36 Places That Must be on Your Balkans Travel Itinerary

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

The Balkans, or the Balkan Peninsula, is a distinct and rather large part of southeastern Europe. It takes its name from the Balkan Mountains extending between Serbia and Bulgaria’s border to the Black Sea.

The region comprises many countries. Some definitions consider up to a dozen nations to be entirely or at least partially located in the Balkans. Most often, however, the definition—or public perception—is limited to the ex-Yugoslavian countries, Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania. It’s always up for debate. Either way, we want to show you places that you’ve got to add to your Balkans Travel Itinerary.

This is a relatively undiscovered part of Europe that is much less visited than, for instance, the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, the British Isles, and France, the Balkans are somewhat of a blank spot on the map for many Western European and North American travelers, and there are so many hidden gems waiting for you.

For now, let’s get to it and see what these travel enthusiasts suggest you see on your travels.

Shkoder, Albania (Theth To Valbona Hike)

The hike from Theth to Valbona is something you can’t miss in the Balkans. It’s a three-day adventure in Albania that includes a ferry ride, staying with locals, and dragging yourself over some steep mountains.

It’ll take you an entire day to even get to the trailhead. Leaving Shkoder early in the morning, you’ll drive along narrow mountain roads to catch a ramshackle ferry. While you’re praying the ferry won’t fall apart before you reach the dock, you’ll see the sunrise over the gray mountainsides and calm turquoise water. Back on land, you’ll drive through the mountains for another hour before finally reaching the town of Valbona. And by town, we mean a cluster of houses smack bang in the middle of nowhere. There’s one guesthouse, and their home-cooked food is finger-licking good (oh, the burek!).

The following day, you’ll throw on your hiking boots and make your way over the mountain to Theth. You’ll come across babbling creeks, heaps of pine trees, and some epic views on the way. The hike is 16 km from door to door and should take about 6 hours. You can grab a cold beer in the tiny wooden cafe just past the ridge if you need a break. From here, keep walking down through the thick forest, and you’ll end up in Theth. It’s slightly bigger than Valbona but still barely a town. Have a shower, give yourself a high-five, and enjoy one last night in the Albanian mountains. On day three, you’ll jump on a local minibus and drive back to Shkoder on what could easily rival Bolivia’s famous Death Road.

Nuclear Shelter, Albania

A small military base is on the hill at the bottom of Mount Dajti. This former military bunker was designed to house military and government elites in the event of an invasion or nuclear war.

Most Albanians do not like to talk about communism, so the museum is an essential education on the history and atrocities in this beautiful country.

Today, the museum is a mixture of history and art (BUNK-ART) that tells the story of the country’s turbulent communist past. The museum is one of the best in Tirana and is the perfect thing to do on a short visit!

Studenica Monastery, Serbia

Established in 1190 by Stevan Nemanja, who founded the state of Serbia in the Middle Ages, the impressive Studenica Monastery is the grandest of all the Orthodox monasteries in the country. It is a fortified monastery, which was absolutely necessary during that time in European history, and has not one but two churches. Both the Church of the King and the Church of the Virgin was constructed with white marble and housed priceless collections of Byzantine art dating from the 1200s and 1300s.

Caves Of Slovenia

Slovenia may be a small country, but it’s one packed with stunning outdoor places to see, such as mountains and lakes. While on a road trip throughout Slovenia, what impressed me the most was the southwestern part of the country, a region known for its karst landscape and incredible underground features, namely some world-famous cave systems.

Two of Slovenia’s best-known caves located in the karst region are Škocjan and Postojna. Škocjan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a massive underground canyon that you can explore by taking on two subterranean tracks and an overground one that offers fantastic views.

Postojna is more popular as a tourist attraction with its own rail track and many tourist features. Rest assured, these caves have no shortage of stalactites and stalagmites, creating a spectacular display that thoroughly deserves to be seen. Spending a day in the region is an excellent idea for a trip, including stops at Škocjan and Postojna, and Predjama, a unique cave castle. These three places are not far from each other and make up for a fascinating and entertaining day out.

Pristina, Kosovo

One of the world’s youngest countries, Kosovo is considered off the beaten path and often skipped during a trip to the Balkans. We decided to give the capital city Pristina a chance and left knowing there were plenty of things to see and do to make it a worthwhile stop.

We spent three days in Pristina, which is enough time to get the most out of the city. We enjoyed exploring the center and seeing the sights, such as the symbolic Newborn Monument, representing Kosovo’s freedom from Serbia in 2008.

If you intend to travel in the summer, make sure to check out the bear sanctuary in Pristina, which shelters 19 brown bears rescued from captivity. After being mistreated in the past and kept in tiny cages, they now roam the sanctuary grounds freely and are undoubtedly happier!

If you are traveling on a budget, you will be glad to know that Pristina’s prices are significantly lower than most other capital cities in the Balkans. A traditional main meal can cost as little as 6 euros; they are not small portions either!

Pristina offers more than enough to enjoy a short visit and should be included in any Balkans itinerary!

Lake Komani, Albania

Albania is a country that will surprise you constantly, from the UNESCO-listed cities through to the clear blue waters of the south coast beaches. One place you can’t miss is Lake Komani in the north of the country. This beautiful lake region is also home to fantastic hiking and small villages and is the ultimate boat trip while exploring Albania.

Komani Lake has a ferry that crosses daily, but the best way to experience it is to take a boat tour that goes into the crystal blue caves and stops at the small homestay in the middle of the lake. With homemade honey and Rakija (local liquor) on offer, you might even want to stay a couple of nights in this electricity-free and relaxing home.

Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera is one of the most beautiful places you’ll discover on your Balkan trip. Pristine turquoise waters on beaches right next to stunning green mountains make for postcard-ready pictures. The water is warm, salty, and calm, perfect for swimming or floating on your back and enjoying the summer sun.

Some of the best beaches can be found near Himara, including Jala, Dhermi (also called Drymades), and Gjipe. Even better, the region is still not very widely known – for now- so tourists are sparse even on the most popular beaches. You can have delicious seafood for a fraction of the price you would get anywhere else on the coast. I had a three-course seafood meal for about USD 8! I even had the best gyro of my life (sorry, Greece!) for about $1.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, with a population of about 270,000, is the capital of Slovenia. It is not the biggest city in Europe, but it is a good size with plenty of things to do and has a pretty Old Town with many pedestrian-only streets and lots of outdoor eating options.

We enjoyed exploring Ljubljana Castle and strolling around central Ljubljana and the Old Town. There’s a fun science museum, a large Tivoli Park, and Atlantis Adventure World, a water park if you have kids.

One of the big plusses of Ljubljana is that it’s located in the middle of Slovenia. Slovenia is a small country, and it’s easy to get everywhere from Ljubljana, meaning you can make day trips from the capital to the rest of the country.

Famous (and gorgeous!) Depending on the season, you can walk around the lake, visit Bled Castle, and go swimming or ice skating. Lake Bled is just an hour by bus.

Uludag, Turkey

You might not have Turkey on your radar when it comes to top ski resorts, but close to the charming city of Bursa, you will find Uludag, a stunningly beautiful ski resort with guaranteed snow between November and March.

Uludag is only a few hours from Istanbul, which explains the cost. However, you can also enjoy a few days in Istanbul and then easily head to Uludag for the weekend. Now, Uludag isn’t cheap, simply because the rich and famous love to flock here from around the country, but if you’re able to stay in Bursa and get the bus up to the mountain daily or even drive, you’ll save on the cost.

If you can stay on the mountain itself, you’ll be treated to stunning alpine views every single day, and the apres-ski is pretty fantastic too! You don’t have to be an experienced skier to head to Uludag and enjoy the sport, as there are plenty of beginner runs and opportunities for more advanced skiers.

Stari Ras And Sopoćani, Serbia

Serbia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are historic, artificial structures, and so is the Stari Ras and Sopoćani complex. This is yet another group of gorgeous medieval buildings, a collection of fortresses, churches, fortified walls, monasteries, and other archaeological sites. Stari Ras—literally “Old Ras”—was the first capital city of Serbia, set at the crossroads of the Western and Byzantine worlds. Nowadays, all that remains are ruins, the outlines of the city walls, the lower town of Trgovište, and the hilltop fortress of Gradina. It’s a precious site because of its natural, artistic, historical, and cultural significance.

The Monastery of Sopoćani lies nearby and is home to some of the world’s finest Byzantine and Serbian medieval frescoes. They date from the late 13th century and were made by great Byzantine artists who couldn’t work within the Byzantine Empire and were welcomed by the King of Serbia for one reason or another.

Peljesac Peninsula, Croatia

In southern Croatia, the Pelješac Peninsula is a stunning place for a holiday and a great off-beaten track alternative to staying in Dubrovnik. Surrounded by towering pine and Cyprus trees and a pristine blue sea, the gorgeous historic town of Orebic is an excellent choice to base yourself for exploring the peninsula. Orebic has a fabulous selection of restaurants – many serving incredible fresh seafood. Still, it’s also worth venturing up into the hills to experience Konoba Panorama, a lovely family-run restaurant that serves delicious homemade goat cheese and stunning truffle pasta.

Orebic is conveniently located, a 15-minute ferry ride to the beautiful island of Korcula, the (said) birthplace of Marco Polo. The town has safe swimming beaches, but you can also explore the underwater sea life without getting wet on a submarine that flies back and forth along the seafront. The views from the restaurant out over the peninsula are breathtaking.

The local delicious but impossible-to-pronounce Grk wine is a must-try when visiting Korcula. Traveling over the mountain ranges, you arrive at the Western tip of the peninsula and the sleepy seaside town of Lovište. It’s a perfect place to sit with a drink in one of the cute waterside restaurants and watch the boats bobbing up and down.

Finally, you must look for Podobuče Beach, a picture-postcard cove about 15 minutes’ drive from Orebic. Park your car, then walk down the track to the beach, where you can dive directly into the glistening ocean at the family-friendly beach – or try snorkeling, where you can see lots of fish, octopus, and starfish.

Prizren, Kosovo

Prizren is a beautiful little historical city in Kosovo. We went into Kosovo honestly, not knowing what to expect; we both remembered seeing it as a war-ravaged country on the news. But we were so pleasantly surprised; our short overnight stay (we were planning to get in and get out) turned into a 5-night experience of beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and making friends with locals. Oh, and yes – devouring the local food which was found every way you turned.

Our top pick of what to eat in Prizren is 100% Pljeskavica – you can’t go wrong with a meat patty stuffed with melty, gooey cheese, served with salad and freshly made chips! Top it off with a refreshing pint of the local beer Birra Sabaj, and it will only cost you around USD 7.50. Score!

7 Rila Lakes, Bulgaria

Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes located in the Rila mountains in Bulgaria. The lakes sit about 2100 meters above sea level, surrounded by incredible mountains, and the water is the deepest, most unmistakable color of blue you could imagine. In Bulgaria, seven Rila Lakes is one of those unique places that you rarely hear about in mainstream tourism guides, but almost anyone who has been to Bulgaria will tell you they loved it or that they are sorry they missed it.

A fantastic day hike on the mountain takes you past all the lakes and gives an incredible vantage point from the top. The mountain itself comes complete with wild horses, which adds something a little special to the experience. The combination of mountains, lakes, and animals all make this a one-of-a-kind experience that, in my opinion, is one you really do not want to miss.

Belgrade, Serbia

For many, the thought of Serbia and Belgrade still provokes images of the devastating war, bombings, and destruction, but today, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The war ended in Serbia nearly twenty years ago, and while it has seen some hardships since, both the country and its citizens are resilient, forward-thinking, and overwhelmingly hospitable. And no city exemplifies this nearly as well as Belgrade – this capital that took me by surprise and quickly stole my heart. It is one of Eastern Europe’s great cities!

Belgrade, the former capital of Yugoslavia and Serbia’s current capital, easily ranks among my favorite cities globally.

There is no shortage of things to do in Belgrade, a truly fantastic city. One can see the main Belgrade attractions and “tourist sites” within the span of a few days. Though not nearly as beautiful as many other cities in the vicinity, there is a certain edge that gives Belgrade undeniable energy and charm. Here are some of my personal favorite Belgrade things to do and see.

Berat, Albania

While Albania might not be the most well-known travel destination, there are truly some hidden gems spread throughout this beautiful country. One of my favorite spots was this charming city called Berat. A medieval castle at the top of this massive hill overlooks the entire city, and exploring it at night will make you feel like you took a step back in time.

Take a stroll through the Castle alleyways, and take your pick of one of the many family-run restaurants to dine at. There are tons of charming guesthouses to stay at in Berat Castle, and it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget. It’s known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” and should be a must-visit on everyone’s Balkan bucket list!

Trebinje, Bosnia, and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina may be one of the least visited countries in Europe, but that does not mean there aren’t some incredible places to travel to. While most people visit Sarajevo and Mostar’s well-known destinations, Trebinje is also well worth a few days of your time. You can taste wine (some of the cheapest in Europe) at local wineries or even an old monastery, and they will often give you young cheese or olive oil produced locally to taste while you are there.

One of the best things we did while there was a 3-hour hike up an old Austro-Hungarian fort. It was one of the craziest experiences standing atop this entirely abandoned Fort, with views looking down on the town of Trebinje, across the border to Croatia and the beautiful Dalmatian coast and winding roads that made their way into the mountains of Montenegro.

We hired a local guide who could tell us a wealth of information about the plants and wildlife and the history of Trebinje and make great recommendations on other things to do. The town itself, while small, has some beautiful architecture and churches to check out, and you can rent kayaks on the river and happily spend a day paddling around in the sun before heading into one of the local bars for a cold beer (or some local wine!).

Piran, Slovenia

Nestled on a tiny peninsula, Piran, Slovenia, is nothing if not picturesque. Complete with the orange rooftops typical of the Balkans and surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, it’s tempting to do nothing but stare at Piran (while eating a gelato, of course). Even so, this tiny town can be endlessly entertaining: hiking up to the old town walls for beautiful views, jumping into the Adriatic Sea for a swim, and watching the sunset with beautiful sailboats in the foreground are all part of the perfect Piran experience.

Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, Albania

Skanderbeg was an Albanian statesman and general who led the uprising against the Ottoman Empire between 1443 and 1468. A memorial for Skanderbeg sits in the center of Tirana — a statue of the Albanian hero on the back of a horse. It is a relatively new construction. During the communist reign, there was a monument to Joseph Stalin in the same place.

Many important city streets intersect at Skanderbeg Square, and important government buildings and museums surround it. This place is the heart and soul of Albanians and a great place to explore on your Balkan trip.

Raiskoto Pruskalo Waterfall, Bulgaria

Raiskoto Pruskalo is a must-visit place in Bulgaria. The waterfall and, in fact, the entire area is one of the most beautiful locations in Bulgaria. Translated into English, the name of the waterfall means “a heavenly spray.” And when you’re there, you really feel like you are in heaven.

The waterfall is located under Botev peak in the Central Balkan National Park, Stara Planina. It is an incredible mountain with so many beautiful views and so many wonderful places to go to. It’s the highest waterfall in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula – 124.5 meters.

Start you My advice would be to visit the waterfall during a 2-3 day hike at least.r hike from Kalofer, spend a night at the Raiskoto Pruskalo hut or camping, then hike the Tarzan path and climb Botev Peak (the highest peak in Stara Planina, 2376 meters). By doing so, you will be able to enjoy the incredible scenery. I fell l in love with this place, and now I can’t wait to return.

Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

The city of Mostar, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, is an easy day trip from Dubrovnik. However, this historic city is worth a visit in its own right. Mostar is named after the Mostari, or bridge-keepers, that guarded the city’s bridges in medieval times. The city’s most prominent feature is still a bridge. The UNESCO-listed Stari Most, or Old Bridge, was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and spanned the Neretva River for 427 years. The famous bridge was a casualty of the War in 1993.

Luckily, several international organizations, including UNESCO, banded together to rebuild the area, inaugurating the new bridge on 23 July 2004. With the reopening of the bridge came the return of the bridge divers. At the end of July, an annual festival sees brave drivers leap from the Stari Most to the frigid waters below. Visiting Mostar also offers the perfect opportunity to try Bosnian food and the rich and delicious local coffee. Feast on hearty stews, meat-filled pastries, and decadent honey-laden desserts.

Istrian Peninsula, Croatia

Istria is a country within a country and has been part of many nations and empires: Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Habsburg, Napoleonic, Italian, Austria-Hungarian, Yugoslavian, and now Croatian. Our host in Rovinj informed us with equal parts pride and poignancy that one of her grandparents had been a citizen of six different countries despite having lived in the same house his entire life. And yes, as you head west from Rijeka onto this anvil-shaped peninsula, your ears will pick up an Italian lilt in the consonant-heavy Croatian language.

Dubbed the “new Tuscany,” Istria is known for its wines – Malvasija, Teran, Muscat – and delicious truffles – hunted in the forest outside of Motovun using trained dogs. Coastal cities such as Opatija, Pula, and Rovinj offer stunning Adriatic vistas and coastal lifestyle.

In Pula, a beautifully preserved Roman amphitheater is used today to study ancient construction techniques. Interior cities of Motovun, Buzet, and Hum offer a historical atmosphere: medieval walls, distinctive bell towers, and vintage architecture. Traditional folk music performed using two-part harmonies on the so-called “Istrian scale” has been placed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Istria, for our money, is an unsung destination. Get there before everyone else does.

Bled, Slovenia

A castle perched high up on the mountain with lush green vegetation around – no, I am not describing a scene from a movie but talking of a fairy-tale-like town of Bled in Slovenia. Bled is by far the prettiest town I have ever seen! An Emerald Lake, a lovely church is sitting in the middle of it, and a generous sprinkling of Julian Alps in the background with some snow-capped peaks.

The lake goes by the same name as the town – Lake Bled. The church in the middle of the lake is called the ‘Assumption of Mary Church and is well known for its wishing bell that grants the wishes when prayed and rang the bell three times! One can take the boat ride from the town to the church or choose to kayak on your own! When in Slovenia, do not miss Bled town to indulge in the romantic vibe the town gives out!

Pirin National Park, Near Bansko, Bulgaria

The great outdoors is one of Bulgaria’s amazing surprises, and Pirin National Park doesn’t disappoint. This glorious national park is easy to get to, as close to Bulgaria’s biggest ski resort, Bansko.

Here you’ll find some of the cheapest skiing and snowboarding in Europe, snowshoeing, ice skating, and natural hot springs in the woods. Winter is the park’s busiest season because of the ski resort, but come out of season, and you’ll luxuriate in nature.

The Bulgarian National Park Huts provide accommodation and food across the hiking trails in the park and peaks, and summer in Pirin National Park is glorious. Whether you take the train from Plovdiv, the bus from Sofia, or rent a car, the outdoor activities here are just superb.

There are excellent mountain biking routes, horse riding, kayaking, and geothermic hot springs both in the park and in swimming pools in the nearby village of Banya.

Pirin National Park is easiest reached from the mountain town of Bansko – 2 hours by car from Sofia or a similar time from Plovdiv. Access to the park from the town is either by car, a summer shuttle bus, or the ski gondola, which also runs in summer hours.

Budva, Montenegro

Budva is an ancient town in Montenegro, just a two-hour drive down the coast from Dubrovnik. With a backdrop of dramatic mountains, a colorful harbor, and fortified Stari Grad (Old Town), it’s a little treasure on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. Budva is the oldest settlement on the Adriatic at over 2,500 years old. Clues to 400 years of Venetian rule are discoverable within the walls, towers, and ramparts of the 15th-century fortress encircling the old town. Enter through one of five gateways to find a labyrinth of narrow passages linking beautiful squares lined with bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

Walking the walls and the town’s alleyways is a pleasure as the old town is car-free. Culturally, there are three very different churches on the island to explore, and the town’s museum is home to many artifacts linking to Budva’s past. The citadel itself is now used as a stage to host concerts. The harbor is lined with some impressive yachts and several restaurants serving freshly caught seafood.

Outside the town and within easy walking distance is a choice of 3-4 shingle beaches and coves. You’ll enjoy views of the town walls in one direction and the mountains in the other. Look out for the ballerina statue en route to Mogren Beach, the best of Budva’s beaches.

Voskopoje, Albania

Voskopoje is a village hidden in the hills above Korça in southeastern Albania. Once a center of learning, the village was home to Albania’s first printing press and its first dictionary, a center of erudition in the 1700s. Nowadays, the frescoes are crumbling, and the icons are tarnishing, with some even used for target practice by the military. There’s no official tourist infrastructure, but someone will always be able to find a key for you, and there will inevitably be an elderly priest to guide you around. When I visited in, there were no other visitors at all – I hear that is changing, so get there fast!

Subotica & Palić, Serbia

Other than Belgrade, a trip to Serbia must include Subotica. The city is a multicultural mix of Hungarians, Serbians, and Croatians living next to each other, and it has so far remained undiscovered by many.

Palić is a small town in the Subotica District known for its lake and spa. The town has a Hungarian ethnic majority with around 8,000 residents.

The town is known for its popular European summer film festival, which happens every year. The film festival takes place around the lake, the most popular visitor attraction annually. According to legend, Palić Lake was made of Shepperd Pavle’s tears after losing his herd, which is why the water is abnormally salty.

Other folklore says the lake was made from the ancient Pannonian Sea. Whichever story is correct (we are thinking most likely the latter), it can’t be debated that the first mention of Palić Lake dates back to the 15th Century because that is a fact. It is the country’s largest natural lake, and Palić is one of the top destinations in Serbia.

Its curative muds are used for the spa, which has also become a tourist attraction. Being that the lake’s deepest point is only a little over 10 feet deep, this lake is very swimmable.

Due to Palić Lake being a popular summer destination for domestic and international travelers alike, the town has over 450 guest homes and even a 5-star hotel in terms of accommodation. This is unquestionably a busy Serbia holiday destination.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro, is etched in my mind forever. You would struggle to show me a more beautiful place in Europe. Kotor Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site still mostly untouched by mass tourism. Kotor sits at the end of the bay, entombed by hills that seem to rise from the bay. Sitting above the small streets and medieval buildings of Kotor’s old town is the Castle Of San Giovanni. Its defensive walls can be seen as you approach Kotor. You will reach the castle by one thousand three hundred fifty steps uphill. The picture from the top is impressive.

This castle and its fortification walls have been protecting Kotor in one shape or another since the 6th. Kotor has a strong Venitian influence in its old town due to its belonging to the Venitian empire for a long time. A visit to Perast in Kotor bay and two islands that sit just off the shore is necessary. Our Lady of the Rocks is an island built by locals over 500 years and now holds a pilgrimage church.

The food in Montenegro is fresh and locally grown. Some of the best-roasted meat anywhere in the world. A visit to Tanja bbq restaurant is a must when in Kotor. We visited Kotor in the winter when there were no tourists or cruise ships. We fell in love with its location, the friendly people, the great food, and the marvelous sites.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv in Bulgaria seems to be a relatively unknown destination, but I bet it won’t stay that way for long.

If you are a fan of Roman history, you won’t be disappointed in Plovdiv. The town, which is also quite old, had already been built when they discovered the Roman hippodrome remains. As excavation began, It became apparent it ran under the present-day town. There is the Hippodrome, which runs underneath the main pedestrian street. That’s right; it’s underground. Today it is a museum; you can go underground and have a look. There is also a Roman Forum very nearby.

Like many Roman cities, Plovdiv is set on seven hills and has a river. There are plenty of splendid viewpoints and short hikes to help you explore. If it’s summer, you can see opera in the ancient Roman Amphitheater overlooking Plovdiv from high upon one of the seven hills. Tickets are very reasonably priced.

For more modern history, the Old Town features traditional Bulgarian architecture. You can learn about Bulgarian history and culture in several of the museums.

Kapaonik National Park, Serbia

The highest mountain range in Serbia, Kopaonik National Park, is home to 2,017-meter Pančić’s Peak, the country’s tallest mountain. The central plateau in the mountain range makes up most of the national park, while other parts encompass mountain summits, forests, photogenic valleys, and rivers.

The main claim to fame of Kopaonik National Park is its world-class winter sports opportunities. This is the location of Serbia’s largest ski resort—Ravni Kopaonik. It’s a fantastic winter destination, offering superb snowboarding, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing.

The park is perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife watching in the summer. Additionally, the naturally warm waters of the Jošanička Banja spa are renowned for their healing properties and are a top attraction in this Serbian national park.

The ski resort has many facilities, including hotels, restaurants, an information center, numerous ski lifts, and many kilometers of runs and trails and is worth considering on your trip to the Balkans. 

Krka National Park, Croatia

Croatia’s beautiful National Parks are some of the country’s most popular destinations. Krka National Park can easily be visited on a day trip from Zadar, Sibenik, or Split. The park features a series of waterfalls on a rushing river and several historical points of interest. Across the park, there’s nothing as stunning as the loop around Skradinski Buk.
 
The Skradinski Buk loop can be walked in 90 minutes. Walking on wooden walkways over the rushing water and admiring the various waterfalls is a truly memorable experience! A historic water mill, a small souvenir shop, boat rides, and food vendors are also open during the summer. 

Driving 45 minutes north leads to the Roski Slap viewpoint within a small village. The Roski slap circle loop trail includes wooden bridges across the river’s “necklaces” and several side trails to climb up to overlooks. The town of Skradin, Southwest of the Park, is also worth a stop if you have time on your Balkan itinerary.

Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park in Northern Montenegro offers stunning mountain landscapes and endless rugged hikes, making it a place to put on any outdoor adventurist’s bucket list.

Long ago carved out by glaciers, the enormous Durmitor massif is now one of Montenegro’s largest protected natural areas. From hiking to glacial lakes, scaling towering limestone peaks, to viewing wildlife, it’s the perfect outdoor playground for anyone looking for outdoor pursuits.

The park is home to over fifty 2,000+ meter high peaks for hiking and climbing, with Bobotov Peak (2,525 meters above sea level) being the highest. For the more relaxed hiker, sitting below the peaks, you’ll find rolling high-alpine meadows and rare old-growth stands of European Black Pine.

The closest town, Zabljak, is Montenegro’s primary ski resort, yet it still feels like a cozy alpine village. It has various accommodation and dining options, but don’t expect everything to be open in the shoulder seasons. Several hiking trails start from town, but we found it ideal to have a car to reach the higher alpine trailheads further within the park. The best (or worst for logistics) part is that the region is still far enough ‘off the beaten track,’ so you don’t have to worry about crowds.

Lokrum Island Nature Reserve, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

If there is just one place you must visit in the Balkans, it has to be Dubrovnik. The UNESCO city walls, cobblestone streets, and orange-roofed houses will transport you back to medieval times. It is called the ‘Pearl of Adriatic’ for a reason.

You can easily stay seven days In Dubrovnik and not get bored. Wandering along on the Dubrovnik City Walls should be on top of your to-list. It will take a minimum of 2 hours, so start early before it gets hot. However, allowing more time to enjoy the old town’s view and the Adriatic sea below would be best.

Spend the rest of your time in Dubrovnik exploring the pedestrian-only old town and hitting its famous beaches. The best way to explore the ancient city of Dubrovnik is on foot, with your day bag packed with water and your camera.

Along your way, the must-visit places are Rector’s place, Pile Gate, Fort Lovrijenac, Onofrio Fountain, and Bell Tower. As well as a stroll through the famous Stradun and the charming alleys. Throughout your time in Dubrovnik, be sure to try the local gelato, and buy local souvenirs.

You can also take a Game of Thrones tour by day and relax by the harbor in the evening. Take a boat ride or kayak around the old town, and sip a cocktail while enjoying the majestical sunset.

Dubrovnik is expensive by the Balkans standard, so it is suggested that you save money by taking a 3-day Dubrovnik card which covers entry tickets to major attractions, including the wall, and limited public transport.

Fruska Gora National Park, Serbia

Situated just south of Novi Sad, one of Serbia’s top tourist destinations, Fruška Gora National Park is the oldest Serbian national park. Designated in 1960, it protects an area of forest-covered hills between the Sava and Danube rivers. It’s a gloriously beautiful place to visit—arguably the very best national park in Serbia, and it makes for an incredible day trip from Belgrade.

It once was an island in the ancient Pannonian Sea but now features dense oak, beech, linden forests, rolling hillsides, meadows, villages, and monasteries. It’s as peaceful a landscape as you’ll find anywhere.

An extensive network of hiking and biking trails winds through the hills, allowing visitors to explore this magnificent scenery at their own pace. Wildlife that’s regularly spotted on hikes or bike rides includes pine martens, wild boar, and deer, as well as various bird species such as imperial eagles and woodpeckers.

Besides a wealth of natural beauty, there’s also plenty of culture in Fruška Gora National Park, and you will not regret adding this to your Balkans itinerary. This is, for instance, one of Serbia’s central wine-making regions. There are more than 60 wineries you can visit. Additionally, a tourist trail takes you past no fewer than 17 historic monasteries dating from the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

Tara National Park, Serbia

Established in 1981, Tara National Park is an expanse of rugged wilderness in the far western corner of Serbia, on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The park encompasses Tara Mountain and is a part of Zvijezda Mountain, located in a bend of the Drina River. If you’re after dramatic mountain scenery, this is definitely the best place in Serbia to visit for you.

Its untouched karst landscapes, deep ravines, pristine forests, and stunning meadows make it a nature lover’s dream destination. Because it’s home to dense pine, fir, and beech forests—Serbia’s most forested region—it’s often dubbed “the lungs of Serbia.” Among its many attractions are waterfalls, a handful of scenic lookouts, and the spectacular Drina River Gorge, which is ideal for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Because of its majestic landscapes, this is also a great Serbia hiking destination.

Moreover, Tara National Park is one of the best national parks in Serbia to see high-profile Serbian wildlife. These forested mountains are the perfect habitat for chamois, wild cats, deer, otters, and even brown bears. More than 130 species of birds also (seasonally) live in the park. They include iconic birds of prey like golden eagles, griffon vultures, and peregrine falcons, which are always exciting to see in the wild.

In terms of cultural highlights, too, Tara National Park has its share. Make sure to visit the ethno-villages, especially the Drina River House and the Rača Monastery.

Novi Sad, Serbia

Tourists who visit Serbia always tend to make the same mistake: they’ll go to Belgrade but skip Novi Sad, which is just an hour’s ride away and a stop not to be missed on your Balkan itinerary.

How could you miss out on the “Athens of Serbia,” the 2019 European Youth Capital, and the 2021 European Capital of Culture? With its grandiose architecture, vibrant art and music scene, and welcoming locals, it’s a no-brainer – I think it’s an absolute must-visit city in Serbia.

While Serbia is landlocked, the huge Danube has some beaches, and the best is perhaps in Novi Sad, with a long stretch of sand to relax on and plentiful nightlife options for your evening entertainment.

Novi Sad lies near Fruška Gora National Park and is one of the country’s most livable cities. This is where you’ll find welcoming city parks, a thriving music scene, great art galleries, charming outdoor cafes, and busy bars. Architecture lovers will also appreciate this historic city boasting both Serbian and Hungarian architecture.

Additionally, Novi Sad hosts the famous EXIT Festival each year. This is one of southeastern Europe’s biggest music festivals, attracting many thousands of party-goers from all over the continent.