The Balkans offer a perfect mix of history, nature, and culture, without the crowds of Western Europe. Explore ancient towns, hike dramatic mountain trails, relax on the Adriatic coast, and discover world-class wine and cuisine. Whether you’re wandering cobbled streets in Mostar, sailing to remote Croatian islands, or enjoying lakeside sunsets in Ohrid, the region promises authenticity, adventure, and stunning landscapes, all at a more affordable price than many European hotspots. If you’ve never considered exploring the Balkans, here are the top places you should be considering for your next trip!
Game of Thrones Tours in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Game of Thrones fans will love visiting Dubrovnik. Scenes filmed at Fort Baker, Lokrum Island, and the Minčeta tower helped make the Croatian city popular among travelers. Walk the city walls, explore hidden coves and the Old Town, while taking in your favorite GOT filming spots. There are even tours of the city based on the television series.
Dine at a Palace in Korcula, Croatia
For a real taste of Croatia, check out Korcula Island. This fabulous island is home to outstanding wineries and restaurants, including LD Restaurant in Lešić Dimitri Palace. Michelin-starred LD focuses on locally sourced ingredients from both the garden and the sea. Not to mention, the views are to die for!
Experience History in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
When it comes to history, nothing in the Balkans beats Sarajevo. Home of the 1984 Olympic Games, this is also the city that saw the start of World War I when Archduke Franz Ferdinand was shot on the Latin Bridge and endured the Bosnian War in the early 1990s. There are plenty of museums and tours where you can learn about the capital city’s history.
Go to the Beach in Budva, Montenegro
Budva, Montenegro, is a relatively unknown travel destination. Budva Old Town is quite charming. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and cobblestone streets. Another cool thing here are the beaches. The shores are sandy. Most beaches in this region have rocky shores and require water shoes to explore them.
Explore the Past in Tirana, Albania
Tirana, Albania, has been subject to the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Italians, and the architecture of the city reflects that. You will find plenty of history, diversity, and culture in this Balkan Capital. Check out their amazing city park and outstanding museums while here.
Discover Art in Skopje, North Macedonia
Roads once built for the better movement of military armaments are now beautifully tiled pedestrian walkways. Skopje is a city of contradictions, many times fought over-yet peaceful and modern-yet historic. The city is known for its giant monuments and artistic flair, commissioned in the 2010s to attract more visitors.
See the Newest Capital: Pristina, Kosovo
If you are a coffee lover, Pristina, Kosovo, is for you. Every year, they host a Coffee & Tea Festival. Some of the region’s best coffees can be sampled in their many cafes. Unlike other parts of Europe known for their history, Pristina is the continent’s newest capital. Their ultra-modern National Library and NEWBORN art installation are refreshed annually.
Check Out Museums in Zagreb, Croatia
As Croatia’s largest city and capital, you might not expect it to have such a small-town feel and old-world charm. The hilltop district seems to take you back in history with its squares and cobblestone streets lit by gas lamps. The best part of Zagreb to explore, though, is all of its museums! Check out Mimara Museum, a controversial art museum, and the Museum of Broken Relationships, which is heartbreaking yet beautiful.
Visit Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia
Split is a popular place to visit. Its claim to fame is being the former place of retirement of Roman rulers. Diocletian’s Palace forms the center of the city. These aren’t the kind of ruins you are probably used to. The city has built up around what was once a palace. The area is now home to a retail and residential area, as well as several areas dedicated to museums.
The City of a Thousand Windows: Berat, Albania
Berat is perched along cliffs overlooking the city’s promenade. The windows of the coastal white homes have earned it the nickname “City of a Thousand Windows”. Guests can explore Berat Castle, visit The Kala (the city’s ancient citadel), check out Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, or just stroll Bulevardi Republika for a taste of the local culture.
Go Wine Tasting in Herzegovina
Though not widely recognized for wine, the Balkans boast impressive producers. Croatia leads in exports, but Herzegovina is an emerging gem. Its signature wines—Žilavka, a crisp white, and Blatina, a rich red—are best enjoyed near Mostar, especially at local vineyards just beyond the city for a more authentic experience.
Don’t Overlook Istria Peninsula, Croatia
The Istria Peninsula in Croatia is close to Italy and certainly picks up plenty of Italian flavor. You will be able to find espresso and pizza here that rivals the best in Italy, as well as possibly the world’s best truffles. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the coastline, its crystal blue waters, and brightly colored houses as you explore this less crowded destination.
Hear the Sea Organ in Zadar, Croatia
Let your imagination take you away to a place where music is played on an instrument by the waves of the sea! That is exactly how the Sea Organ in Zadar, Croatia, works. Beyond the Sea Organ, Zadar has some of the best Roman ruins in Croatia and many more historical sites. Don’t forget to enjoy some of the country’s best restaurants here, too.
Small Town Balkans’ Charm in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Nestled in southern Herzegovina, Mostar is one of the Balkans’ most charming towns. Its picturesque Old Town, quaint cafés, scenic bridges, and lively riverfront atmosphere captivate visitors. Enjoy local wine, stroll through cobbled streets, and watch daring locals leap from the iconic Old Bridge on warm summer days.
Stop and Smell the Flowers in Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Herceg Novi, often overlooked, is a delightful coastal gem in the Balkans. Known as the “Town of 100,001 Steps” for its steep, winding paths, it’s filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Explore charming alleys, visit the local market, and relax on some of Boka Bay’s finest beaches.
Vacation in Sarandë, Albania
If you’ve never heard of the Albanian Riviera, it’s time to discover Sarandë. This is a place with water views that rival the Greek Islands, beaches that remind you of Mexico, and the kind of nightlife and fashion you would expect in Milan or Paris. Come and have the vacation of a lifetime in Sarandë, Albania.
Explore an Ottoman Style City in Prizren, Kosovo
The cultural and economic heart of Kosovo is Prizren. It lacks the newness of Pristina, just an hour away. The Old Town takes you on a tour through history, where hiking to the top gives you breathtaking views. While less diverse than the capital, Prizren is full of Ottoman architecture and numerous mosques to see.
See a Lake in Three Countries in Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Lake Ohrid, shared by Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, shines brightest on the Macedonian side. The shoreline features lakeside villas, the historic Saint Naum Monastery, and a picturesque Old Town. Visitors can explore Ottoman-era streets, visit churches and fortresses, swim, enjoy street food, and watch sunsets by the port.
Go On a Sabbatical in Vis, Croatia
Vis offers fewer activities than other Croatian islands, which is exactly its charm. As the most remote island from the mainland, it attracts a laid-back, sailing crowd. Ideal for unwinding, visitors should come with a good book, sunglasses, and a desire to simply relax and soak in the tranquility.
Cruise into Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro’s cruise ship hub, Kotor, is a must-see! Climb to the fortress or hike the scenic Ladder of Kotor for breathtaking views. Explore the charming Old Town, then take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and the stunning Blue Cave for a full experience.
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