Balkans Travel Guide
HIGHLIGHT
Sarajevo, Bosnia’s Soulful Capital. Sarajevo is often called the “Jerusalem of Europe” as people of different religions have coexisted here for centuries.
Understanding the Balkans
There are few places in Europe where you can have Turkish coffee in the morning, walk through a Roman palace in the afternoon, and end your day in a vineyard shaped by centuries of Ottoman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influence.
That is the Balkans.
This Balkans travel guide covers the Balkan countries and main places of interest, travel logistics, and local tips to help you plan an unforgettable journey.
Regions that make up the Balkans:
The Western Balkans and Adriatic Coast: Slovenia, Croatia, Monetengro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo
The Heart of the Balkans: Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania
The Southern Balkans: Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, a corner of Turkey.
Why You Should Visit the Balkans
The Balkans are home to some of the last truly unseen corners in Europe.
It is one of the most diverse parts of the continent, where you’ll run into three different alphabets and more than a dozen languages just by crossing a few borders. You have thousands of years of history – from Roman ruins to Ottoman old towns – all packed into a region that still feels authentic.
Top Reasons to Travel in the Balkans:
• Diverse Landscapes: You can often find dramatic alpine canyons just beside sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches.
• Culture and History: The Balkans sit at a cultural and geographical crossroads between Europe and Asia. Here, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influences often overlap.
• Good Value: Outside of major hubs like Dubrovnik or Lake Bled, your money goes further here than it does in Europe’s Northwest.
The Best Time to Visit the Balkans
The Balkans enjoy all four seasons, each with its own charm. The region includes both high alpine mountains and Mediterranean coastlines, and the weather varies a lot depending on where you go.
Shoulder Season – May, June, Sept, Oct: The absolute best time to visit with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Peak Season – July & August: Perfect for beach lovers and festival-goers!
Winter – November to April: Ideal for skiers and travellers who want to experience winter festivals and traditions.
Learn more about the weather and seasons in our dedicated Seasonal Guide to the Balkans.
14 - 24 °C
58 - 76 °F
24 - 32 °C
76 - 86 °F
12 - 20 °
54 - 68 °F
0 - 20 °C
32 - 54 °F
The 12 Balkan Countries
The Balkans are one of Europe’s three great peninsulas. Geographically, the region is generally defined as lying south of the Danube and Sava rivers. However, the cultural and political borders of the Balkans are often debated and extend beyond these strict geographic river boundaries.
Although Slovenia is historically and geographically tied to the Balkans, it is also often considered part of Central Europe. In addition to being part of the former Yugoslavia, Slovenia has historically been influenced by Venice and Austria-Hungary.
Hungary is also sometimes linked to the Balkans for cultural and historical reasons -mostly due to the significant time it spent under Ottoman rule.
These 12 countries are considered fully or partially part of the Balkans:
Albania
Albania is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most popular coastal destinations, with white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Albanian Riviera. Beyond the coast, you can explore the beautiful UNESCO towns of Berat and Gjirokaster, the superb farm-to-table culture, and its rugged, untamed nature.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
A small country that is surprisingly home to the highest number of waterfalls in Europe. Beyond its natural beauty, Bosnia offers picturesque Ottoman old towns, a slower pace of life, and, believe it or not, some of the most delicious food in Europe.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is rarely in the spotlight, yet it is a country of truly ancient history, home to one of the highest numbers of archaeological sites in Europe, just next to Greece and Italy. Alongside its past, Bulgaria has a striking nature, mountains, historic towns, coastal resorts, and the fragrant Rose Valley, known for producing the finest rose oil in the world.
Croatia
Croatia is an elegant Balkan beauty and, alongside Greece, one of the most visited destinations in the region. Beyond Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast, it is home to more than 1,200 islands, remarkable Roman heritage, and, in the north, the renowned culinary region of Istria.
Greece
Greece is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, drawing visitors for both its islands and its deep ancient heritage. Greece offers a unique blend of history, sea, and mountain landscapes, along with superb local cuisine rooted in simple, often ranked as the best in the world.
Kosovo
Kosovo is one of Europe’s least-visited countries, often overlooked yet rich in culture and landscapes. It offers a mix of Ottoman and medieval heritage, mountain scenery, and historic towns like Prizren, along with a sense of genuine hospitality and a slower pace of life.
Montenegro
A small but geographically striking country where dramatic mountains meet the Adriatic. Its highlights include the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor, medieval towns, and national parks filled with lakes, canyons, and forested peaks.
North Macedonia
A landlocked country defined by ancient, deep tectonic lakes, quiet alpine hiking trails, and a relaxed pace of life. Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, is a highlight, alongside Ottoman bazaars, old towns, and layered history.
Romania
Located on the northern edge of the region, Romania features the massive Carpathian Mountain range, the Danube Delta, and, of course – the charming towns and historic castles of Transylvania.
Serbia
Once the heart of former Yugoslavia, Serbia sits on the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe. The country is home to sweeping plains, major rivers, and the energetic, vibrant capital of Belgrade.
Slovenia
Slovenia is a small but remarkably diverse country, where the Alps, green valleys, and a short Adriatic coastline come together. It is known for its pristine nature, charming towns like Ljubljana, and a strong focus on sustainability and outdoor life.
Turkey - Eastern Thrace
East Thrace is Turkey’s European side, making up only a small part of the country but holding key cultural and historical importance. It includes the city of Edirne and the European side of Istanbul, a major crossroads between Europe and Asia.
Culture and Nature Highlights of the Balkans
The Balkans stretch across coastlines, mountains, and lived-in historical cities. Its highlights can be categorized in three layers: cities, nature, and experiences.
UNESCO Old Towns and Cities
• Plovdiv: One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and among the best places to visit in Bulgaria. The Old Town sits on hills with Roman ruins and Ottoman-era mansions, while the modern centre is filled with cafes, bars, and independent shops.
• Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic! Stone streets, compact old town, and wide sea views. It is one of the most visited places in the region for a reason!
• Kotor: A UNESCO-listed old town with a strong Venetian influence, beautifully set inside a fjord-like bay.
• Mostar: Bosnia’s UNESCO-listed gem, shaped by Ottoman-era architecture and 20th century conflicts.
• Brasov: A Transylvanian city, surrounded by mountains, with a central square and well-preserved medieval streets. A great place to explore Romania’s castle and the historic cities and villages of Transylvania.
Nature Parks and Landscapes
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: A UNESCO-protected system of lakes and waterfalls connected by wooden paths.
• Lake Bled: A picture-perfect glacial lake with a small island in the middle and a castle rising above it.
• The Danube Delta: One of Europe’s largest wetlands, with beautiful water channels and abundant birdlife.
• Zagori: A network of stone villages and deep river gorges in the Pindus mountains.
Immersive Experiences
• Wine Culture: The Balkans are home to some of the oldest wine-producing lands in the world. You can explore superb small batch wines in Greece, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, as well as the regions of Istria and Thrace, where vineyards are often small-scale and family-run.
• Ottoman Bazaars: For centuries, the Balkans were part of the Ottoman Empire, and and this history is still very present in Albania, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In places like Skopje and Sarajevo, the old bazaars carry a spirit of the past, with stone streets, wooden shops, and covered passages, shaped by centuries of trade.
• Farm-to-table Experiences: Traditional food culture in the Balkans is based on what the land produces each season. In many rural places, this way of eating is still preserved, with families cooking from homegrown produce and local dairy. In recent decades, Albania has experienced a true revival of its farm-to-table culture, and offers world-class experiences.
-
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
-
- Lake Bled, Slovenia
-
- Kruje Bazaar, Albania
-
- Rose Valley, Bulgaria
-
- Mostar, Bosnia
-
- Berat, Albania
Food and Drink in the Balkans
Food in the Balkans is tied to geography. Mountain regions rely on dairy, potatoes, beans, and preserved foods such as pickled vegetables and cured meats. Coastal areas focus more on fish, olive oil, fresh vegetables, and simple grilled dishes.
Just like in architecture, different historical periods and influences are still present in local cuisine. Ottoman influence is visible in dishes such as stuffed vegetables, grilled meats, and slow-cooked stews, while Mediterranean traditions are naturally strongest along the coast. Central European influence appears more clearly in parts of Romania, Slovenia, and northern Croatia.
Wine production is widespread, with notable regions in Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, and Croatia. Most production is small to mid-scale, often based on local grape varieties and regional consumption. In rural areas, home production of fruit brandy (rakia) is still common.
Food markets remain an important part of daily life in many towns. In many places, people can buy seasonal produce directly from farmers, especially outside major cities. In a way this keeps diets tied to what is available locally throughout the year.
If you are into culinary travel and experiences, take a look at our Culinary Guide to the Balkans.
-
- Mekitsi and white cheese
-
- Lokumi sweet pastry
-
- Rice stuffed peppers
-
- Chomlek – Bulgarian stew
-
- Freshly grilled cevapi
-
- Grilled meats
Currencies & Borders in the Balkans
Navigating the logistics of a multi-country Balkan itinerary requires a bit of pre-planning because border rules change quickly.
Visa and Border Rules
• Non-Schengen Countries: Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are not in the Schengen zone.
• What this means for you: You will encounter physical border checkpoints when crossing between Schengen and non-Schengen countries. Keep your passport handy. Always ensure the border guards stamp your passport upon entry and exit to avoid issues upon exit.
Currency Management
The Balkans don’t share a single currency, so you’ll be using a mix of local currencies along the way.
• Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Greece: Euro (€) – Cards are widely accepted, but keep cash on hand for small vendors.
• Bosnia & Herzegovina: Convertible Mark (BAM / KM) – Highly cash-dependent. ATMs and exchange offices are easy to find in major cities.
• Albania: Lek (ALL) – While you can use your card in international chains, restaurants, shops, and even hotels sometimes require cash payment. Markets and souvenir stalls don’t offer card payments. Always be prepared with cash, ideally in the local currency.
• Serbia: Dinar (RSD) – Cards are accepted in cities; cash is needed for rural areas and smaller shops.
• North Macedonia: Denar (MKD) – Cash-dependent for taxis, local markets, and smaller cafes.
• Romania: Romanian Lei (RON) – Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but you will need cash for rural guesthouses, eateries, and small souvenir markets in Transylvania.
Connectivity & Data Roaming in the Balkans
If you have a mobile plan from an EU country, it will work perfectly in Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. The moment you cross into non-EU countries – Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, or Kosovo – you are also outside the EU roaming zone. The data charges are often astronomical, sometimes $15 or more per megabyte. Always put your phone on airplane mode even before getting close to the border. The best solution is to buy an E-SIM – there are Balkan E-SIM packages available – or a local “Tourist SIM” at the first city you visit. They are very affordable and save you from a massive bill at the end of your trip.
Are the Balkans Safe?
The region is incredibly safe for solo travellers, couples, and families alike. Violent crime rates are lower than in many major Western European capitals. The conflicts of the 1990s are in the past. Your biggest safety concerns here are standard travel risks: pickpocketing in crowded tourist hubs (like Dubrovnik), slippery cobblestone, and “adventurous” local driving styles on mountain roads.
Essential Balkan Travel Tips
Keep these in mind for a smooth trip:
• Smoking is Common: Unlike most of Europe, indoor smoking bans are not universally enforced across all Balkan nations. Outside the EU, many bars, restaurants, and cafes still allow smoking indoors.
• Respect the Recent History: The events of the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s are still within living memory. Locals are generally open to discussing history if you ask respectfully and listen, but avoid making strong political declarations or choosing sides in historical debates.
• Dress Appropriately for Churches, Monasteries and Mosques: When visiting religious sites, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. The Meteora Monasteries in Greece require women to wear skirts, and ladies must wear headscarves and cover fully in order to enter mosques.
• Learn a Few Words: While English is widely spoken by younger generations and hospitality staff, learning a few basics words in the local languages is usually appreciated.
Balkan Tours
Explore Ottoman bazaars, fragrant rose fields and rustic farm-to-table expereinces - the Balkans await!
