LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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OUR TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN THE BALKANS THIS SUMMER.

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The Balkans are a practical choice for travellers who want to explore Europe beyond the usual cities and crowds. The region offers a mix of scenic lakes, historic towns with Ottoman influence, under-the-radar wine regions, and coastal spots that are still relatively low-key. Whether you’re driving or relying on buses, it’s possible to travel efficiently and see a lot without spending a fortune.

Crucially, there are still lots of places that you can visit in the Balkans that feel “off the radar”. They can give you something a little different to the Mediterranean resorts, or the more well known capital cities in Europe.

If you’re planning a trip to the Balkans this summer, here’s a rundown of our favourite places, tried and tested on the road – plus a few bonus suggestions if you’re heading off the beaten path.

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North Macedonia

Lake Ohrid

Think: church domes above a glassy lake, summer swims from stony beaches, and sunset drinks on a wooden jetty.

There’s just enough going on to keep you interested, a hilltop fortress, ancient ruins, monasteries that cling to cliffs, but not so much that you feel the need to rush. Base yourself in the old town for cobbled streets and character, or in the village of Trpejca if you want a real escape.

Don’t miss: A boat trip to the Monastery of Saint Naum.

Find our guide to where to stay in Ohrid here and the best things to do here.

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Bitola

Often overlooked in favour of Ohrid and Skopje, Bitola is a bit of a hidden gem. This elegant, low-key city is all wide boulevards, and buzzy cafés. It feels oddly French in places but still exotic enough to be interesting. There’s not loads to do, but it’s perfect for people-watching, sipping coffee slowly and enjoying an Aperol Spritz by night.

Find our full guide to Bitola here.

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Skopje

Skopje is slightly strange and surreal but oddly endearing. Expect oversized statues, faux-classical buildings, and a very funky bazaar district. It’s not to everyone’s taste, but if you enjoy cities that take a bit of time to adjust to, this is a good one. The food scene is also underrated, we ate very well during our few days in the capital.

Top tip: Our preferred area for eating and drinking in the evening is the Debar Maalo district, which has a neighborhood feel and some of the best restaurants and bars (try Skopsi Merak for food).

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Tikveš Wine Region

North Macedonia’s wine region is still off most tourists’ radar, which makes it ideal for summer. Kavadarci and Demir Kapija are the main hubs, and you’ll find family-run wineries that welcome drop-ins for tastings – often with generous pours. Look out for the Vranec grape – bold, juicy, and perfectly suited to Balkan barbecue.

Suggested stop: We recommend staying at Popova Kula winery hotel. The hotel feels luxurious, but is actually a bit of a bargain (prices range from around 50 Euros per night.) Most rooms come with a terrace and a view of the vines.

We have put together a seven day itinerary for North Macedonia which includes details on getting to and from the wine regions.

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Albania

Tirana

Tirana has a bit of a marmite reputation, but give it a chance and it grows on you fast. We’ve now visited many times and we get genuinely excited to return.

The city is bright, friendly but chaotic, and packed with colour, from street art to pastel-painted buildings. You’ll find superb coffee, slow-lunch spots in the Blloku district, and a slice of Albanian life that feels young and energetic.

What to do: Walk up to the pyramid, explore the bunkers, enjoy nightlife and eat everything, Albanian food is a joy.

Find our guide to spending an awesome 48 hours in Tirana here.

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Berat

A personal favourite. Berat is picture-perfect, but not in a contrived way. Stacked Ottoman houses, a walkable old town, and a castle with excellent views.

If you’re into wine, history, or just strolling around pretty streets without a plan, this is your spot. It’s small, slow, and ideal for two nights. It offers a total contrast to the Albanian Riviera and is well worth the detour.

You can find our full guide to the best things to do in Berat here.

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Himarë & the Albanian Riviera

Himarë is everything we hoped for on the Riviera – without the beach-club chaos of Dhërmi or the overdevelopment of Sarandë. Think sleepy evenings, fresh fish dinners, and beaches that still feel like proper hidden gems.

Nearby, you can walk to Jale Beach or take a short drive to Gjipe, one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania.

Tip: If you’re not driving, Himarë is a better base than the more isolated beaches.

You can find our full guide to visiting Himarë here, including where to stay and things to do.

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The Albanian Alps (Theth and Valbona)

This is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Balkans. Towering mountains, alpine meadows, wooden guesthouses, and endless plates of hearty food. Start in Shkodër, take the bus to Theth and walk over the mountains to Valbona over a dramatic mountain pass. It’s not easy, but it is unforgettable.

You can also spend longer here, taking day hikes in either Theth or Valbona. Find our full guide to visiting the Albanian Alps here.

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Montenegro

Kotor

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, cruise ships clog the bay on some days. But there’s a reason people come – Kotor is spectacular.

The old town is full of winding alleys and hidden courtyards. And the fjord has water so still and clear that it looks like glass. Climb up to the Ladder of Kotor for a bit of exercise, before lounging on the beach and enjoying a meal of fresh seafood. We planned to visit for a few days and stayed for 10.

Find our best things to do in Kotor here.

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Budva

Budva can be a bit of a party town, but if you pick the right bit to stay in (avoid the nightclub-heavy areas and head towards the old town), you’ll find a good mix of beaches and old-town charm.

There are also plenty of great day trips nearby – including Sveti Stefan (which you can walk to) and the scenic road to Lovćen National Park.

I stayed here for ten days as a solo traveller, but it would be a great as a romantic trip or with friends and family.

Find our guide to the best bits of Budva here.

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Croatia

Dubrovnik

Everyone’s heard of Dubrovnik, and in summer, everyone is in Dubrovnik. It’s undeniably beautiful, but be strategic: stay in a quieter suburb (like Lapad), walk the walls early, and escape the crowds by heading out on a kayak or boat trip to Lokrum Island. You can also hike to Mount Srd, something many visitors miss.

You can find our guide to visiting Dubrovnik on a budget and how to enjoy the suburbs here.

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Šibenik & Krka National Park

For a less hectic alternative to Dubrovnik or Split, head to Šibenik. It’s got a charming old town and great access to Krka, where you can walk through waterfalls and lush forest. It’s still busy in summer, but with more elbow room than the bigger names.

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Serbia

Belgrade

Belgrade does grit and charm in equal measure. The nightlife is legendary (especially on the floating summer clubs known as splavs), but there’s also a rich cultural scene, great parks, and that relaxed, café-hopping lifestyle that makes it feel oddly Parisian at times.

We spent five weeks living in Belgrade and fell in love with how eclectic the city is. Each district has it’s own identity.

Find our full guide to the best things to do in Belgrade here.

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Sremski Karlovci

Just an hour from Belgrade, this tiny baroque town is at the heart of Serbia’s wine region. It’s pretty, peaceful, and packed with charm, ideal for a day trip or an overnight with plenty of rakija and views over the Fruška Gora hills.

This is one of the those travel memories that will stay with you for a while. Guaranteed you can tell people you visited here and they won’t have heard of it.

Find our full guide to visiting Sremski Karlovci here.

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Honourable Mentions

• Sarajevo, Bosnia – Where East meets West in the most compelling way. Warm, raw, and steeped in history.
• Mostar, Bosnia – For the iconic bridge, yes, but also the atmospheric old bazaar and the riverside cafés.
• Plovdiv, Bulgaria – One of the oldest cities in Europe, full of Roman ruins and youthful energy.
• Prizren, Kosovo – Small, sweet, and often overlooked. A relaxed place to soak up Balkan life at half-speed.
• Piran, Slovenia – A little slice of Venetian charm on the Slovenian coast.

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Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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Albania Travel Guide

If you’re looking for a more detailed travel guide for Albania, you can now purchase our Short Guide to Albania. A 119 page ebook, detailing the best experiences in Albania, vital information to help you travel and suggested itineraries. Buy it now in our online shop.

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