Best time to visit the Balkans
TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL
Things to do in the Balkans
WHAT TO DO IN THE BALKANS & WHAT NOT TO
Things to do in the
Balkans...
Culture vultures swoop on down, because the Balkan basket is packed with ancient civilisations and contemporary revelations. Visit UNESCO sites such as the fortified city of Dubrovnik or lesser known Kotor in Montenegro. Tirana in Albania has the most superb juxtaposition of Italian and Ottoman architecture, marvellous minarets versus crumbling communism. Ljubljana is one of Europe’s prettiest capitals, with 19th century wooden shops, medieval architectural treasures and cobbled courtyards. And then there are the moving 1990s war memorials, such as Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Built during the Ottoman Empire and destroyed in the war, it has been restored and is now considered the greatest symbol of Muslim, Croat and Serb reunification.
National parks in the Balkans are very off radar, which means there is a lot of space for outdoor enthusiasts to play in. To discover some of the lesser known Balkan beauties, hike through Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park or Macedonia’s Baba Mountain massif in Pelister National Park. Macedonia is also home to Mavrovo National Park with 52 peaks higher than 2,000m. And Europe’s oldest primeval forest can be found in Sutjeska National Park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as can Donje Bare Lake, a wonderful place to go for a dip. Pack everything for the Balkans; there are so many unexpected adventures to be had.
Things not to do in the Balkans…
Expect five star tourism, except in Croatia’s coastal resorts. The Balkan countries are still relatively new to tourism and, in many ways, this is why we love them. Many countries such as Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have a delightfully rural culture. These are countries where slow travel is innate, people are still striving to make a living from the land, and religion plays an important role. Please respect local people and their cultures and don’t go looking for Moët in the mountains.
Be insensitive about ethnicity in countries like Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and read up on the conflicts of the 1990s before you go. Know that in BiH, for example, there are three main ethnicities and religions: the Bosnian Serbs, who are mostly Orthodox; Roman Catholic Bosnian Croats; and Muslims who are known as Bosniaks. In many countries the 1990s war still feels very recent, so don’t come armed with opinions. People lost loved ones and still bear the scars and, although they do engage politically, leave it to them to bring it to the table. That usually happens with a bottle of local wine.
Some of the Balkan countries are going down the all inclusive resort and vast cruise ship route. We see these as cul-de-sac tourism. Responsible tourism is the only way to put those monsters into reverse.
Balkans travel advice
TIPS FROM OUR BALKAN BUDDIES
Adventure tips
Stefan Hellmuth from our leading Balkans tour operator, Intrepid Travel: "My favourite adventures in the Balkans would be cycling and hiking in the Velebit (Croatia), which is great and most people don’t know about it. Otherwise, Durmitor National Park (Montenegro) is great for hiking."
Bosnia & Herzegovina tips
Stefan Hellmuth from Intrepid: “My absolute favourite place is Sarajevo. This city is poised to become a major destination in south-eastern Europe in the coming years. So best to go now before the secret gets out.”
“Visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina and The Balkans should go there without prejudice in regards to the causes of the 1990’s war. Listen to stories from different angles and from people of different ages in different regions, and stay open minded. After all, the majority of the people suffered, and no one wanted this to happen in the first place.”
Rosanna Neophytou, from our supplier Tucan Travel: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is perfect for those wanting a cultural adventure and is an excellent place to start for those who have not explored Eastern Europe. Visitors should not miss the vibrant capital of Sarajevo, often described as a living museum full of churches and cathedrals, or the Kravice Waterfalls, found on the Trebižat River. Another must-see is the iconic Stari Most Bridge in Mostar, widely considered to be the most attractive city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With such a mass of beautiful architecture, passengers should not forget their camera in this region of Eastern Europe!”

If you'd like to chat about The Balkans or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Rosy & team.
01273 823 700
Kosovo tips

Serbia tips
Stefan Hellmuth from Intrepid: “I think that Belgrade is consistently underrated. It’s very bohemian, with beautiful architecture, and a young student population that keeps the city very lively.”

“When eating, make sure you order a side salad. They don’t do a lot to it but the produce is fantastic (especially the tomatoes) and you get pickled shredded cabbage every time which is also delicious on the side of whatever grilled meat you’re ordered for main.”
Montenegro tips
Joanna Simmons, travel writer at Responsible Travel: “Don't come expecting Montenegro to be sleek and well organised. It's a small country with a tiny population and beyond the coast people live a pretty simple, basic life. It's not like a holiday to France, say, where the roads are great and you will always find a hypermarket or massive local market where you can stock up on food. Here, there isn't much in the way of shops (people are quite self sufficient), petrol stations can be miles apart, road signs non-existent and roads narrow and perilous. You don't tend to meet a lot of women, either, as the culture seems to be fairly male-orientated.
Towards the Albanian side you'll find mosques alongside churches, reminding you that this is a multi-ethnic country with a very Balkan, rather than familiar European, flavour. It is, though, a fascinating place, incredibly beautiful – the scenery is spectacular and dramatic – and the local people we met working within the tourist industry were friendly, warm and helpful. You're routinely greeted with a tot of homemade brandy and a gigantic meal, too – what's not to like?”
Albania advice

Macedonia tips
Rosanna Neophytou from our supplier, Tucan Travel:“Macedonia is a fantastic country to visit because of how diverse it is. There is a real mix of architectural beauty, with Mediterranean, Turkish, Slavic and Albanian influences. The capital of Skopje has a mix of historic sites such as the 6th century Kale Fortress as well as many restaurants, bars and art galleries to explore. Anyone visiting Macedonia should definitely visit Matka Canyon and Lake Ohrid too.”
Balkans travel advice
TIPS FROM OUR TRAVELLERS
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Balkans travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Balkans travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.
“Travel light and take warm clothes for the mountains as well as cool clothes.” – Sue Reynolds on an Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia holiday
“I loved the whole holiday but the people on the holiday were so great that they will remain in my memory for a long time. The places we visited were in the main superb. Sarajevo was perhaps the place I liked best for many reasons. Budva was beautiful. Go for it and enjoy. Make the most of every minute, you won't regret it.” – Katie Coates on a Balkans explorer holiday
“Enjoy the contrasts, the people, the experience and go with the flow – you will love it. And, do visit Albania now, as it is just getting into the tourism business. Unemployment in Albania is high. By visiting and touring and enjoying – and spending of course – you will benefit the young and old. The young wish to expand their English language skills – help them along, it will give them future opportunities.” – Michael Cain on an Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia holiday
“If you are nervous being driven on narrow mountain roads with sheer drops this tour may not be for you, but I always felt perfectly safe. If you do not like very hot weather choose to go in the spring or autumn. Good trip for solo travelers.” – Carol Tremaine in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina
“Make sure you have Euros with you. Many places will accept Euros, if you run out of local currency.” – Sara Detmer on a Balkans explorer holiday
“It can bit quite chilly during the Easter holidays! Take cash because typically restaurants etc don't take cards although you won't need too much because prices are very low compared to other European countries.” - Hazel Edwardson an activity holiday in Montenegro
“I loved the whole holiday but the people on the holiday were so great that they will remain in my memory for a long time. The places we visited were in the main superb. Sarajevo was perhaps the place I liked best for many reasons. Budva was beautiful. Go for it and enjoy. Make the most of every minute, you won't regret it.” – Katie Coates on a Balkans explorer holiday
“Enjoy the contrasts, the people, the experience and go with the flow – you will love it. And, do visit Albania now, as it is just getting into the tourism business. Unemployment in Albania is high. By visiting and touring and enjoying – and spending of course – you will benefit the young and old. The young wish to expand their English language skills – help them along, it will give them future opportunities.” – Michael Cain on an Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia holiday
“If you are nervous being driven on narrow mountain roads with sheer drops this tour may not be for you, but I always felt perfectly safe. If you do not like very hot weather choose to go in the spring or autumn. Good trip for solo travelers.” – Carol Tremaine in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina
“Make sure you have Euros with you. Many places will accept Euros, if you run out of local currency.” – Sara Detmer on a Balkans explorer holiday
“It can bit quite chilly during the Easter holidays! Take cash because typically restaurants etc don't take cards although you won't need too much because prices are very low compared to other European countries.” - Hazel Edwardson an activity holiday in Montenegro
Photo credits:
[Tempchart: ShkelzenRexha]
[Adventure: Thomas Guillem]
[BiH Rosanna: Mario Fajt]
[Serbia: George M. Groutas]
[Macedonia: Onosim]
[Tip1: NH52]
[Tip2: Mario Micklisch]
[Helpdesk: Berat Hoxha]
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