About 25 years ago, the Balkans were plagued by a series of nasty civil wars but those days are fortunately long over. As a result of the area’s newfound peace, the region has been rapidly gaining intentional attention as a travel destination. It might be only a matter of time before they become as popular their nearby neighbors of Italy and Greece. So, why not beat the crowds and visit these countries to your must-see list before everyone else starts heading in that direction? Here are two great spots that will either inspire your wanderlust or help round out your itinerary.
Image Credit: Ivana via Flickr and CC 2.0.
Ohrid, Macedonia. While the lakeside setting of this UNESCO World Heritage Sites leaves nothing to be desired, travelers may also be interested in visiting the town’s many religious and historically significant buildings. The market area, the city walls, and the ancient theatre are all worth a look as well. Fortunately, it is easy for visitors to explore the old town area on foot. Should all the sightseeing wear out travelers, they’re sure to find a convenient spot to relax on the local beaches or a boat for rent so that they can sail around the lake. Private rooms in the town run about $17 USD a night but word is getting out and advance booking might be necessary. Getting to Ohrid shouldn’t be a problem since there is an airport located just outside of the city. However, the town can also be reached by regular buses from Skopje, Bitola, or Herceg Novi in Macedonia.
Image Credit: John Baldock via Flickr and CC 2.0.
Lake Bled, Slovenia. If you ever wondered where those ubiquitous pictures of a beautiful church in the middle of lake surrounded by mountains were taken, the answer is probably here. Although travelers should definitely stop and check out the spectacular scenery, there are plenty of other entertainment options in the area. Bled is a popular spot for activities such as boating, cycling, hiking, swimming, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and visiting the local spas. Nearby points of interest include Bled Castle, Bled Island, the Iglica Waterfall, and the Hag’s Tooth Caves. While there is indeed a local airport just outside the city, it might be easier to find a flight headed to Ljubljana International Airport which is only an hour bus ride away from Bled. Reaching the town by train is yet another possibility.
As always, happy travels!
Sources: Places to See in Your Lifetime; WikiTravel; Google Exchange Rates
