Seven must visit destinations in the Balkan region in 2024.
I finally climbed to the top of the fortress in Kotor after an hour hiking a steep ascent in 34 degrees heat.
The view was definitely worth it! The secret route we took provided the best views of Kotor Bay, and it became clear, why the charming town is a must visit Destination in the Balkans.
History, Culture, Architecture - The Balkan region has it all.
Although criminally underrated compared to other notable European destinations, with every town and city in the region having its own story and unique charm.
This blog recommends seven of the must visit destinations in the Balkans in 2024, following my personal experiences travelling around the Balkan region and will have secret tips, along with the best free activities.
All seven destinations are affordable and rich with natural wonders and distinct cultures.
Kotor Bay.
Famous for: Awesome cruise ship destination.
Kotor bay view from the fortress in Montenegro.
Kotor Bay is my favourite Balkans destination, and one of the Best places to visit in Montenegro, as the charming coastal town offers all sorts of activities throughout its bay beaches, mountainous terrain and its fabulous old town.
Kotor cruise port is also a popular stop in the cruise itineraries.
My personal highlight in Kotor is The fortress hike, as it offers unbelievable views of the Bay!
We took the secret way up the mountain to add an element of adventure to our day. This is free, however, you need to have adequate fitness levels and to carry plenty of water.
The ‘Secret’ fortress entrance.
If cooler temperatures and a less crowded old town are your thing than May, June and September would be the best time to visit Kotor Bay. The cute narrow alleys in Kotor’s famous old town can get very busy in peak tourism, especially when a cruise ship is in the port!
The vibrant nightlife can be one the best things to do in Kotor Bay. The triangular shaped ancient town is packed full of lively restaurants and bars. The bar crawl with my fellow guests from the Montenegro Party Hostel was a personal highlight of my trip.
One of the best sunset spots in Kotor Bay is from cruising on the bay. Paddle boarding is an option for the more adventurous visitors, however I opted for a private speed boat tour, which ticked every box for a unique travel experience.
If you head along the bay, you will also be reward with the beautiful Herceg Novi, which is home to some beautiful Montenegrin history.
Having a go of driving the speedboat was awesome.
Dubrovnik.
Famous for: Pearl of the Adriatic.
Dubrovnik Old Town at night, Croatia.
As one of the Mediterranean biggest draws, ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’ is an ancient hotspot for visitors - full of history, culture and natural beauty. From the rocky shores to the mountainous terrain, which is covered in orange terracotta roofs and greenery,
Dubrovnik is certainly full of character. The port city has been listed as an UNESCO world heritage site for several decades.
Dubrovnik was the first city on my first solo backpacking adventure of the Balkans, so it will always have a place in my heart.
Visitors are spoiled for choice for activities in Dubrovnik, with Island hopping across the Elaphiti Island being one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. Take a cruise and bask in the scorching European sun with a glass of wine or ice-cold beer. Another must visit in Dubrovnik is the cable car which takes visitors up Mount SRD for unbeatable views of the walled city that are a camera’s delight. I took the cable car journey at sunset and had awesome panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
We took a free walking tour of the Old Town to learn some more knowledge about Dubrovnik. Although there was a lot to absorb due to the abundance of history, we had a cool couple of hours in the sun. The ending point of the tour just happened to be next to an absolute gem of a kebab shop. The ‘Kebab Factory’ was cheap and tasty.
My top recommendation is the local Buza bar which is hidden within the old city walls. It is the ideal spot to enjoy spectacular sunsets.
This was certainly a highlight of my time in the Old City.
Practical information:
Buza Bar - Mon - Sat - 8am - 12am.
Cable car - Daily 9am - 9pm. (€27/€15).
Walls tour - Daily 8am - 7.30pm. (€35/€15).
Enjoying a beautiful sunset at Buza Bar.
The beautiful private Bellevue Beach in Dubrovnik.
Sarajevo.
Famous for: Cultural centre of the Balkans.
The City Hall in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Famous for its turbulent history and situated in a large valley 518m above sea level, Sarajevo’s lively city with plenty of things to do for visitors of all types. Exploring the Bosnian capital takes you on a journey through the ages. Tragic history removed Sarajevo from the tourist maps in the nineties, so Bosnia & Herzegovina has been trying to rebuild its tourism ever since. Like the other famous Bosnian town Mostar, there is an arty side developing within the city. Having been added to the UNESCO Creative City list in 2019, Sarajevo is certainly now flourishing and one of the best places to visit in the Balkan region.
The perfect Sarajevo itinerary includes learning about the fascinating (although tragic) history at the several war museums across the capital. A trip to the war tunnels also gives a deeper understanding to exactly what happened in the city in the recent past. The yellow fortress lies a few minutes walk from the old town, and is the perfect vantage point for one of the best views of Sarajevo. Heading to the great sunset spot also offers some good exercise opportunities during a trip that is definitely going to include some fine dining in some of Sarajevo’s charming restaurants. You will find local cuisine and a multitude of International options in the famous capital, so make sure you try some Bosnian delicacies, as it is one of the best things to do in Sarajevo.
Similar to its Balkan neighbours, the climate in Sarajevo has a Mediterranean climate which consists of warm summers but chilly winters. The months of May and September are the months which offer nice average daily highs and warm evenings, meaning this is the best time to visit the Bosnian capital.
A hidden gem in Sarajevo is the Abandoned Bobsled Track, which is home to some beautiful street art.
The site was formerly used for the 1984 winter Olympics. Although it is now derelict, it offers a break from the city and a beautiful setting for a walk in the forest.
You need to take the ‘Trebević’ cable car up to the top of Mount Trebević.
You can find the cable car station close to the Sarajevo city hall
Budva.
Famous for: Medieval town with sandy beaches.
Sveti Stefan Island in Budva, Montenegro.
Along the Montenegrin coastline, facing the Adriatic sea lies Budva - a historical walled city, dominated by exemplary architecture and beautiful terrain. The city dates back over three thousand years, which also gives it a medieval feel.
Budva is a popular choice of beach resort in the Balkans.
Chilling at one of the Riviera’s dozens of sun soaked beaches is definitely one of the top things to do in Budva, especially, if you are wanting a good dose of vitamin D and a bronzed Adriatic tan.
Chilling with harbour views is one of the best things to do in the Budva region.
For a more historical day spent in Budva, the first place to visit should be the Stari Grad (Old Town).
Take the narrow cobbled streets for an enchanted walk into Budva’s history. The large array of restaurants, cafes and bars within the Stari Grad provides some great options for lunch, dinner or a small break for a nice cold beer or glass of wine.
The quaint setting certainly offers a unique Balkan experience, although it does share some similarities with Kotor and Dubrovnik’s old town.
I found exploring the Stari Grad to be one of the best things to do in the Budva region.
Some quirky graffiti art in a tunnel in Budva.
Sveti Stefan Island should be on your Budva itinerary as it offers a picturesque setting, with an awesome backdrop for some sunbathing on the opposite beach.
Dating back to the fifteenth century when the island was built and fortified, it has its fair share of history. It is now an exclusive hotel, so can be difficult to access.
If you are an active adventure seeker like myself, then Budva is a cycling hotspot with many tunnels, parks and beach paths to cycle along.
Renting a bike and cycling from the Stari Grad to Sveti Stefan Island cannot be recommended enough.
Belgrade.
Famous for: Vibrant nightlife.
Belgrade at wintertime in Serbia.
Belgrade is a seriously old city with rich history and tradition, dating back tens of thousands years. But, despite all of this, it’s the bright future which it chooses to focus on. The cosmopolitan nightlife is pulsating throughout the vibrant Serbian metropolis. The Sava riverfront is full of packed bars and clubs - so grab a shot of rakija and see if you can keep up with the famous Belgrade partygoers.
The Belgrade Fortress is one of the best things to do in the Serbian capital. The Roman times fortress is free to wander and ideal for you to take a step back in time at the historical hub. If viewing spectacular scenery is top of your trip agenda, then the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers is a must see in Belgrade, and the fortress gives the perfect spot as it overlooks this rare natural phenomenon. Grab a spot on the citadel walls for a picnic and make the most of the perfect sunset spot in Belgrade.
Another picturesque sight in Belgrade is the grand neo-renaissance architecture which fills the avenue style streets. A multitude of cultures blend together in the Serbian capital as it adapts and tries to shake off the dark side of its history. In true Balkan style, the streets of Belgrade are filled with cafes with outdoor seating for the summer months, (which is the best time to visit Serbia). Boutiques, restaurants and bars can also be found in abundance, making Belgrade one of the most beautiful balkan cities.
Tirana.
Famous for: Communist History.
The Namazgah Mosque in Tirana, Albania.
Full of culture, history and intrigue. Albania certainly draws in plenty of interest. If you want a feel of the recent history of Albania and its communist regime, then Tirana is the perfect place. There are reminders throughout the city with its formerly secret bunkers, war museums and proud people. A walk through Skanderbeg square is an unmissable thing to do in Tirana. This will give you the opportunity to experience east vs west, through the mosques and churches which sit side by side, a common theme throughout a city which was once banned from religion. Statues are also very prevalent in Skanderbeg square creating an iconic location for the Albanian people.
Taking the Dajti express up Mount Dajti is the best thing to do in Albania, so it should be first on your Tirana itinerary. Making your way 800 meters up the mountain by gondola certainly adds a bit of drama and excitement to your day out in Tirana. After your trip on the longest cable car in the Balkan region, you are rewarded with fantastic birds-eye views of the Albanian capital. Trekking, skiing and downhill mountain biking are just some of the activities that can be undertaken in and around Mount Dajti; depending on which time of year you visit!
The best time to visit Albania is during the summer months, where sunlight is at its longest. Although same days can get very hot on summer days, so it make sure plan any demanding activities/walking tours around the weather forecast. As it is yet to follow Schengen inflation, you are guaranteed a bargain, whichever corner you turn in Tirana.
Zadar.
Famous for: Sunsets and seafood.
Sunset in Zadar, Croatia
If you are looking for a summer getaway, then look no further than Zadar in Croatia - One of the most underrated beautiful places in Europe. Zadar is abundant with cultural heritage and ancient history, and its coastal setting makes it a local transport hub to many islands, natural wonders and cities nearby. The summer months are the best time to visit Zadar, if you want to make the most of the glorious sunshine and hot European summer.
Climbing the Belltower in the old town is one of the best things to do in Zadar, offering impressive views of the old town, nearby harbour the Adriatic Sea. To complete your day in the old town, visit one of the many modern cosmopolitan coffee shops or elaborate restaurants, which provide everything the present-day visitor needs to chill out and immerse in the Croatian culture.
Zadar is one of the most beautiful balkan cities.
One of Zadar’s main attractions is its sea organ located on the seafront. The contemporary architectural art object plays music by the sea waves crashing against the marble steps underneath the sea. This is undeniably the best spot in Zadar for a sunset. Since its public unveiling in 2005, Zadar has seen a steady increase in tourism which fits seamlessly alongside the dynamic everyday cultural life.
Zadar is also close to some natural beauty spots such as Krka River National Park, which make for a great day trip.
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