A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Hopping in the car and embarking on a drive through the stunning landscape of the Balkan Peninsula or along the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea is a fantastic way to explore this part of southeastern Europe. Read ahead for road trip inspiration with four scenic drives showcasing the region’s immaculate beaches, epic mountain ranges, ancient castles, and idyllic valleys.
Not many regions can boast renowned national parks like Durmitor and Plitvice Lakes, world-class cities such as Belgrade, or delicious local cuisine like ćevapi and burek—but then, not many regions contain the treasures of the Balkans.
TheEuroVelocycling network is a sprawling system of paths stretching from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. Since its opening in 2001, it has expanded to include 16 routes that allow travelers to experience cross-border tourism and the stunning European landscape.
Dramatic is the operative word for the Belgrade–Bar railway line, which promises authentic culture and geographic riches around every bend as it rumbles over unsullied, mountainous landscape from the Serbian capital to Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast. During the 12-hour journey, the train disappears into the Dinaric Alps, charges through canyons, teeters on stilted bridges spanning river gorges, and skims atop an ancient tectonic lake.
At 3:30am, on the fifth day of an expedition along North Macedonia’s mountainous western edge, we traded our trekking poles for reins and mounted horses in search of yet another peak. Headlamps spotlighted the steam from our breath mixed with the fidgety smoke of rolled cigarettes. We left Galičnik, a village tucked into the folds of the Bistra massif, and plodded nose to tail, hoof to stone over seven dark kilometers and up nearly 1000 steep meters of elevation gain to the top of Mt Medenica.
Every year, an increasing number of travellers embark on journeys to the Balkans to explore the captivating countries that once made up the former Yugoslavia. Some travellers seek adventure, while many are drawn by the rich history and diverse culture, and others are enchanted by the region’s fresh cuisine and breathtaking landscapes. A trip to witness some of the world’s most innovative monumental artwork fulfills every desire.