Map Of Balkans 2020
Welcome to the ultimate travel guide for the Map of Balkans 2020! This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about this beautiful region, including top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
The Balkans are home to some of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations in Europe. Some of the top attractions that you cannot miss include:
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a breathtaking natural wonder that features a series of cascading lakes and waterfalls that are surrounded by lush forests. It is the perfect place to hike, swim, and take in the beauty of nature.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
This charming lakeside town is known for its beautiful beaches, historic churches, and stunning views of Lake Ohrid. It is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and hiking.
Belgrade, Serbia
This vibrant capital city is known for its lively nightlife, rich history, and beautiful architecture. It is a great place to explore museums, art galleries, and restaurants.
Hidden Gems
The Balkans are full of hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Some of the best hidden gems include:
Gjirokastra, Albania
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful Ottoman-era city that is known for its stunning architecture, historic bazaar, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Vis, Croatia
This remote island is a hidden gem that is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming fishing villages. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Kruja, Albania
This historic town is home to the beautiful Kruja Castle, which was the birthplace of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. It is also home to a bustling bazaar that is full of traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Food Scene
The Balkans are known for their delicious and hearty cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include:
Cevapi, Bosnia and Herzegovina
These grilled meat sausages are a staple of Balkan cuisine and are typically served with onions, sour cream, and a type of flatbread called lepinja.
Moussaka, Greece
This delicious dish is similar to lasagna and features layers of eggplant, ground meat, and potatoes that are topped with a creamy bechamel sauce.
Burek, Serbia
This savory pastry is made with layers of phyllo dough that are filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. It is a popular breakfast food that is often served with yogurt.
Budget-Friendly Tips
The Balkans are an affordable destination that offers great value for money. Some budget-friendly tips include:
Eat like a local
Street food and local markets offer delicious and affordable options for food. Try local specialties and save on dining expenses.
Stay in hostels or guesthouses
Hostels and guesthouses offer affordable accommodation options that allow you to save money while meeting other travelers.
Use public transportation
Public transportation is affordable and efficient in most Balkan countries. Look for local buses and trains to save on transportation costs.
Outdoor Adventures
The Balkans are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best outdoor adventures include:
Hiking in the Balkan Mountains
The Balkan Mountains offer some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe. The Rila and Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria are particularly popular among hikers.
Rafting on the Tara River, Montenegro
The Tara River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe and offers an exciting rafting experience that takes you through stunning canyons and rapids.
Skiing in Kopaonik, Serbia
Kopaonik is the largest ski resort in Serbia and offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities for all levels.
Historical Landmarks
The Balkans are home to some of the most important historical landmarks in Europe. Some of the must-see landmarks include:
The Acropolis, Greece
This ancient citadel is one of the most famous landmarks in Greece and is home to the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
The Old Bridge, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
This beautiful Ottoman-era bridge is a symbol of Mostar and has been reconstructed after being destroyed during the war in the 1990s.
Diocletian’s Palace, Split, Croatia
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Roman architecture and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Balkans offer plenty of activities that are fun for the whole family. Some of the best family-friendly activities include:
Beach day in Budva, Montenegro
Budva is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro and offers plenty of activities for kids, including swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
Visit to the Skopje Zoo, North Macedonia
The Skopje Zoo is a popular destination for families and is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears.
Exploring the Ljubljana Castle, Slovenia
The Ljubljana Castle offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to explore with kids. It features a museum, a puppet theater, and a virtual castle tour.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Balkans offer plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences that allow you to explore the region in a unique way. Some of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences include:
Visit to the Blue Eye, Albania
The Blue Eye is a stunning natural spring that features crystal-clear blue water that is surrounded by lush greenery. It is a hidden gem that is worth the visit.
Exploring the abandoned town of Varosha, Cyprus
Varosha is an abandoned town in Cyprus that was once a popular tourist destination. It has been abandoned since the Turkish invasion of 1974 and offers a haunting glimpse into the past.
Hiking the Via Dinarica trail, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Via Dinarica is a long-distance hiking trail that spans several Balkan countries and offers stunning views of the region’s natural beauty.
Natural Wonders
The Balkans are home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Europe. Some of the must-see natural wonders include:
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning natural wonder that features a series of cascading lakes and waterfalls that are surrounded by lush forests.
The Blue Lagoon, Malta
The Blue Lagoon is a stunning natural pool that is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
The Black Lake, Montenegro
The Black Lake is a beautiful glacial lake that is surrounded by the stunning Durmitor Mountains and is a popular destination for hiking and swimming.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Balkans are known for their lively and vibrant nightlife. Some of the best destinations for nightlife include:
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is known for its lively nightlife scene, which features a wide variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all tastes.
Budva, Montenegro
Budva is a popular destination for party-goers and is home to some of the best nightclubs and bars in Montenegro.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a wide variety of nightlife options, including trendy bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Local Markets
The Balkans are home to some of the most vibrant and colorful markets in Europe. Some of the best local markets include:
Skopje Old Bazaar, North Macedonia
The Skopje Old Bazaar is a historic market that is full of traditional crafts, spices, and souvenirs. It is a great place to explore and soak up the local culture.
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