Discover five «secret», enchanting places in the Balkans. From Croatia to Slovenia and Montenegro.
The Balkans hide many beauties and travel gems. Charming old towns, fairytale castles, islands with turquoise beaches and wonderful natural landscapes. The places that follow may not be on your radar, but they have unique beauty and very interesting sights worth discovering.
Piran, Slovenia
With medieval architecture, narrow streets and a colorful central square, Piran is a jewel of a town on the Adriatic coast. Its hard not to fall in love at first sight with its Old Town, one of the best-preserved historic cities in Europe. Among its most famous sights are the statue of renowned violinist Giuseppe Tartini on the main square, the Sergej Masera Maritime Museum housed in a 19th-century building, and the Baroque-style Church of St. George on a hill overlooking the entire town.
Perast, Montenegro
One of the most beautiful and peaceful towns on Montenegros coast is Perast, in the Bay of Kotor.Dubbed the Venice of Kotor thanks to its 16 Baroque palaces and its churches, the town feels like an open-air museum. From here, visitors can take a boat to visit Sveti Dorde (Island of St. George) and the man-made islet Gospa od Skrpjela, with the Baroque Church of Our Lady of the Rocks that from afar looks as if it is floating on water.
Korčula, Croatia
The picturesque harbor, the small alleys, the old mansions, the walls and the towers create a wonderful backdrop and make visitors feel as if they are stepping out of the pages of a fairy tale. The island is built on a small peninsula and dates from the 15th to the 18th century. It is worth seeing St. Marks Church, Marco Polos house, as well as the local museum, which is housed in a palace.
Lopud, Croatia
Although it is a little less than an hour by ferry from Dubrovnik, the islet of Lopud with about 200 inhabitants is relatively unknown to most tourists. You will encounter a single village, lush green hills filled with trails, white-sand beaches, 15th- and 16th-century churches, and the ruins of a fortress. Here, cars are not allowed and the paths lead you to natures unique creations. In short, the ultimate place for those who want to escape from everything.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Although it was partially destroyed during the Bosnian War (1992-1995), this small city still retains signs of its rich history. Built in a valley surrounded by high mountains, Mostar impresses with its picturesque charm and traditional character. Many buildings in the Old Town have been rebuilt or restored. Walking through the narrow streets, you take in old houses, little shops, colorful murals, gardens, cafés and souvenir stores. The much-photographed Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the citys landmark. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War and rebuilt after it ended.
