We tell you why you should explore the characteristic Balkans!
If you are a genuine independent traveler and backpacker at heart we are pretty sure the Balkans have already been added to your bucket list. If they are still under your radar instead, read ahead our travel notes and you will change your mind.
CROATIA
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When it comes to Croatia you have it all: from fascinating cities like Zagred, Zadar and Split with charming historical centres for cultural holidays to the coastline dotted by countless islands, ideal for summer holidays and island hopping. If you are planning a green and eco-holiday consider a stop at the Plitvice Lakes in Central Croatia and on the Island of Mljet, including the Nationalpark Mljet in South Dalmatia.
SLOVENIA
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In the heart of Europe, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean Sea you will find Slovenia. It's a land of contrasts that boasts of wild rivers, mysterious forests and a coastal region where to relax. Or you can spend an active holiday in a magnificent Alpine scenery also near the Soca River where you can go kayaking, rafting and paraglyding. Cheap accommodation can be easily found especially in its capital Ljubjana, but also in Bled and Maribor. Bear in mind that Slovenian cuisine is famous for its Mediterranean, Austrian and Hungarian influences so you just can't but try štruklji, a "Strudel" of curd, cheese and fresh herbs and of course one of the countless meat specialities.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
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It's still an off-the-beaten track travel destination and thus it is just fantastic: you'd better pencil it in your itinerary before it gets the attention of the mass travel industry. Lushing landscapes, truly welcoming people, great food, a rich past and a complex recent history to make us all think. Sarajevo and Mostar are the two major destinations to visit but don't forget to stop in Banja Luka, in smaller but in as much as charming villages like Konjic, Blagaj and visit sites like Vjetrenica Caves, Kravice Waterfalls, Jajce and its waterfalls.
SERBIA
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Serbia is not a touristy destination at all and that's the reason why it can be a big plus for your travel experience. A couple of days in Belgrade, a proud city with a resolute atmosphere, to discover that the night life is a lively as ever and hostels are great, a stop in Novi Sad, why not, for July's famous music festival Exit, Niš with its fortress and Novi Pazar. Serbia is dotted by monasteries like Manasija and they are worth a visit if you have a car rental or are on a road trip.
MONTENEGRO
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Despite its small size, Montenegro offers great diversity to suit every single traveler: if you’re a beach person you can enjoy the beautiful Adriatic coast or the banks of Skadar Lake; if you love hiking head up to the Montenegrin mountains or to Durmitor National Park; if you're fond of fish specialities drive a few kilometers from Kotor and stop in Perast: a beautiful little town with wonderful old architecture and many small restaurants; if you are a little glamourous visit the harbor of Tivat with its countless yachts or spend a day in Sveti Stefan (St Stephen), a 15-minute drive from Budva, where even celebrities such as Sophia Loren, Sylvester Stallone, Queen Elizabeth II spend their holidays. Montenegro won’t leave you indifferent.
KOSOVO
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Everyone pictures Kosovo as a grey country, struck by war and desolation. However, new buildings are rising and little by little its rich cultural heritage is reviving: Kosovo is a newborn country yet to be discovered. A good base to explore Kosovo is lively Pristina, its capital and largest city, boasting of old mosques, nice restaurants and cool hostels. An easy excursion from the capital is to one of the finest Serbian Byzantine monasteries, Gračanica Monastery. The southern town of Prizren offers a mix of Balkan bazaars and Ottoman architecture. Located north of Peja are the Waterfall Of The Drini River, a fantastic place during the summer. Also Gjakova is worth a visit at summertime as it features the best nightlife in Kosovo as well as trips to nearby lakes.
ALBANIA
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The landscapes of Albania guarantee something of interest for every traveler. If you only have a limited time in Albania, you cannot miss the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Butrint, Gjirokastra, and Berat. Then head to a sun-kissed beach between the towns of Saranda and Vlore, in the Albanian Riviera. Also take a couple of days to explore dynamic Tirana, nicknamed ‘The City of Colors’ as many of its traditional grey concrete buildings have been colorfully painted.
The country’s hills and mountains present unique hiking opportunities, and also the landscapes around the freshwater Lake Shkodra, Theth National Park, Lake Koman, and the stunning Valbona River - just to mention a few – are simply breathtaking.
MACEDONIA
Photo by: Marjan Lazarevski /Flickr CC
Macedonia is a landlocked country drawn by mountains and hills which is popular for its old towns, wineries and nature. You can go hiking in the mountains Jakupica, Shar Planina, Korab, you can horse riding or simply explore Macedonia's very guest friendly capital, Skopje and Ohrid for a beach holiday. Did you know the world's deepest underwater cave is right in Macedonia? Visit Cave Vrelomany on the right bank of the Treska River and marvel at its stalactites that make it one of the top natural sites in the world.
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