Welcome to one of the most beautiful and underrated areas of Europe, the Balkans! If you were wondering what countries were in the Balkans, or what they have to offer, then you're in the right spot.
Last summer we spent 3 months exploring the Balkans, and have so much to share with you! There are so many great reasons to visit the Balkans, and this guide is going to share everything you need to know so that you can have as epic of a trip as we did.
So without further ado, let's jump in to our complete travel guide of the Balkans in Europe!
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What Countries Were the Balkans?
The Balkans are a region in south Eastern Europe, that spread across what is known as the Balkan Peninsula. The name comes from the Balkan mountain range that runs through Bulgaria. When discussing what countries were in the Balkans, this topic can be kind of controversial, as some people count some countries, while some others don't.
The countries that are always included in this region are Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Some others consider Romania, parts of Greece, and the most western part of Turkey to be inside the Balkan Region.
In this post we are going to include Romania, but leave the focus out for Greece and Turkey.
Which Country to Visit in the Balkans
Each country in the Balkans is beautiful in its own way! There isn't a single country that we didn't love in one way or another. However, there are definitely some that are more tailored for certain types of people. In this post were not only going to go over what countries were in the Balkans, but go over the highlights of each one so you can choose which ones you'd like to prioritize.
Each country in the Balkans has something unique to offer.
What Countries Were the Balkans? Different Options to Visit the Balkans
There are so many countries in the Balkans! So where exactly should you travel? Well, the good news is that the Balkans are very well-connected, so you can easily visit a few countries in just a short amount of time. We spent 10 weeks in the Balkans, and spent an average of one week in each place (we spent a couple of days less in Kosovo for example, and then used those extra days in Romania).
In order to choose where exactly to start, you can do exactly what we did! We used Skyscanner flying from Spain, and were looking for the cheapest destination to get to in the area. We found our flight from Sevilla to Bucharest for just 50 Euros, and have also seen flights as low at 9 Euros coming from other European countries!
Flight Tip: Use Skyscanner and put from "your city" to "Everywhere". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the Balkan area to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for your destination!
Search for a flight to the Balkans:
Entry Requirements for Visiting the Balkans
Now that you know what countries were in the Balkans, and how to reach this part of Europe, It's important to know the requirements needed to enter in each country.
Visa Entry Requirements
One of the reasons we actually traveled to the Balkans was because all of the countries are outside of the Schengen Zone! This is great news because it means that you can spend up to 90 days in each country. The only countries in the Balkans that are part of the Schengen Zone are Croatia and Slovenia. This means that is you have visited other countries in the Schengen Zone prior, you will be limited to a total of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Covid Entry Requirements
We visited the Balkans in the summer of 2022, and pretty much all of the requirements had already been lifted. You won't need to worry about being vaccinated or taking a Covid-19 test before visiting any of these countries, nor will you find anyone really wearing masks anymore.
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Local Adjustments for the Balkans
Whenever you travel there are things that will be different than where you are coming from. Here are some of the things to keep in mind for visiting the Balkans.
Languages Spoken in the Balkans
Being that the countries in the Balkans are so close, they have a lot in common when it comes to their language! Pretty much every country has their "own language" but almost everyone in the Balkans can communicate with each other because they are quite similar.
The languages in Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Slovenia are all slavic languages, and closely linked. In Kosovo and Albania they speak Albanian, which is closer to Greek or Armenian.
Another thing to note is that while some countries use the Latin alphabet, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia all use the Cyrillic alphabet.
Currency Used in the Balkans
While most of Western Europe use the Euro, there are some countries in the Balkans that use the Euro, and some that have their own currency. Currently Slovenia, Montenegro, and Kosovo use the Euro, and soon Croatia will be changing from the Kuna to the Euro.
The rest of the countries have their own currency, which you can check out in our individual guides of each country.
Are the Balkans Expensive?
Overall, the Balkans are extremely affordable! In comparison to western Europe, they are much cheaper. You can find hotels for as low as 10-15 euros, and have meals for 10-20 euros/person.
Which Balkan Country is Chapest?
We found that the cheapest country to travel in the Balkans was Serbia.
What is the Most Expensive Country in the Balkans?
The most expensive county in the Balkans is definitely Croatia. It is a lot more set up for tourism, and you can find much more luxury options when it comes to hotels and dining. That being said, you can definitely have a budget-friendly trip to Croatia!
What Plug Do They Use in the Balkans?
The Balkans use the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are types C, E, & F. The standard voltage throughout the Balkan countries is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Water Potability
Depending on which countries you visit, will depend on the quality of the water. Most places in the Balkans have water that is perfectly safe to drink from the tap.
Countries like Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, and Kosovo have clean water everywhere, were as Serbia, Bulgaria, and Albania have potable water in certain areas of the country. To learn more you can check our individual guides for each country.
Tipping Culture
The tipping culture in the Balkans is typically similar from country to country. We suggest as a general rule of thumb to leave 10-15% extra on top of your bill, and to do so in cash.
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What Countries Were the Balkans? Comparing Each Country
Now that you know what countries were in the Balkans, and the basics for visiting the area, it's time to explore each place! Here are the highlights of each country, so that you can choose which country in the Balkans is the best for you to prioritize.
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Croatia
Croatia is definitely the most popular and well known country of the Balkans. Full of pristine beaches, colorful villages, and 79 different islands, this country is the perfect location for those that love to party and soak up the sun. While it may be the most expensive, it also is super safe and well-developed in terms of tourism.
Croatia is the most popular destination in the Balkans.
Highlights of Croatia: Zagreb (the capital), Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar (party island), Brac, Plitvice Lakes, Rovinj, Zadar, Pula, Krka Waterfalls, and the famous Yacht Week.
Slovenia
Slovenia is one of the smallest countries in the Balkans, but is full of stunning nature. I also visited here in December and they have a magical Christmas market! Centrally located, this is the most easily accessed country from Western Europe.
Highlights of Slovenia: Liubljana (the capital), Lake Bled (the #1 attraction), Lake Bohinj, Maribor, Koper, and Piran.
Montenegro
Located just under Croatia, this country is home to epic seaside resorts and charming historic villages on the west, and breathtaking mountain landscapes in the east. You can visit on a budget, or splurge at one of the luxury hotels.
Albania
Albania definitely has to be the most diverse of all the countries in the Balkans. The entire coast is full of stunning beaches, while the north has breathtaking mountains, and in the middle you can find fairytale towns. You can find everything from cold springs to thermal waters inside of canyons, waterfalls, and more. Prices are affordable, and the cuisine is delicious.
Highlights of Albania: Tirana (the capital), Shkoder, Theth, the Albanian Riviera, Lumi I Shales, Berat, Girokaster, Lake Skodra, Lake Ohrid, and Benje (thermal baths).
Serbia
Serbia is the cheapest of all the countries, and really shines with its overall vibes. There's something about the people and nightlife that makes Serbia special. It has tons of history, great markets, and beautiful nature to check out.
Highlights of Serbia: Belgrade (the capital), Nis, Novi Sad, Subotica, and Zlatibor (and Tara National Park).
Kosovo
This is definitely the least visited and most overlooked country of the Balkans, but is where all the hidden gems are! The capital was ranked one of the ugliest cities in the world, but there are sill plenty of reasons the visit. We love Kosovo for its adorable historic towns, and gorgeous untouched nature that it offers. It is also super affordable!
Highlights of Kosovo: Pristina (the capital), Peja (mountains), Gjakova, Mirusha Waterfalls, and Prizren (our favorite!).
Macedonia
Macedonia is one of the smallest countries in the Balkans, and has a cool blend of Greek and Turkish influence. It has some incredible nature, and also really fun nightlife. It is also one of the most well-connected countries in the Balkans.
Highlights of Macedonia: Skopje (the capital), Lake Ohrid, Matka Canyon, Vodno, and The Stone Dolls.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is another country that just has incredible vibes from its people and parties, as well as some great nature. It's full of gorgeous villages and fun beach cities along the Black Sea. Another thing we loved was the wine culture, and the endless sunflower fields we passed while driving across the country.
Highlights of Bulgaria: Sofia (the capital), Rila Monastery, Seven Rila Lakes, Belogradchik, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, and Nessebar.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sandwiched between Croatia and Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina is a country that often gets overlooked in the Balkans. We love this country due to its incredible nature, as well as the blend of cultures and religions that you can find there.
Highlights of Bosnia & Herzegovina: Sarajevo (the capital), Mostar (a quick day trip from Dubrovnik), Banja Luka, Trebinje, Kravika Falls, Pocitelj, Blagaj, Jajce, and Lukomir (an ancient village in the mountains).
Romania
This was another county that supposed the hell out of us. The home of Dracula is full of colorful towns, delicious food, beautiful nature, and some of the best castles you'll ever witness.
Not only that, but there is an amusement park inside a salt mine, and an enormous Jesus in the middle of nowhere. Romania is shockingly impressive, and definitely a country you'll want to spend some extra time in, as it's huge and has so much to offer.
Highlights of Romania: Bucharest (the capital), Constanta (beach town), Cluj Napoca, Timisoara, Siubiu, Sighisoara, Brasov, Peles Castle, and Corvin's Castle.
What Countries Were the Balkans: Getting Around While Visiting the Balkans
Now that you know what countries were in the Balkans, you know that there is a ton to explore! Distances can vary greatly, so it's important to know the different ways to get from one city or country to the next. Here is everything you need to know about getting around the Balkans.
Renting a Car in the Balkans
We rented a car in Romania and road tripped the entire Balkan region for a full 3 months! At 15 euros a day (insurance included), we found that this was an amazing way to get around the Balkans. The reason is that there are so many amazing spots in nature that can only be reached by car. While Western Europe is mostly about cities, we believe the best parts of Balkans are the natural landscapes.
Rent a car in the Balkans:
Important Notes About Driving in the Balkans
Due to what countries were in the Balkans, and those that are recognized as countries or not, affects getting around between them. What do we mean by this exactly? Well, not all countries are accessible via land border, and this is important to know while traveling through the Balkans!
Many of the land borders were super easy to cross with a car, but I actually had an incident my first time visiting this region, which is why I am sharing this detail.
Land Borders to Be Aware of in the Balkans
I was traveling by bus in Kosovo, and the bus was going to Belgrade. 5-10 minutes into the ride my passport was collected, and after seeing that I was a foreigner, my friend and I were kicked off the bus. No it wasn't because they were cruel, but because I would have been denied entry at the border.
This is because Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as a country, so the only people allowed to cross the land border between the two are locals. If you cross with a car and they let you in, you may have issues when trying to leave the country via Serbia.
Toll Passes in the Balkans
Another thing to note if you are driving through the Balkans, is that some countries require you to purchase a special pass to access the toll roads. Many people don't actually tell you this.
If you get caught they will hit you with a heavy fine! That's why it's super important to stop at customs each time and inquire if they have a pass or not. It will save you a lot of money and stress in the end if you purchase it upon arrival to the country.
Car Insurance Throughout the Balkans
When renting a car it is important that you aside the company in advance of your travel plans. The reason is because there is special documentation that you will need to travel to different countries.
Insurance is also not covered in every country with every rental company. For example, our car rental in Romania covered every country except for Macedonia (go figure we ended up blowing out our tire in Macedonia).
Moral of the story? The most important thing is to always be transparent of your travel plans with rental agencies and customs, so that you don't have any issues along the road.
Taking Public Transportation Throughout the Balkans
If renting a car isn't your thing, then you can definitely still make your ways around the Balkans! There are a few cities that have trains (mostly in Romania and Bulgaria), and the rest are easily connected by bus. Distances between big cities usually are no more than just a few hours. Here are some of the most popular routes that you can book:
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Local Cuisine in the Balkans
When you look at what countries were in the Balkans, and how close they are, it's no wonder they have pretty similar cuisines. What we love is that many of them have dishes that are the same, but they have their own spin on it.
We absolutely adored the food in the Balkans! There is such an interesting variety of food to indulge in, even within each country. For example, if you go to the seaside of Montenegro or the Albanian Riviera, you'll have incredible seafood and fresh pasta dishes. Head inland to either country to the more mountainous regions, and you'll have a variety of tender meats and hearty stews.
Many Balkan countries also have an influence from Mediterranean cuisine, and just like Greece and Italy, they use a lot of olive oil, cured meats, homemade pastas, and fresh seafood.
Truffle is also huge in the Balkans, especially in Croatia! So if you're a truffle-lover like we are, make sure that you take advantage of this. Prices for truffle are much more affordable in the Balkans, and there is a huge variety of products you can find infused with them.
Truffle is super popular, and used in many pasta dishes.
Head to the local grocery stores and you'll find affordable truffle products like truffle-infused olive oil, or truffle-flavored chips!
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Are the Balkans Safe to Visit?
While the countries that were in the Balkans have a dark past, a lot has changed in this area of Europe. The Balkans in general are a very safe place to travel, and have little crime. Despite the lack of tourism in some parts, we found the people to be super welcoming, helpful, and friendly.
Which Country is Safest in Balkans?
The safest country in the Balkans is definitely Croatia. Our friends from there would even leave their doors unlocked and car windows down.
There is little crime in Croatia, and it truly has some of the best vibes and atmosphere of all of the countries. As far as tourism goes, it is also the most well-developed and thrives off foreign visitors.
Croatia is the safest Balkan country, and the most well-developed in terms of tourism.
Which Area is the Least Safe in Balkans?
While we never felt super unsafe in the Balkans, our one negative incident was in Skopje, Macedonia. There are some gypsies that live there, and there is a high amount of car break-ins that occur. Make sure to always use private lots, and never keep anything on site in your car.
There are also many gypsies in Bosnia & Herzegovina, particularly in Mostar. It's important that you pay no attention to them when they beg, as they are notorious for scamming tourists, and pickpocketing. Other than that, there are no serious safety threats in the Balkans.
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What Countries Were the Balkans: Other Things to Know About Visiting the Balkans
Now that you what the countries in the Balkans are all about, here are a few other details to know while visiting.
Weather in the Balkans
The Balkans experience all four seasons. Summers are hot and sunny, and winters are cold (and snowy in certain areas). Having locations along the coast, as well as in the mountains, weather can change drastically within each country depending on where you are.
The Balkans are a mix of mountains and beaches.
The Best Time to Visit Balkan Countries
We visited the Balkans in the summer, and absolutely loved it! It's a great time to experience all of the great beaches, mountains, and beautiful landscapes that the area has to offer. The summer is also when you'll be able to experience the best festivals, and overall amazing vibes that the area has to offer.
Another great time to visit the Balkans is in December, as there are some great Christmas markets to explore.
The best time to visit the Balkans is in the summer.
Packing For a Trip to Visit the Balkans
Depending on which area you are exploring, will of course depend on what you will need. That being said, most countries are small enough to experience a variety of landscapes, which means you'll have to be prepared for anything! Here is what we suggest packing for your trip to the Balkans.
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So now that you know what countries were in the Balkans and all that they have to offer, are you ready to explore all that they have to offer?
We explored all of them pretty thoroughly, so make sure to check out each of our individual Balkan Travel Guides that we've written for you! We also have new articles coming every week, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date, and to get exclusive content, discounts, and more!
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