Rare is the traveler who has claimed all the capitals of the Western Balkans. Rarer still, any person—resident or otherwise—who has checked all of these hidden gems off their bucket list. Though the region was known for conflict in the 1990s, anyone who has visited this undiscovered corner of Southeastern Europe knows that those issues have long since passed. They also know that the density of culture and unspoiled beauty found here are unsurpassed.
Hugging the Adriatic Sea and split by a string of towering massifs along the Dinaric Alps and Sharr Mountains, this region has ideal locales for any adventure traveler. Now is the time to witness the mosaic of culture, architecture, peaks, rivers and lakes unsullied by heavy industry, which has compromised many other parts of Europe.
The first installment of this two-part series highlights five beautiful waterfront destinations in the Balkans. If you’ve never heard of them, all the better. Go before the world finds out. You can thank us later.
Bled, Slovenia
Often referred to as “Little Austria,” the influence of the Habsburg Dynasty, which ruled the country for nearly six centuries, can still be felt in the northernmost Balkan country of Slovenia. That is especially true in the resort town of Bled, which sits upon a glacial lake fed by thermal springs. Bled is a perfect spot place in both summer and winter for visitors to enjoy water sports, skiing, magnificent hikes or just to relax in one of the dozens of lakeside spa hotels.
Yes, tourism has reached Bled, and for good reason: it looks like the scene of a fairytale. Perched atop a 130-meter cliff, Bled Castle forms the backdrop for a landscape that features the 16th century Church of the Assumption, whose spires peak out from the small island at the center of the lake. While in Bled, make sure to take a Pletna boat out to ring the church’s wishing bell and dine on Carniolan sausage and cream cake while taking in the views from the castle restaurant.
Sarandë, Albania
Albania is a newcomer to the international tourism scene, but gaining momentum due to the virgin beaches and crystal-blue water along its rugged Adriatic coastline. Cut off from the rest of the world under the 40-year rule of communist leader Enver Hoxha, what the country lacks in infrastructure, it makes up for in hospitality and pristine beaches.
Peering across a thin strip of sea at the Greek island of Corfu, Sarandë is the start of a stunning national park that forms Albania’s southern border with Greece. The town is as beautiful as it is remote, with the nearest international airports a two-hour ferry ride away, on Corfu or a winding five-hour drive away in the country’s capital of Tirana.
While Sarandë is arguably Albania’s most beautiful beach town and a versatile spot to either relax or party, it also serves as a perfect home base for day trips. Make sure to venture out. Book a trip with tourism specialist Our Own Expeditions to Butrint National Park, the village resort of Ksamil the 45-meter-deep natural spring known as the Blue Eye.
