The Balkans Holidays
Europe
While the Balkan region tends to hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons, holidays here are becoming more and more popular with all sorts of people.
Map of The Balkans
Top Places to Visit
The Balkans Holidays Guide
There are three main reasons to visit the Balkans. The majority of visitors come for summer beach holidays. The Adriatic, with its crystal clear waters and many islands, is a favourite for yachting holidays, and perfect for couples and families. On the other side of the peninsula, the Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria is the kind of place you can find discos crowded with lobster-red Northern Europeans – but it’s all good fun. In winter, there are several excellent ski resorts in Bulgaria, but intrepid winter sports enthusiasts may want to consider the Serbian slopes. Finally, the interior of the peninsula contains some of the last places in Europe where foreign tourists are relatively rare, which is great for independent travellers who want to escape the crowds. Remember to pack your sense of humour and you’ll have a great time!
Popular The Balkans Holiday Destinations
You’re not the first to visit Dubrovnik’s old town; its paving stones are worn smooth by centuries of passing traders and tourists. After you’ve done the obligatory tour of the walls, the idyllic islands of Mjlet and Korcula are just a short ferry ride away. In Bulgaria, many visitors stay in beach resorts that offer everything they need. But definitely make time for a trip to swaggering Varna, the Black Sea Coast’s capital; a melting pot for tourists from across Europe, it has an excellent park, and kids will love the dolphinarium. Nesebar, an ancient town built on an isthmus, is a tourist magnate -make sure you get there early to see it at its best.
On the Adriatic, Istria in the north is noted for fine food and wine, and Montenegro in the south has walled cities similar to those that Croatia is famous for. In between, there are few places that you wouldn’t want to visit! Split, with its alleyways running through what was once an ancient Roman palace, is a particular highlight. In Bosnia, Sarajevo is said to rival Paris for its beauty, although war has left its mark on the city, and you can visit the spot where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand triggered WWI. Inland Bulgaria has a very different vibe to the coast. Veliko Turnovo has an incredible medieval fortress that no photo will do justice to – you just have to visit for yourself. In Serbia, Belgrade has excellent nightlife – go here before more people find out. Nis has an eerily well-preserved concentration camps and a gruesome Tower of Skulls, but don’t let that put you off!
