Anyone who has visited the Balkan peninsula knows that there is no shortage of absolutely stunning places in the area. You will find something gorgeous and fascinating, whether you’re looking for nature, history, or culture.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
With its emerald-green lake, picture-postcard church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke as backdrops, Bled is Slovenia's most popular resort, drawing everyone from honeymooners lured by the over-the-top romantic setting to backpackers, who come for the hiking, biking, watersports and canyoning possibilities.
Plitvicka Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the oldest and the largest national park in Croatia. In 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage register.
City of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Within tall and strong medieval walls lies one of the most beautiful coastal cities of Europe- the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Stepping through the large stone entranceway, through the fortified walls, you suddenly find yourself in what could be a section of a theme park or a Las Vegas casino. Smooth marble floors; fountains spurting water from stone mouths; cafes lining the pedestrian-only streets; and beautiful churches and towers in panorama.
Sarajevo, the Capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina
In the very heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is one of the most interesting cities in Europe. A city joining the western and eastern world and where Roman Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims are met - a good example of a city where multiculturalism is ruled despite historical turbulences.
Belgrade, the Capital of Serbia
Outspoken, adventurous, proud and audacious- Belgrade is by no means a 'pretty' capital, but its gritty exuberance makes it one of the most happening cities in Europe. It's here where the Sava River meets the Danube, contemplative parkland nudges hectic urban sprawl, and old-world culture gives way to new-world nightlife. Socialist blocks squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces, and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics.
The Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
At dusk, the lights of numerous millhouse restaurants twinkle across gushing streamlets. Narrow Kujundžiluk ('gold alley') bustles joyously with trinket sellers. And in between, the Balkans' most celebrated bridge forms a majestic stone arc between reincarnated medieval towers.
Ohrid, Macedonia
Its location, right on the edge of serene Lake Ohrid, is hard to beat, and a lovely little town beach and boardwalk helped make the most of its natural charms. Ohrid is Macedonia's most seductive destination, with an atmospheric old quarter cascading down a graceful hill, crammed full of beautiful churches and topped by the bones of a medieval castle.
Kotor, Montenegro
Wedged between brooding mountains and a moody corner of the bay, the achingly atmospheric Kotor (Котор) is perfectly at one with its setting. Hemmed in by staunch walls snaking improbably up the surrounding slopes, the town is a medieval maze of museums, churches, cafe-strewn squares and Venetian palaces and pillories.
Athens, Greece
With equal measures of grunge and grace, Athens is a heady mix of history and edginess. Cultural and social life plays out amid, around and in ancient landmarks. The magnificent Acropolis, visible from almost every part of the city, reminds Greeks daily of their heritage and the city's many transformations.
Kalabaka, Greece
Kalampaka (also spelled Kalambaka or Kalabaka) is a town of 12,000 citizens and is situated on the foot of the most extraordinary Meteora rocks. Kalampaka is at times underestimated as merely sharing the glory of the Meteora pinnacles that spectacularly rise at the near background. However, it is a town with a very rich and long history in itself.