Is the Balkans Worth Visiting? Best Countries and Places to See

Yes, the Balkans are worth visiting. In a small area you get the Adriatic coast of Croatia and Montenegro, Ottoman towns like Sarajevo and Mostar, lakes such as Bled and Ohrid, and some of the best-value travel in Europe. Distances are short, so in one or two weeks you can see four to six countries. The main highlights are Dubrovnik, the Bay of Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo, Lake Ohrid, Lake Bled and Plitvice.

Why are the Balkans worth visiting?

• Variety in a small area: beaches, mountains, canyons and old towns are often less than a day’s drive apart.
• History: Roman, Venetian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage, many UNESCO sites, and recent history that explains today’s Europe.
• Food: grilled meat, fresh seafood on the coast, burek, ajvar and strong coffee everywhere.
• Value: outside Dubrovnik and the peak summer coast, prices are low.
• People: travellers often say the hospitality is what they remember most.

Which Balkan countries are best to visit?

Croatia

The walled old town of Dubrovnik and Diocletian’s Palace in Split are the classic stops on the Adriatic, and Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its chain of turquoise lakes and waterfalls, is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo is the most interesting city in the region for many travellers: an Ottoman bazaar, Austro-Hungarian streets, the place where the First World War began and the story of the 1990s siege. Mostar’s Old Bridge is two and a half hours away. Read what Bosnia is famous for.

Montenegro

The Bay of Kotor is surrounded by steep mountains, with the UNESCO-listed old town of Kotor and the small baroque town of Perast with its island churches. Budva has the busiest beaches.

Slovenia

Lake Bled with its island church and castle on the cliff, the relaxed capital Ljubljana, and the Postojna cave make Slovenia a good start or end for a Balkan trip.

Albania and North Macedonia

Albania has the Ottoman “museum towns” of Berat and Gjirokastër, a colourful capital in Tirana and a fast-growing beach scene. Across the border, Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia is one of the oldest lakes in Europe, with a hillside old town and the church of St. John at Kaneo on the shore.

How many days do you need for the Balkans?

With one week you can follow a one-way route through five countries: Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Tirana, Ohrid and Skopje. Our 7-day Balkans itinerary explains every stop. With ten days you can add more time on the coast (see the 10-day Balkan itinerary), and with two weeks you can go from Slovenia all the way to North Macedonia.

Recommended tour

7-Day Balkan Tour: 5 Countries

Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia · 4-star hotels · from €1,950

View tour

For the full region, see the 15-Day Balkan Tour from Slovenia to North Macedonia or all our Balkan tours.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Balkans safe for tourists?

Yes. The main tourist areas are generally safe, with low violent crime. Use normal city precautions against pickpockets in busy places, and stay on marked paths in remote mountain areas of Bosnia.

When is the best time to visit the Balkans?

Late spring and early autumn are best: warm weather, swimmable sea from June, and fewer crowds than in July and August.

What is the cheapest Balkan country to visit?

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and North Macedonia are usually the most affordable; the Croatian coast is the most expensive in summer.

Ready to plan? Compare our Balkan tours: the 7-Day Balkan Tour through 5 countries, the 9-Day Western Balkans Tour and the 15 Days Balkan Tour.

Related articles

• 7-Day Balkans Itinerary: What to See in 5 Countries
• 10-Day Balkan Itinerary: 5 Countries
• What Is Bosnia and Herzegovina Famous For?
• Is Mostar Worth Visiting? Things to Do in Mostar