The Balkans remain one of Europe’s most underrated regions — a mix of dramatic coastlines, Ottoman-era towns, alpine lakes, and cities that still feel wonderfully undiscovered compared to Western Europe’s tourist hubs. Spanning Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia, Albania, North Macedonia, Romania, and stretching into Greece, this region rewards travelers willing to go beyond the obvious. Here are 20 destinations that capture why the Balkans deserve a spot on every serious traveler’s itinerary.
Montenegro
Kotor anchors Montenegro’s Boka Bay and has become one of the fastest-growing destinations in Europe, largely thanks to cruise ship traffic. Despite the crowds, its UNESCO World Heritage status has helped preserve the old town’s authenticity through strict building regulations.
Perast, just up the coast, offers a quieter, more elegant alternative to Kotor — often compared to a miniature Venice, with a refined atmosphere that sets it apart from its busier neighbor.
From Perast, a short boat ride takes you to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, a chapel built on an artificial island in Boka Bay that still hosts services and events today.
For sweeping panoramic views, the drive up to Lovćen National Park is worth the white-knuckle switchbacks — the narrow, winding road climbs roughly 90 minutes before rewarding you with some of the country’s best vistas.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar has become one of the most sought-after stops in the Balkans, best known for its rebuilt Ottoman-era bridge and riverside old town.
Just 15 minutes away, Blagaj is a small town built around the Blagaj Tekija, a Sufi monastery constructed directly into a cliff face beside the Buna River. It makes a great low-key base for exploring the region, including day trips across the border to Dubrovnik.
South of Mostar, the hillside village of Počitelj overlooks the emerald Neretva River. Dating back to 1383 and shaped by centuries of Ottoman rule, it’s an easy and worthwhile day trip.
Croatia
Dubrovnik needs little introduction — its terracotta rooftops and dramatic cliffside setting made it famous well before its turn as a filming location for a certain fantasy series. It remains a benchmark for what makes the Balkan coastline so photogenic.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is arguably Croatia’s top natural attraction, a cascading system of turquoise lakes and waterfalls. It has surged in popularity thanks to social media, so arriving right at opening is the best way to beat the crowds.
The island of Hvar rounds out Croatia’s highlights, known for its 13th-century fortifications and sun-soaked terracotta rooftops that draw travelers throughout the summer season.
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar has earned its place as one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations — and it’s easy to see why. The city centers on its iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most), a 16th-century Ottoman structure that arcs dramatically over the emerald Neretva River, flanked by cobblestone lanes, copper workshops, and minarets that give the old town its distinct character. Watching local divers leap from the bridge into the river below has become one of the city’s signature experiences. Beyond the bridge itself, Mostar makes an ideal base for exploring more of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s must-visit spots, many of which sit just a short drive away.
Read more: Your Guide to Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is consistently ranked among Europe’s most underrated cities — small enough to explore in a day, but atmospheric enough to justify two, with riverside cafés, green public spaces, and an easygoing pace.
Lake Bled is the poster child of Slovenian tourism, and for good reason — its island church, cliffside castle, and alpine backdrop make it one of the most romantic lakes in Europe.
For a quieter alternative, Lake Bohinj offers similar alpine scenery with a fraction of the visitors, making it ideal for travelers who want to slow down and explore Slovenia beyond its most photographed spot.
Bled, Slovenia
The first time I saw photos of Slovenia’s Lake Bled I squealed with excitement and then proceeded to book a trip to Slovenia, disregarding how far it was out of my travel plans. Lake Bled is hands down one of Europe’s most romantic destinations and if you ask me, the most beautiful lake in Europe.
Ohrid, Macedonia
A small city in the southwest of the country, Ohrid is most renowned for the Church of St John at Kaneo. The church sits on a cliff edge overlooking Lake Ohrid.
Berat, Albania
Known as the city of a thousand windows, Berat is commonly considered the most beautiful city in all of Albania. Here you can discover Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and wander within the city walls to marvel at the Ottoman houses.
Hvar, Croatia
Another great destination not to be missed in Croatia is Hvar. The island is characterised by its 13th century walls and terracotta roofs which welcome tourists from across the globe in the summer months.
Peleș Castle
I’ve made it no secret that Peleș Castle is my favourite castle in all of Europe. Located in the Carpathian Mountains, you can easily visit this dreamy fairytale castle as a day trip from Brasov and combine your day trip with Bran Castle in Transylvania.
Church of Our Lady Rocks, Montenegro
Just a short water taxi ride from Perast and you will arrive at the Church of Our Lady Rocks in Montenegro’s Boka Bay. This location is a man made island and the church still operates today hosting many events and services.
Elafonisi, Crete
Located close to the island of Crete is this glorious pink sand beach with crystal clear turquoise waters. In good weather conditions you can walk from Crete to the island through shallow water.
Skopelos, Greece
Skopelos might not be your first choice when travelling to Greece but that is probably because you haven’t heard of it. The more popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are indeed as beautiful as the photos suggest, but if you’re looking for something more beyond your next Instagram upload, you might consider a lesser-known island like the quaint and charming Skopelos. Skopelos experienced an influx in tourism when it was revealed that a handful of scenes from the Mama Mia! film were filmed here, though in recent years has reverted more toward the sleepy seaside town it was once known as.
Meteora, Greece
This rock formation in central Greece has been picking up in popularity thanks to its incredible mix of nature and man-made structures into stone. The structures are in fact monasteries with six in total built into the boulders.
Zakynthos, Greece
Now for one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Zakynthos became popular after it went viral on Instagram some years ago showing the dramatic cliffs and the shipwreck on the beach down below. While it is certainly one of the most famous holiday spots in Greece now, we would also recommend it as one of the best of the Balkans.
