Una route through the Balkans it can be a great experience. We are talking about a fairly unknown area in Europe, and yet it is home to real gems of tourism. The recent conflicts in places like Kosovo or Bosnia are still in the memory of many, but this area is being reborn as a great tourist destination.
La Balkan area is quite wide. For many it is the area that was formerly Yugoslavia, along with Albania and Macedonia. However, on the map its composition is different, highlighting Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia or Montenegro.
Tips for traveling to the Balkans
To travel through the Balkans, as in any other country, it is good to study a little of its history. Only in this way will we understand their customs much better and we will realize the true importance of their monuments and their way of doing things. It is especially important to know something about these customs if we go to countries that differ a lot from ours, so as not to screw up too much. It should be borne in mind that in the vast majority of Balkan countries they use their own currency, only some like Slovenia have joined the use of the euro. As for the price, it is usually quite affordable, cheaper than in the main European cities. You must carry your passport, as in many countries they require it, and do not forget about travel insurance.
Dubrovnik in Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of the most touristic places in this area today, especially because of the great beaches it has. Not to be missed is its beautiful historic center, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Game of Thrones fans will recognize this site for being the one used to represent 'King's Landing'. The Puerta de Pile is the main entrance to the medieval city. You have to walk through the famous medieval walls that surround the city, which are almost two kilometers long. Stradun Street is its most central area and where the Onofrio Fountain and the Santo Domingo Monastery are located. If the weather is good, it is possible to spend a day on the Gradska Plaza beach, a few meters from the city.
Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The old part of Sarajevo is called Baš? Aršija or Turkish Quarter. In the center of the square with the same name is the Sebilj Fountain from the XNUMXth century. In the historic center there are several mosques, since this city is multicultural, such as the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque or the Emperor's Mosque. Other religious buildings are the Orthodox Cathedral, the Sacred Heart Cathedral or the Sarajevo Synagogue. The visit to the Latin Bridge is essential, as it is the scene in which Archduke Francisco Fernando was assassinated, a fact that led to the First World War.
Plitvice in Croatia
On the route through Croatia you don't just have to stop in Dubrovnik. The Plitvice Lakes Nature Park it is a true paradise. You can make a route to see the turquoise lakes, beautiful waterfalls and a wild nature that leaves no one indifferent. It is located about 200 km from Zagreb. It is a very extensive park, but the main route passes through the most visited waterfalls. However, for those who want to spend the day there are hiking trails of up to eight hours.
Ohrid in Macedonia
Ohrid is one of the most visited places in Macedonia. It has countless religious buildings. It has beautiful Byzantine churches, monasteries and buildings such as amphitheaters. Sant Jovan Bgoslov Kaneo is the most photographed church, as it sits next to a cliff with spectacular lake views. Other places to see are the Cathedral of Santa Sofía, the Church of San Clemente y Pantalón or its beautiful old town.
Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar is a truly picturesque city, the cultural capital of Herzegovina. One of the most outstanding things is the beautiful and mythical bridge of Stari Most, built in the 1993th century and destroyed in 2004 during the Yugoslav war, to be rebuilt in XNUMX. In this small town you can see beautiful stone houses framed by the mountain landscape. It is a place that can be seen in one day.
Split in Croatia
This city belonged to the Roman Empire and therefore many monuments and archaeological remains can be found. The Diocletian's Palace It is an essential visit, but also places like the Temple of Jupiter. The Cathedral of San Diomo has a tower in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Its Archaeological Museum shows us more about the history of Croatia, and it is one of the oldest in the country. There are also numerous beaches in this area, such as the central Bacvice beach. A quarter of an hour by car, in Marja, there is a wonderful forest park to fully enjoy nature.