mountain for 30 minutes from Skopje to Pirlep.
Discover a stunning white marble theatre overlooking a clear blue lake. Swim, explore, and soak up the sunshine at this hidden European gem.
Romania
Bucharest is Romania’s capital city, with a population of around 21 million. Most people in Romania are ethnic Romanians, and the official language is Romanian.
Transfagarasan Highway
Explore the stunning Transfagarasan Highway, a renowned 56-mile scenic route connecting Wallachia and Transylvania. Enjoy breathtaking views of lakes, hills, and castles along the way.
The highway is only open in summer due to its steep turns. A challenging drive but unforgettable for those willing to take it on.
Serbia
Serbia has a population of 7 million, mostly Serbs. The capital is Belgrade, and the official language is Serbian.
House of the Drina
St. Sava Church is grand, while the House on the Drina is intimate. The Little House on the Drina is a popular attraction on the beautiful river.
Slovenia
Slovenia has 2.1 million people, a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with 83% being Slovenian. The official language is Slovene, known as Slovenian in English. The capital is Ljubljana.
Lake Bled
Don’t miss Lake Bled when in Slovenia. It’s like a fairytale with castles, mountains, and forests. People come from all over for its natural beauty.
Bled offers stunning views from its castle, a charming island, and plenty of places to relax and stay overnight.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the Balkans are a tremendous community of countries that should be explored. They have so much culture and many things to do that you’ll always have ideas. So why don’t you rent a car in one of our leading Balkan countries and start your adventure today?
