If you want a summer trip that doesn’t feel like following the herd, the Balkans might be it. The region has that mix of rugged landscapes and lived-in towns where people still sit outside for hours over coffee. It feels European, but not overly packaged.
Technically, the Balkans cover a whole swathe of countries — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia. For travelers though, a few stand out. The ones we know best are Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia. They’re different from each other, yet connected.
Croatia: Beyond the Tourist Hotspots
Dubrovnik is beautiful, no doubt, but also crowded. If you wander further, you’ll find a softer side of Croatia. On Korčula, evenings are slow and the wine is local. On Hvar, it’s the opposite — buzzing beach clubs until sunrise.
Croatia’s top natural wonder
One place that never disappoints is Plitvice Lakes. The waterfalls are loud enough that you hear them before you see them, and the water looks like it’s been dyed — turquoise one moment, green the next.
Personally, we love Istria. It has hilltop villages that feel Italian (and the truffle pasta makes the case even stronger). And if you want quiet, Vis is the spot. It’s still the kind of island where old men play cards in the main square every night.
Top Hidden Gems of Croatia
For an exclusive luxury vacation in Croatia, visit Opatija, a popular resort destination dating back to the 19th century, when it was frequented by European nobility and aristocracy. Its elegant villas, grand hotels, and well-manicured gardens reflect its past as a fashionable seaside retreat.
Or if you’re looking for a picturesque coastal escape that is slightly off the beaten path, consider Istria for its charming hilltop towns and coastline reminiscent of Italy. Cres and Vis Islands are also great options; both offer a tranquil retreat with authentic Croatian charm.
Montenegro: The Jewel of the Adriatic
Montenegro is tiny on a map, but when you’re standing in the Bay of Kotor, it feels massive — mountains folding straight into the sea.
Sure, you’ll see the yachts in Porto Montenegro and the polished marina life. But I’d say the real charm is in towns like Perast, with stone houses and two little islets floating offshore. Evenings there are about slow dinners and watching the light fade on the mountains.
The wild card? You can drive inland for less than an hour and be hiking alpine trails where there’s barely another soul.
Luxurious vacation spots in Montenegro
The most exclusive of all is the luxurious Porto Montenegro, a world-class marina and resort complex located in Tivat, catering to elite travelers and yacht enthusiasts from around the globe. Situated in Europe’s southernmost fjord, the Bay of Kotor provides a perfect backdrop for this luxury resort. Its dramatic mountains plunging into the Adriatic Sea are dotted with medieval towns. If this sounds like your kind of destination but you’re looking for something a little more low-key, then rest assured that there are plenty of charming towns nestled around the Bay of Kotor. These include Perast, Herceg Novi, and even Tivat, which offers additional accommodation options amidst its blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.
Albania: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
Albania feels like Europe before it was fully “discovered.” The beaches — Ksamil, Dhermi, Gjipe — look straight out of the Caribbean, but without the price tag or the sun loungers stacked shoulder to shoulder.
What many of our clients are surprised to learn is that the Romans and Greeks once made their mark on Albania so you can find some well-preserved UNESCO heritage sites in this part of the world. History buffs can’t miss Berat and Gjirokastër with their iconic Ottoman houses stacked up the hillsides. Not to mention the Greek Theatres of Butrint.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Albania
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Gjirokastër is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Then there is Berat, located on the banks of the Osum River. It is characterized by its distinctive white houses with large windows, earning it a place on UNESCO’s list as a remarkable example of an Ottoman trading town in the Balkans.
To catch a glimpse of an intact Greek and Roman city, head to Butrint National Park in Vlora. You will be amazed by the well-preserved archaeological ruins, including a theater, temple, baths, and a forum, among other structures that date back to the 4th century BC.
Albania’s best beaches
Another attraction of Albania is the incredible unspoiled coast and turquoise waters. Must-visits for beach lovers include the pristine beaches of Ksamil, the picturesque bay of Dhermi, and the hidden gem of Gjipe Beach. Each offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility at an affordable price.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Where East Meets West
Sarajevo is the kind of city where you can grab baklava in one street and sip Viennese-style coffee in the next. The mix of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influence is everywhere, and it’s fascinating.
Everyone ends up in Mostar, and for good reason. The bridge is beautiful, but watching the divers hurl themselves into the river is what sticks with you.
Nature-wise, Sutjeska National Park is rugged, dramatic, and still not widely visited. The Tara Canyon makes rafting here feel like a true adventure.
The Ultimate Medieval Old Town of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Everyone ends up in Mostar, and for good reason. This majestic bridge dates back to the 16th century and has withstood numerous conflicts. Today locals, but mainly tourists enjoy hurling themselves off it into the river – not for the faint hearted. Mostar’s charming old town, with its cobblestone streets and traditional bazaars, is perfect for spending a day or two taking in the laid-back atmosphere. If you are short on time, it’s also well worth a day trip from neighboring Croatia, which we can arrange with a private driver to take you around.
Hiking Trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sutjeska National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, featuring Mount Maglić, the country’s highest peak. Not to mention primeval forests like Perućica—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the majestic Tara River Canyon, perfect for outdoor adventures like rafting and hiking.
For travelers returning to Europe, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Balkans offers experiences that are both fulfilling and enriching, unlike any other. So what are you waiting for? Venture beyond the tourist hotspots and discover the hidden gems that Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia offer. The region’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality make for a truly unforgettable travel experience.
The Balkans aren’t “undiscovered” anymore, but they still offer a different vibe from Western Europe. And the best part? Many of our team members grew up here. That means when we design trips, we don’t just send you to the obvious spots. We recommend the café where everyone in town gathers, or the local festival that isn’t even advertised in English. It’s those details that make a trip unforgettable.
Bellarome Travel Worldwide boasts a team of experts born and raised in the Balkans region. They are waiting to show travellers the best of their home countries. Whether it’s Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia or its surrounds that appeal to you, we’ve got the local knowledge to ensure your stay is as unforgettable as it is unique! Get in touch today and let us plan you a unique and unforgettable trip to the Balkans!
