Incredible natural phenomena, vineyards as far as the eye can see and some of the craziest Guinness records: these are the Balkans.
Much of what most people know about the geographic region of the Balkans does not really extend beyond Croatia. Why is that? Untouched nature, almost deserted beaches, low prices and friendly, welcoming people are just some of the reasons why Southeast Europe should be flooded with tourists.
In total, twelve countries belong to the Balkans. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the often-forgotten treasures and tell you why these hidden gems should be at the top of your to-do list.
Montenegro’s topography has something for everyone
Despite its compact size, the topography of Montenegro is impressively diverse. From miles of coastline with turquoise blue waters to mountains that only experienced hikers climb, to powerful waterfalls, there’s everything within a reasonable distance.
An hour’s walk from the modern town of Bar is the 1000-year-old Byzantine town of Stari Bar. Since the 1979 earthquake, most of the city has not been rebuilt. Many buildings are unroofed, the great Ottoman baths lie abandoned and the city walls lie in ruins, providing a fascinating snapshot of the past.
On one of the highest peaks in the Lovcen National Park and a little away from the tourist trails are the remains of the famous Montenegrin poet, philosopher and literary symbol Petar II. Petrović-Njegoš, preserved in a stone mausoleum.
From Lovcén towards Kotor, you will pass not only countless serpentines but also magnificent viewpoints that reveal breathtaking views of the Kotor coast. Half a day should be dedicated to exploring the UNESCO-protected old town. The best time is after 4 p.m., when all the cruise tourists have already disappeared, Kotor is almost empty and the evening sun shines on it. The atmosphere is somewhat mystical. If these old city walls could talk, I bet the stories they would tell would be fascinating.
In the footsteps of Pippi Longstocking
Mainly known as “Montenegrin Miami” because of its lively bars and beach clubs, the town of Budva actually served as a filming location for “Pippi Longstocking” and “The Strangers of Uskoken Castle.”
But impressive coastlines aren’t all there is to Montenegro. Head to the country’s less-traveled eastern interior to discover mountain ranges, freshwater lakes and dense forests. Lake Skadar, which borders Albania, is a sight that hurts the eyes. Nestled between sandy shores, wildlife and a few historic villages, it is known for its unspoilt beauty.
Romanian Parliament breaks Guinness World Record
Best known for its wacky vampire attractions, Romania is much more than Transylvania and the myths of Dracula. The amount of history and world heritage sites will make any seasoned traveler’s head spin.
Nicknamed “Paris of the East”, the Romanian capital lives up to its name. The architectural landscape of Bucharest and HaussmannianThe French-inspired buildings exude a French touch.
The Romanian Parliament, for example, is at least as imposing as any Parisian building. As the second largest administrative building in the world, second only to the Pentagon, it is 240 meters long and 86 meters high. It is also the heaviest building in the world according to Guinness World Records. It contains 3,500 tons of crystal, 480 chandeliers, 1,409 ceiling lights and 700,000 tons of steel and bronze for the doors alone.
Instagrammable bookstores
Cărturești Carusel, the most beautiful bookstore in Bucharest, attracts book lovers and influencers alike. You can either buy 10,000+ books, take wonderfully kitschy Instagram photos, or both.
Romania also has some incredible beach towns. Located on the shores of the Black Sea, Constanța is a popular vacation destination for locals and tourists from neighboring countries.
Right by the sea there is an old abandoned casino and an abandoned synagogue. While the exterior structure is still somewhat standing, the interior is in ruins with weeds and plants growing through the bricks. It’s an impressive spectacle not to be missed.
Albania is the Caribbean of Europe
Certainly, Albania is not a classic vacation destination. However, in recent years the popularity of this small country located in the north of Greece has increased. And rightly so. The Albanian Riviera can easily compete with larger European destinations such as the south of France or Italy.
The Ionian Sea, an elongated bay in the Mediterranean, stretches from Greece to Albania and reminds many travelers of the Caribbean. Turquoise water and strips of white sand are omnipresent. And the best? You will have them almost entirely to yourself.
Part of Butrint National Park, the four rocky islets of Ksamil in the far south of the country are a must-visit for all beach lovers. Even during peak season, from June to August, the beach is relatively empty.
A half-hour drive from Ksamil, it is a natural phenomenon not to be missed. The Blue Eye is a water source located in a basin more than 50 meters deep. You will be able to see straight to the bottom. It’s fascinating.
Cities with a thousand things
Also known as the City of a Thousand Windows due to its decor of white Ottoman-era houses and large windows, Berat is a hilltop town located on the Osum River. The city center includes Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the castle district, now inhabited by townspeople.
While Berat is nicknamed the city of a thousand windows, Gjirokastra is the city of a thousand steps. No matter where you turn, the narrow cobblestone streets take you up or down. This charming hillside town attracts visitors for its Ottoman-era houses and views of the Drina Valley.
Visiting Albania and bypassing the capital Tirana is impossible. Tirana may not necessarily convince at first glance, but it has an ancient charm and many cultural highlights. On Skanderbeg Square, for example, there is the famous Et’hem Bey Mosque with the Tirana Clock Tower.
Bulgaria’s historic Roman towns will transport you back in time
Bulgaria is one of those countries that is easily overlooked as an interesting travel destination. The natural scenery alone will keep adventurers happy and occupied for a while and the capital Sofia is ideal for a weekend getaway.
The best way to get to know Sofia is to walk. The city free walking tour is actually free and will introduce you to the city center with more than 20 important tourist sites. Including Vitosha Boulevard, the imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Sofia University, where the Cyrillic alphabet was invented.
Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, is just two hours from Sofia. Named European Capital of Culture 2019, Plovdiv is the oldest inhabited city in Europe and one of the oldest in the world. It is known for its historic center with its cobbled streets and impressive old merchant houses as well as its Roman amphitheater.
Another historic town is Veliko Tarnovo, which is less known. It was the temporary capital of the country after its liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878. Besides the historic old town, the most important monument is the medieval Tsarevets Castle.
Home to 30,000 bats
Climbers and hikers will enjoy the Bulgarian countryside. THE Seven Rila Lakes in Rila National Park are one of the most beautiful and unspoilt destinations in Bulgaria. Situated 2,500 meters above sea level and stacked on top of each other, the lakes are connected by small streams that create tiny waterfalls and waterfalls between them. Each lake has its own name based on its characteristics.
The small town of Belogradtschik, located in the northwest of Bulgaria, has an impressive natural landscape. The Belogradtschik Fortress, still unknown to tourists, dates back to the 1st century and Roman times.
If you are not afraid of bats, you should explore the Devetashka cave. Apparently the cave was inhabited by humans more than 70,000 years ago. Today it is home to more than 30,000 bats. The dimensions of the cave only become apparent as one moves deeper into it.
Moldova is one of the leading wine-producing nations in Europe
Having only received around 160,000 visitors in 2018, Moldova is the least visited country in Europe. There are several reasons why this small country is not very popular with tourists. Landlocked between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is often overlooked or simply forgotten. The collapse of the Soviet Union hit the country very hard. The economy stagnated and tourism never really took off.
Excellent air and wine quality
Moldova may not be an industrial hub, but it certainly is one for wine. The country’s main GDP is agriculture, more specifically viticulture. There are 142 wineries across the country and Moldovan vineyards represent more than two percent of the world’s vineyards. No wonder: the biggest tourist attraction in the country is a wine cellar.
Milestii Mici has the largest collection of wines in the world. So big in fact that it made it into the Guinness World Records. Nearly two million bottles of wine are stored in a 200 kilometers long underground tunnel.
Surprisingly, there are no national parks in Moldova, because there is no need for them. As the country is far from an industrial nation, the incredible natural landscape remains mostly preserved. This is also reflected in the excellent air quality. According to a study carried out in 2018 by the University of LeedsMoldova is the only country in Europe whose development is carried out within ecological limits.
Most of these countries are within a few hours of reach of most Europeans and yet remain off the beaten track.
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