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While most people flock the Western Europe, we decided to spend last summer on the other side of the content, exploring all of the hidden gems of Eastern Europe.

Eastern Europe is full of stunning nature, charming old towns, and some of the most fun nightlife you'll experience!

After spending months road tripping the Balkans, we discovered some of our favorite spots in Europe, that aren't overrun my massive amounts of tourists just yet. Here are some of the best hidden gems of Eastern Europe that you should check out.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #1: Mirusha Falls, Kosovo

Pretty much everything in Kosovo classifies as a hidden gem of Eastern Europe, as it's so rarely visited in general! However, there is one place in particular that really stole our hearts in Kosovo, and it's Mirusha Falls. 

We're suckers for waterfalls, so we could truly do a whole post just about waterfalls, but we particularly love this one, as there is so much more to this place than first glance.

Upon arrival, it looks like merely one set of falls, but you can actually hike behind it and continue to find more and more waterfalls! Using ropes and ladders you'll finally make your way to one final impressive fall, and most likely will have it completely to yourself!

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #2: Lukomir, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This was one of those locations that truly took our breath away while visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina. Tucked away in the middle of the mountains, the tiny village of Lukomir will take you hundred of years back in time. The drive here alone made us feel like we were inside of a Balkan fairytale, and the views surrounding Lukomir village were just unbelievable. 

We highly suggest visiting on a tour if you can, as when we visited it was completely empty. We would have loved to hear about the history of the area, and imagine that a tour given by a local definitely would have been the way to experience it.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #3: Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina

While many people flock to Mostar, they usually don't realize there is a hidden gem of Eastern Europe lying just 10-15 minutes outside of it! Blagaj is a little village perched along the Neretva Canyon. One of its main highlights is the Dervish House, which is now 600 years old.

This historic Sufi monastery in Blagaj was built into the cliffs right on the water, housing a mausoleum, as well as an old Turkish bath. In addition, it makes for one of the most photographic spots in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Another highlight of Blagaj is its incredible fortress, which is a 45 minute hike up to the top, and gives you stunning views of the village and river sitting below it.

Want to visit Blagaj on an organized tour? Here are a few that you can pick from, from either Sarajevo and Mostar:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #4: Kravica Waterfalls, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This was our favorite part of all the entire country of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Kravica Falls is a massive set of falls found in the south of the country, nearby the border of Croatia.

The area is taken care of very well, and it has plenty of amenities for tourists to enjoy while there. You can swim, have a bite to eat, or simply relax and soak up the beauty of the area.

Kravica Falls can be visited by renting a car, or on a tour from either Mostar or Dubrovnik.

Want to join a tour to Kravica Falls from Mostar? Here are a few options:

Here are also some tours from Dubrovnik that you can sign up for:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #5: Jajce, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This is definitely one of the most adorable towns in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and well worth a visit if you're looking for hidden gems of Easter Europe.

Jajce is a charming town perched up on a hill, which sits above a giant waterfall. We came here for a couple of hours to climb up to the top of the town, grab a bite to eat, and of course to admire the stunning waterfall from down below.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #6: Zlatni Rat, Bol Croatia

Looking for one of the most stunning beaches in Europe? Well, Zlatni Rat, located on the island of Brac has a striking formation, and some of the clearest waters you'll ever see.

It also has enough activities and restaurants on sites to keep you busy for an entire day! Want to know more details for visiting? Make sure to check out our Brac travel guide for all the info.

Don't want to go on your own? There are also excursions that you can sign up for:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #7: Cetina Spring, Croatia

Also known as the "dragon's eye" Cetina Spring is a cold water spring which resembles the eye of a dragon when seen from above. For that reason, this place has become one of photographers' favorite locations in Croatia! The water is a shockingly low 2-4 degrees Celsius, and despite the pain we endured to take the photo below, we felt it was definitely worth it.

If you don't want to go in, we totally don't blame you. It's still gorgeous to witness regardless! Another option is to bring a float with you, so that you don't have to freeze like we did.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #8: Pula Arena, Croatia

Did you know that there is an arena in Croatia that looks just like the Roman Colosseum? Except unlike Rome, you can actually enjoy this place without the crazy crowds. Actually, when we visited in the morning there was hardly anyone else around!

Want to take a tour of Pula? Here are a few that you can sign up for:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #9: Vodice Beach Platforms, Croatia

The small beach town is truly one of the hidden gems of Eastern Europe. It has cute cafes, boutique shops, and these awesome hexagonal concrete platforms where tourists and locals relax and sunbathe. Vodice is conveniently located between Split and Zadar, being just an hour away from both, making it the perfect stop while traveling from Zadar to Split, or vice versa. 

Want to have your transportation prebooked? Here are a couple of options:

• Zadar to Vodice
• Split to Vodice

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #10: Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Sveti Stefan is one of the most beautiful spots in Montenegro. This small island is connected to the mainland by a concrete platform, and is known for its orange roofed buildings and cute cobblestone streets.

Sveti Stefan has plenty of shops, as well as a beach to enjoy, all backdropped by a beautiful hill. This is the perfect place to visit on a day trip from either Kotor or Budva.

Want to spend a night in Sveti Stefan? Check the map below for the different options:

Want to take a day trip there instead? Here are a few tours that you can take:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #11: Lake Shkoder, Montengro 

As far as hidden gems in Montenegro go, Skadar Lake is the definitely the spot. Actually shared by both Montenegro and Albania, this giant lake has a ton to offer. You can rent a boat, go kayaking, or take an organized tour to explore the beautiful nature Skadar Lake has to offer.

One of the parts that we loved about Skadar lake is that it is full of huge Lilly pads, and is also full of wildlife. You can easily visit here on a tour from one of the nearby coastal cities, or rent a car to go on your own.

Book a tour to Skadar Lake:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #12: Ostrog Monastery, Montenegro

The Ostrog Monastery isn't just any monastery. It is an iconic structure that has been built right into the rock of a cliff! It is very religiously significant, and many Montenegrins claim that by visiting miracles have happened.

You will find locals making the trip to Ostrog Monastery and actually sleeping on the premises, which is a truly unique experience. While it is very known by Montenegrins, it still remains a hidden gem in the eyes of tourists, and is a place that we highly recommend to check out if you are traveling through Montenegro.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #13: The Blue Eye, Albania

Now let's head to Albania to see a bunch of great hidden gems of Eastern Europe. Welcome to the Blue Eye. This is not the Blue Eye of Theth, but it is actually a different Blue Eye in Albania. This is a water spring found in the village of Muzine which has stunning blue waters.

To reach here you'll have to park in a small lot, cross a bridge, and then walk 20 minutes along a paved road to reach the spring. There is one bathroom on site, but we do suggest bringing your own toilet paper.

There is also a small souvenir shop right next to the Blue Eye. You will find signs indicating that swimming is not allowed, however the spring was  actually full of people jumping in from the platform above it. The water is a shockingly 2 degrees Celsius! While it is extremely cold, it is refreshing to dip in quickly on a hot day.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #14: Lumi I Shales, Albania

This is a pure slice of paradise tucked away in the middle of the Albanian Alps. Lumi i Shales is a large beach surrounded by crystal clear waters, hotels, and restaurants, and can only reached by boat! It is definitely not one of those places that is easy to get to, but is totally worth the journey. 

In order to get there you'll need to take a boat from Komani Lake, is a round trip excursion letting you enjoy the stunning area for a few hours.

Want to learn more about Lumi i Shales? We have a full Lumi i Shales guide with everything you need to know! Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter so that you stay in the know for our latest articles, as well as receive exclusive discounts.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #15: Bovilla Lake, Albania

This is the perfect day trip from Albania's capital. Bovilla Lake is an artificial lake that can be appreciated with stunning views from above. The parking is free, and there is a restaurant on site. In order to get to the incredible viewpoint, it is just a 5-10 minute walk up a set of stairs. It isn't really for the faint of heart, but the views are definitely worth it.

It's important to note that if you go on your own, Google Maps may not lead you to the correct spot. We followed a point on the map that had us drive an hour and a half to the other side where you cannot reach the lake at all. In order to reach the correct spot, make sure to plug in "Bovilla Rock Climbing Line" or "Bovilla Restorant".