Best Things to Do in The Balkans

1. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Plitvice Lakes National Park in central Croatia is 116 square miles of natural ecosystem. You can walk around on the 11 miles of wooden bridges and planks to see the sixteen lakes and waterfalls that make up the park.

Croatia’s first national park is not only an amazing day trip to enjoy the unique, natural landscape of Croatia, but also an adventure too!

2. Kotor, Montenegro

Where mountains, old towns, and quiet bays meet. Kotor, Montenegro, is a small town sitting on the Bay of Kotor under the Dinaric Alps. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors will love the small and quaint Venetian old town and the numerous pizza and gelato shops you can enjoy in the plazas.

If you wish to get out and enjoy more of the scenery, you can hike the Kotor Fortress walls that hug the rugged mountain up to the fortress tower. Photographers will love the panoramic views of the aquamarine bay and the mountains from the fortress tower.

3. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is a city with a historical and interesting past. Not only was Sarajevo the site where World War I began, but was also ground zero for the four-year Siege of Sarajevo during the 1990s.

Additionally, Sarajevo is unique to the Balkans because it’s one of the few cities in this traditionally Christian region with a predominantly Muslim population due to Sarajevo being a former Ottoman stronghold during the Middle Ages.

4. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Pronounced Lu-blee-yana, Europe’s Green Capital of 2016 is a haven for those seeking relaxation and nature. Slovenia’s stunning capital is a mixture of grand architecture, outdoor cafes, and history.

One of Ljubljana’s main attractions is the Ljubljana Castle. The castle is a former medieval fortress and sits at the center of the city with sprawling green grounds that double as a tourist attraction and community event center.

5. Lake Ohrid, Macedonia and Albania

One of Europe’s oldest lakes, Lake Ohrid is a natural wonder and an escape from the bustling cities of the Balkans. The lake straddles Macedonia and Albania with Ohrid being the main city on the lake.

The lake stretches down some 900 feet deep in some areas and is the ideal place to take a relaxing boat ride to visit the many historical churches around the lake or enjoy your time on the water.

6. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Due to the popularity of the TV show Game of Thrones, which was filmed in the city, Dubrovnik has become one of the top attractions in the Balkans, and for that matter, all of Europe. Known for its famous 80-foot high walls, this Venetian old town is full of romance and history.

Walking the historic streets and steps of the old town isn’t the only activity you can do in Dubrovnik! You can also kayak around the bay or relax on one of the many beaches surrounding the old town before enjoying an Italian-inspired meal at the small cafes hidden away in the side streets of the city.

7. Belgrade, Serbia

Known as “The White City” due to the original stone used for the city’s fortress, Belgrade sits at the convergence of two major rivers that run through the Balkans, the Danube and the Sava. The city is known for its green spaces with the old fortress being converted into a park and sprawling waterfronts where you can enjoy a lively night on the floating bars, or splavs, on the rivers.

For those interested in traditional Serbian and Balkan food, don’t miss Skadarlija Street, the bohemian quarter of the city where you can be serenaded by local musicians while you eat.

8. Theth National Park, Albania

The Balkans are known for some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes, none more so than the national parks of Albania. With stunning natural wonders, Theth National Park stands out with its massive valleys and is a must-visit destination for hikers.

Visitors can also swim below Grunas Waterfall, an 98-foot high waterfall in the park or visit the historical Lock-in Tower, a tower once used to protect those seeking shelter from the regions notorious blood feuds.

9. Sofia, Bulgaria

Today a relaxed city with an affluent park culture, Sofia is one of the best representations of a former Communist city in modern times. Throughout the city you can see memorial statues to Communist leaders and values right next to vegan restaurants and coffee shops.

Additionally, throughout the city you can see other influences from when Sofia was under the rule of the Ottomans and Byzantine Empire. One of the most influential sites in the city is the Eastern Orthodox Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, one of the largest Christian churches in the world.

10. Skopje, Macedonia

Many visitors would describe Macedonia’s capital as lovable and quirky with its unusual sculptures and architecture styles. Buildings ranging from modern to Ottoman to the Medieval Ages sit next to each other on the Vardar River that runs through the center of the city.

Besides its unusual architecture, Skopje also boasts a bustling cafe culture and the jewel of the city is Carsija, the Ottoman old town in the city center.