Top Attractions In The Balkan Region
The terms "Balkans" or the "Balkan Peninsula" refer to an area in southeastern Europe which is surrounded by Adriatic Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean sea to the south. On the eastern side lies the Black Sea. While there is no unanimity of opinions regarding its northern border, Danube Sava and Kupa Rivers are often taken as its northern boundary. The region's name has been derived from the Stara Planina mountain range located in Bulgaria. These are popularly known as the Balkan Mountains.
The countries that are in the Balkan region are:
•Albania
•Bosnia and Herzegovina
•Bulgaria
•Greece
•Kosovo
•Macedonia
•Montenegro
•Romania
•Serbia
•Slovenia
•Turkey
The Balkan regions are widely visited by tourists from all parts of the globe. There are attractions galore in each of the countries in the region. Each nation is home to numerous wonderful locations that draw millions of people all through the year.
•In Albania, tourists may visit Butrint famous for Roman ruins. Other places of historical importance include Gjirokastra, the Ionian coast, and Berati. The northern portion of the country has impressive mountain scenery.
•In Bosnia and Herzegovina places to visit include Sarajevo and Mostar. Sarajevo offers wonderful scenic beauty of mountains. Mostar has the Old Bridge - a famous Ottoman architecture. Other historical sites include towns as Travnik and Jajce. Bjelasnica.
•Bulgaria is well known for numerous mountain ranges. The Rila and Pirin ranges have good hiking trails. Rila Monastery is another attraction in this region. To see the Roman ruins, tourists may visit Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, and Koprivshtitsa. Sofia provides a convenient base for excursions to western Bulgaria.
•The beaches are no doubt attractive in the Adriatic coast, Croatia. But the highlights of the coast include Dubrovnik, the walled city which is an example of 17th century city planning. Tourists may also pay a visit to Pula to see the one of the greatest surviving amphitheaters. One of Croatia's greatest natural attractions includes Plitvice Lakes National Park
•Some of the obvious attractions in Greece are to be found in Athens, Peloponnese, Zagoria, and Mystras. Others include the city of Thessaloniki, Macedonia, and Thessaly.
•Kosovo's attractions include a range of Ottoman mosques, hammams, churches, and 19th century houses. The Gracanica Monastery is one of the greatest Serbian monasteries.
•Some of the tourist spots in Macedonia include Lake Ohrid, Pelister National Park, and Bitola. Sveti Joakim Osogovsk monastry is also one of the top attractions of this country.
•In Montenegro, one may visit the popular resorts in Budva and Herceg Novi, Lake Skadar and Durmitor National Park.
•Romania is the largest country in Balkans having diverse cultures and landscapes. Some of the sites of medieval architecture can be found in Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara. The Bucegi Mountains and Prahova Valley are popular for hiking.
•Serbia offers a few monasteries tucked away in the wooden valleys like Studenica, Mileševa, or Ljubostina.
•Popular attractions in Slovenia include the Postojna and Škocjan Caves. Travelers may also go to visit the Lake Bled's island church. Kranjska Gora is a perfect base for hiking trails.
•Turkey is famous for numerous mosques, churches and museums. A few noteworthy names include Suleymanye Mosque, The Blue Mosque, and Asiyan Museum.
With a host of attractive spots on offer, The Balkan regions sure present an exciting place to enjoy a wonderful vacation.