The Balkans Peninsula covers a good part of Europe and is one of the oldest settlements in the continent. No wonder it is one of the most popular tourist destinations, as it features numerous historic towns and natural wonders. From mountains to pristine beaches, from ancient buildings to luxurious resorts – there is something for everyone’s taste.
10. The Balkan Flexipass, Serbia, Montenegro
The Balkan Express has plenty of options, that enable easy traveling in the Balkans. Consider a trip from Belgrad – a hip city with fun nightlife – to Bar – a historic town on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro. The train runs though the picturesque sites.
Why to go there?
This is one of the most beautiful train routes in Europe.
How to get there?
The train runs through Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Turkey.
Photo by Dragan Todorović
Photo by Dragan Todorović
Photo by Nebojsa Mrdja
9. The Rila Monastery, Bulgaria
Situated in the remote Rila mountains, the Eastern Orthodox monastery was founded in the 10th century. It is one of the most popular sites in the country, attracting around 1 million tourists annually.
Why to go there?
Culturally and historically significant site, beautiful architecture. Great views to the mountainous landscape opens from the monastery.
How to get there?
The Rila complex is only 117 km (73 mi) away from Sofia. Get there by bus from the capital or Blagoevgrad.
Photo by Ben Kovski
Photo by Stancho Enev
Photo by Plamen Petkov
8. Vrelo Bune, Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
A unique natural and architectural ensemble is situated on the Buna river. The Blagaj Tekke – a monastery, built in the 17th century – is the most popular and famous feature. The site also features a beautiful nature, diversity of species and great views.
When to go there?
All year round – the town drops into a pleasant zone of Mediterranean climate.
Read more: Vrelo Bune – a Unique Historic Ensemble
Photo by Talha Samil Cakir
Photo by praccus
Photo by Michał Sleczek
7. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
Originally built as a Greek Orthodox church in 360, later served as a mosque, now it is a museum and the most famous landmark in the city. Hagia Sophia is significant culturally, historically and architecturally.
Why to go there?
A must see once in Istanbul.
How to get there?
Easy access to the museum, which is found in the Old City. Get there by bus, train, metro or even a boat.
Photo by Robert Kopecky
Photo by Shishir Sathe
Photo by saeed bafadel
6. Ohrid, the Republic of Macedonia
The historic town is sprawled on the eponymous crystal clear emerald lake. The town features numerous ancient churches and monasteries. Ohrid is announced the Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Why to go there?
A beautiful cultural and recreational site.
When to go there?
In summer, when the weather is great and various festivals take place.
Photo by Jeroen Veurink
Photo by Marc Morell
Photo by Amer Demishi
Photo by Viran De Silva
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Besides being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mediterranean, Dubrovnik is also protected by UNESCO for its historic prominence. There is a lot to do and see here: from exploring amazing architecture with a cable car, visiting exciting summer festivals, to sailing and relaxing on the beaches.
Why to go there?
Historically and culturally diverse town, with great beaches and resorts.
Read more or book: Hotels in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Old Town from above
View from the old city walls to Dubrovnik port
© Phant / Shutterstock, Inc.
4. Meteora, Greece
The impressive complex of six Eastern Orthodox monasteries is built on the tall sandstone pillars, soaring in the mountainous landscape. The monasteries were built by the monks, that inhabited area in the 9th century.
When to go there?
The weather is extreme here – very hot in summer, cold in winter. Go there in spring and autumn.
How to get there?
By car, bus or train from Volos to Kalampaka.
Kastraki town, Meteora mountains in Thessaly, Greece
Great Monastery of Varlaam on the high rock in Meteora, Thessaly, Greece
3. Lake Bled, Bled, Slovenia
A true gem in the Julian Alps is one of the favorite and popular tourist destinations in the country. Not only the lake is beautiful, there is a church on the Bled island built in the 17th century. On the side of the lake a Medieval Bled castle overlooks a great panorama.
Why to go there?
Beautiful nature, historic architecture, popular tourist destination.
How to get there?
Lake Bled is only 35 km from Ljubljana International Airport and 55 km from Ljubljana.
Church of the Assumption of Maria, Bled, Slovenia © Shutterstock
View from Bled Castle to the Lake © Shutterstock
Church of the Assumption of Maria, Bled, Slovenia © Shutterstock
2. Sveti Stefan, Budva, Montenegro
The island is a one big resort situated on the beautiful Adriatic coast. Sveti Stefan has soft pink sandy beaches, crystal clear water and historic villages scattered on the coastline. In the 1970’s it was a popular site among celebrities and even Hollywood stars.
When to go there?
The town drops into the Mediterranean climate zone. Weather is mild all year round.
Read more or book: Hotels in Sveti Stefan
Photo by Michel Cavalier Hemis
Photo by Łukasz Kempny
Photo by Laimonas Ciunys
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
One of the most famous parks in the whole Europe features stunning turquoise lakes, waterfalls, caves and mountains. It is constantly inundated with the visitors, who explore the park by completing the hiking trails.
When to go there?
The most popular season is summer. Frozen lakes and waterfalls in winter also promise a lot of spectacular sites.
How to get there?
Get there by bus from Zagreb, Zadar or Split. If asked, the driver will stop at the entrance to the park.
