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Scenic panoramic view of the historic town of Kotor with famous Bay of Kotor on a beautiful sunny day with blue sky and clouds, Montenegro, Balkans

A Guide to the Balkans Countries

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By Louise Hopper


The Balkans offer a melting pot of cultures and architecture, from Roman ruins to Austro-Hungarian villas and Ottoman Bazaars. Hugging the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, there’s also imposing mountains and vast national parks, laidback cities and delectable gastronomy to discover.

Read on for our guide to the countries of the Balkans, to help you make the most of your time in this fascinating region.

Slovenia

Idyllic Slovenia boasts an enchanting range of landscapes. The dramatic, mountainous scenery of Lake Bled and the Julian Alps transform into the rolling fields and lush vineyards of the wine regions, while elegant Mediterranean towns and pebble beaches are found on the strip of Adriatic Coast. 


Ideal for an active holiday, outdoor pursuits are plentiful in Slovenia, and our holidays are designed for making the most of this natural paradise. Slovenia is a must-visit destination on any Balkans itinerary.


 

Sunrise over Lake Bled, Julian Alps, Slovenia

Croatia

The next country we’ll visit on our Balkans guide is wonderful Croatia. From island-hopping through crystal-clear Adriatic waters to wandering ancient cities or swimming beneath glittering waterfalls, Croatia welcomes you with adventure and stunning scenery. 


The historic beauty of Dubrovnik and Split’s cobbled streets never fail to inspire. Further north, embrace culture in Croatia’s capital Zagreb, visit the turquoise waters to Plitvice Lakes, or head for the Italian influenced Istrian Peninsula.


 

Dubrovnik, Croatia, Balkans

Bosnia & Herzegovina

A captivating jewel of the Balkans, Bosnia & Herzegovina’s mountainous, verdant countryside is home to charming, medieval villages and castle ruins, as well as glittering glacial lakes and tremendous waterfalls. 


Nestled amongst this diverse landscape sits picture-perfect Mostar and its iconic Stari Most bridge, a must see for any visit to this region of the Balkans.


 

The Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Serbia

Serbia is a hidden gem in the Balkans, home to lush green landscapes dotted with historic towers, impressive monasteries, and peaceful rivers flowing north into the Danube. 


Explore the historic capital of Belgrade with its nearby ancient hillside fortress, electric underground bars and open-air cafés. Beyond this historic metropolis, discover national parks ripe for exploration.


 

Novi Sad square and architecture street view, Vojvodina region of Serbia, Balkans

Montenegro

Boasting towering peaks, beautiful national parks and luxury resorts lining the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a spectacular under-the-radar spot in the heart of the Balkans. 


Possibly the most famous region of Montenegro, the Bay of Kotor is a breathtaking sight. Podgorica, the capital, is a laidback melting pot of cultures, while the nearby Lake Skadar oozes natural beauty.


 

Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Albania

Our final stop on our guide to the Balkan countries is Albania, a mysterious country of ancient ruins, medieval castles and epic mountain scenery. Its capital, Tirana, is home to striking colourful buildings, a growing cultural scene of museums and galleries, plus a diverse food scene. 


Venturing off the beaten track, experience the country’s stunning natural beauty amidst the imposing peaks, lush green valleys and dense forests of the Albanian Alps.


 

Aerial view of Kruja castle and bazaar, Albania, Balkans

For more inspiration take a look at our Croatia & The Balkans Holidays pages.

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Written by Louise Hopper

Louise is a Senior Content Executive in our Kensington head office.

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