Travel the Balkans: Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia

The Balkan countries are not as desirable a destination as, for example, Greece, Italy or Croatia, despite the fact that they offer a number of beautiful and unseen places. But if you decide to give Montenegro, Albania or North Macedonia a chance, you certainly won't regret it. Come and see together with us which places in these countries you should definitely not miss.

Montenegro

Montenegro is located on the Balkan Peninsula and is the second smallest European country with an area of 13,812 m². It is bordered by Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Albania.

In recent years, a larger number of tourists who want to enjoy untouched nature have begun to flow to Montenegro. Most of the territory of Montenegro consists of forests and mountains with picturesque mountain streams and valleys. In addition, if you get tired of wandering inland, you can easily move to the beaches that line the Adriatic Sea.

Durmitor National Park is a paradise for all those who love alpine tourism.

Lake Skadar

On your trip through the Balkans, you definitely cannot miss Lake Skadar, which is located on the border with Albania. In Montenegro, the land is relatively dry for most of the year, which of course also affects the water level of the lake, which can rise by several meters during heavy rainfall. The big attraction is the very clear water and rugged terrain. 

On the picturesque lake, you will come across dozens of different islands, which are mostly uninhabited, but on some islands you can find well-preserved monasteries. Fans of ornithology are guaranteed to enjoy a stay near the lake. Lake Skadar is one of the largest bird reserves in Europe, with up to 270 species of birds nesting here.

Piva canyon

The canyon and its surroundings are one of the popular destinations. Tourists especially liked the passage through the narrow road that leads through 56 tunnels. Of course, the fun in the area doesn't end there. The Piva lake, the magnificent hydroelectric power plant and the Piva monastery, which was located in a different place in the past, are definitely worth a visit. In the 1960s, the government decided to gradually move the monastery to a new location, where you can now see it in full splendor.

Cetinje is the former capital of Montenegro and is hidden in the mountains.

Durmitor

Durmitor National Park, which is located in the north of the country near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, is also a major tourist attraction. This national park is a paradise for all those who love high-altitude tourism in unspoiled nature. The area is richly marked and interspersed with a number of interesting trails that will offer you beautiful scenery. 

The national park also includes Mount Bobotov Kuk (2,523 m above sea level), which is the highest mountain in the country. Despite the fact that Durmitor is relatively well-known, you will not come across too many tourists while walking through it. So, if you want to fully enjoy the undisturbed atmosphere of beautiful nature, then you should definitely not miss the national park.

A big attraction is the Black Lake, which has the shape of an eight. It usually dries up a bit in the summer, so it becomes two lakes. Tito's cave is also located near the lake, where the partisans, understandably led by Tito, hid during the war.

Town of Cetinje

Cetinje is a former capital that is hidden in the mountains. Cetinje combines a remarkable touch of a noble town with a village look. Interesting places that you should definitely not miss are the Blue Palace, the Royal Church and the Cetinje Monastery, which is an important place of pilgrimage. The monastery was destroyed and rebuilt several times.

According to legends, a splinter from the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified is hidden in it, and the right hand of John the Baptist also rests here. There is also a museum of military uniforms and weapons near the monastery.

Boka Kotorska

If you want to take a break from demanding tourism, you can visit the south of the Adriatic Sea, where one of the most beautiful bays in the world stretches out. Boka Kotorska is a popular destination for photographers from all over the world due to its picturesque appearance. Of course, the bay also has a lot to offer hungry tourists, who can try Njeguš pršut (prosciutto) here. This delicacy rests for at least 12 months and you can enjoy it with famous Montenegrin wine or cheese.

Boka Kotorska offers well-deserved relaxation. Don't forget to try the local specialties.

Budva

If you want to experience proper swimming in Montenegro, you can go to Budva. The resort offers a large number of beaches and promenades, where you can drink and party peacefully all day. If you want to relax a little, you can go for a walk in the historic center of the town and admire the local sights.

Albania

Albania is located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula and with its area of 28,748 m² belongs to the smaller countries of Europe. The country is bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia and Greece. In Albania you will find a large number of bays and bodies of water. It is a relatively mountainous country with many untouched high mountain rivers and canyons. The country is also attractive to a number of fauna fans, you will come across animals here literally at every corner. Wild land turtles are also a big attraction for tourists.

Prokletije National Park

The area is also known as the Albanian Alps, and the imaginary center is the mountain village of Theth, located in the middle of a picturesque valley that is crossed by a winding river. There is certainly no shortage of accommodation in the village, so you can enjoy the charm of the local landscape undisturbed. The national park is perfect for alpine tourism, the highest peak is Maja e Jezercës (2694 m). 

Near the village is the so-called Blue Eye, which is a karst spring that stretches between the resort of Saranda and the historic town of Gjirokaster. The main attraction of the spring is the clear water, which has a deep blue color in the center and pales at the edges. Another great feature of the spring is that no one has yet managed to measure its depth. The most daring divers reached a depth of 70 meters.

The Prokletije Mountains are sometimes called the Albanian Alps.

Lake Bovilla

The lake is one of the most beautiful places in Albania and with its azure blue water it is definitely one of the biggest attractions for tourists. The lake is relatively well hidden and a long dirt road leads to it. But if you want a pleasant trek with a beautiful view, then definitely consider visiting it.

Butrint National Park

Butrint is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Albania, you can find it in the south of the country, near the border with Greece. The old town is estimated to be more than 2,500 years old, and not only because of this, it is listed on the UNESCO list. A great attraction is the well-preserved ancient theater and the basilica with beautiful mosaic decoration.

The town of a thousand windows

Another place that is inscribed on the UNESCO list is the town of Berat. The town got its name thanks to the specific architecture, which is characterized by a large number of windows sitting next to each other. The local castle with its stone streets is also worth a visit.

Berat is a magical historic town in the heart of Albania.

Filikuri Beach

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of civilization, definitely consider a trip to Filikuri Beach. The beach is hidden behind the town of Himarë and the road to it is a bit more complicated. But if you are not afraid of challenges, then you can look forward to beautiful panoramas and also a smaller number of visitors.

Lengarica River

The Lengarica river and its canyon are also popular tourist areas. The river canyon is several tens of meters deep and the passage between the rocks offers a truly extraordinary spectacle. At the end of the journey, you can take a bath in the pleasant thermal springs.

In the Balkans you will find countless beautiful canyons. Discover the Lengarica River Canyon in Albania.

North Macedonia

We will end our pilgrimage through the Balkans in Macedonia. North Macedonia is a landlocked country that covers an area of 25,713 km². The country is bordered by Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Albania. Similar to Albania before it, Macedonia is known primarily for its picturesque mountains and rivers.

Great Korab

Great Korab (Golem Korab; 2764 m) is a mountain that straddles the border of Albania and Macedonia, so it's up to you which side you go to the top from. At the end of the journey, you have a panoramic view of both countries. Just keep in mind that some roads are rather poorly marked and in some places you will have to rely only on your sense of direction or on the locals.

Ohrid

The town of Ohrid is considered one of the most beautiful Macedonian towns, which stretches on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The origin of the town dates back to ancient times, and from the 6th century Ohrid was inhabited by Slavs. There are said to be more than 300 churches throughout the town, attesting to the town's spiritual importance. 

The Church of Saint Sophia is considered the most important building. An important symbol of the area is the St. John's Church, which is very popular because of its romantic location. The remains of the ancient amphitheater, which are sometimes used for theatrical purposes, are also a welcome attraction.

The Church of Saint John (Jovan) in Ohrid stands on a cliff above the lake.

Kokino

Kokino is an archaeological site in the northern part of North Macedonia, where several finds from the Late Bronze Age have been made. The finds date back to 2000 BC and it is one of the oldest surviving sites.

Monasteries

The important role of religion in North Macedonia is evidenced primarily by monasteries. You can choose from a number of monasteries, such as the monastery in the canyon of the Radika River (dedicated to John the Baptist), the Sveti Jovan Bigorski Monastery or the Treskavec Monastery, which rises high in the mountains above the city of Prilep and is considered by Macedonians to be an important symbol of Macedonian national awareness.