Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway
Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Exploring the Alluring Vistas of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo, the capital, is a testament to the country's tumultuous history, with sites like the Museum of the Assassination of Franz Ferdinand and the Sarajevo Bobsleigh Track providing a glimpse into its past.
For a unique culinary experience, visitors can indulge in traditional Bosnian fare while taking in the stunning views of the Una River at Restaurant River Dock in Bihać.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to the deepest river canyon in Europe, the Drina River Canyon, which reaches depths of up to 1,000 meters, making it a prime destination for adventurous hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Lukomir village, perched at an altitude of 1,495 meters, is one of the highest and most isolated settlements in the country, offering a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Bosnian highlanders.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to the highest waterfall in the Balkans, the Blidinje Waterfall, which cascades down a height of 98 meters, making it a breathtaking natural wonder for visitors to explore.
The Vrelo Bune spring in Blagaj is a remarkable geological feature, with a powerful emerald-green spring that emerges from a 200-meter-high cliff, creating a unique ecosystem and a picturesque setting for visitors to admire.
What else is in this post?
- Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Exploring the Alluring Vistas of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Montenegro's Coastal Gems - Budva and the Bay of Kotor
- Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Uncovering the Rich History of Plovdiv, Bulgaria's Cultural Capital
- Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - North Macedonia - An Underrated Balkan Treasure Trove
- Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Transylvania's Medieval Charms - From Bran Castle to Brasov
- Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Albania's Riviera - Idyllic Beaches and Charming Towns
- Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Kosovo's Vibrant Culture - Prizren and Beyond
Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Montenegro's Coastal Gems - Budva and the Bay of Kotor
Montenegro's coastal gems, Budva and the Bay of Kotor, continue to captivate visitors with their stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a picturesque setting with its well-preserved medieval town and stunning coastal mountains. These two destinations, combined with other hidden gems in Montenegro, make for an unforgettable 7-day itinerary in the Western Balkans. Budva's Old Town is one of the oldest settlements the Adriatic Coast, with archaeological evidence of human habitation dating back to the 5th century BC. This makes it one of the most historically significant coastal towns in the region. The Bay of Kotor is a submerged river canyon, formed by the flooding of the Bokelj River valley during the last Ice Age. This unique geological feature gives the bay its distinctive U-shaped appearance and dramatic mountain scenery. Perast, a small town within the Bay of Kotor, is home to over 16 Baroque-style churches, the highest concentration of such architecture in the Adriatic region. This reflects the town's long history as a center of Venetian influence and cultural heritage. The Budva Riviera, a 28-kilometer stretch of coastline, is known for its diverse marine life, including rare species of seahorses and the Mediterranean monk seal, which is considered critically endangered. The Church of St. Budva's Citadel Fortress, which dates back to the 5th century, features a unique architectural blend of Venetian, Byzantine, and Austro-Hungarian influences, reflecting the town's long and diverse history. The Bay of Kotor is home to several small islands, including the picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks, which was artificially created over centuries by sailors who dropped rocks into the sea to honor the Virgin Mary.
Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Uncovering the Rich History of Plovdiv, Bulgaria's Cultural Capital
In 2019, the city was named the European Capital of Culture, recognizing its vibrant creative scene and its role as a hub for arts and culture.
Visitors can explore the city's well-preserved Roman ruins, cobblestone streets, and historic homes, immersing themselves in Plovdiv's unique blend of ancient and modern.
With its diverse heritage and thriving cultural landscape, Plovdiv emerges as an underrated gem in the Western Balkans, offering a rich and authentic travel experience.
The city's Old Town is built on seven hills, earning it the nickname "The City of the Seven Hills," similar to Rome, and offering visitors panoramic views of the city's historical landmarks.
Plovdiv's Roman heritage is prominently displayed, with the well-preserved Roman Theater, dating back to the 1st century AD, capable of seating up to 7,000 people and still used for performances today.
The city's Old Town is home to the Kapana, a vibrant, pedestrian-only district known for its art galleries, craft workshops, and lively street culture, giving it a unique creative and bohemian atmosphere.
Plovdiv's architectural landscape is a blend of styles, with Ottoman-era buildings, such as the Dzhumaya Mosque, standing alongside Baroque and Renaissance-influenced structures, creating a visually striking and eclectic cityscape.
The city is home to the world's smallest mosque, the Small Minaret Mosque, which measures just 9 meters (8 feet) in height and was built in the 15th century during Ottoman rule.
Plovdiv's annual Kapana Fest celebrates the city's artistic and cultural heritage, with live music, art exhibitions, and culinary experiences showcasing the local creative community.
The city's Ethnographic Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional Bulgarian way of life, with exhibits on traditional crafts, costumes, and daily rituals.
Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - North Macedonia - An Underrated Balkan Treasure Trove
North Macedonia is a landlocked country in the Balkans that offers travelers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Despite its natural beauty, ancient history, and rich cultural heritage, the country often remains overlooked by tourists in favor of more famous European destinations.
With its diverse landscapes, from the vibrant streets of Skopje to the serene shores of Lake Ohrid and the untouched wilderness of Mavrovo National Park, North Macedonia is a true treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
The Matka Canyon, located just outside the capital Skopje, is a geological marvel with over 1,000 different plant species, including several endemic and rare species found nowhere else on Earth.
The country's Slow Food movement has helped revive traditional Macedonian cuisine, with dishes like ajvar (roasted red pepper spread) and tavche gravche (baked beans) becoming increasingly popular among international travelers.
North Macedonia's Šar Mountains, bordering Albania and Kosovo, boast over 30 peaks exceeding 2,000 meters in height, making it a prime destination for hikers and mountaineers.
The small town of Kratovo, known as the "town of towers," is home to over 70 medieval stone towers, some dating back to the 13th century, offering a unique architectural experience for visitors.
The ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, founded in the 4th century BC, features well-preserved Roman and early Byzantine mosaics, considered among the finest examples of their kind in the Balkans.
The country's Mavrovo National Park is home to the largest population of Balkan lynx, a critically endangered subspecies of the Eurasian lynx, making it a valuable conservation area for this elusive predator.
The town of Bitola, once known as the "City of Consuls," is home to the Bitola Railway Museum, which showcases the history of North Macedonia's rail network and the important role it played in the region's development.
Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Transylvania's Medieval Charms - From Bran Castle to Brasov
Transylvania, with its medieval charm, remains a popular tourist destination, particularly for those eager to visit the iconic Bran Castle, also known as "Dracula's Castle." The castle can be easily reached from the nearby town of Brasov, with regular buses departing every hour and offering scenic views of the Transylvanian landscape.
Bran Castle, often referred to as "Dracula's Castle," is not actually the castle that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula novel.
The real-life inspiration was Poenari Castle, a crumbling ruin located high in the Carpathian Mountains.
The unique architectural style of Bran Castle, blending Neo-Renaissance and Gothic elements, is the result of multiple renovations and expansions over the centuries, rather than a single original design.
Brasov, the nearest major town to Bran Castle, is home to one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe, with its iconic Black Church, one of the largest Gothic-style churches in Romania.
The Carpathian Mountains, which dominate the landscape of Transylvania, are home to the largest populations of brown bears in Europe, with an estimated 5,000 individuals living in the region.
The traditional Romanian cuisine of Transylvania is heavily influenced by Hungarian and Saxon (German) culinary traditions, resulting in a unique blend of flavors, such as the famous Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and Mici (grilled minced meat).
Transylvania is considered a global biodiversity hotspot, with over 3,700 plant species recorded, many of which are endemic to the region and found nowhere else on Earth.
The Transfăgărășan Highway, which winds through the Făgăraș Mountains in Transylvania, is considered one of the most scenic and challenging driving routes in the world, with its steep hairpin turns and breathtaking vistas.
The historic city of Sighișoara, with its well-preserved medieval citadel, is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the real-life inspiration for the Dracula character, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Transylvania is home to the largest population of European wolves outside of Russia, with an estimated 2,500 individuals living in the region's forests and mountain ranges.
Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Albania's Riviera - Idyllic Beaches and Charming Towns
The Albanian Riviera, stretching from Dhermi to Sarande, is a coastal gem known for its idyllic beaches, charming towns, and rich history.
Visitors can explore uninhabited islands, hike along lush paths, and relax on pristine beaches, all while discovering the region's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and affordable accommodations.
From the vibrant city of Sarande to the picturesque town of Ksamil, the Albanian Riviera offers a stunning and underrated travel destination along the Adriatic coast.
The Albanian Riviera is home to over 300 different species of butterflies, making it a popular destination for lepidopterists (butterfly enthusiasts) to observe and study these vibrant insects.
The region's unique geology has led to the formation of several "sea caves," including the Pirate's Cave near Dhermi, which can only be accessed by boat and is a popular spot for adventurous swimmers and divers.
The Albanian Riviera is home to the last remaining population of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal in the Adriatic Sea, with a small colony of around 30 individuals living in the region's remote coves and inlets.
The ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a thriving Greek and Roman settlement, and its well-preserved ruins include a 2,500-year-old theater, Roman baths, and a Byzantine cathedral.
The local cuisine in the Albanian Riviera is heavily influenced by both Mediterranean and Ottoman traditions, with dishes like the hearty seafood stew known as "Fishkallamaret" and the traditional Albanian flatbread, "Byrek," being must-try culinary experiences.
The town of Himare is known for its unique architectural style, which blends elements of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences, creating a visually striking and harmonious cityscape.
The Albanian Riviera is home to several small, uninhabited islands, such as the Ksamil Islands, which can be reached by boat and offer visitors a chance to experience the region's pristine, untouched natural beauty.
The region's popularity as a budget-friendly travel destination has led to the development of several innovative "glamping" resorts, offering visitors a luxurious outdoor experience with the convenience of modern amenities.
The Albanian Riviera is home to the "Blue Eye," a stunning natural spring with crystal-clear, deep blue water that is believed to have formed over 10,000 years ago during the last ice age.
Exploring the Western Balkans 7 Underrated Non-Schengen Gems for Your August Getaway - Kosovo's Vibrant Culture - Prizren and Beyond
Prizren, often referred to as the "cultural capital" of Kosovo, is a must-visit destination known for its rich history, traditional handicraft shops, and delectable cuisine.
Surrounded by the Sharr Mountains, Prizren offers excellent hiking opportunities and serves as a gateway to explore the broader region's natural wonders.
Prizren, Kosovo's second-largest city, is often referred to as the "cultural capital" of the country, boasting a rich history and traditional handicraft shops that attract visitors from around the world.
The Sinan Pasha Mosque in Prizren, built in 1615, is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Balkan region, featuring a stunning fountain for ablutions and small stalls around the main structure.
Prizren is surrounded by the Sharr Mountains, which offer excellent hiking opportunities and are home to the Brezovica ski center, Kosovo's main ski resort.
The Prizren Fortress, a historic fortress perched on a hill, offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, providing visitors with a unique vantage point to appreciate the city's architectural and natural beauty.
The Church of Our Lady Ljeviš in Prizren is a remarkable example of the city's rich Christian heritage, showcasing a blend of Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles.
The Shadërvan Square and Fountain in Prizren's Old Town are popular gathering places for locals and visitors alike, providing a glimpse into the city's vibrant social and cultural life.
The Kosovo Museum in Prizren is home to a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the region's history, from prehistoric times to the modern era, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of Kosovo's cultural heritage.
Prizren is known for its traditional handicraft shops, where visitors can find a wide range of handmade products, including intricate textiles, pottery, and metalwork, reflecting the city's rich artistic traditions.
The Ethnographic Museum in Prizren provides visitors with an insight into the traditional way of life of the local population, featuring exhibits on traditional costumes, tools, and everyday objects.
The National Theater in Prizren is a hub for the city's vibrant performing arts scene, hosting a variety of events, including theater productions, concerts, and dance performances.