The Balkans are beckoning
by Julie-Ann Sherlock
Cyclists admiring the view of Dubrovnik // Ivan Šardi / Courtesy of The Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB)
Want to travel in Europe without adding more of a burden to overcrowded destinations on the brink of environmental destruction? We have some ideas.
Quickly becoming a tourist hotspot for those seeking alternatives to other Mediterranean countries, the Balkans stretch from Slovenia in the north to Greece in the south, including six of the most underrated cities in Europe, according to Condé Nast Traveller. This geographical land mass has a wealth of history, culture and stunning landscapes to offer those willing to explore.
Savour the region’s complexities in a more eco-friendly manner by slowly travelling and embracing projects that protect the environment along the way.
Take a few weeks to explore exciting cities, climb mountains or gradually wind your way down the coast in these developing tourist gems when you follow along our suggested route.
Aerial view from Ljubljana Castle of the Green City and its marshes // Dražen Štader, Produkcija Studio / Courtesy of www.slovenia.info
Slovenia: green cities and sustainable tourism
Nestled in the northernmost part of the former Yugoslavia, Slovenia’s mountains and lakes bring rugged, natural beauty to hiking and skiing holidays.
Its government’s focus on green tourism, combined with easy train access from most of Western Europe, landed it a coveted spot on Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘12 sustainable destinations we’d love to visit in 2022’.
Check out Lake Bled before spending a few days in the capital city—winner of the European Best Destination 2022 and visitors’ eco-dream, Ljubljana. Get on your bike or the Urban Electric Train to embrace this leafy green city’s vibrancy.
Couple hiking to the church in the Kras // Jošt Gantar / Courtesy of www.slovenia.info
The stunning Julian Alps in Slovenia // Alex Strohl / Courtesy of www.slovenia.info
Croatia: more than just Game of Thrones
Catch one of the many trains from the Slovenian capital to arrive in the intriguing Croatian counterpart, Zagreb. While the HBO series launched Dubrovnik and its surroundings into the general consciousness of a wider audience—and, yes, the old walled city of Dubrovnik is stunning—Croatia, Europe’s “most sought-after destination” has so much more to offer than merely a TV show backdrop.
Aerial view of Dubrovnik old city and bay // Ivo Pervan / Courtesy of The Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB)
One such must-see is its capital, Zagreb. A vibrant, walkable city with an electric tram running through it, this city has personality by the truckload. Enjoy the pedestrianised (apart from trams) Ban Jelačić Square and its cosmopolitan side streets for food and culture. Or jump on a tram to the Jarun area to explore the beautiful lake and park where the annual INmusic festival is held.
Take a train or a bus to Split and cycle the Dalmatian Coast or travel by ferry to explore the wonders of Dubrovnik.
Zagreb Upper Town aerial view // Ivo Biočina / Courtesy of The Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB)
Jarun Lake and Park with Zagreb in the background // Ivo Biočina / Courtesy of The Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB)
Emerging destinations:
Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia
With tourism only beginning to grow legs in these countries, they all have a unique opportunity to develop more sustainable practices. And you, as a conscious traveller, can add to that by supporting the businesses that do less harm. Take a bus or ferry from Dubrovnik to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor before travelling to the stunning 2,500-year-old town of Budva, one of Tripadvisor’s 2022 Best Places to Visit.
The old town in Kotor // Courtesy of The National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro
St Stefan Beach, Budva, Montenegro // Courtesy of The National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro
Take a bus or hike one of Europe's best routes to the Albanian capital of Tirana, another of Tripadvisor's hot tips. You will find a fascinating city shaking off the shackles of its recent communist past and emerging as a colourful, artistic delight. Explore the bars and restaurants of the Blloku district and visit art exhibitions in bunkers.
An aerial view of Saranda on the Albanian Riviera // Courtesy of visitsaranda.net
Drive to Ohrid in North Macedonia to enjoy lakeside living in another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s oldest cities. Cross back to Albania and go south, passing through the well-preserved Ottoman city of Gjirokaster, surrounded by stunning mountains. Finish with some hikes in the southern Albanian Alps or trek through the Butrint National Park before relaxing on the exquisite beaches of Ksamil and Saranda, where you can snorkel or dive in crystal clear waters and enjoy spectacular evenings as the sun sets behind Corfu, just across the water.
Ohrid city view at night // Courtesy of Exploring Macedonia
Matka Canyon, Skopje // Courtesy of Exploring Macedonia
The church of Jovan Kaneo on the banks of Lake Ohrid // Courtesy of Exploring Macedonia
UK travel company Exodus Travel is one agency offering packages to explore this region more gently. It is committed to sustainable travel featuring cycling, hiking, and train travel and working to make an impact by helping to rewild Croatia.