The Balkans is my favorite region in Europe. Dare I say, better than Western Europe?? YES. I dare say it. I absolutely adore the Balkans and constantly dream of going back to the beautiful streets of Sarajevo, or the quiet beaches in Albania. Dont be... Let me convince you here and help you plan your trip
Map
Sections
7
Croatia 🇭🇷
Albania 🇦🇱
Bosnia 🇧🇦
Serbia 🇷🇸
Romania 🇷🇴
Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo & Moldova 🥙
Croatia 🇭🇷
Hvar is one of the nearby islands you can ferry to from Split- and a fabulous place to rest in paradise for
Zori Timeless Hotel, Hvar, Croatia
Plitvice is one of the most famous day trips in Croatia- now its your turn to visit!
Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket
A luxury hotel right on the water in Dubrovnik
Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
This hotel is located inside the Dubrovnik Old Town walls
Bota Palace, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day Trip to to Montenegro! Why not visit both?
From Dubrovnik: Montenegro Boat Tour from Perast to Kotor
Another split hotel, in the heart of old town- wake up and feel like royalty
Heritage hotel Santa Lucia, Split, Croatia
A gorgeous hotel in the heart of Split. Split is a coastal town but most importantly, is a great jumping point to all of Croatia's stunning islands
Cornaro Hotel, Split, Croatia
I recommend visiting Mostar properly (at least 1 night!) but if you don't have the time this is a great option
From Dubrovnik: Mostar and Kravica Waterfall Day Trip
After a particularly bad break up I spent the better part of a week here on the Isle of Brac in Bol. It healed my broken heart and can heal yours too (broken or otherwise)
Villa Giardino Heritage Boutique Hotel Bol, Bol, Croatia
Walking Tour of Dubrovnik!
Dubrovnik: Old Town Walking Tour
Krka are the OTHER famous waterfalls in Croatia- and you can actually swim in these!
Split: Krka Waterfalls Trip with Boat Cruise and Swimming
Ive swam in Dubrovnik but I never actually had the time to kayak, and I always wished I did
Dubrovnik: Sea Kayaking Morning, Daytime, or Sunset Tours
If youre a Game of Thrones fan, this is a must
Dubrovnik: Lokrum Island Game of Thrones Tour
Island hopping in Croatia Tour
Split: Blue Cave, Hvar & 5 Islands Trip with Entry Ticket
This is a super unique museum in Zagreb and well worth a visit
Museum of Broken Relationships
A must sea (get it) in Zadar: the ocean creates a beautiful sound
Zadar Sea Organ
Albania 🇦🇱
A beautiful stay in Tirana, experience luxury!
Arté Boutique Hotel, Tirana, Albania
A Visit to the Albanian Riviera is frankly, a must
Sarandë: Hidden Beaches and Caves Boat Tour
Shkoder is a stunning area and (slightly) off the normal beaten trail for tourists. Stay on this beautiful lake and live it up for less
Lake Shkodra Resort, Grilë, Albania
In my humble opinion, the best part of Albania is NOT the cities (sorry Tirana) its the glorious and AFFORDABLE seaside. Himare was my favorite stay and sooo cheap!
Miamar Luxury Hotel & Spa, Himare, Albania
Albanian Cooking Class- you'll love the Burek!
Traditional Albanian Food Cooking Class in Tirana
Another Tirana stay- the pool is a rare but nice touch!
Rogner Hotel Tirana, Tirana, Albania
Grab a Rakijia (balkan spirit) and sit on the beautiful stonework and soak up the views
Berati Castle Hotel, Berat, Albania
Albania has it all- cities with history, the beautiful riviera seaside and also- The Alps
Tirana: Albanian Alps and Theth Village Day Tour w/Lunch
A Day trip of Lake Ohrid from Tirana :)
From Tirana; Day tour of Ohrid North Macedonia
One last Himare stay because well, Himare is frankly the best
Rea Boutique Hotel, Himare, Albania
A food guide (by city) to Albania
The Best Albanian Traditional Cuisine Spots, City by City!
Long story short- a massive bunker (and many smaller ones!) were built by a communist dictator, now its art! (Tirana)
Bunk Art - All You Need To Know Before You Go - Tirana Albania
Bosnia 🇧🇦
This is a pretty unique stay in Sarajevo- but I felt I just HAD to add it
Glamping dome Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Another Mostar stay, right near the river (hello perfect view!)
Mostar is a must visit Bosnian city, and this stay is in the perfect spot
Bosnian National Monument Muslibegovic House, Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina
One of my favorite parts of Sarajevo is you can practically feel the weight of history there. This stay encapsulates that perfectly
İsa Begov Hamam Hotel, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
The food in Sarajevo is one of the best in the region in my opinion
Sarajevo: Sarajevo City Market, Old Town Food Tasting Tour
If you do no other waking tours, DO THIS ONE. The history in Sarajevo (and Bosnia in general honestly), is a really important and interesting one
Sarajevo: Grand Walking Tour
This tour is a must- Stunning Waterfalls and a monastery inside a cliff!
From Mostar: Day Trip to the Countryside of Herzegovina
Where to Eat in Sarajevo (hint: everywhere)
Best Restaurants in Sarajevo: A Foodie's Guide to the City - Into the Bold
As Ive mentioned, the history in Sarajevo is heavy- it played a major part in WW1 but also in recent history (Yugoslavian War). I recommend learning about it
Sarajevo: Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour
A bit more rural, but gorgeous and worth the visit
Apartments MLIN, Bihać, Bosnia-Herzegovina
If you want a more ‘western style’ but afforable hotel in Sarajevo I recommend that
Swissotel Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
if you go nowhere else in Sarajevo- GO HERE. I still dream about this place. It was hard to find good photos, but trust me
CAJDZINICA DZIRLO-TEA HOUSE, Sarajevo - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
A food Guide to Mostar
Food in Mostar: What food to try when you visit
Serbia 🇷🇸
A nice midrange hotel in the capital city of Belgrade
Hotel Opera Garni, Belgrade, Serbia
From Ajvar to Cevapi to Rakia- I ADORE the food in the Balkans, experience it here!
Belgrade: Street Food and Drinks Tour with 20+Tastings
The sister hotel to my Mama Shelter London recommendation- a fabulous chain of hotels!
Mama Shelter Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Novi Sad is another city I recommend in Serbia- also host of a fabulous music festival!
Hotel Pupin Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Boat cruise in Belgrade- a must!
Belgrade: Open-Boat Sunset Cruise with Live Guide
Quite possibly the most luxurious hotel in Belgrade
SAINT TEN Hotel, Small Luxury Hotels, Belgrade, Serbia
Free Walking Tour of Belgrade
BELGRADE FREE TOUR | Enjoy and discover Belgrade with locals!
Belgrade Food Guide
Foodies Guide To Belgrade — Beat The Bucket List
Romania 🇷🇴
Brasov is one of my favorite cities in Romania- this 4 star hotel has a spa and wellness center!
Kronwell Brasov Hotel, Braşov, Romania
You can't come to Romania and not visit Dracula's Castle
Bucharest: Dracula's Castle, Peleș Castle & Brașov Day Trip
If you fancy a stay in the capital city, this heritage hotel is a great luxury option
Suter Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel, Bucharest, Romania
Once again, I recommend getting out of the main cities and heading to the countryside and in Romania, thats the famous Transylvnia region
Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux, Şimon, Romania
Bike Tour of Bucharest
Bucharest: 2-Hour City Highlights Bike Tour
This stay is only 30 minutes from Dracula's Castle (aka Castle Bran)
Elexus Predeal, Predeal, Romania
Another stunning yet modern stay in Brasov
Oldern House, Braşov, Romania
I did this one :). Trust me, its better than it sounds- its in the Carpathian Mountains and is STUNNING
Transfagarasan Road Trip
Another one that is better than it sounds- the Salt Mines are incredible. A feat of engineering
From Bucharest: Slănic Prahova Salt Mine Ticket and Transfer
Timisoara is a small city- but beautiful- its worth a visit of at least a day!
Timișoara: Capture the most Photogenic Spots with a Local
Romania actually has quite a few wineries :) heres a map
Romania map of vineyards wine regions
Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo & Moldova 🥙
Is this Greece? No its Montenegro
Regent Porto Montenegro & Residences, Tivat, Montenegro
Theres lots of Montenegro recommendations on this list, but can you blame me when it looks like this?
Heritage Grand Perast By Rixos, Perast, Montenegro
The Fortress Hike in Kotor is an absolute must do
Kotor Fortress, Cetinje, Montenegro - 631 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Bulgaria Monastery Tour from Sofia
From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Group Tour
The Perfect Weekend in Lake Ohrid, Macedonia
How to Spend the Perfect 72 Hours in Ohrid, North Macedonia - Into the Bloom
Kotor is a common stop on cruise ships, but its worth staying there independently for a few days- its stunning
Hotel Casa del Mare - Amfora, Kotor, Montenegro
A gorgeous, historical and leafy stay in Moldova
Thomas Albert, Chişinău, Moldova
Blue Cave Tour from Kotor
Kotor: Bay of Kotor and Blue Cave Speedboat Tour
There are loads of …odd statues in Skopje
The Statues of Skopje
This gorgeous hotel feels like you may as well be in the Italian Riviera
One&Only Portonovi, Herceg-Novi, Montenegro
The Seven Rila lakes are a must
From Sofia: Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery Full-Day Tour
Lake Ohrid in Macedonia is my #1 recommendation for this region- and believe me, depsite the small size of the country- its a “cant miss”!
Tino Hotel & SPA, Ohrid, North Macedonia
This hotel in Kosovo is right in the center, and like many things in this region- affordable!
Hotel Sirius, Pristina, Kosovo
Boat Tour on Lake Ohrid
Ohrid: Old Town Panoramic Boat Cruise
Skopje is an interesting city….and thats all Ill say about that
DoubleTree By Hilton Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Includes Budva- a short bus ride away from Kotor :)
