The Balkans, Europe’s Hidden Treasure

Maramureș, Romania 

The best way to experience Maramureș is to slow down and soak in its peaceful rhythm. Surrounded by rolling hills, traditional wooden houses, and family-run farms, it’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy homemade food, and reconnect with nature. Visitors can take part in traditional craft workshops, learning skills like woodcarving, weaving, or Easter egg decorating, all guided by local artisans who carry on Maramureș’s rich handmade heritage. 

One of the region’s highlights is the Bârsana Monastery, a beautifully crafted complex known for its tall wooden church, carved gates, and flower-filled courtyards all set against a backdrop of green hills and quiet serenity. 

A visit to the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța is both fun and touching. The bright blue crosses are decorated with hand-painted pictures and short poems that tell the life stories and sometimes the bad habits of the people buried there. 

Počitelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Set on a hillside above the Neretva River, Počitelj is a masterpiece of stone and history. The Historic Urban Core offers cobbled paths, medieval buildings, and artisan galleries perfect for exploration. 

The Šišman Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, with its slender minaret and tranquil courtyard, stands as a monument of Ottoman architecture and spiritual beauty. Above it all, the Citadel Počitelj invites you to climb its ancient walls for panoramic views over the river valley — a reward for the curious and adventurous. 

Varaždin, Croatia 

Varaždin charms visitors with its baroque elegance and artistic soul. The majestic Stari Grad Castle, located in the heart of town, holds centuries of history within its walls and hosts exhibitions in its museum. Wander through the vibrant Old Town, where pastel buildings, boutique shops, and quiet squares invite spontaneous exploration. 

Explore the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve near Varaždin by inflatable raft, gliding along the calm, clear waters of the Drava River. This gentle adventure takes you through lush forests and peaceful landscapes, with chances to spot birds, wildlife, and hidden river beaches along the way. 
 

Gjirokastra, Albania 

In Gjirokastra, every stone tells a story. The massive Gjirokastra Castle dominates the town with its medieval towers and museum displays, while offering panoramic views across the Drino Valley. For a glimpse into daily life of the past, the Skenduli House opens its doors to reveal intricate woodwork, Ottoman furnishings, and hidden passageways.  

In Gjirokastra, visitors can saddle up for guided horseback rides through the Drino Valley and nearby villages like Gjinofshat, offering scenic trails with river crossings, hilltop views, and stops in traditional rural settings. 

Beneath the streets of Gjirokastra lies the Cold War Tunnel, a secret underground bunker built in the 1970s during Albania’s communist era. Stretching over 800 meters with more than 50 rooms, it was designed to shelter government officials in case of a nuclear attack. Walking through its dim, concrete corridors give a fascinating glimpse into the paranoia and secrecy of the time — a stark contrast to the city’s sunny hilltops and historic charm above. 

Rogla, Slovenia 

High in the Pohorje Mountains, Rogla is a natural escape for adventurers and wellness seekers. The Treetop Walk lets visitors stroll above the forest canopy, with observation towers providing sweeping views.  

Nearby, the Adventure Park Rogla delivers excitement with zip-lines and rope courses, perfect for team challenges. Those looking for quiet reflection can follow forest trails leading to the Lovrenska Lakes, a series of peat bogs surrounded by calm and stillness. 

Close by, Center Noordung in Vitanje offers a unique cultural stop, an interactive space and science museum dedicated to space exploration and Slovenia’s contribution to astronautics, adding an unexpected twist to the region’s outdoor appeal. 

Perast, Montenegro 

Perast sits quietly along the shores of the Bay of Kotor, offering timeless charm, stone architecture, and postcard-perfect views. One of the highlights is a boat trip across the bay to Our Lady of the Rocks, a small man-made island with a historic church and museum filled with local legends and artwork.  

Many tours also include a stop at the glowing Blue Cave for a refreshing swim, as well as a visit to the old submarine tunnels of Luštica, tucked into the cliffs and rich with wartime history. Back in town, the Perast Museum, located in a former palace, tells the story of the area’s seafaring past, while the St. Nicholas Church bell tower offers panoramic views over the bay — perfect for a quiet moment above it all. 

Prizren, Kosovo 

Prizren is a cultural mosaic where history is written on the very stones of its streets. The hilltop Prizren Fortress offers sweeping views over the red rooftops, minarets, and bridges below, especially beautiful at sunset. Down in the city, Shadervan Square buzzes with life, framed by historic mosques, churches, and bustling cafés. Just steps away, the League of Prizren Museum tells the story of Kosovo’s national movement and provides an atmospheric setting for cultural tours and discussions. 

Just outside Prizren, visitors can enjoy wine tastings at small, family-run wineries that showcase local grape varieties like Vranac and Prokupac. These intimate experiences often include vineyard tours, homemade snacks, and stories from winemakers 

Đerdap Gorge, Serbia 

Where the Danube carves through the Carpathians, Đerdap Gorge reveals some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural beauty. The newly restored Golubac Fortress, set dramatically on the riverbank, is a highlight for history lovers and photographers alike.  

Cycling along the Danube Bike Path in Đerdap National Park is a scenic and active way to explore eastern Serbia. This 110 km stretch, part of the EuroVelo 6 route, offers dramatic views of the Golubac Fortress, river cliffs, and forested hills. 

A visit to Lepenski Vir, one of the oldest known settlements in Europe, offers a fascinating look into prehistoric life along the Danube. Dating back over 9,000 years, the site features unique stone houses, sculptures, and tools that reveal the daily lives and spiritual beliefs of its ancient inhabitants. 

The True Treasure of the Balkans: Its Culture 

While the landscapes and towns are impressive, what truly sets the Balkans apart is something less visible but deeply felt, its culture. Traditions, festivals, and customs have been passed down for generations and are still very much alive today. 

From the fire-dancers of Bulgaria and the Croatian Zvoncari, to carpet weaving in Chiprovtsi and the energetic Guca brass festival in Serbia, the Balkans are a living museum of tradition. Many of these have been recognized by UNESCO, like the Horezu ceramics of Romania or the Croatian lace-making craft. 

These cultural experiences are not just for watching, invite you to take part. To dance, to eat, to celebrate. And that’s what makes the Balkans truly unforgettable.