20+ Best Balkans Trip Destinations To Visit In 2026 (Tips)

Which countries are part of the Balkans?

This is one of the most common questions that most people have. Where exactly is the Balkans?

Balkans is actually considered to be South Eastern Europe and was named after the Balkans mountains in Bulgaria.

Balkans also means a chain of mountains in Ottoman Turkish.

Many of the current countries were part of the former Yugoslavia and were formed in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Broadly, the below countries are considered to be part of the Balkans Map:

• Albania
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Greece
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Romania
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Parts of Northern Turkey

When is the best time to visit Balkans?

It is very crucial to go at the right time. Since Balkans is mainly made of beach destinations, many of the coastal Balkans countries are shutduring the winter months.

Like the first time I went to Albania, it was in November and lots of places were empty and shut. I still enjoyed it because of the lack of crowds.

But if you want to go swimming and partying, then summer is definitely the best time to go.

Look, places like Croatia or Greece will be extremely crowded during July-August. But underrated places like Albania are definitely a great Balkans trip destination during summer too.

Shoulder months of May and September is also a great time to go since crowds and prices will be much lesser.

I definitely would love to visit Croatia during Christmas time since Zagreb is such a great destination for European Christmas markets.

How do I get around the Balkans?

I have done a Balkans road trip across multiple countries multiple times. But I have also used public transportation extensively during my Balkans travel.

Some countries like Croatia have extensive bus networks but places like Albania have fewer networks and a car may be an ideal choice.

It is also extremely affordable to rent a car in most countries in the Balkans.

Train travel is relatively non existent in most parts of the Balkans and hence travelling the Balkans is comparatively a little more cumbersome compared to travelling in west Europe.

Buses usually take much longer than what you intend. Also, keep in mind that you will need to clear immigration between countries that are not part of the Schengen zone and the countries that are part of the Schengen visa.

Will one visa allow me access to all the countries in the Balkans?

Unfortunately, not all countries in the Balkans are part of the Schengen zone and hence you may require additional visas if you are an Indian citizen.

If you have a multiple entry Schengen visa or a valid US visa, you do not require additional visas to enter the Balkans.

For e.g. Albania, B&H, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey are not part of the Schengen zone. But you can still enter them with a valid multiple entry Schengen visa.

In the case of the first four, you do not need any additional documentation. But when it comes to Turkey, you need to apply for an eVisa using this Schengen visa as proof before you take your flight. It takes around 2-3 days to receive your eVisa.

I am still not sure about Kosovo since they are very strict with Indians and even if they say they allow multiple entry Schengen visas for entry, I have heard varying accounts from different Indian travellers.

Most of the non-Schengen countries in the Balkans also accept a valid US and UK visa.

There are also special concessions for countries like Albania for UAE Indian residents when it comes to visas.

However, if you don’t have a multiple entry Schengen or US or UK visa, then you will need to apply directly to the embassy of the respective non-Schengen country.

Immigration experiences during the Balkans trip

I have crossed many Balkans borders through land and some have been more difficult then others.

For e.g North Macedonia to Bulgaria was really difficult since they interrogated me for more than 30 mins despite having a valid Schengen visa.

And since many of these were done by bus, every other passenger in the bus also had to wait along with me. Since they were not convinced that I wouldn’t immigrate because of my Indian passport.

I have driven between Albania and North Macedonia and you need a Green card which is around 40-50 euros which can be purchased at the border.

Similarly, most car rentals will not let you drive to B&H from countries like Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

So keep this in mind when you are travelling between Schengen and non Schengen countries in the Balkans.

Should I get an eSim in the Balkans?

During my first trip to the Balkans, I visited around 5 countries and I needed to get a physical sim for each of these countries.

Which meant that I had to get it out and get the new one in every time I moved countries.

It was very cumbersome since you would have to get to a proper city or town to get a new SIM and you would be without internet in some countries.

But things have definitely gotten easier these days and you just need to get an eSIM for Europe which can be used in all your Balkans travels.

Currency during your Balkans tour

Again, since some countries are part of the European union and some are not, you will not be able to use the Euro everywhere.

Also, remember countries like Albania and North Macedonia are cash heavy countries and hence you will need to have cash handy at all times.

I always carry a Forex debit card which can be used in all these Balkans cities.

These are the currencies in the different countries:

• Euro used by Croatia, Greece, Kosovo and Montenegro
• Albanian Lek
• Bosnia uses convertible Mark
• Bulgarian Lev
• Macedonian Denar
• Romanian Leu
• Serbian Dinar and
• Turkish Lira

Some countries do accept Euros. Especially people like cab drivers or shopkeepers. But the exchange rate will be really bad and you will end up losing money paying in Euros rather than in the local currency.

Best places to visit in the Balkans

Now that we have covered the basics, let us list some of my favourite places in the Balkans to visit.

For context, I have been to all Balkan countries save for two. I have visited many of them twice too.

This Balkans trip itinerary is something that will take months if you plan to do all of them in one shot.

So here you go; in no particular order.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina 

One of my favourite Balkans destinations has definitely got to be Sarajevo.

But it was also one of those cities I had no intention of visiting.

It was supposed to be a stopover city. Just a city as a break between two places.

But it captured my heart so much that I ended up going back again in a few years.

One of the most unique things about Sarajevo is that it is nothing like the classic European town.

It has so many elements from both the European and Asian side. It is famously called as the East meets west city because of influences from both the Ottoman and Austrian Hungarian empire.

It is not an easy destination to travel to. Because language can be a barrier and public transportation is difficult to navigate.

It is also a war torn city and you will still find remnants of war around the city.

The must see places in Sarajevo are the old bazaar and the fountain (Bascarsija & Sebilj), Latin Bridge, City Hall, the cable car ride up Mount Trebevic, the City hall and the many museums around the genocide and Tunnel of Hope.

How to get here: You can fly into Sarajevo from most airports in Europe. If you are coming from any of the other Balkans trip destinations, then Flixbus is the best option. Trains do connect with nearby European Balkans capitals.

Perast, Montenegro

Montenegro is the current favorite destination in Europe and it is not hard to guess why.

With dramatic Adriatic sea views, lots of hidden beaches and UNESCO towns, this small country in Balkans Europe is a great summer destination.

Most people visit Kotor as a day trip destination from Dubrovnik or they do it as part of their cruise ship excursion.

Due to this, most people skip this cute nearby town called Perast which is just 30-40 mins from Kotor.

This Venetian town has multiple Baroque palaces and churches and if you are taking a boat ride to the Our Lady of the Rocks Island, this is where you will be taking the boat ride from.

Go before the day trippers arrive and visit some the 17 palaces as well as the museum and St Nikola Church here.

How to get here: It is around 40 mins by bus from Kotor and it is hardly 2 euros.

Santorini, Greece

I am hoping to visit this dream destination this year and I hope it is as dreamy as what I see in the pictures.

What is not to love about Santorini? I can’t wait to see the iconic white houses with blue roofs, breathtaking sunsets, and stunning views at every turn.

Also, would love to experience luxury yacht tours around the island and dance until sunrise. It is exactly what makes Santorini one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean.

But one thing to keep in mind is that it can get extremely crowded during summers and you should definitely visit this destination in Balkans during shoulder season.

How to get here: Best way is to take a cruise or a ferry from Athens.

Albanian Riveira, Albania

If there was one destination that I would keep going back every year, then it would be the Albanian riviera.

The first time I was here, I drove all around the place after keeping Sarande as my base.

It was fairly less crowded since I went in shoulder season. But it was not extremely crowded even when I went during the start of summer the next time.

There are so many cute seaside towns all along the Albanian riviera and all of them are at a fraction of the cost of its Greek counterparts.

You can visit towns like Himare, Ksamil, Dhermi as well as beaches like Gjipe as well as Butrint national park.

How to get here: Did you know that you can take a ferry from Saranda to Corfu and it takes just 30 mins? I ended up driving all over Albania and it is just 3.5 hours from the capital of Tirana.

Belgrade, Serbia

Did you know that Belgrade is the party capital of European Balkans? It was quite surprising for me till I went there.

And another surprising thing is that there are so many things to do in Belgrade. It is also quite big compared to other Balkan cities.

I ended up doing a self paced audio tour and it was so insightful since there is so much history in Belgrade.

Definitely stay in the old town from where you can do a lot of places on the audio tour on foot itself.

Kalemegdan, or Belgrade Fortress is a must visit when you are in Belgrade. You can easily spend half a day here.

If you are looking for some Bohemian vibes, then definitely head to Skadarlija. Also visit St Sava Temple which is the largest Orthodox Church in the Balkan region.

If you love to shop, head to Knez Mihailova Street and visit the city of Niklo Tesla.

Zemun, the town that looks like Austria Hungarian towns is also in Belgrade. Also, definitely don’t forget to head to the Danube river for some picnics in the summer.

I liked Republic square and Nikola Pasic square. Don’t forget to visit the many museums to get a perspective about Balkans history.

Zeleni Venac Farmers Market is also a must visit.

How to get here: You can fly here from other European capitals and Middle east. Train networks are there but be a little careful since I know someone who was robbed on one. I took a bus from Sofia to Belgrade.

Split, Croatia

Split definitely has to be one of my favorite places in the Balkans.

I spent 3 days roaming around here, staying in an apartment just a short walk from the harbour.

On my first day, I wandered through the old town, visiting must-see spots like Diocletian’s Palace and its ancient cellars, strolling along the lively promenade, and climbing the Bell Tower for panoramic views of the city.

The food scene here is incredible, and you’ll also find plenty of wine tasting tours starting from Split.

On day two, I opted for a guided boat tour to the nearby islands of Hvar, Vis, and the stunning Blue Lagoon. It’s the perfect way to experience the Croatian islands in a day, though the Blue Lagoon can get quite crowded.

The tour also included stops at Komiza and Budikovac Island, along with time to relax at a quieter beach.

Do note that the sea can get choppy, so this tour may not be ideal for those with back problems.

How to get here: It is hardly 2-3 hours from Dubrovnik by car. You can take a bus too from Dubrovnik.

Ljublana, Slovenia

This is one city and country I can’t wait to get back to. Even though I spent 3 nights in Ljubljana, I feel I need to go back to experience the place once again and is a must visit during the Balkans travel.

It is also one of the most affordable countries in that part of Europe since parts of it can also be considered as central Europe.

These are some of the places you need to visit when you are in Ljubljana.

Ljubljana castle is the most famous place and you need to take the funicular up.

Ljubljana river and Triple bridge were walking distance from my hostel and hence it was easy to visit the many cafes and restaurants near the river banks.

Definitely, visit the old town, the Pink church, visit Tivoli park and definitely take pictures of the famous dragon bridge while you are there.

I also ended up doing a day trip to Lake Bled and Triglav National park since it is just an hour away

How to get here: I ended up taking a bus from Vienna and also took an overnight bus from here to Sarajevo.

Skopje, North Macedonia

This was definitely the funniest capital I have ever been to. And only people who have been here will understand why I said that.

It is so over the top and locals actually have a name for it. They call it the Kitsch European capital.

And what does Kitsch mean? It means art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness, sentimentality, or pretentiousness, yet sometimes enjoyed in an ironic or humorous way.

And the whole capital is like that.

Many buildings were damaged in Skopje during an earthquake in the 1960s. And hence a lot of buildings were restored or built during the early 2000s.

This was supposed to make them Earthquake proof but in reality, it is just over the top buildings and many neoclassical buildings were replaced with plain modernist architecture.

Also, many of the Soviet era buildings were repainted or a layer was added to get the same look everywhere.

Anyway, do visit the old town, Macedonia square while you are in Skopje.

Also head out for a day trip to Matka Canyon, Millenium cross and Etno village.

How to get here: I drove from Lake Ohrid and then took a 3.5 hour bus to Sofia from here.

Tirana, Albania

My first taste of Albania was in Tirana. The landing itself is so unique with mountains surrounding the city from all directions.

Albania has had a long history and because of this, Albania has influences from Ottoman, Fascist and communist eras.

It is a relatively smaller than capitals in the region and most of the attractions are in the vicnity of 3-4 kms.

I ended up going on a walking tour around Skanderbeg Square where our guide tooks us around National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower.

Bunkers are very common around the city. But if you get a chance, do visit Bunk Art 1 and 2. You can take a bus from the square to here.

It was a very emotional place for me because it showed the horrors of war. Righ next to the museum, you can take a cable car up Dajti Mountain to catch the city from above.

There are multiple walking trails around lakes like Bovilla and is definitely a must visit.

Also, visit the many cafes and pubs in the city

How to get here: I flew from Istanbul to Tirana and it is well connected from nearby airports in Europe and Middle East. I ended up picking up a car from Tirana airport and drove around Albania and North Macedonia.

Sofia, Bulgaria

I am honestly not a fan of Bulgaria because they treated me really badly when I was entering the country and I did find Bulgarians kind of rude compared to other Balkans people.

I also did not like where I was staying and that could also be the reason I did not find Sofia appealing enough.

But it was a personal experience and you could definitely have a different experience.

But there are lots of places to visit in and around Sofia like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (yes the one in all Sofia pictures with big domes), the ancient Serdica ruins, Rotunda Church of St. George and the Unesco site of Boyana Church.

If you are looking for some hiking or skiing, then head to Vitosha mountains. The main boulevard filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops is also called Vitosha.

You can also do a day trip to Rila Monastery and Rila national park for some great hiking trails around the 7 lakes.

How to get here: You can fly directly or take a bus from nearby capitals in the Balkans.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Most people do Mostar as a day trip from nearby Croatia. But I would definitely recommend at least 2 nights here in Mostar.

One day to explore the town of Mostar and one for visiting the entire Herzegovina region as a day trip from Mostar.

I visited Mostar during Eid and many places were closed due to that.

One of the most famous places to visit is of course the old bridge or Stari Most. Where during summer, you can see people jumping off it and many contests happen then.

I am terrified of heights but it was fun watching people doing it into the Neretva River.

I loved walking around the Bazaar and the unique Ottoman alleyways around the Kujundziluk Street Bazaar.

Bosnian cuisine is also quite unique and a must try, especially for non-vegetarians. But I was still able to find some vegetarian food.

How to get here: Mostar is just 2 hours away from Sarajevo and Dubrovnik by bus.

Budva, Montenegro

I took a day trip to Budva, just 45 minutes from Kotor by bus and buses run frequently if you are planning a simple day visit.

If you are in the mood for a relaxed beach day, Budva is known for its beautiful sandy coastline.

Start by exploring the charming Stari Grad (Old Town), where narrow cobbled streets and medieval walls create a postcard-perfect setting. It is smaller than Kotor but equally delightful to wander through.

Budva also offers a variety of beaches like Mogren Beach, Richard’s Head Beach, Jaz Beach and Becici Beach.

For something different, I took a €10 boat ride along the coast, including a stop at St Nikola Island, often called Hawaii Island for its clear waters and quieter beaches.

I ended the day at Sveti Stefan, a stunning island viewpoint just 20 minutes away. It is definitely worth visiting, though I wish I had spent more time there.

How to get here: It is just 45 mins away from Kotor by bus or drive.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

I spent 3 days soaking in the atmosphere of the Old Town, and as a GOT fan, there was so much to explore; including a dedicated Game of Thrones tour.

Walking along the iconic city walls is an absolute must, offering both incredible views and a deep dive into the city’s history.

I also took a half-day trip to Lokrum and the Elafiti Islands, and rode the cable car up for breathtaking panoramic views.

Evenings in Dubrovnik have a completely different charm. I stayed just outside the Old Town and loved walking in every evening as the city came alive with buzzing cafes, restaurants, and music. A pub crawl is definitely worth experiencing.

Don’t miss visiting Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and the Franciscan Monastery while you’re there.

How to get here: You can fly here from many European cities and is also a short bus ride away from Mostar.

Ohrid, North Macedonia

I reached Ohrid quite late in the night from Sarande.

And I was blown over by the beauty of it in the morning from my balcony. My room overlooked Lake Ohrid and there were actually 2 rainbows over the lake that day.

It is definitely a must visit when you travel Balkans and you should definitely add it your Balkans trip itinerary.

Since I was at a property overlooking the lake and had many forest trails, I spent one day hiking around the area.

I also went to the Old town of Ohrid and spent some time looking for the iconic photo spot of Sveti Jovan.

During summers, you can go swimming in the lake as well as activities like boating.

The boardwalk was also a great place to visit in the evening with many restaurants to choose from.

How to get here: I drove here from Sarande and I again drove from here to Skopje which was 3 hours away.

Athens, Greece

Athens serves as both the starting and ending point for many Mediterranean cruises, and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in Greek history and architecture.

You could easily spend an entire day exploring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon, along with the city’s fascinating museums that bring ancient history to life.

That said, be prepared for large crowds, especially during peak season. For a more enjoyable experience, plan your visit in spring when the weather is pleasant and the city is slightly less crowded.

How to get here: Direct flights from almost everywhere in the world.

Gjirokaster and Berat, Albania

I ended up staying in Berat and then stopping in Gjirokaster on the way to Sarande.

Both are Unesco world heritage towns and are a must visit during your trip to Albania.

Berat is famously called the land of 1000 windows with well preserved Ottoman houses dating back to the 13th century.

The boulevard was so adorable and I ended up having a lovely time since I was staying near there.

Also, don’t forget to catch sunrise or sunset from atop the Berat castle. You can find influences from both Muslim and Christian faiths here.

Gjirokaster is also similar with a castle and an old Bazaar and you will find no dearth of taking picturesque photos everywhere you go. You do have steep walking to do here.

How to get here: Berat is around 70 kms from Tirana while Gjirokaster is around 220 kms from Tirana.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is easily one of the most breathtaking places in the country and absolutely deserves a spot on your Balkans itinerary.

I chose to stay overnight, which made a huge difference. I could explore in peace after the crowds left in the evening and again early the next morning before the day-trippers arrived.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning forest reserve featuring 16 cascading lakes connected by waterfalls. In summer, the park is typically open from 7 AM to 8 PM, with the last entry around 5 PM.

There is plenty of parking available, and a smart way to explore is by splitting your visit. Over one section in the evening and the other right after opening the next day.

The park is divided into multiple trails (A, B, C, D, etc.), each varying in length and difficulty. So you can choose what suits your pace.

The water here is unreal. Swimming is not allowed, but the walking trails are well-maintained and mostly easy to moderate, making it accessible for many travelers.

How to get here: I actually drove here from Zadar and ended up going to Zagreb from here. Both are less than 2 hours away. But you can find day trips from both these cities.

Kotor, Montenegro

There is no doubt that Kotor is one of the most beautiful places I have visited and a must on any Montenegro itinerary.

However, since many cruise ships dock at the Bay of Kotor, the Old Town can get extremely crowded. To avoid this, it is best to plan your visits around cruise timings or stay slightly outside the main area.

I spent two days in Kotor’s Old Town and another two in Prcanj, a quieter village about 5 km away. I personally preferred Prcanj for its peaceful vibe and easy access to the water for a swim anytime. Getting to Kotor was simple with frequent shuttles.

The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a delight to explore, with highlights like the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, charming squares, museums, and even a quirky cat museum. For the best views, climb the 1,350+ steps to the Castle of San Giovanni.

Other experiences include a boat cruise around the bay, day trips to Lovcen National Park and Lake Skadar, or visiting nearby towns like Perast and Herceg Novi.

How to get here: Less than 3 hours away from Dubrovnik

Novi Sad, Serbia

This is definitely one of the most colourful towns in Balkans and can be visited as a day trip from Belgrade. It is only 75 mins away from Belgrade.

Combine it with Sremski Karlovci to make it a full day trip from Belgrade.

Liberty square is the center of it and is filled with lots of colourful buildings and cafes and restaurants.

You will visit the town hall, Roman Catholic Cathedral, Finance Palace etc.

You will also get to see Novi Sad from Petrovaradin Fortress and enjoy the view over the Danube from up there.

Serbian wine is quite popular in Sremski and you will get to sample a few and you can even buy them if you want to.

You will also stop at one of the 16 Orthodox monasteries on the way.

How to get here: You can reach here easily from Belgrade.

Herzegovina, Bosnia & Herzegovina

My day trip in the Herzegovina region was one of my favorite parts about visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you haven’t been to Blagaj, you do not know what you are missing on. It is one of the most peaceful villages and is known for the striking white Dervish monastery against the backdrop of a cliff and emerald waters.

You will also visit Kravice waterfalls during this trip and you can spend half day here swimming in the waterfalls.

It is very similar to Plitvice but with lesser crowds. And they allow swimming unlike Plitvice.

You will also visit Pocitelj, a fortified Ottoman village with a fort overlooking the Neretva river.

I ended up doing a private tour at the last minute from Mostar but you should definitely do it when you are in the Balkans region.

How to get here: This is a popular day trip from Mostar, Sarajevo and Dubrovnik.

Mykonos, Greece

This is another place that is high on my bucket list and I definitely want to visit it soon.

Mykonos is famous for being a premier Cycladic island famous for its iconic 16th-century whitewashed windmills, vibrant nightlife, and beach clubs.

You would have seen those white windmills pictures and that is one place I am dying to visit. They are called the Kato Milo windmills.

I would love to visit the Mykonos town or Chora and the little Venice with those fishing villages filled with restaurants.

Also, would love to visit the old port of Mykonos while I am there.

How to get here: You can take a 2.5 hour ferry from Athens

Istria, Croatia

I had always wanted to explore the Istrian coast, so I decided to spend a night in Pula. I left Plitvice Lakes National Park quite late, but thanks to the long summer days, I managed to reach Pula while it was still light out during my .

Pula turned out to be a charming coastal city with strong Italian influences and a rich history. One of its highlights is the impressive Pula Arena, remarkably similar to the Colosseum in Rome.

Although I only had a short time, I made a quick trip to Rovinj, just 40 minutes away, and explored its picturesque streets before heading to Hum. Hum is one of the smallest towns in the world. Hum is incredibly quaint and can be explored in under a couple of hours.

How to get here: You can drive here from Zagreb and takes less than 2 hours.

Conclusion: Trip to Balkans

In conclusion, the Balkans offer an incredibly diverse and rewarding travel experience, blending history, culture, and stunning natural beauty.

From the coastal charm of Dubrovnik and the dramatic landscapes of Kotor to the hidden gems scattered across the region, every destination has something unique to offer.

It is a region that still retains its charm without being overly commercialized. If you are looking for a European adventure that is scenic, affordable, and rich in experiences, the Balkans trip should definitely be on your list.