The Balkan region, known for its fascinating history, diverse cultures, and stunning beauty is less than a three-hour flight from major European cities such as Rome and Paris. The countries of Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia are a few of these destinations known for unique travel opportunities for tourists through cultural immersion, relaxation, and shopping experiences.
The first place I highly recommend visiting is Croatia which is known for its clear waters and coastal towns. Some popular foods in Croatia include black risotto, grilled fish, truffle pasta, and olive oil. The city of Split features ancient Roman ruins, and the Riva waterfront is full of seafood and traditional restaurants. Split also features very accessible day trip options to Krka National Park, known for its beautiful waterfalls. Similarly, Dubrovnik is known for its city walls, which feature views of the Adriatic Sea. The popular television show Game of Thrones filmed on the main street of the Old Town section of the city, leading many tourists to consider Dubrovnik the real-life King’s Landing. Many visitors also go on island hopping experiences, which include staying on boats and yachts, swimming in hidden coves, and exploring different coastal towns.
I also recommend visiting Montenegro, which is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful coastal views, and medieval towns. A popular dessert in Montenegro is Palačinke, thin pancakes stuffed with Nutella, jam, or fruit. I suggest visiting the city of Kotor, too, which features an old town filled with medieval architecture and original city walls. Kotor also features mountain landscapes and scuba diving experiences for adventurous travelers. Exploring the Bay of Kotor on a boat tour allows tourists to visit the town of Perast, which is known for its maritime history, and Our Lady of the Rock island, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Overall, I recommend Montenegro because it features affordable prices with the same opportunities to explore and eat delicious foods as other nations.
Lastly, I suggest visiting Serbia for its unique fortresses and castles, national parks, and delicious cuisine. The first place I recommend visiting is Belgrade, the capital. The city features the Church of Saint Mark in Tašmajdan Park, which features one of the largest mosaics in the world.
The city also features the Church of Saint Sava, which has a gold interior and is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Similarly, I recommend visiting the city of Novi Sad, which features the Exit Festival, one of Europe’s largest music festivals). In Novi Sad, one should also visit the beaches, which feature adventure parks, and Fruška Gora National Park, where tourists can explore monasteries and vineyards. Novi Sad also features the Petrovaradin Fortress, known for its views of the city and the Danube River. Serbian food is also very delicious, featuring dishes such as Cevapi, which is a skinless sausage served on flatbread. All in all, I recommend visiting Serbia because it is a very affordable nation and features a charming atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
