Balkans—Land of History and places to Discover - where East meets West and new merges almost seamlessly with old. Turbulent histories, fascinating cultures and spectacular, unspoiled landscapes merge together in one of the most exciting and diverse regions in Europe. The perfect mix of both traditional and modern heritage, Balkans offers the rich cultural heritage and one of the best uncontaminated natures in Europe. Fabulous scenery and the exotic weave of history and cultures in the Balkan Peninsula make it a traveler’s treasure chest. The countries in the Balkan Peninsula are rich in greenery and beautiful nature. They offer excellent conditions for both winter and summer vacations. Having rich historical past this countries can offer you a great number of well preserved tourist attractions. Here you can see ancient fortresses, hidden deep in the forests monasteries, typical medieval villages and for those who love nature - great caves and high peaks.
The Adriatic and Ionian Sea is where Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian sailors as well as today’s sea-lovers have all appreciated its luminous waters. The Adriatic and the Ionian are a large inlet of the Mediterranean. Eye-popping landscapes and historical sites and the famously warm Mediterranean hospitality will linger in your memories long after your holiday on the Region.
Albania: Land of the Eagles.
Albania's twentieth century history has given it a unique place in the Balkan travel landscape. While Yugoslavia and Bulgaria were building seaside resorts to attract hard-currency tourists, Albania's paranoid Communist regime made it almost impossible for foreigners to enter the country. Nowadays the current authorities are doing much to promote the country to visitors. Albania is a very different place these days: entry formalities are minimal and foreigners are surprised about how much beauty and history this country preserves. Tourist (and other) infrastructure is developing very fast and visitors can discover a rich variety of attractions while observing one of Europe's fastest changing countries.
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the last few years Bosnia has taken tentative steps towards being accepted as a tourist destination. It is here that eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history. Tourists include a day or two in Sarajevo in their whistle-stop circuits of Eastern Europe, while summer holidaymakers take a break from the Croatian coast to spend a day wandering around Mostar's old town. Both places deserve their popularity and are obvious candidates for inclusion in any tour of the Balkans.There is no shortage of other attractions for the travellers who dedicate a little more time to Bosnia. As well as the cultural and architectural treasures left by its complex history, the country is blessed with a memorable landscape of emerald rivers slicing through forbidding mountain ranges.
Croatia
Croatia rightfully called “the pearl of the Adriatic" possesses one of Europe's great coastlines, and an intriguing mixture of architectural and cultural influences. The well-developed tourist industry means that you won't be alone, but also ensures that all of the attractions are easily accessible. The coastline is simply stunning, with more than 1,000 islands scattered along its length. Think you can find your favorite? Starting from the lovely Istrian peninsula toward south, you can visit fantastic historic cities such as Trogir, Split, and Dubrovnik. Ensconced in city walls curving along the shore, Dubrovnik makes a striking contrast between the brilliant blues of the sky and the water.
Greece
Greece as a tourist destination needs little introduction. Its ancient heritage has assured it of a place on Grand Tours of Europe for centuries. In more recent decades the azure skies and sparkling seas of the Greek islands have attracted northern Europeans. But the mainland and northern Greece often gets no more than a rushed couple of days in the itineraries of travelers keen to head off to the islands, but just like the other Balkan countries, its mixture of landscape, history, and culture rewards a more leisurely exploration. Astounding archeological sites brings mythology alive: Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods, Ithaca, the island of legend where Ulysses reigned, or the Oracle at Delphi barely begin to tell the stories. Go north to the Pindus Mountains, steep, green, and gorgeous, as a counterpoint to your time at the seaside. Enjoy rambling, bird watching, or visiting traditional villages of a different nature than the coastal fishing villages.
Macedonia
Macedonia is right at the heart of the Balkans, and most travellers to the region pass through it at some stage, yet it remains something of an unknown quantity where tourism is concerned. Those travellers who do visit find a welcoming and laid-back country, where change seems to happen at a slightly more measured pace than in other parts of the Balkans. With breathtaking natural scenery and ancient historical sites to explore, the Republic of Macedonia offers the visitor a wide choice of landscapes and destinations. Tourism to Macedonia revolves around its spectacular mountains, lakes and rivers as well as its historic cities and archaeological sites, which chronicle some of the most important events in Western history. Lake Ohrid, deservedly is one of the most-loved destinations in the Balkans.
Montenegro
Montenegro packs a lot of scenery into its tiny territory. Its Adriatic coast doesn't yet get the same level of publicity as Croatia's, but that is bound to change. It may not have islands but it does have sandy beaches and a spectacular fjord. Away from the sea the landscape is equally spectacular. In a country of ever so manageable a size, you can peer at the bottom of one of Europe’s deepest canyons, scan the sky for the residents of one of Europe’s largest bird sanctuaries, or take up your own spot on a beautiful beach and gaze at the horizon. History goes way back here: the city of Budva is thought to be the oldest settlement in the Balkans by getting mentioned in Greek mythology. The ancient city of Kotor has particularly well preserved city walls and medieval monuments looking like a Venice in miniature.
