by The Balkan Peninsula, very commonly known as simply the ‘’Balkans,’’ is a region situated in the Southeastern Europe. It is an area well-known for its rich mixture of culture, history and scenic views that have long captivated the attention of tourists. Stretching from the rugged mountains of Albania to the mesmerizing coastlines of Croatia, the Balkans truly have it all.
The allure of the Balkans
The charm exhibited by the Balkans is simply unique. The region is often referred to as the cross roads of Asia and Europe. It is a true witness of the rise and fall of many empires. Each empire has influenced the architecture, culture and way of life in this area. The secret behind the Balkan allure is its contrasts of the ancient ruins alongside the developed and modern cities. The serene lakes that are framed by the breath-taking mountain ranges are a magnet for the travelers.
Meeting the explorers
Numerous travel enthusiasts have opened up about their experience venturing into this region. This has helped people gain an insight on what makes the Balkans so special and distinct. Their magical stories act as a window to the unforgettable memories and experiences that define the journey into the Balkans.
A historian’s perspective in the words of Elena
Elena refers to the Balkans as an ‘open-air museum.’ She is a historian and a traveler hailing from Spain. She admires the rich history of the region. According to her, wherever you go on the Balkans, you are very likely to come across traces of medieval fortresses, ancient civilizations and Ottoman architecture.
Elena’s most favorite destination is the Dubrovnik, Croatia. She explains the exhilarating journey of venturing through the old town of Dubrovnik. In her words, the city’s well-preserved walls and historic buildings disclose stories from the past.
Speaking of Ohrid, her words are a glimpse of the beautiful Churches and Monasteries along with the stunning lake. Elena says that it is a point where history and nature blend in a flawless harmony.
Moreover, Elena’s exploration of the Balkans has eventually deepened her understanding of the area’s complicated past. She sheds light on how the Balkan people are super proud of their heritage. ‘They are eager to share stories with travelers.’
Aida: The cultural enthusiast
Aida considers the Balkan’s cultural diversity to be its biggest asset. She shares that each country has its own uniqueness yet it is connected to the other one through surprising threads. In addition to this, she considers the Balkans to be a melting pot of traditions, cultures along with languages.
Aida also disclosed her most memorable experience to be the Sarajevo film festival. It is among the most prestigious and largest film festivals held in the Balkans. The festival is a platform to bring together actors, cinephiles and filmmakers. It is a place to where cultures and creativity is exchanged.
Aida is also a huge fan of the traditional market visits such as the Old bazars in Skopje and Macedonia. According to her, these markets are a point where you may find handcrafted souvenirs to mouth-watering local cuisine. The aromas, sounds and vibrant colors are what create an unforgettable and memorable sensory experience.
She also admires the locals of Balkans. She says they are welcoming and share their culture with the travelers. They also teach the tourists local dances, making you feel like you are a part of their culture.
The adventure seeker – Marko
Marko is a thrill-seeking adventurer from Serbia. He says that the Balkans is a playground of adventures. He listed a number of adrenalines rushing activities such as the exciting hike in the Accursed mountains of Albania to the raft on the Tara River located in Montenegro.
One of the highlights of Marko’s journey was the exploration of Via Dinarica trail. It is a long-distance hiking route that captivates attention of the individuals through its pristine landscapes. In his words, the Black Lake surrounded by the thick, green forests is a sight to remember. Hiking in this specific trail is like an escape into the wild.
Mark also stresses upon the significance of responsible travel. He focuses on the respecting the natural environment. He considers the Balkans as the treasure trove of biodiversity.
Tips for traveling in the Balkans
- Appreciate the local culture
Respect for the local culture and traditions is highly significant. To build connections with the locals, you must learn some common phrases in the local language.
- Respect the environment
This is something that Mark specifically mentioned from time and time again. The Balkans natural beauty is a precious resource. You should especially be considerate about minimizing waste.
- Travel slowly and gradually
To explore the Balkans, you must go to a leisurely place. Take all the time that you can to explore every destination, savoring the sounds and sights.
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