These 12 Beautiful War-Torn Balkan Countries Are Reborn As Tourist Havens
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If there is one phrase that would perfectly define the Balkans, it is – after a storm comes a calm. The Balkan countries have more ties than just geography – they share a tumultuous history under the Ottoman Empire, Yugoslavia, and communism.
However, after they left the shadows of war, they reinvented themselves as tourist havens; every globetrotter would appreciate the diversity they offer.
Rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, picturesque coastlines, rugged mountains, and historic cities—every avid traveler should experience the remarkable rebirth that these countries have experienced.
Looking for where to start? Use this list as your guide to Balkan countries now emerging as enticing tourist destinations.
Croatia
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Since achieving its sovereignty in 1995, Croatia has emerged as a highly sought-after tourist destination, and from its natural beauty, it is not difficult to see why. Croatia offers so many experiences in one country. Stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea, thousands of islands, numerous pristine beaches, historic cities, rich cultural heritage, and lush national parks—Croatia has it all.
In the capital, Zagreb, enjoy the rich Austro-Hungarian architecture, which features iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Church, Zagreb Cathedral, and the Croatian Parliament.
If you are into cities, visit Dubrovnik too – it is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic” for a reason. Explore its well-preserved medieval walls, marble streets, and baroque buildings. Enjoy stunning sea views, or explore the city’s old town, which is also famed for being a Game of Thrones filming location.
With so many islands, you will be spoilt for choice. However, if you want a little of everything, Hvar Island will offer you precisely that. It is known for its clear views of the turquoise sea, pristine beaches, vast lavender fields, historic cities, and fortresses, which provide panoramic views of the sea. If you are into island hopping, you cannot miss some Croatian gems, including Korcula, Vis, Brac, Losinj, Rab, Mljet, Sipan, Cres, and Dugi Otok. It is a country with some of Europe’s most scenic islands.
Without exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, your trip to Croatia is never complete. This park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. Hike its trails, take boat rides on its lakes, or find a spot to enjoy nature’s beauty at its best.
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Montenegro
Despite its turbulent past and finally becoming independent from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, Montenegro is now known for its peaceful and slow-paced life. The country offers diverse tourist attractions, including a stunning coastline, picturesque mountains, historic crowns, and a rich cultural heritage.
Start exploring Podgorica’s capital city, which seamlessly blends modern architecture with historic landmarks. Walk through its old towns, visit its rich museums, picnic in its green spaces, enjoy views of the Millenium Bridge, or see Independence Square.
Beyond the capital city is Kotor, a must-visit in Montenegro, which is loved for its charming ancient architecture and stunning natural setting along the Bay of Kotor.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, explore the Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, deep river canyons, and glacial lakes. The park offers fantastic hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and skiing (in winter) opportunities amidst beautiful natural landscapes.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
After declaring itself independent from Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina was hit by the Bosnian War, one of the worst European conflicts after World War II. In 1995, the Dayton Agreement was signed, ending the conflict and establishing Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign state.
But the country has more to offer now than its tumultuous past. It is now a great destination for enjoying stunning landscapes, diverse cultural heritage, and ancient cities featuring Ottoman-era architecture.
If you are into large cities, spend time in Sarajevo, the country’s capital. The city is known for letting Western and Eastern cultures coexist peacefully; walk around and enjoy ancient churches, synagogues, and mosques coexist side by side.
While in Sarajevo, explore the historic Baščaršija (Old Bazaar), visit the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated (this assassination is known to be the most immediate trigger for World War I), and learn about the city’s rich history at museums like the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum.
Visit Una National Park if you want to go beyond the bustle of the capital. Pristine wilderness, emerald-green rivers, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests are some things you can marvel at in this park. It is perfect for whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching.
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Albania
Albania has had its fair share of political instability, especially following the outbreak of the first Balkan war in 1912, occupation by Italy during World War II, and communist rule under Enver Hoxha from 1944 to 1985.
Today, Albania symbolizes difficult times coming and going, as the country has emerged as a hidden gem in the Balkans.
Tirana, the country’s capital, perfectly blends communist-era, Ottoman influences, and contemporary architecture, creating a perfect treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts. Some must-sees in Tirana include the Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and the colorful buildings of the Blloku district, once reserved for communist party elites.
The country has more historic cities that let explorers down the Ottoman-era rabbit hole. If this interests you, explore the stunning Ottoman architecture and ruins in cities like Berat, Gjirokastër, and Butrint, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Beyond history and architecture lies numerous nature exploration opportunities, including at the Valbona Valley National Park and along the country’s stunning coastlines on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
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North Macedonia
Following a referendum, North Macedonia was declared independent from Yugoslavia in 1991. While the Balkan countries are widely recognized for having unspoiled coastlines, North Macedonia remains one of the most stunning despite being landlocked.
Picturesque lakes, stunning mountain landscapes, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage—there is so much scenery to immerse yourself in North Macedonia.
Skopje, the country’s capital, offers iconic landmarks like Skopje Fortress and Stone Bridge. It is also a great destination to explore a blend of neoclassical, Ottoman, and contemporary architectural styles.
Ohrid is another unmissable gem thanks to its historic old town, ancient churches, and views of Lake Ohrid.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find great exploration opportunities in Mavrovo National Park and Matka Canyon, just outside Skopje’s capital.
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Romania
From the fairy-tale castles of Transylvania to the vibrant capital city of Bucharest, Romania offers diverse attractions for nature and history enthusiasts. Romania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877, but the country experienced a series of political instability before finally becoming a democratic republic in 1989.
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is known for landmarks such as the Palace of Parliament, Romanian Athenaeum, and Lipscani District.
Plan more time out for Bucharest because the show’s star is the Transylvania Region. Medieval castles, ancient churches, and scenic landscapes are just a few of the attractions that characterize this region.
If you are an outdoor person, some great options to explore include the Danube Delta and the Black Sea shoreline. These offer unique activities and beautiful scenery.
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Greece
While it was not part of Yugoslavia and had never experienced communism, some theories still consider Greece part of the Balkan countries. Even so, geographically speaking, parts of Greece fall in the Balkan Peninsula, which can be considered a good inclusion factor.
It fully obtained its sovereignty from the Ottoman Empire in 1821.
Greece is now one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, thanks to its vast diversity. The history-rich Athens, stunning landscapes and islands, pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, Instagram-worthy Cycladic architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine – this country has something for everyone.
In Athens, swing by the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Temple of Olympian Zeus.
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning islands. Still, suppose you are to go after the most sought-after. In that case, you may want to choose one (or several) from Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Zakynthos, Milos, Corfu, Thessaloniki, Cefalonia, Naxos, or Rhodes.
Opportunities for active or slowed exploration in these islands are endless; you will have something stunning to marvel at or get active on the landscapes and spectacular coastlines.
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Slovenia
Slovenia also emerged as an independent state from Yugoslavia in 1991. Its diverse landscapes make it the perfect destination for explorers who appreciate stunning landscapes, whether for sightseeing or engaging in outdoor activities.
Before we get into the stunning countryside landscape, let’s start with Ljubljana, the capital, and where you will likely begin your Slovenia exploration. For an immersive experience, ensure your Ljubljana itinerary features Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge, and the Ljubljanica River waterfront.
You cannot claim to have experienced Slovenia’s striking charm if you have not explored the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, the charming coastal town of Piran, one the most extensive karst cave systems in the world, Postojna Cave( features a train ride through its chambers) and the Škocjan Caves.
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Serbia
When Yugoslavia ceased to exist by 1992, one of the emerging countries was the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. In 2006, the state union disintegrated, resulting in two sovereign states: Serbia and Montenegro.
From the historic capital of Belgrade to the picturesque landscapes of rural Serbia, the country offers a diverse range of attractions for travelers to explore. When in Belgrade, find time to take in the charm of the Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park, St. Sava Temple, Knez Mihailova Street, and Avala Tower, which offers panoramic city views.
If you are a city person, visit Novi Sad, the second-largest city in the country. It offers unbeatable views of the Danube River and amazing architecture to explore.
Tara National Park is the perfect outdoor haven renowned for its pristine wilderness, dense forests, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Drina River. Gamzigrad-Romuliana, on the other hand, with its Roman Palace complex dating back to the 3rd century AD, offers a perfect exploration stopover for history buffs.
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Kosovo
Kosovo’s stability was turbulent until 2008 when it gained independence from Serbia after years of negotiations and conflicts. Today, a landlocked country in the Balkans, Kosovo is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic monuments, and stunning natural landscapes.
The capital, Pristina, captivates tourists with its mix of Ottoman, Yugoslav, and contemporary architectural styles. The highlights of Pristina include the Newborn Monument, dedicated to Kosovo’s independence, Gračanica Monastery, and the Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque.
Beyond city life, Mirusha Waterfalls offers perfect swimming, picnic, and photography opportunities. Rugova Canyon, on the other hand, is ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and outdoor exploration, thanks to its towering limestone cliffs, lush forests, and tranquil streams.
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Bulgaria
After decades of struggle for liberation, Bulgaria achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. The country later underwent periods of war and monarchical and communist rule before becoming the democratic state it is today. These ups and downs are among the few things that have shaped the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
In Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, ensure you get a slice of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Saint Sofia Church, and the National Palace of Culture.
Plovdiv’s Roman ruins and historic old town let tourists go beyond the country’s political history.
The country’s Black Sea coastline will leave beach lovers in awe. Some of the most pristine beaches include Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, and Albena, where you can swim in clear waters and enjoy expansive shores and views of the sea.
If you like to sweat it out, Rila Mountains offers hiking, biking, and skiing with views of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. Its notable highlights include Seven Rila Lakes and Musala Peak, the highest peak in the Balkans.
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Moldova
Moldova declared its independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, it faced stability challenges before emerging as the hidden gem it is today. Despite being landlocked, Moldova is a perfect destination for explorers looking for under-the-radar destinations.
Charming towns, picturesque vineyards, and fascinating landscapes make Moldova a country of varied exploration opportunities. Chisinau, the country’s capital, features a mix of Soviet-era architecture, lovely green parks, and history-filled landmarks such as the Nativity Cathedral, the Triumphal Arch, and the Central Market.
Although not widely appreciated, Moldova could easily qualify as one of the best destinations for wine lovers. Mileștii Mici is home to one of the world’s most extensive underground wine cellars, known for its vast network of tunnels and impressive wine collection.
When visiting, sample the Moldovan wines, take guided cellar tours, and learn about the country’s rich wine-making traditions. Crocova is another famous wine cellar in Moldova, offering extensive exploration opportunities if you want a variety.
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