A Guide to the Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, and Slovenia
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The Balkan States, or just the Balkans is such a unique region for traveling. What started off as Yugoslavia, through large scale conflicts, has now splintered into a variety of different countries with subtle differences in language, cultural, and customs. The name comes from the Balkan Mountains that can be seen in Bulgaria.
What defines the Balkan countries is also a topic up for debate. Some define it based on:
Geography - location with respect to the Balkan Mountains
Geopolitics - countries that were borne out of existence from Yugoslavia.
For those geography purists, using the term βBalkan Peninsulaβ is a bit of a misnomer as the natural borders of the Balkans do not necessary coincide to the textbook definition of a peninsula. Therefore some people also refer to the Balkans simply as βSoutheast Europeβ.
Nonetheless, there is no universal agreement on which countries are classified as Balkan. It can be said that the countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, European Turkey, and a large part of Croatia and Serbia can be considered Balkan, while some people also include Romania and Slovenia.
For the purposes of this blog post, I will outline all the countries above and have provided blog posts for my experience in each country and the cities I have seen within them. I definitely hope to return to this region someday and when I do so, you can be sure that I will update this post with my newest destinations.
Check out my drone video of Albania below!
ALBANIA
Tirana
(See Blog Post - What to see in the Albanian Capital of Tirana)
Tirana is the capital city of Albania, founded in 1614, and has been inhabited since the Iron Age. It was part of the Roman Empire, and subsequent Byzantine Empire, and is today considered a Gamma World city. The city is fast growing and displays both traditional and modern influences. Notable landmarks include the Pyramid of Tirana, Archaea Tower, Bunk'Art Museum, and the Namazgah Mosque.
ShkodΓ«r
(See Blog Post - What To See in ShkodΓ«r, Albania)
ShkodΓ«r, regarded as the traditional capital of Northern Albania, is the 5th largest city of the country. It was created as the Capital of the Illyrian kingdom under the name Skodra. The history of ShkodΓ«r is storied, with origins in the Bronze Age coupled with Roman, Serbian, and Ottoman influences. Notable sights to see include Rozafa/ShkodΓ«r Castle and the Ebu BekΓ«r Mosque.
Theth
(See Blog Post - Do not miss seeing Theth in Albania)
Theth is a small village in Northern Albania, located two hours from the large city of ShkodΓ«r. Home to the Theth National Park, Theth itself is classified as a protected historical center. A few of the main attractions of Theth that can't be missed include the Blue Eye of Theth, the Grunas Waterfall, and the Catholic Church of Theth.
Berat
(See Blog Post - A Journey to the UNESCO Historical Center of Berat, Albania)
Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the South of Albania. Due to its existence across many times and civilizations, the city comprises many unique styles of architecture and influences. Its origins date back to the 7th century BC. it is often called the 'Town of a Thousand Windows' with notable landmarks such as Berat Castle, Gorica Bridge, and St. Michael's Church.
VlorΓ«
Founded as an ancient Greek colony, VlorΓ« is located on the western coast of Albania along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The city served as the center of the Albanian Independence movement in 1912 and is noted for its beach coastline and excellent weather.
Borsh
(See Blog Post - Check Out the Beach town of Borsh, Albania)
Borsh is a small seaside village on the West coast of Southern Albania. Known for its olive oil production, it has become more prominent for tourism due to its pristine beach, the largest in the Ionian sea. The town will only become more prominent as tourist-related businesses start to invest in local infrastructure. The Lab dialect of Albanian is typically spoken by locals in the area.
Gjirokaster
(See Blog Post - A Journey to the UNESCO Historical Center of GjirokastΓ«r, Albania)
Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the South of Albania. It's name in Medieval Greek translates to 'Silver Castle'. The city's record dates it back to 1336, when it was part of the Byzantine Empire. It is the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the former communist leader. Above the city sits Gjirokaster Fortress and its old town has been recognized for its intact Ottoman influences.
If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of landscapes, including the Balkans, available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames and Wooden-Frames).
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Mostar
(See Blog Post - Why the Stari Most bridge makes Mostar, Bosnia worth seeing)
Mostar is quietly becoming a more popular destination in the Balkan Peninsula. Perhaps what is most striking is the iconic Stari Most bridge. Book a day tour and you can also see other landmarks like the Millennium Cross on Hum Hill, the Dervish Monastery at Blagaj Tekke, the village of Pocitelj, and the Kravica waterfalls.
BULGARIA
Sofia
(See Blog Post - Just a few reasons why you should see Sofia, Bulgaria)
Sofia in Bulgaria possesses a treasure trove of churches, cultural monuments, and even ruins of the ancient Roman city of Serdica. Take a weekend break to check out places like Vitosha Blvd, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, Church of Sveti Sedmochislenitsi, The Largo, Sofia History Museum, and St. Kyriaki Cathedral Church (among other places).
CROATIA
Dubrovnik
(See Blog Post - A Guide to the Walled City of Dubrovnik)
Dubrovnik is quickly becoming one of the best summer destinations in all of Europe. This walled city with orange-shingled rooftops may be recognizable from TV shows but here you can also go kayaking around the walls at Kolorina, go hiking on Srd Hill, swim at Poporela, go shopping on Stradun St., and hang out with new friends on the Jesuit Staircase.
GREECE
Athens
(See Blog Post - What to see in the Greek capital city of Athens)
Athens is one of the world's oldest cities and is the capital city of Greece. As a historical center for the arts, learning, and philosophy and current economic center in the Aegean, it is considered a Beta-status Global city. It is also known for its natural treasures and artefacts from the Classical Era. These includes the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Hephaistos.
MONTENEGRO
Budva
(See Blog Post - A Day in the Coastal Town of Budva, Montenegro)
The picturesque town of Budva in Montenegro sits on the Adriatic Sea and is around 2,500 years old. Its high city walls and orange rooftops make it a welcome sight for travelers looking for an old town feel. Make your way to Budva and check out places like the Citadela Fortress, Sveti Nikola Island, Jaz Battery, Fort Mogren and Pizana and Mogren Beaches!
Kotor
(See Blog Post - Start your Balkan adventure by exploring Kotor, Montenegro)
Kotor is known for its fortified city walls, nestled in a river canyon below limestone cliffs. This city in Montenegro has become a popular destination in recent years and is worth the trip! Be sure to head on over this way to check out Kotor sights like Forts Ε kaljari, Trojica, Gorazda, and Ε anik, San Giovanni Castle, and Church of Our Lady of Remedy and St. Nicholas Church, just to name a few.
SLOVENIA
Ljubljana
(See Blog Post - Why Ljubljana, Slovenia is such a wonderful country capital)
The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is small with a population of just above a quarter million. But the city boasts a plethora of sights which include Ljubljana Castle and Cathedral, Triple Bridge, Metelkova Art Center, Republic and Congress Square, Cerkev Marijinega Oznanjenja, and Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, as well as plentiful green spaces like Tivoli Park!
Ptuj
(See Blog Post - Check out the small Slovenia town of Ptuj)
Ptuj is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia with origins dating back to the Stone Age. Developed from a Roman fort, this small town of just thousands of people is a nice detour on your trip through Slovenia. Take half a day to check out the Ptuj Castle and St. George's Church while walking through the charming old town and along the riverside.
Maribor
(See Blog Post - Take a trip to the wine region of Maribor, Slovenia)
As the 2nd largest city in Slovenia, Maribor is considered the cultural center of the country. Crowned the European Co-Capital of Culture of 2012, this history possesses some incredible landmarks built in the Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Be sure to check out Maribor Castle, Vodni Stolp, Mestni Park, Grajski Square, Old Town, and the Basilica of Our Mother of Mercy.
Bled
(See Blog Post - Why Bled is the best city in Slovenia to visit)
There's a reason why people think Bled is the best city to see in Slovenia. Centered around a gorgeous lake, the crown jewel has to be the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria. Other great places to see include Bled Castle, St. Martina Parish Church, the Heart of Bled, and the viewpoints at Velika, Mala, and Ojstrica (perfect for sunrise).
Triglav National Park
(See Blog Post - The best places to see in Triglav National Park in Slovenia)
Triglav is the highest mountain in Slovenia and the tallest peak in the Julian Alps. As such, it is the centerpiece (and namesake) of Slovenia's only national park. This park is vast and full of natural wonders, my favorites being Tolmin Gorges, Lake Bohinj, Slap (waterfall) Pericnik, Vintgar and Great SoΔa Gorges, Fort KluΕΎe, the Russian Chapel, and Slap Virje, among many others!
Piran
(See Blog Post - Why Piran is a hidden gem in Slovenia)
This small town sits on a peninsula on Slovenia's Adriatic coast. The orange-shingled rooftops evoke impressions from Dubrovnik and other Balkan sea towns. Piran is one big old town with medieval city walls, a city square, a church and bell tower (Zvonik Campanile Bell Tower), and plenty of restaurants and cafes lining the streets. It is a must see stop anything you're in this part of the world.
Slovenia Road Trip
(See Blog Post - The EPIC Slovenia Road Trip)
Slovenia is a country that is perfect for a road trip. It's not too large, plenty of small cities to visit, and a gorgeous national park with a plethora of gorges and waterfalls for hiking and other outdoor sports. This is a road trip guide on seeing the Slovenian cities of Ljubljana, Ptuj, Maribor, Piran, Bled, Triglav National Park, and some other stops along the way.
