Balkans Travel Guide

Last Updated on 26 January 2026 by Johan

The Balkans stretch across south‑eastern Europe, forming a diverse region of countries, cultures, and landscapes. The area includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and parts of Slovenia, Greece, and Turkey. It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea, and Black Sea. Mountain ranges such as the Dinaric Alps, Pirin, and Rila shape the terrain, while fertile valleys and rivers connect towns and cities. Major centres like Belgrade, Sofia, Zagreb, Sarajevo, and Tirana anchor the region, while smaller towns such as Ohrid, Mostar, and Gjirokastër offer authentic charm.

Explanation of the name: Balkans

The term Balkans comes from the Balkan Mountains, which run through Bulgaria and into Serbia. The word itself is of Turkish origin, meaning “a chain of wooded mountains.” Historically, the name described the entire peninsula. Since the conflicts of the 1990s, the term has been less common in political discourse, with “South‑East Europe” often preferred in diplomatic and economic contexts. However, Balkans remains widely used in cultural and geographic references.

History: Balkans

The Balkans have been a crossroads of civilisations for millennia. Ancient Thracians, Illyrians, and Greeks lived here, followed by Romans who left monuments such as Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Serdica in Sofia, and the Trajan Bridge in Romania. Byzantine influence flourished in churches and monasteries, including Rila Monastery in Bulgaria and Studenica Monastery in Serbia. The Ottoman Empire shaped urban layouts, cuisine, and religious life, especially in Sarajevo, Skopje, and Prizren. Later, the Habsburgs introduced Central European architecture and administration. In the 20th century, Yugoslavia rose and fell, communist regimes dominated, and wars of the 1990s led to new independent nations. Today, the Balkans are redefining their identities, with many countries joining or aspiring to join the European Union.

Tourist information: Balkans

Dubrovnik in Croatia is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Its fortified walls, baroque architecture, and sea views attract visitors worldwide. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Stradun street is lined with historic buildings that reflect centuries of history

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia features cascading lakes and waterfalls surrounded by forest. Wooden walkways allow visitors to explore turquoise waters safely. The park is Croatia’s most visited natural site and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage area.

Rila Monastery in Bulgaria is the country’s largest and most famous monastery. Founded in the 10th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Frescoes, wood carvings, and the surrounding mountains make it a spiritual and cultural landmark that draws pilgrims and tourists alike.

The Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria are glacial lakes in the Rila Mountains. Each lake has a name reflecting its shape, such as “The Tear” and “The Kidney.” The hike to see them is one of Bulgaria’s most popular outdoor routes and offers panoramic views of alpine scenery.

Ohrid in North Macedonia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its churches, ancient amphitheatre, and Lake Ohrid. The city is a centre of Slavic literacy and culture, and its lakeside promenade is a favourite spot for families and visitors.

Kotor in Montenegro is a fortified coastal town with Venetian architecture and dramatic mountain backdrops. The Bay of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the fortress offers panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding hills.

Durmitor National Park in Montenegro is ideal for hiking and rafting in the Tara River Canyon. The canyon is Europe’s deepest at over 1,300 metres. The park also offers glacial lakes and alpine meadows, making it a destination for nature lovers.

Gjirokastër in Albania is known as the “City of Stone.” It features Ottoman‑era houses and a hilltop fortress. The Ethnographic Museum is located in the house where dictator Enver Hoxha was born, offering insight into daily life in the 19th century.

Vranje in Serbia is a quiet town with Ottoman architecture, local festivals, and scenic hiking trails. The town is also known for its traditional music, which blends oriental and Balkan styles and remains part of Serbia’s cultural identity.

Belgrade in Serbia is one of Europe’s oldest cities, located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Kalemegdan Fortress dominates the skyline and offers sweeping views of the rivers. The city is also known for its vibrant café culture, lively nightlife, and museums such as the Nikola Tesla Museum.

Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a city where East meets West. Ottoman mosques stand alongside Austro‑Hungarian architecture, and the Latin Bridge is the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. The Baščaršija bazaar is filled with shops selling copperware, carpets, and traditional food. Sarajevo is also remembered for hosting the 1984 Winter Olympics, and the Olympic Museum preserves this legacy.

Transylvania in Romania is famous for its medieval towns and castles. Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend, attracts visitors with its dramatic towers and Gothic atmosphere. Sibiu and Brașov showcase colourful squares and fortified churches. The region is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, which provide hiking trails and ski resorts.

Thessaloniki in Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its early Christian and Byzantine monuments. The White Tower is its most recognisable landmark, while the Rotunda and Hagios Demetrios Church highlight its religious heritage. The city also has a lively waterfront promenade and a reputation for excellent food markets.

Lake Bled in Slovenia is one of the country’s most photographed destinations. A small island in the centre of the lake holds the Church of the Assumption, which can be reached by traditional wooden boats. Bled Castle overlooks the lake from a cliff and houses a museum. The surrounding Julian Alps provide opportunities for hiking and cycling.

Skadar Lake, shared by Montenegro and Albania, is the largest lake in the Balkans. It is a national park known for birdwatching, with pelicans and herons among the species found here. Visitors can take boat trips to monasteries on small islands or explore fishing villages along the shore.

Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is renowned for its Old Bridge, which was rebuilt after being destroyed in the 1990s conflict. The bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of reconciliation. The town’s cobbled streets are lined with artisan shops, and divers often leap from the bridge into the Neretva River below.

Fun things for children

Families can enjoy Plitvice Lakes with easy trails and boat rides, where children can safely explore wooden walkways and watch waterfalls cascade into turquoise pools. In Bulgaria, Sofia Zoo and the Children’s Railway are popular, offering animal encounters and a miniature train ride through the city’s green parks.

In Montenegro, Kotor’s fortress hike is suitable for older children, and the climb rewards them with sweeping views of the bay and medieval walls. In North Macedonia, Ohrid’s lakeside beaches provide swimming and boating, while the town’s promenade offers ice cream shops and family‑friendly cafes.

Winter resorts across Serbia and Bosnia offer ski lessons for beginners, with gentle slopes and trained instructors making the experience safe and enjoyable. In addition, Gabala in Azerbaijan and Zlatibor in Serbia provide adventure parks with zip lines and playgrounds, while Lake Prespa near Ohrid offers birdwatching opportunities that fascinate younger visitors.

Families travelling in Romania can also visit Bran Castle, which has interactive exhibits designed for children, and in Albania the seaside town of Durrës offers sandy beaches with shallow waters perfect for family holidays.

Culinary highlights

Ćevapi in Sarajevo are grilled meat served with flatbread and onions. Banitsa in Bulgaria is a flaky pastry filled with cheese. Ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread, is popular across Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Local wines from Croatia’s Dalmatia and Romania’s Transylvania add flavour to regional cuisine. Albanian tavë kosi, a baked lamb and yoghurt dish, is a national speciality. Romanian sarmale, cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice, are served at festivals and family gatherings.

Seasonal activities and events

The Sarajevo Film Festival in August celebrates regional cinema. The Exit Festival in Novi Sad, Serbia, in July is one of Europe’s largest music festivals. The Mărțișor Festival in Romania in March marks spring with handmade red‑and‑white tokens symbolising renewal. In Skopje, North Macedonia, oversized statues of historical figures remain part of the cityscape. In Tirana, Albania, the Summer Festival on 14 March celebrates the arrival of spring with music and dancing. In Bulgaria, the Kukeri Festival features masked dancers who perform rituals to chase away evil spirits.

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