10 Photos That Will Make You Want to Travel the Balkans
Last Updated on July 26, 2021
The Balkans is such an underrated secluded part of Europe. The landscapes are vast and will blow your mind as soon as you step from the plane. It’s like entering another world compared to the rest of Europe. Earlier this year, I decided to explore Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania after getting a taste of Slovenia last year.
The Balkans are made up of approximately (I say approximately because it’s never clear which countries do and don’t!) 12 countries including Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Romania, Turkey, Serbia and Slovenia. The Balkan countries are a backpackers paradise. It’s affordable, the food is delicious, the locals are incredibly friendly, the countries are safe to visit and the best thing, it’s not overly crowded (except for Dubrovnik!). Here are 10 photos that confirm the Balkans is in fact paradise and will make you want to travel the Balkans.
1.Beaches that mirror paradise
The Adriatic and Ionian coastlines are where some of the most incredible secluded beaches are to be seen, especially this one which is called Ksamil and situated in Southern Albania. Bright turquoise water, white-sand beaches and no hordes of people.
2. The history that will leave you speechless
It wasn’t too long ago that the wars in these regions ended so the remains are still very apparent in the buildings. Make sure you take the time to learn more about what happened in these regions as it will help you better understand how the country sits today. Always be respectful as the wars only finished in the 90’s so it’s still a very recent subject to talk about as many locals would have been directly affected.
3. It won’t break the bank
This is a backpacker’s paradise as many places in the Balkans you can get a room for what you would pay for a coffee in western Europe. If you are on a budget The Balkans are a great place to explore.
4. The National Parks are out of this world
The Balkans are home to incredible landscapes meaning their National Parks are off the chain! I took a tour to see Montenegro’s Durmitor Park and it was incredible. My guide also told me you can buy land for €8 a square meter here!
5. The hospitality is something that these regions are incredibly proud of
Help is always right next to you. Be expected to be invited into people’s homes and people’s lives. Make sure you say yes to all opportunities that arise!
6. Travel back in time
One of the best things about travelling in the Balkans is that it’s like travelling back 20 years ago. It’s simple, not everything is on the internet and you just have to go with the flow!
7. Natural phenomenon’s
Located in Albania are natural springs that still cannot be confirmed how they occur and how deep the spring is! Natural phenomenon’s like this are a common occurrence.
8. Pyramids in Bosnia?
Located in Visoko (about an hour bus ride from Sarajevo) is a pyramid complex complete with underground tunnels. There is HUGE controversy regarding the authenticity of the pyramids because if they are real that’d make them older than Egypt’s, which would totally confuse history as we know it. So, I suggest you visit the location and make up your own mind on the topic like I did (they are real ?).
9. The food is fresh, delicious and affordable of course!
We need to eat to survive so travelling and eating go hand in hand. Make sure you try the fresh seafood caught on the coast of the Balkans countries. Each country offers different cuisine that is delicious. I don’t think I ever had a bad meal in the Balkans! Balkan food is definitely one some of the best.
10. Incredible sunsets
When staying in Sarandё (Saranda) in Albania I stayed at the Hairy Lemon Hotel (highly recommend!) and every night there would be incredible sunsets. Every location I stayed at the sunsets would be so incredible. If you travel to Dubrovnik make sure you hike or grab the cable car up the hill and enjoy the classic Dubrovnik sunset, it’s unbelievable!
So, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to travel the Balkans. Don’t forget Albania, it was a personal favourite of mine and where I currently live!
Other articles you will love:
- Balkan Travel – 25 Best Things to do in Montenegro
- 35 Unique Things to do in Albania
- Balkans Travel: 61 Places to Visit in the Balkans +Transport & More
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The Comments
headalongwithheart
Wow! Beautiful photos. I love parks, and I would have never even thought to visit national parks in Eastern Europe! Thank you for the insight into such a beautiful region of the world!
Anna Faustino
Yessss! You’ve convinced me. Itching to go! I feel like the Balkans is majorly underrated compared to the rest of Europe. All the more reason to go there and make the most out of it.a
Eloise
Wow! It looks like an amazing region! It’s very diversed, I had no idea! Did you end up buying a land?!
elphie1
I never considered visiting the Balkans for the beaches but it is so true! A main reason I want to visit is for the history and the affordability as you explained! Bookmarking for later
Amy Cowell
You certainly made me want to explore!
Indrani
Excellent glimpses of Balkans… the kind that makes you dream to travel. Food seems great and good to know it is not expensive. I want to try those local cuisines.
quirkywanderer
Your photos capture the essence and the diversity of the place. Never visited the Balkans but these frames look so inviting! especially the sunsets and the natural springs of Albania! 🙂
Megan Claire (@mappingmegan)
I love the Balkans, and would love to explore them more. I’ve visited Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia and Croatia, and I agree that it’s probably one of the most authentic, and beautiful regions in Europe – totally underrated, so I highly recommend everyone visit and explore before the rest of the world finds out :D!
Cat
Your photos have convinced me to visit Balkans! Beautiful ocean and delicious food…what more can you ask for? Plus, it is so much cheaper than western Europe!
Julie
I love the Balkans! I did a 6 week road trip through the whole region last autumn. Such an amazing experience, and had such a blast in often the most unusual places. In terms of what is included in the Balkans, we received a few comments on our posts on that trip from people who quite strongly informed us that Slovenia was not part of the Balkans. So watch out for some of those comments if you include Slovenia when you mention the Balkans!
Jen Joslin
Great post, you’ve definitely got me wanting to check out the Balkans! I would love to explore the national parks and natural wonders like the hot springs. That’s amazing to hear land is sold for €8 a square meter in some parts!
The Roaming Renegades.com
We absolutely fell in love with the Balkans, probably my favourite region in the world still. So much beauty, culture and diversity… and so cheap too!
nisha
This is what I call timing. Balkans visit is on our radar this summer. 🙂 Of course we are not covering all the countries Balkans this time. Apart from the the highlights you have shown in pictures, the important highlight for us bloggers is that it is not so expensive. $8 a sqM wow!
Tami
Pyramids in Bosnia? I had to stop immediately and google that for more information! You’re right — it seems to be legit. I really enjoyed your photo essay of the Balkans. I like the idea of going to places that are not heavily overrun with tourists and are much more affordable, too.
George St Petersburg Russia
Wonderful places! They are very unusual. Thank uou for story and photos!
Ryan Biddulph
Super inspired Anita. This region has always fascinated the heck out of me.