The Ultimate Balkan Tour for Beginners
This Balkan Tour for Beginners is the perfect starting point to exploring the rest of the beautiful area that is the Balkans. The Balkans are an amazing place to visit and yet, so underrated!
What are the Balkans?
The Balkans are a collection of Southeastern European countries. They are named after the mountain range that stretches through Bulgaria and consist of 10 different countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Most of the countries in this region speak Serbian or a specific dialect of Serbian (Montenegrin, Croatian, Bosnian, etc.)
Are Balkans cheap to visit?
Depends on where you go but in general, yes, the Balkans are relatively cheap to visit. Probably the one major exception would be Croatia, as it has become very touristic in certain regions and thus prices have risen.
How can you get around the Balkans?
Honestly, public transport can be really difficult when traveling the Balkans. There aren’t always trains or buses that go directly to your destination so it can be a bit difficult to navigate!
Also in many Balkan countries, there are buses called furgons. These commuter vans (similar to colectivos if you’ve been to Latin America!) don’t always have a set schedule, or even a set bus stop! They change quite frequently, so the best thing you can do is to take a taxi and ask him to drop you off at the furgon stop for your destination. Taxi drivers always know or can find someone who does even if hotels don’t!
Of course, the best way to travel the Balkans is definitely via car, as you won’t have to deal with crazy schedules and catching furgons. On the other hand, traveling is an adventure, and the Balkan public transport does not disappoint!
Destinations for a beginner Balkan tour
The Balkans are great, but may be easier for more experienced travelers. That’s why I’ve included some great destinations to provide you with an introduction to the amazing region known as the Balkans.
Split
3 – 4 days
Start your journey in Split, Croatia before making your way down the coast! Split is a historic but cosmopolitan little beach city, with a nice mix of old vs new. It’s nice to explore the city for a day or so, but Split is also connected to the island of Hvar (as well as other islands), and Krka National Park. These are definitely some must-sees!
For Hvar, you will need to take a ferry for the day. It’s best to stay at night if you can, but you’ll have to book your accommodation on the island!
Things to do in Split:
- Visit Diocletian’s Palace
- Go island hopping
- Visit the waterfalls at Krka National Park
Recommended hostel stay in Split: Beach Hostel
Dubrovnik
1 – 2 days
Head south towards Dubrovnik. This medieval walled city became famous after it was featured as the city of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Today, you can walk through the streets and see all the filming locations.
In Dubrovnik you can:
- Walk around the city walls
- Take a cable car to see Dubrovnik from above
Recommended hostel stay in Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik Backpackers Club
Mostar
1 – 2 days
Next, head over to Bosnia and visit the beautiful town of Mostar. Although parts of the city have been destroyed after the war, it’s definitely an interesting bit of history. Visit the Museum of War and Genocide to learn more about Bosnia’s bloody history, although I’ll warn you– this museum is not for the fainthearted!
This town is also famous for its iconic bridge, which is one of the deadliest (and yet still legal!) cliff diving jumps that you can do. Red Bull even frequently hosts its world competition of cliff diving here!
If you want to jump though, you’ll have to pay for lessons with a certified instructor. The drop is high, with a cold and strong current, so only those that clear the training are now allowed to attempt it.
Things to do in Mostar:
- Jump from the bridge! …if you dare
- Learn about some recent history at the Museum of War and Genocide
Recommended hostel stay in Mostar: Hostel Miran
Sarajevo
1 – 2 days
Visit Bosnia’s capital city to learn a bit more about the war and the Bosnian people. Sarajevo holds a ton of history, and is now bustling with life and culture. Although the city has started to rebuild, you can still view remnants of its history, such as bullet holes in windows and shell-blast damage.
Things to do in Sarajevo:
- Explore the Sarajevo War Tunnel
- Eat in the Old World market/bazaar
Recommended hostel stay in Sarajevo: The Good Place Hostel
Kotor
1 – 2 days
Head down south and visit another country: Montenegro. Kotor is a small town located on a gorgeous bay. In the summer, it’s a cruise port, but after the boats leave for the day the town is peaceful and quiet.
In Kotor, you can take a boat on the bay to an island in the middle, called Our Lady of the Rocks. You can also explore the Old Town, as well as taking a hike up to the top of the castle fortress for an unreal view of Kotor and the rest of the landscape.
Things to do in Kotor:
- Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks
- Climb the castle fortress
- Dine and shop in the Old Town
Recommended hostel stay in Kotor: Montenegro Hostel 4U
Budva
1 – 2 days
Close to Kotor you will find one of Montenegro‘s coastal cities: Budva. Budva is a bit more commercialized and lively than Kotor, but definitely still beautiful!
Things to do in Budva:
- Party at Plôce Beach Club
- Visit Sveti Stefan
- Take a boat or paragliding tour
Recommended hostel stay in Budva: Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva
The Balkans are really one of Europe’s hidden gems and I think everyone should do a Balkan tour before it becomes just as popular as Western Europe!
