Nature
It’s a no brainer that the most beautiful sites are natural sites. Nature has created wonders and it’s up to us to discover them. Balkans are blessed with an astounding nature composition and below are the top 10 of them.
Retezat Mountains, Romania – This secluded mountain range in the west of Romania is a place for every adventurer who likes getting lost in wild nature. Incredible for multiple days of hiking, moderate alpine climbing or untouched ski-mountaineering lines in the winter. Everyone should stay at Cabana Pietrele, forgotten in time in one of the valleys.
Prohodna Cave, Bulgaria – This cave in the north of Bulgaria is named after its walk-through nature. Located close to the village of Karlukovo, it is up to 50 meters high in places, creating an impressive limestone arch. There are two holes in the ceiling of the cave, named “God’s eyes” by the locals. The cave is an excellent spot for rock climbing or simply enjoying the majesty of nature’s creation.
Valbone Valley, Albania – If you ever visit Albania, you should absolutely not miss the Valley of Valbone in the Albanian Alps in the north of the country. Accessible by asphalt road only since 2015, this long valley will give you solitude and authentic views into the life in secluded Albanian villages. You can walk for days among the steep peaks or explore old military bunkers from the communist era present everywhere.
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro – The most well-known mountain range in Montenegro attracts a lot of people every year during summer and winter. In spite of that, you can find plenty of secluded spots and wild nature to go about. The best place to start your adventures from is the small town of Zabljak. And if you get tired of hiking, you should definitely visit the Tara river canyon close by.
Matka Canyon, Macedonia – North Macedonia – One of the more commercialized places on our list. This large canyon close to the Macedonian capital of Skopje is a recommended day trip while visiting the nation’s capital. You can enjoy a hike to one of the numerous monasteries spread around the surrounding hills or join a boat ride through the canyon with access to a small secluded cave at the end.
Piatra Craiului Mountains, Romania – In our opinion one of the most impressive looking and exciting mountains that you can find in Europe. Quite small in size and height, they make up for it by steepness and exposure. With a couple of really technical sections and a system of shelters on the main ridge it is an excellent option for a long weekend. Especially if you are in Brasov, which is only 30km away.
Rila Lakes, Bulgaria – Number 7 on our list are the 7 lakes in a mountain valley close to the city of Dupnitsa, in the western part of the Rila mountains. This place makes for a spectacular hiking destination. You can either have a nice day in the valley or stay overnight in one of the huts and shelters around. We highly recommend a stay in the Ivan Vazov Hut for a remote and also kind of weird mountain experience.
Coastline of Montenegro – You can admire very different landscapes at the next diamond on our list. The coastline of Montenegro is simply spectacular. Although subjected to a very wild development of tourism, the many bays and steep cliffs on the shoreline still offer a stunning experience. For a full experience, you should check out the long-distance hiking trail developed between Herzeg Novi and Bar along the coast.
Neretva river, Bosnia and Herzegovina – This one is more of a recommendation for a general area than for one location. The valley of Neretva river runs from north to south through most of Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you only have limited time in this country, it should definitely be invested in this valley. Apart from the turquoise water of the river itself, it has a lot of diversity around it. From the beautiful wild mountains of Prenj, to historic city of Mostar and more post-war reminders that you can count. Neretva has it all.
Prokletje mountains, Montenegro / Albania – Last but not least on our “Top 10 Balkan Natural Wonders” list is this mountain range on the border of Montenegro and Albania. Incredible limestone peaks and the grand solitude are all very accessible thanks to the recent investments in tourism, especially from Montenegrin side. We especially recommend the valleys of Gusinje and Vusinje with brand new marked hiking trails and amazing views.
Be in Balkan and The Two Sundowners