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 nine of the must visit destinations in the Balkans, following my personal experiences travelling around the Balkan region.

I have included my favourite hotels, tours, and some secret tips.

All nine destinations are affordable and rich with natural wonders and distinct cultures, making them ideal candidates for your Balkans travel itinerary.

Let’s start with my favourite Balkans highlight - Kotor Bay!

Houses in Berat in Albania — ***Beautiful Berat in Albania.***

Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.

Kotor Bay.

Famous for: Awesome cruise ship destination.

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.

If hiking is your thing, then here is a fun half day hiking tour.

The ‘Secret’ fortress entrance Kotor Bay — ***The ‘Secret’ fortress entrance.***

If cooler temperatures and a less crowded old town are your thing, then 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, with the triangular shaped ancient town being 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 rewarded with the beautiful Herceg Novi, which is home to some beautiful Montenegrin history.

Tom Henty driving speedboat in Kotor Bay Montenegro — ***Having a go of driving the speedboat was awesome.***

Kotor Bay personal recommendations:

A fun hostel - Party Hostel 4 U.

A highly rated hotel - Antika Guesthouse.

An awesome action packed tour - Bay of Kotor and Blue Cave speedboat tour.

A peaceful area of Kotor in the Balkans — ***A peaceful area of Kotor.***

Dubrovnik.

Famous for: Pearl of the Adriatic.

As one of Croatia’s 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,and one of the best places to visit in Croatia

The port city has been one of the most popular UNESCO sites in the Balkans for several decades.

Dubrovnik was the first city on my first solo trip to 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.

Must Visit cliff bar Dubrovnik Croatia — ***Enjoying a beautiful sunset at Buza Bar.***

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.

Dubrovnik personal recommendations:

An awesome hotel - Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.

A tour for you Game of Thrones fans - Full-Day Total Game of Thrones Experience.

***The beautiful private Bellevue Beach in Dubrovnik.***

Sarajevo.

Famous for: Cultural centre of the Balkans.

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 took me on a journey through the ages for sure!

Tragic history removed Sarajevo from the tourist maps in the nineties, so Bosnia & Herzegovina has been trying to rebuild its tourism ever since, and it should certainly be a must on your Balkans travel itinerary.

Similar to my favourite Bosnian city Mostar, there is an arty side developing within the city.

Having been added to the UNESCO Creative City list in 2019, Sarajevo is 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 Eternal flame should also be visited, as it is a memorial to the military and civilian victims of the Second World War.

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, therefore, 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.

This is the sort of edgy attraction which makes my travels fun!

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.

Sarajevo personal recommendations:

A beautiful hotel - Malak Regency Hotel.

A tour for history buffs - War Tour with Tunnel of Hope and Trebevic Mountain.

Souvenir-Stall-Bosnia — ***A street in Sarajevo.***

Bucharest.

Famous for: Stunning architecture and dynamic culture.

Here we have another top Balkan city!

Exploring Bucharest was a fun few days… the Romanian capital knows how to party!

Bucharest is an intriguing city to visit due to its rich blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy, which makes it a very popular destination in Romania.

If you stay in the Old Town area, also known as ‘Lipscani’, you will enjoy some very lively evenings, with many themed bars, thriving restaurants and street performers.

Bucharest is also a popular city in the Balkans due to its immaculate green spaces throughout the city.

Chilling at one of the city’s famous parks is an awesome free activity in summer months. My favourite park is Unirii Square, which is home to some iconic fountains, and it is only a short walk from the Old Town.

Street art in Bucharest in Romania — ***Street art in Bucharest.***

Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament is one of the city’s main attractions, with the colossal historical landmark being a testament to Romania’s history, culture, and ambition, symbolising both the grandeur and the complexities of its past.

The Palace of the Parliament is the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon in the U.S.A.

On our trip to the capital we rented e-scooters and rode around exploring, and it took us ages to lap the impressive building.

Palace of Parliament in Bucharest — ***Palace of Parliament.***

Transylvania.

Mystical Transylvania is another must on your Romania itinerary, with iconic castles, small charming towns, and beautiful nature.

Many international visitors head over to Transylvania on popular day tours from Bucharest, however, if you are on a longer trip, I recommend staying in Brasov.

I found autumn to be a great time to visit Transylvania, as there is something extra special about a spooky Halloween visit to the famous castles.

Bucharest personal recommendations:

A central highly rated hotel - Vilacrosse Boutique Inn.

A unique tour to Transylvania - Day Trip to Dracula Castle, Peles Castle & Brașov.

Bran Castle in Transylvania in the Balkans — ***Bran Castle in Transylvania.***

Budva.

Famous for: Medieval town with sandy beaches.

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.

best things to do in budva region graffiti art — ***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.

The Stari Grad in Budva in Montenegro in Balkans — ***The Stari Grad in Budva.***

Budva personal recommendations:

A nice hotel near the Old Town - Hotel Majestic.

A fun day in Montenegrin nature - Full-Day Tour to Lovcen National Park & More.

Belgrade.

Famous for: Vibrant nightlife.

Belgrade is a seriously old city with rich history and tradition, dating back tens of thousands years, making it one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Its rich history and tradition include fascinating periods of settlement, conquest, and cultural development.

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.

***The famous Danube river in Belgrade.***

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.

Another picturesque sight in Belgrade is the grand neo-renaissance architecture which fills the avenue style streets, which reminded of a mix of Bratislava and Bucharest.

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).

Boutique shops, restaurants and bars can also be found in abundance, making Belgrade one of the most beautiful balkan cities.

Nikola Tesla Museum.

Dedicated to the Serbian-born inventor Nikola Tesla, this museum highlights his groundbreaking contributions to science and technology, and includes original drawings, models, and personal belongings of Tesla.

This was my highlight in the Serbian capital!

Belgrade personal recommendations:

A central hotel - Central Belgrade Apartments - Belgrade Waterfront.

An interesting Serbian fortress tour - 3 Danube Fortresses Guided Day Trip.

Beautiful architecture in Belgrade in Serbia — ***Beautiful architecture in Belgrade.***

Tirana.

Famous for: Communist History.

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, as 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.

Dajti Express in Tirana in Albania — ***Dajti Express just outside of Tirana city centre.***

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 added a bit of drama and excitement to my 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.

Tirana personal recommendations:

A popular hotel - Hotel Elisa Tirana, Affiliated by Meliá.

Tick off another country with tour from Tirana - 1-Day Trip : Prishtina and Prizren from Tirana.

Bunk’Art 1 Museum in Tirana in Albania — ***Bunk’Art 1 Museum.***

Zadar.

Famous for: Sunsets and seafood.

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.

Zadar personal recommendations:

A highly-rated central hotel - City Premium Heritage.

A must island tour - Dugi Otok Island Discovery Day Trip with Snorkeling.

Mostar.

Famous for: Its Stari Most.

Visiting Mostar is one of the best things you will do as you explore the Balkan Region.

The small southern Bosnian city exudes charm, and has its fair share of turbulent history!

The city offers a perfect blend of rich history, cultural diversity, breathtaking scenery, and authentic local experiences, to make you fall in love with Bosnia.

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where Ottoman-era architecture and vibrant bazaars transport you back in time.
Marvel at the iconic Stari Most, the symbol of the city's resilience, and enjoy the turquoise waters of the Neretva River below.

Stari Most lit up at night in Mostar — ***The evening glow is special at the Stari Most.***

The Nearby Kravice falls are another must visit spot in Bosnia.

Kravice Falls are a series of stunning, 25-meter-high waterfalls that cascade into a turquoise pool of fresh water, making it the perfect place to cool down from the summer heat in the Balkan country.

The Falls are only located about 40 kilometres from Mostar, making them an easy day trip, after you have ticked off the iconic Stari Most bridge and Old Town.

Mostar personal recommendations:

A hotel with Stari Most views - Guest House Goa Mostar.

An interesting tour to some awesome waterfalls - From Mostar: Day Tour to Blagaj, Pocitelj, and Kravice.