26 best places to visit in the Balkans

Are you looking for the best places to visit in the Balkans?

You’ve found them!

I’ve been coming here for years—wandering through fortress towns, swimming in glacier-fed lakes, and finding the best local spots for coffee (because trust me, Balkan coffee culture is next level).

Whether it’s your first time here or you’re already hooked, these are the most special places in the region.

Let’s dive in.

The best places to visit in the Balkans

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik isn’t called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” for nothing.

Walk the city walls for unreal sea views, wander the Old Town’s medieval streets, and step inside the Rector’s Palace or Sponza Palace for a peek into the city’s aristocratic past.

2. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo is where East meets West—literally.

Ottoman bazaars sit next to Austro-Hungarian architecture, and history runs deep. Stroll through Baščaršija Market, stand on the Latin Bridge (yes, that one from 1914), and visit the War Tunnel Museum for a powerful glimpse into the city’s past.

3. Kotor, Montenegro

Tucked into the Bay of Kotor, this medieval stunner is all about winding alleys, stone fortifications, and jaw-dropping views.

Climb to the Fortress of Saint John for a panorama you won’t forget, then check out Kotor’s Cathedral of Saint Tryphon—a Romanesque masterpiece.

4. Gjirokastër, Albania

Gjirokastër is a fortress town with serious character. Known as the “City of Stone,” its Ottoman-style houses and slate roofs make it feel frozen in time.

Head up to the Gjirokastër Fortress for a deep dive into history (and a killer view of the valley below).

5. Berat, Albania

If fairy tales had Ottoman-style towns, they’d look like Berat. Dubbed the “City of a Thousand Windows,” its white-washed houses cascade down the hills, each one staring back at you with its perfectly aligned wooden windows.

Stroll through Mangalem and Gorica, cross the Ottoman bridge, and don’t miss the Berat Castle, where locals still live inside its ancient walls.

6. Pristina, Kosovo

Welcome to Europe’s youngest capital, where coffee culture thrives, history is complex, and the streets buzz with a raw, unfiltered energy.

The Newborn Monument is a must-see, shifting with each year to reflect Kosovo’s evolving identity. Step inside the Imperial Mosque, one of the city’s oldest, then do a double take at the National Library, a Brutalist wonder (or eyesore, depending on who you ask).

7. Ohrid, North Macedonia

Ohrid is a dream.

One of Europe’s oldest lakes meets a town drenched in history, where Byzantine churches dot the hills and cobbled alleys wind down to the water’s edge.

The postcard shot? Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff over the lake, glowing golden at sunset. Hike up to Samuel’s Fortress for sweeping views, and if you’re feeling extra historical, explore the ancient theater, which dates back to Hellenistic times.

8. Thessaloniki, Greece

Athens might steal the spotlight, but Thessaloniki is where Greece’s past and present blend seamlessly. Byzantine walls, Ottoman hammams, and neoclassical mansions all share space with hip cafés and waterfront bars.

9. Belgrade, Serbia

There’s something about Belgrade—it’s gritty, it’s historic, and it’s got a nightlife scene that doesn’t quit. The city unfolds at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, with the Belgrade Fortress towering above.

Wander through Kalemegdan Park, lose yourself in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, then fuel up at a kafana before heading to Knez Mihailova, the city’s buzzing pedestrian street.

10. Skopje, North Macedonia

Skopje is like stepping into a history book—except someone’s thrown in a few extra chapters just for fun.

The city is an eclectic mash-up of Ottoman bazaars, massive neoclassical monuments, and quirky Brutalist buildings, all competing for attention. Walk across the Stone Bridge, get lost in the Old Bazaar, and pop into the Mother Teresa Memorial House to honor one of the city’s most famous figures.

Skopje is equal parts chaotic and fascinating—and that’s exactly what makes it worth a visit.

11. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Mostar is a town of contrasts—Ottoman beauty meets the scars of war, and history flows as deeply as the Neretva River.

The star attraction? Stari Most (Old Bridge), an elegant 16th-century arch that’s been rebuilt after the war and still hosts daring local divers.

Wander the cobbled alleys of Kujundžiluk, sip Bosnian coffee by the river, and visit the Museum of War and Genocide Victims for a sobering but important look at Bosnia’s past.

12. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is Slovenia’s tiny-but-mighty capital, where dragons guard the bridges, and café culture rules.

Stroll along the Ljubljanica River, cross the Dragon Bridge, and ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for city views. The whole place feels like a storybook—except with a lot more bicycles and an eco-conscious vibe.

13. Göreme, Turkey

Picture this: sunrise, a sky filled with hot air balloons, and a landscape that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. That’s Göreme, the heart of Cappadocia.

This place is all about the fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and underground cities that once sheltered early Christians. Hike through Love Valley, explore Göreme Open-Air Museum, and—if you’re up for a splurge—take that once-in-a-lifetime balloon ride over the surreal terrain.

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14. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is the definition of postcard perfect.

Picture a shimmering blue lake, a medieval castle perched on a cliff, and Bled Island sitting right in the middle—reachable only by a traditional pletna boat.

Hike up to Ojstrica Viewpoint for that iconic panoramic shot, or if you’re feeling fancy, grab a slice of Bled Cream Cake while soaking up the lakeside views.

15. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice is one of those places that looks almost too perfect in photos—but it is stunning in real life.

The 16 lakes shift between shades of turquoise and deep green, linked by waterfalls that range from delicate trickles to roaring torrents. The Veliki Slap, the tallest waterfall, is impressive, but my favorite part? The boardwalks winding over the water, making you feel like you’re walking on the lakes themselves.

Heads up: it gets crowded in summer. Go early or visit in the off-season if you actually want to enjoy the peacefulness.

Read next:

• 7 best Plitvice Lakes tours from Zagreb
• 3 best Plitvice Lakes tours from Split

16. Lovćen, Montenegro

Driving up to Lovćen National Park is an experience in itself—expect tight mountain roads and jaw-dropping switchback views over the Bay of Kotor.

At the top, the Njegoš Mausoleum is worth the climb, both for the history (Njegoš was one of Montenegro’s most famous poets and rulers) and for the 360-degree mountain-and-sea panorama.

The park itself? Rugged, rocky, and full of hiking trails, but it’s not the lush greenery you might expect—Montenegro’s landscapes shift between dramatic and sparse, and this is definitely the latter.

17. Postojna Cave, Slovenia

I’ve seen a lot of caves, but Postojna is something else. First, you hop on a little underground train (yes, an actual train) that winds through vast limestone caverns before dropping you into a network of eerie, cathedral-sized chambers.

The stalactites and stalagmites are otherworldly, and the way they’re lit makes it feel almost theatrical. Right nearby is Predjama Castle, built into a cliffside cave—it looks like something out of a fantasy novel, but it’s a real fortress with centuries of history.

18. Bovec, Slovenia

Bovec is Slovenia’s adventure playground.

The Soča River is ridiculously blue—almost unnaturally so—and it’s the backdrop for all kinds of adrenaline-fueled fun: whitewater rafting, canyoning, zip-lining. I went rafting here, and it was a mix of exhilarating and freezing (even in summer, the water is glacial).

If you’re more into hiking, the Julian Alps surround Bovec with trails that lead to waterfalls and hidden valleys. Definitely one of the most scenic spots in Slovenia.

Read next: Vrsic Pass Slovenia – The ONLY guide you need

19. Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces look like snow, but they’re actually mineral-rich deposits from thermal waters.

The pools are shallow and warm, and yes, they make for incredible photos, but the real magic is in Hierapolis, the ancient city ruins just above. Walking through the old stone streets and soaking in the thermal pools where Romans once bathed feels surreal.

Just don’t expect to have the place to yourself—this spot is super popular, and you’ll be sharing it with a crowd.

Read next: Is Pamukkale worth visiting? Everything you should know

20. Hvar Island, Croatia

Hvar has a reputation as a party island, and yeah, if you stick to Hvar Town in summer, that’s pretty much what you’ll get—yachts, beach clubs, and overpriced cocktails. But beyond that? The island is stunning.

Stari Grad is quieter and more charming, the lavender fields in summer are unreal, and the Pakleni Islands (a short boat ride away) have some of the most secluded, crystal-clear swimming spots.

If you visit in the off-season, Hvar feels completely different—way more local, way more peaceful.

21. Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj is what people think Venice will be like—minus the canals, plus a much more relaxed vibe.

The town is compact, colorful, and ridiculously photogenic, with St. Euphemia’s Church perched at the top. My favorite thing here is getting lost in the maze of narrow streets and finding hidden cafés.

And the sunsets? Unreal. Grab a spot on the rocks by the water with a drink and watch the sky turn pink over the Adriatic. Just be prepared for crowds in peak season—it’s no longer the hidden gem it once was.

22. Perast, Montenegro

Perast is tiny. Like, really tiny—basically one street lined with old stone buildings, a few churches, and a whole lot of ridiculously good views.

The vibe is calm, slow, and the complete opposite of Kotor, which can feel like a cruise ship parking lot in peak season. Take a boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made islet with a church that’s packed with local legends (plus, it’s just a fun excuse to be on the water).

If you’re lucky, you’ll get Perast on a quiet day—when it feels like it exists in its own little time bubble.

23. Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Blagaj is one of those places that just feels different.

Maybe it’s the way the Blagaj Tekija, a 600-year-old Dervish monastery, is wedged right into the cliffside, or maybe it’s the fact that the Buna River spring—one of the strongest karst springs in Europe—flows right out of a cave beneath it.

Either way, it’s peaceful, beautiful, and totally worth a visit.

24. Ksamil, Albania

Ksamil is Albania’s answer to the Maldives—or at least, that’s how people hype it up. In reality, yes, the water is insanely blue, and yes, the little islands just offshore make for perfect beach-hopping.

However, in peak summer, it’s packed, and those picture-perfect beaches? They’re lined with sunbeds, all for rent. If you can, go early in the season (June or early September).

25. Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is where ancient ruins meet beach clubs and megayachts.

If you’re here for history, Bodrum Castle is a must—built by the Knights of St. John, it now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology (yes, that’s a real thing).

The Bodrum Amphitheater also delivers on history and killer sunset views. And if nightlife is your thing, Bodrum has you covered.

Read next: 25 best things to do in Turkey

26. Corfu, Greece

Corfu is one of those Greek islands that has a little bit of everything: Venetian fortresses, rolling olive groves, clear blue beaches, and some of the best local food in Greece (pastitsada and sofrito, I’m looking at you).

The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason—think pastel-colored houses, hidden alleyways, and centuries-old churches. For a killer view, hike up to the Old Fortress.

And if you want a beach that isn’t packed? Skip the main touristy spots and head to Porto Timoni—a double beach that requires a little hike but is so worth it.

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Read more posts about the Balkans

• Montenegro Road Trip: Perfect 7-day itinerary
• The Ultimate North Macedonia Travel Guide
• 24 best things to do in Croatia

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