{"id":871639,"date":"2022-11-27T07:29:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-27T06:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=871639"},"modified":"2025-03-05T14:51:57","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T13:51:57","slug":"the-balkans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/the-balkans\/","title":{"rendered":"Experts tells us why the Balkans should be on your list of places to visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Balkans is one of the most underrated \u2013 yet extraordinary \u2013 regions in Europe. Named after the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Balkans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Balkan Mountains<\/a>, the region encompasses Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. We spoke to Tod Covich, one of our expert Balkans Travel Directors, to find out all the best things to do and see in the Balkans. We also find out why the Balkans is a trending destination and one of the ultimate destinations for 2023 and beyond.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>GET INSPIRED BY: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-au\/tours\/balkan-adventure\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Balkan Adventure<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-the-balkans-a-trending-destination-to-visit-in-2023\"><strong>Why is the Balkans a trending destination to visit in 2023?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s off the beaten track. People who have travelled to more popular parts of Southern or Western Europe find it budget-friendly, and safe. Visitors are always surprised by the hidden gems and the famous people and inventions that originate from the Balkans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest surprise many people experience is diversity. This region has some of Europe\u2019s smallest countries but they have so much to see. You have the Alps, rolling green plains, valleys, mountainous coastlines, islands and the cleanest picturesque sea, lakes and waterways. This is a part of the world that has always been the crossroads of Empires, different cultures, religions and beliefs. It makes for a fascinating destination, rich in historical events that changed the world forever and touched even the homelands of many of its visitors. This also means a great variety of food, drinks and experiences unique to the Balkans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/off-the-beaten-track-destinations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10 off-the-beaten track destinations you should add to your bucket list in 2023<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Ckc3_4kMQPE\/?hl=en\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-your-top-things-to-see-and-do-in-the-balkans\"><strong>What are your top things to see and do in the Balkans?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Our Balkans Travel Director Tod reveals some of the very best things to experience in the Balkans.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dubrovnik\">Dubrovnik<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore the old town\u2019s laneways, streets and city walls for breathtaking views of this UNESCO-listed walled medieval seaside town in Croatia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lake-bled\">Lake Bled<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A picturesque lake of clear blue water and a charming town in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. Explore the island on the lake by rowboat in this magical setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CfD7_ZJIfez\/?hl=en\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sarajevo\">Sarajevo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, go shopping or eat and drink coffee in the Bascarsija (Bazar), you can\u2019t miss out on beautiful Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>RELATED CONTENT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/croatia-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Game of Thrones is over, but Croatia&#8217;s appeal will live forever<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-plitvice-national-park\"><strong>Plitvice National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy an awe-inspiring walk-through nature in this UNESCO-listed national park in Croatia, famous for its cascades of 16 waterfalls and lakes with amazing colours and views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CkgUxpAIhSv\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ljubljana\"><strong>Ljubljana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Slovenia\u2019s capital has a romantic feel amongst its cobblestone streets lined with unique architecture, bridges and parks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-diocletian-s-palace-split\"><strong>Diocletian\u2019s Palace, Split<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore a living Roman ruin, which is the centrepiece to Split, a vibrant historic seaside town. There\u2019s also so much more to see along the Adriatic coastline of Croatia, from Dubrovnik and Split to Trogir and Opatija.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bay-of-boka\"><strong>Bay of Boka<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can set eyes on this sparkling UNESCO-listed bay when driving to Kotor, Montenegro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/montenegro-vacation-affordable-french-riviera\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Why Montenegro is the new French Riviera<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CVN-rQ9IR4N\/?hl=en\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zagreb\">Zagreb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the centre of the capital of Croatia you\u2019ll find an inviting medieval old town of cobbled streets and diverse architecture surrounded by markets, museums and galleries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mostar\">Mostar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This stunning city in Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous for its medieval Stari Most (Old Bridge). But there are so many more wonderful treasures to explore here, from museums and markets, to gorgeous architecture and panoramic views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Ckh_YVbMETJ\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hvar\">Hvar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Roam across the island of Hvar in Croatia to discover its rich history, food and nature, and relaxed island lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-croatian-music\">Croatian music<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can watch and listen to Klapa music, a traditional Cappella singing group in Dalmatia. Or dance with locals in a Croatian folklore experience with our Be My Guest experiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>GET INSPIRED BY: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-au\/tours\/balkan-delight\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Balkan Delight<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CjNBvlYIjkX\/?hl=en\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-your-favourite-foods-to-eat-in-the-balkans\"><strong>What are your favourite foods to eat in the Balkans?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tod shares the ultimate Balkans foods you just can&#8217;t miss.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cevapi\"><strong>Cevapi<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These finger size minced meat sausages are famous in Bosnia and Serbia but served throughout the Balkans. They\u2019re best served with Ajvar, a relish made from roasted peppers, oil and salt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dalmatian-peka\"><strong>Dalmatian Peka<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A slow-cooked veal, lamb or seafood paired with olive oil, herbs, potatoes and vegetables. It\u2019s prepared under a metal bell-shaped lid and covered with coals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/croatian-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">13 dishes to fall in love with Croatian food<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-burek\">Burek<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A thin flaky pastry found filled with either meat, cheese, spinach or potatoes. It\u2019s a great on-the-go food found in bakeries throughout the Balkans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Chj7QIUoT8T\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\"background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)\"><div style=\"padding:16px\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Chj7QIUoT8T\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\"background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\"flex-direction: row;align-items: center\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px\"><\/div> <div style=\"flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0\"><\/div> <div style=\"height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px\"><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px\"> <div style=\"color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0\"><\/div> <div style=\"flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px\"><\/div> <div style=\"width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto\"> <div style=\"width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px\"><\/div> <div style=\"width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\"color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Chj7QIUoT8T\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\"color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Croatia Full Of life (@croatiafulloflife)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <a href=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\">\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-brudet\">Brudet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A fish stew from Croatia that captures the flavours of the Adriatic Sea seafood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strukli\"><strong>Strukli<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rolls of dough cooked or baked with a range of fillings. Locally served and made in regional Croatia (Zagorje), Zagreb and Slovenia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/visit-christmas-markets-slovenia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8 magical reasons to visit Slovenia&#8217;s Christmas markets<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-octopus-salad\">Octopus salad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The famous local salad of octopus, seasoned with olives, parsley, onion and garlic dressed in olive oil and lemon. It\u2019s very popular on the Adriatic coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ice-cream\">Ice-cream<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many high-quality ice-cream vendors throughout the Balkans. You\u2019ll enjoy lots of local varieties, especially in Split.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cg7PbO0jNjX\/?hl=en\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-your-favourite-thing-about-visiting-the-balkans\"><strong>What is your favourite thing about visiting the Balkans?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The diversity. One day you are in a cultural and historic city and the next you are in nature\u2019s wonderland whether it be a national park or coastal region. Along with that comes different foods and no two days are the same when travelling around the Balkans. There is always something to explore, learn and experience in this UNESCO-rich part of the world. I love to showcase this unique part of Europe to guests who want to experience something different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/what-pack-city-trip-eastern-europe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What to pack for a city trip to Eastern Europe<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Are you dreaming of a Balkans travel adventure? Where would you go first? Let us know in the comments below!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Balkans is one of the most underrated \u2013 yet extraordinary \u2013 regions in Europe. Named after the Balkan Mountains, the region encompasses Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. We spoke to Tod Covich, one of our expert Balkans Travel Directors, to find out all the best [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":871641,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4905],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-871639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destination-guides"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - 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