The Balkans are Having a Moment
The Balkans are making waves as Europe’s next great travel region in 2025. With a mix of dramatic coastlines, alpine landscapes, ancient cities, and lesser-known cultural treasures, the area offers incredible variety without the price or crowds of Western Europe. Travellers are looking for places that feel real, and the Balkans deliver.
From Ottoman towns tucked into mountains to sparkling Adriatic islands, these ten standout spots are gaining buzz for all the right reasons. They blend adventure, culture, and value in ways modern travellers crave.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik continues to draw visitors with its stunning medieval walled city and cinematic beauty. Perched on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, its stone walls and orange rooftops set the scene for both Game of Thrones and real-world wonder. The Old Town is a maze of limestone streets, hidden chapels, and lively piazzas.
Beyond the visuals, Dubrovnik delivers history in every direction. Fortresses, monasteries, and maritime museums recall its past as a powerful republic. Add in island-hopping and cliffside swimming, and it’s easy to see why it remains a Balkan favourite.
Kotor, Montenegro
Cradled between mountains and the Bay of Kotor, this fortified town feels like a fantasy novel come to life. Its Venetian-style Old Town is a maze of stone alleyways, sleepy squares, and ivy-covered churches. Kotor’s walls snake dramatically up the mountain, offering unforgettable views for those willing to climb.
Kotor blends nature and culture better than most. You can start your morning hiking a fortress, then spend your afternoon sailing in the bay. Despite cruise ship crowds, the town’s soul still feels deeply intact.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled looks like a postcard, and it lives up to the hype. A tiny island church floats in the middle of turquoise water, with Bled Castle perched on a cliff nearby. The surrounding Julian Alps just complete the perfect photo.
But there’s more to do than admire the view. Row to the island on a traditional pletna boat, hike through nearby gorges, or reward yourself with a creamy slice of Slovenia’s famous Bled cake. It’s nature and comfort, all in one place.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is bold, gritty, and getting cooler by the day. This riverside capital blends Ottoman relics with brutalist blocks and creative studios. Kalemegdan Fortress offers epic views of the Danube, while districts like Savamala hum with nightlife and street art.
What really sets Belgrade apart is its energy. From floating river clubs to sprawling food markets and indie galleries, the city thrives on contrasts. For travellers craving raw authenticity over polish, Belgrade is the real deal.
Gjirokastër, Albania
Gjirokastër rises dramatically from a valley in southern Albania, its grey stone houses stacked like an amphitheatre beneath a hulking fortress. A UNESCO site, it’s a textbook Ottoman town—with a rugged edge. The castle offers sweeping views, and the old town’s cobbled lanes lead to quiet courtyards and tiny mosques.
Stay in a guesthouse and you’ll get more than a bed—you’ll get home-cooked meals and stories. Albania’s charm is rooted in hospitality, and nowhere shows it better than here.
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar’s famous Old Bridge arches gracefully over the Neretva River, a symbol of resilience after war and reconstruction. Built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, it’s now a stage for daring local divers and a magnet for travellers drawn to beauty with meaning.
Wander the bazaar, visit the old Turkish houses, and take in the blend of mosques and minarets. Mostar offers a moving look at the region’s layered past and vibrant present.
Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Just a short drive from Mostar, Blagaj feels like a secret worth keeping. The town’s centrepiece is a white Sufi monastery built into the base of a cliff, where the Buna River bursts from a cave below. It’s serene, spiritual, and photogenic all at once.
Beyond the Tekija, the area offers hiking, kayaking, and quiet riverfront cafes. Family-run guesthouses serve traditional Bosnian fare and make it easy to stay longer than planned.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana charms instantly. Slovenia’s small capital is walkable, eco-friendly, and quietly stylish. Its leafy streets wind along the Ljubljanica River, where cafes spill out under colourful façades and street musicians add the soundtrack.
Architect Jože Plečnik’s whimsical touch defines the city’s look, from dragon bridges to riverside arcades. Add a hilltop castle, buzzing food markets, and easy day trips to lakes and caves, and Ljubljana punches well above its size.
Perast, Montenegro
Perast may be tiny, but it’s got serious style. This baroque beauty hugs the Bay of Kotor with a single street lined by palazzos, old churches, and the glimmer of water. Two islands—Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George—sit just offshore and can be reached by a quick boat ride.
The vibe is quiet luxury. No nightclubs, no sprawl, just sea views, seafood, and timeless elegance. It’s a refined break from Montenegro’s more bustling beach towns.
Lovćen National Park, Montenegro
Lovćen towers above Montenegro like a guardian. This mountainous park is both a natural wonder and a patriotic symbol. The summit hosts the mausoleum of poet and prince Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, a figure revered across the country.
Reaching the top means navigating 25 hairpin turns and climbing 461 steps, but the 360-degree views are unforgettable. You’ll see the Adriatic, the Dinaric Alps, and even Albania on a clear day. It’s Montenegro at its wild, proud best.
Tips for Planning a Balkan Trip
Plan with flexibility. Border crossings can be slower than Western Europe, and some remote areas lack public transit. Renting a car is ideal for exploring off-the-beaten-path towns and national parks.
Travel insurance is a good idea, and it’s worth learning a few local phrases. English isn’t always spoken in smaller villages. Bring cash, too, since many rural places don’t take cards.
When to Go
Spring (May–June) and fall (September–October) are sweet spots. You’ll miss the summer heat and crowds while still enjoying good weather and open attractions.
Winter travel has its charms, especially in Slovenia’s alpine towns or Bosnia’s ski resorts. Just be aware that some coastal or mountain villages slow down significantly in colder months.
Cultural Etiquette
In more conservative areas, especially rural Albania or Kosovo, modest dress is appreciated. Greetings matter. Shake hands, smile, and don’t rush interactions. Hospitality is huge, and it’s polite to accept food or coffee if offered.
Tipping is expected but modest (5–10% at restaurants), and haggling is rare outside markets. Always ask before taking photos of people or religious sites.
Off-the-Radar Bonus: Prizren, Kosovo
Prizren is one of the Balkans’ most underrated cities. Ottoman mosques, Orthodox churches, and old stone bridges sit side-by-side in this walkable, friendly town. The hilltop fortress offers a panoramic view that’s especially magical at sunset.
The city’s youthful energy shows in its cafes, festivals, and live music scene. With a blend of history and heart, Prizren feels like a true cultural crossroads.
Off-the-Radar Bonus: Ohrid, North Macedonia
Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, and a UNESCO World Heritage site for both its cultural and natural value. The town of Ohrid hugs its shores with a mix of churches, ruins, and boardwalks that feel surprisingly Mediterranean.
Swim in the lake, explore the cliffside Church of St. John at Kaneo, or take a boat to tucked-away beaches. Ohrid offers summer sun without the coastal chaos.
Local Food Highlights
Each Balkan country brings something special to the table. Think flaky burek pastries in Bosnia, grilled meats (ćevapi) in Serbia, seafood stews in Montenegro, and hearty mountain fare in North Macedonia.
Don’t skip the rakija—a fruit brandy served with everything from welcomes to goodbyes. And keep an eye out for slow food movements reviving regional recipes in creative, sustainable ways.
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet.
Safe and mindful travels!