Balkan Countries Offering The Finest Luxury Experiences

There are eleven unique and charming countries that make up the Balkan Region of Europe. Sitting in the southern-eastern part of Europe, it’s not as popular of a holiday destination as its neighbouring regions. But that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of sights and activities on offer. There is plenty to do in these countries, and being a less prolific holiday destination means you won’t spend your time surrounded by thousands of tourists and can soak up the beauty of this region in relative peace and privacy. Below, we go through some of the Balkan countries that offer the best luxury experiences for visitors. 

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Slovenia

First up on this list is the beautiful country of Slovenia, which is considered by many to be one of the most European countries out of all of those in the Balkan region. The reason for this is that, unlike many of the other Balkan countries, Slovenia has less Turkish influence and more Hapsburg influence. Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, is known for its chic restaurants and outdoor cafes with breathtaking views of the Sava River and the mountains.  

The most famous landmark in this city is Lake Bled which can be found a short distance from a number of luxurious Alpine villages. Here, you can find a number of fancy Relais & Chateaux hotels as well as several amazing restaurants offering fine dining experiences. You can spend your time here taking advantage of the amazing hiking trails throughout the day before heading out to try out some of Slovenia's most popular dishes at the top places to eat in the area.
 

Croatia

 
Croatia is next on this list, with its historical landmarks, breathtaking nature, and charming architecture. One of the best places to visit in Croatia is the Dalmatia Coast, which is home to a number of authentic Croatian towns, including Dubrovnik and Split, as well as a range of picturesque islands, including Korcula and Hvak. During a trip to Croatia, visit Plitvice National Park — a beautiful place to witness verdant gardens, crystal clear pools, and grand, cascading waterfalls.  

One place in Croatia that many people don’t know about is Istra, one of only two places in the world that produces white truffles. In addition to this, Istra is known for producing olive oil, which is considered to be the finest across the globe, along with the olive oil produced in Tuscany. You will be able to have a culinary adventure like nowhere else in Europe during a trip to Croatia and enjoy some of the finest wines that this region has to offer. If you want to make your trip to Croatia extra special, then you may want to consider booking a private jet hire to take you to and from the country. This way you will be able to relax for your entire journey there and take advantage of the luxury flying experience that flying privately provides you.  

 

Serbia

 
Serbia is another country that offers a unique experience for tourists with stunning natural beauty and a diversity of attractions. From the beautiful Novuvea architecture found in Novi Sad and Subotica to some of Europe’s most spectacular Orthodox Monasteries, such as the Studencia Monastery found in the south of the country, there is so much to see and do during a trip to Serbia.  
 
If you would like to experience a part of Serbia that Turkey has heavily influenced, then you can take a one-hour drive to Novi Bazaar, which offers a plethora of sights. Belgrade is the bustling capital of Serbia which is a lot more fast-paced than some of the other cities and towns in Serbia. Here, you will be able to find a number of fantastic bars and restaurants that have significant influence from Eastern Europe. Some great restaurants you should consider visiting for a fine dining experience in Belgrade include Restoran Enso and the Sky Lounge.

Montenegro

Montenegro is situated on the Adriatic Sea in southeastern Europe and shares borders with several other Balkan countries, including Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania.

Montenegro has several cities that are popular for their historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. The most popular cities include Podgorica(the capital and largest city of Montenegro), Kotor (a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture), Budva (known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and historic old town), Cetinje (known for its historical significance, museums and monasteries) and Ulcinj (known for its long sandy beaches, particularly Velika Plaža, and its unique blend of cultures).

Montenegro is a small country, so it is easy to explore multiple destinations within a short period. Whether you are traveling by car or using the public transport, getting around is straightforward, and many of the country’s top attractions are within a few hours’ drive of each other.

The country offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and adventure, making it an appealing destination for a wide range of travellers.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

 
The final country on this list is Bosnia & Herzegovina, a destination relatively unknown to most tourists. The capital city of Bosnia & Herzegovina is Sarajevo which many people describe as being one of the most charming out of all the cities in the Balkan region. During a trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina, you should certainly visit the archaic old town of Mostar. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains and a bridge that is over 425 years old, it’s like taking a step back in time.

You could spend your entire holiday meandering the cobblestone streets and feeling like you have walked straight into a set from a movie set in medieval times. But while the architecture provides a glimpse of the town’s rich heritage, the trendy restaurants and high-end hotels offer a luxurious experience fit for modern-day nobility.  

Book Your Next Trip Away

The Balkans make up a fascinating and awe-inspiring region of Europe that is largely unknown by many booking trips to Europe. If you are interested in visiting any of them on holiday, then it is worth doing some research to find the right option for you. One thing that you can be sure about is that you will leave your trip and want to book your next holiday there as soon as possible.