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29 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit The Balkans

Photos like this from Plovdiv will inspire you to Visit the Balkans!
Photos like this from Plovdiv will inspire you to Visit the Balkans!

There are not many regions in Europe that are as beautiful and still off the tourist radar as the Balkans. The following photographs showcase the beauty and diversity I experienced during my 6 months living and traveling in the region – be aware as they will most likely change your travel plans!

If you are thinking about to visit the Balkans my advice is: don’t wait! The Balkans are getting more popular each year, the infrastructure improves and it won’t take long until the mass tourism arrives also in the lesser known parts. Time is now!

Check out my detailed travel guide for the Balkans before you go and take the following selection as an appetizer as those pictures represent the highlights of my trip:

Bulgaria

The Thracian Cliffs at the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria - home to one of the best golf courts in Europe
The Thracian Cliffs at the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria – home to one of the best golf courses in Europe
The old town of Nesebar (Bulgaria) is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site…
The old town of Nesebar (Bulgaria) is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site…
…and also located at the Black Sea, close to Burgas
…and also located at the Black Sea, close to Burgas
The church of Nesebar
The church of Nesebar
Another picturesque old town at the Bulgarian coast: Sozopol
Another picturesque old town at the Bulgarian coast: Sozopol

Albania

Tirana is the capital of Albania and popular for its lively nightlife
Tirana is the capital of Albania and popular for its lively nightlife
…but you can also escape the hustle and bustle and take the cable car to the Mt. Dajti into the green part of the city!
…but you can also escape the hustle and bustle and take the cable car to the Mt. Dajti into the green part of the city!

Montenegro

Montenegro is made for holidays at the beach - especially with towns like Budva
Montenegro is made for holidays at the beach – especially with towns like Budva.
The old town of Budva is characterized by small squares…
The old town of Budva is characterized by small squares…
narrow streets...
narrow streets…
...und historic buildings.
…und historic buildings.
The venetian walls offer stunning views to the beaches and the crystal clear Mediterranean.
The venetian walls offer stunning views to the beaches and the crystal clear Mediterranean.
In matters of location and views Kotor isn’t a bad choice either…
In matters of location and views Kotor isn’t a bad choice either…
…same goes for the old town which is also part of the UNESCO Heritage!
…same goes for the old town which is also part of the UNESCO Heritage!

Croatia

Given the destinations featured here Dubrovnik feels more like the celebrity as it is already very popular amongst tourist from all over the world - maybe also because it is the spot for „Kings Landing“ in the famous show 'Game of Thrones'.
Given the destinations featured here Dubrovnik feels more like the celebrity as it is already very popular amongst tourist from all over the world – maybe also because it is the spot for „Kings Landing“ in the famous show „Game of Thrones“.
If you follow the narrow streets of the main tourist paths and make your way up you’re able to experience the lesser crowded areas.
If you follow the narrow streets of the main tourist paths and make your way up you’re able to experience the lesser crowded areas.
Walking the Walls is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik - try to head there in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset at the end of your walk.
Walking the Walls is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik – try to head there in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset at the end of your walk.
The small Harbour is the starting point for excursions to the beaches on the islands which you can see in the back
The small Harbour is the starting point for excursions to the beaches on the islands which you can see in the back
…but the best view is definitely the one from the Mt. Srd…
…but the best view is definitely the one from the Mt. Srd…
…the platform is connected with the old town via cable car.
…the platform is connected with the old town via cable car.

Macedonia

For me Skopje has been a bit weird but still interesting to discover for 1-2 days.
For me Skopje has been a bit weird but still interesting to discover for 1-2 days.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo in Bosnia & Herzegovina was one of the most moving stops on my trip - the scars of the war are still visible, the many graveyards showcase the impact of the happenings in the 90s.
Sarajevo in Bosnia & Herzegovina was one of the most moving stops on my trip – the scars of the war are still visible, the many graveyards showcase the impact of the happenings in the 90s.
Today this city is a melting pot of many different cultures who live here peacefully!
Today this city is a melting pot of many different cultures who live here peacefully!

Serbia

In Serbia you can also find some picturesque old towns like here in Novi Sad.
In Serbia you can also find some picturesque old towns like here in Novi Sad.
In Belgrad you are able to relax in the big parks and right at the Danube.
In Belgrad you are able to relax in the big parks right next to the Danube.

My homebase: Sofia in Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria was my Homebase. The city is in the process of big changes - this skatepark next to a monument from the communist era is a perfect example for that ;)
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria was my Homebase. The city is in the process of big changes – this skatepark next to a monument from the communist era is a perfect example for that ;)
The national theater Ivan Vasov is one of the most beautiful buildings in town
The national theater Ivan Vasov is one of the most beautiful buildings in Sofia
But also in Sofia you can escape the hectic city life - the Vitosha national park is right next to the city.
But also in Sofia you can escape the hectic city life – the Vitosha national park is right next to the city.
In Plovdiv you’ll find one of the most beautiful old towns in the Balkans - you should definitely consider a side trip if you’re visiting Sofia or if you pass by on the way to the coast!
In Plovdiv you’ll find one of the most beautiful old towns you'll find when you visit the Balkans – you should definitely consider a side trip if you’re going to see Sofia or if you pass by on the way to the coast!

 
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Tempted to Visit the Balkans?

Like mentioned I prepared a complete guide to the Balkans with recommendations and things to do for all the spots I visited. Furthermore I filmed a balkan video documentary which you can find on my YouTube channel.
 
So…here you got the inspiration and the tools – next step is to visit the Balkans!
 

This post is also available in: German

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