Guide For Visiting the Balkan Countries
Oh, the Balkans. Many consider it the hidden gem of the world and with rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and an intricate tapestry of truly stunning landscapes, it’s most certainly worth a visit.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a thorough guide for visiting Balkan countries. We’ll talk about which countries you should visit first, what to do, the things to see, and the food to taste, and provide you with some tips on how to navigate your Balkan trip. The peninsula is becoming an increasingly popular destination for North American tourists that are looking to escape the beaten path and avoid breaking the bank - and the Balkan countries offer the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Planning your trip to the Balkans in winter
Depending on where you reside, planning your trip to the Balkans can either be a hassle-free or a daunting experience. Most European hubs have direct flights to all the Balkan countries, and even the longest European flight won’t take more than 4 hours. Keep in mind that there are many cultures and countries to explore, so you have to plan carefully.
The Northern part of the Balkans includes Slovenia, the Northern part of Croatia, and Northern Serbia. If you’re planning your trip during the winter months, we suggest visiting Slovenia’s
The Northern part of the Balkans includes Slovenia, the Northern part of Croatia, and Northern Serbia. If you’re planning your trip during the winter months, we suggest visiting Slovenia’s pristine lakes and rivers, the stunning Julian Alps mountain range, the capital Ljubljana, the town of Maribor, and the coastal town of Kotor. If you land in Ljubljana, make sure to spend at least two days in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe before you visit lake Bled and one of the many popular Slovenian ski resorts. Also, this is the time when most betting sites release their best offers at BettingOffersFinder.ca/Free-Bets.
Your next destination should be the city of Zagreb - the capital of Croatia. It’s a vibrant city that’s worth visiting at any time of the year, but it’s especially stunning around the Christmas season.
Depending on how long your trip will take, we suggest staying at least two to three days in Zagreb before traveling to Belgrade - the capital of Serbia. You can catch a bus, or train, or rent a car to drive to Belgrade, but we suggest the bus as the most convenient option.
Belgrade is set on the confluence of the large Danube and Sava rivers, and there’s plenty to see at any season. If time is on your hand, visiting Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is most definitely worth the 3-hour trip from Belgrade - especially if you’re a foodie!
Visiting the Balkan countries in the summer
While all the Balkan countries are exceptionally beautiful throughout the year, it’s the summertime when they truly shine. They’re Mediterranean countries, after all, and it’s the summertime when they shine the brightest. First things first, you have to make up your mind about which countries you’re planning to visit during your trip. Although it’s a relatively small peninsula, the Balkan is comprised of many countries that are worth visiting, so we would suggest splitting it into two, maybe three trips. Also, we won’t cover any part of Greece in this article because it deserves a separate guide.
So, for your first trip, we suggest a visit to the West Balkan countries, specifically Albania and North Macedonia. Albania has one of the longest coastlines in the Balkans and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. If you land in the capital of Tirana, make sure to visit the Albanian coastline before traveling to North Macedonia - specifically the town of Ohrid and the amazing Lake Ohrid.
For your second trip, product owner Tony Sloterman suggests the amazing Croatian coastline - specifically the islands of Hvar and Brač which are just perfect for exploring, as well as the city of Split - which also has an international airport.
Overall, the Balkans is an incredibly diverse and beautiful region that offers a wide variety of summer experiences. From soaking up the sun on the beach to exploring ancient ruins and discovering stunning natural wonders, you’ll have a lovely summer vacation in the Balkans.
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