20 Reasons the Balkans Should Be Your Next Trip

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.