Arranging a Balkans itinerary can be difficult with so much diverse terrain to explore and a finite amount of time to explore it in. Planning your trip becomes a bit easier when you know exactly which locations you want to see. Here are some of our favorite places to add to any Balkans itinerary:
Croatia
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is a national park in central Croatia, home to a series of 16 lakes that pour from one to the next down a breathtaking sequence of waterfalls into a limestone canyon. Walk the winding boardwalks and trails that cut around and across the water for an even better view.
Split, Croatia
The charming coastal Croatian city of Split is one of the best cities in the Balkans with much to offer tourists, including incredible restaurants, nightlife, accommodations and citizens. Stroll along the beautiful waterfront, explore the old town, or climb your way up the Saint Domnius Bell Tower or Klis Fortress for some magnificent views.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bascarsija Bazaar
Bascarsija is the city of Sarajevo’s oldest neighborhood, known for its rich history of ethnic and religious diversity. It has been a bazaar since the Ottoman Empire, with little shops and cafes, where you’ll find eclectic pottery, metalwork, spices, tourists souvenirs and other trinkets.
Albania
Lake Prespa
Lake Prespa is located along the border of Albania, Greece and Macedonia. However, Prespa National Park is located in Albania, where you’ll get the best view of the lake and Maligrad Island. The lake is never overcrowded with tourists and is great for fishing!
Montenegro
Budva
Budva is a beautiful medieval beach town on the coast of Montenegro filled with churches, historic buildings and stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. You’ll find plenty of boutiques, seafood restaurants, lively nightclubs and bars on the beachfront.
Durmitor National Park
The Durmitor National Park limestone massif is part of the Dinaric Alps. The park, shaped by enormous glaciers and crisscrossing rivers and streams, is excellent for hiking, climbing, mountain biking and canoeing if you’re looking for an adventure!
Slovenia
Caves of Slovenia
Be sure to include the Caves of Slovenia in your Balkans travel itinerary for an impressive view of a massive underground canyon by foot, boat or bicycle! Experience a magnificent subterranean world in Slovenia’s over 10,000 registered caves.