6 Balkan destinations to visit

Beautiful countries like Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, and Bulgaria are all part of the Balkans, a region in Europe. This region not only offers a multitude of luxurious places where you can enjoy a variety of cultures, beautiful natural scenery, and an exploration of alpine and island gems at a lower cost than Western European nations when it comes to resorts, restaurants, and activities. These are the top locations to visit in The Balkans, from picture-perfect towns to beach attractions.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

One of Europe's best-kept secrets, Lake Bled is encircled by mountains and appears to have stepped out of a fairy tale. Bled Castle, which is situated on a little island in the middle of the icy blue waters, attracts artists and photographers from all over the world who wish to capture its beauty as the sun rises and the first rays of light appear in the sky.

Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro is a beautifully beautiful country that only gained independence in 2006, and Kotor, which is located in a remote area of Boka Kotorsky Bay, offers incredible beauty that few visitors get to see simply because they are unaware that it even exists. With the entire ancient town area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this coastal town on the Adriatic offers a genuine unspoiled getaway from the chaos of the contemporary world. For a trip you won't soon forget, float through the sun-drenched fjords with mountains towering above, eat delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and visit the medieval walled city with its numerous old monuments, churches, cathedrals, palaces, and museums.

Transylvania, Romania

Although it's sometimes imagined as a make-believe metropolis, a place populated by bloodthirsty vampires and howling wolves, Transylvania is actually a genuine place in central Romania, bounded to the east by the Carpathian Mountains. Take one of the most stunning drives in the world, the TransFagarasan "Road to the Sky." It connects Transylvania and Walachia as it ascends via the Transylvania Alps' highest peaks; it is also home to a plethora of animals and kilometers of beautiful hiking routes. This area is also home to more than 150 fortified churches and numerous castles, notably Bran Castle, which seems to have appeared out of your favorite vampire book.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The town of Ljubljana, which is situated along the Ljubljana River in an alpine valley, is well known for its picture-perfect appearance and is frequently rated as Eastern Europe's most beautiful city. In addition to being a popular tourism destination in Slovenia, it is also amazingly inexpensive, with low lodging costs, inexpensive entertainment alternatives, and delectable low-cost dining options. Explore the quaint cobblestone alleys that are lined with fascinating museums and art galleries, as well as trendy pubs and adorable cafes that provide plenty of entertainment after dark. Learn about Slovenian history in the interactive museum at the hilltop castle before climbing to the tower for stunning views of the city and beyond.

Mostar, Bosnia

Visitors can marvel at the stunning ancient Turkish homes in Mostar, a historic town that spans a deep valley of the Neretva River, witness people who are bold enough to leap off Stari Most Bridge, and take cool baths in the nearby Kravice waterfalls. The Old Bridge is just one of the numerous reminders of the extensive Ottoman rule over the area, and today the entire city is a top tourist destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Europe's most breathtaking parks, was previously a well-kept secret, unknown to most people outside of Croatia. Despite its growing popularity, it remains a site that should be on every traveler's bucket list. The maze of lakes and waterfalls, lush foliage, and pure azure waters is one of the most breathtaking natural landmarks in all of Eastern Europe, if not the entire continent. It looks as though it were computer generated and dropped right down in Croatia.