The Most Beautiful Places in the Balkans

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria | © María Renée Batlle Castillo/Flickr
Maria Angelova

The Balkans are a region in Europe that is still off the radar for many tourists due to the memories of conflicts and wars from the 1990s and their poor tourism marketing strategies. These countries, however, are a breath of fresh air for the those used to traveling in Western Europe, both for their undiscovered beauty and the unspoiled nature. Here’s our pick of the most beautiful places to visit in the Balkan countries.

1. Kotor, Montenegro

Natural Feature

Back streets in Kotor, Montenegro
© Peter Barritt / Alamy Stock Photo
Welcome to the southernmost fjord of Europe where you can still feel the architectural influence of the Venetians who ruled over Kotor for a long time. Climb the steps to the fortress San Giovanni for a panoramic view of the Old Town and the bay, or get on a boat and sail your way between green coasts and unreal blue waters.

2. Prizren, Kosovo

Bridge

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© NH53/Flickr
Kosovo is one of the least visited places in the Balkans, but it nonetheless boasts preserved natural sites and fortresses with amazing panoramas such as the one in the town of Prizren. After ambling around the remains of the stronghold, go down back in the town and explore the local cuisine or just sip coffee for hours and people-watch by the river.

3. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bridge

3. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
© Neshom/Pixabay
Mostar is one of those towns that owe their fame to a beautiful bridge, Stari Most (Old Bridge). Although it was destroyed during the Bosnia war in the 1990s, it has been restored and it is still the symbol of the Mostar, spanning the Neretva River.

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