Sun, sea, ruins: Why the Balkans should be your next holiday

The Balkans carry a quiet confidence, offering raw beauty, living history, and moments that feel both grounded and grand at once. One moment, you’re standing in a centuries-old monastery carved into a cliff. The next, you’re watching the sun slip behind a mountain ridge while a waiter tops up your glass of local wine. This is Balkans travel. A slow-burn of a holiday that leaves a lasting impression.

Spanning southeastern Europe, the Balkans is a region of winding coastlines, dramatic peaks, faded grandeur, and living history. It includes well-known countries like Croatia and Greece, alongside lesser-travelled gems such as Albania, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. There’s no single “Balkan experience.” And that’s the beauty of it.

For travellers looking to discover a more authentic side of Europe, without the hefty price tags or tourist-heavy streets, a Balkan holiday might just be the perfect fit.

What are the Balkan countries?

The name "Balkans" comes from the Balkan Mountains, a range that runs through Bulgaria and into eastern Serbia. Western geographers first used the term in the 19th century to describe the wider region of southeastern Europe, which shares a complex history of empires, cultural overlap, and geographical ties. Over time, "the Balkans" became a shorthand for a group of countries that are both connected and distinct.

The region generally includes:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Romania (partial)
• Serbia
• Slovenia

Some definitions of the Balkans also include Greece and the European side of Turkey. And while they don’t feature in our current Balkan tours, they’re popular extensions for travellers keen to keep exploring. From the hills of Transylvania to the beaches of Greece, the Balkans offer an unforgettable variety of experiences.

A region where the past stands still

History in the Balkans isn’t kept behind glass. It’s everywhere, layered into the stone, echoed in the architecture, and embedded in the rhythm of daily life. You’ll walk past Roman ruins on your way to lunch, hear the church bells echo across Orthodox bell towers, and sip coffee in the shadow of Ottoman fortresses.

Some of the most atmospheric historical sites include:

• Diocletian’s Palace, Split: A UNESCO-listed 4th-century Roman complex that still forms the heart of the city today
• Rila Monastery, Bulgaria: A striking 10th-century monastery, rich in frescoes and faith.
• Kalemegdan Fortress, Serbia: Where Belgrade’s history and rivers meet.
• Stari Most, Bosnia: An iconic stone bridge rebuilt after the war and now a UNESCO site.
• Bran Castle, Romania: Linked to the Dracula legend, but just as captivating in its own right.

These sites may look picture-perfect, but they’re also part of daily life for the people who live here. Locals walk their dogs along fortress walls. Weddings are held in churches that predate Shakespeare. There’s no velvet rope separating you from the stories here.

Did you know?

The Balkans is home to some of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, including Plovdiv in Bulgaria and Ohrid in North Macedonia.

A coastline without the crowds

The Adriatic and Ionian seas stretch along much of the Balkans’ edge, offering sun-soaked towns, crystal water, and seafood menus that are often more affordable than in Western Europe, especially in lesser-known coastal towns. 

But this isn’t just about beach chairs and cocktails. These coasts are lived-in places, full of fishing boats, family-run guesthouses, and locals enjoying the view, just like you.

Some of the best beaches in the Balkans for summer travel include:

• Kotor Bay, Montenegro: Calm water, ancient walls, and fjord-like scenery.
• Saranda, Albania: Easy-going, clear, and still relatively under the radar.
• Dubrovnik’s nearby islands: A boat ride away from the bustle.
• Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia: Inland but with a seaside feel, backed by mountains.

Did you know?

Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, estimated to be over three million years old and home to more than 200 endemic species.

Hidden towns and lesser-known gems

For every Dubrovnik or Bucharest, there’s a Trebinje, Blagaj, or Ohrid. These are places with charm to spare and far fewer footpaths worn down by visitors. What they lack in fame, they make up for in atmosphere, authenticity, and quiet moments of surprise.

A few to look out for:

• Perast, Montenegro: All stone and stillness on the edge of the bay.
• Blagaj, Bosnia: A monastery built into a sheer rock face beside turquoise springs.
• Sighisoara, Romania: Bright facades, twisting lanes, and stories of Vlad the Impaler.
• Elbasan, Albania: A compact old town, perfect for a quiet wander and a strong coffee.
• Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria: A cliff-hugging town with fortress ruins and sweeping views.

Each of these towns holds its own kind of magic. You might stumble across a street musician playing beneath centuries-old windows, or share a meal with locals who’ve lived there all their lives. There’s space to pause, look around, and feel something real.

They may not top every list, but they’re often the places travellers talk about long after the trip ends.

A region made for slow discovery

The Balkans reward travellers who are curious. Those who like walking tours and quiet mornings, and those who want to know more than just the name of the place they’re in.

Road trips are especially rewarding here. It’s one of the few regions in Europe where you can visit five or six countries in just a few weeks, without feeling rushed or like you're repeating the same scenery. The roads wind through mountains, coastlines, and quiet villages, often passing spots that don’t make it into most guidebooks.

One morning you might be tracing Ottoman paths through Sarajevo, then by late afternoon, you’re in the Serbian countryside sipping plum brandy or exploring a local market. There’s a relaxed rhythm to travel here: flexible, scenic, and full of small surprises.

If you're planning a longer journey through the region, Inspiring Vacations offers tours that are designed with this pace in mind, giving travellers time to slow down, soak up the scenery, and really connect with the places they’re visiting.

The best time to take a Balkan tour

Late spring through early autumn is the sweet spot. Think May to October, when the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and the region is at its most inviting.

Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help plan your trip:

May to June: Green hills, fewer crowds, ideal for hiking and culture

July to August: Coastal buzz, festivals, hot weather

September to October: Wine harvest, golden countryside, cooler days

November to April: Quiet, wintry charm, great for off-season explorers

Tips for first-time travellers to the Balkans

• Bring walking shoes: Old towns weren’t built with heels in mind. Cobbled laneways, uneven steps, and hilly streets are all part of the charm.
• Carry some local currency: Euros are accepted in some countries, but many still use their own currency. ATMs are common, but it's worth having a bit of cash for small purchases.
• Expect warm welcomes: Hospitality isn’t just a custom here, it’s a source of pride. If you’re invited in, you’ll be offered food, drink, and probably a story or two.
• Be curious, not shy: Try the dish you can’t pronounce. Ask questions. Say yes to homemade rakija (but maybe pace yourself if it’s your first round).
• Dress modestly in rural areas: Especially when visiting churches or monasteries, it’s polite to cover shoulders and knees.
• Don’t rely on Wi-Fi everywhere: Some regions are remote or mountainous, so download maps or translations ahead of time.
• Learn a few local phrases: A simple hello or thank you in the local language goes a long way.

Did you know?
Each Balkan country has its own distinct cuisine, from rich Bulgarian stews to grilled Albanian seafood, creamy Croatian pastas to tangy pickled vegetables in Serbia. Your taste buds will also get a holiday.

Quick guide to planning your Balkan holiday

What is the Balkans?
A region made up of multiple countries in southeastern Europe, rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.

Why go?
To experience ancient ruins, medieval towns, and Orthodox monasteries alongside sunlit beaches and serene lakes.

What to expect:
Warm hospitality, hearty food, winding roads, border-hopping adventures, and a slower, more grounded travel pace.

Best way to see it all?
Join a tour that strings the highlights together so that you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

Ready to plan your Balkan tour with Inspiring Vacations?

The Balkans might not have the flash of Paris or the crowds of Venice, but what they offer is something more profound. More personal. A sense of discovery, warmth, and quiet wonder that unfolds unhurriedly, day by day.

From the 14 Day Treasures of the Balkans Premium Small Group tour to the more expansive 21 Day Balkan Backroads Unveiled, Inspiring Vacations offers journeys tailored to curious, thoughtful travellers.

View all of our Balkans tours and start planning your next great escape with Inspiring Vacations.