My first advice to those who will go abroad for the first time; They visit the Balkan countries, which are visa-free, easy to reach, have many transportation options, are economical, have a culture close to ours, and gastronomy similar to ours. Does not require a visa from Turkish Citizens; Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are must-see countries in the Balkans. The must-see places in the Balkans, which I would say do not leave without seeing when you go to these countries, are waiting for you in this article, enjoy reading!
Must-See Places in the Balkans – Complete List Country by Country
When it comes to the Balkans; Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia and some parts of Romania are also included in the list, but in this article, I wanted to cover only the visa-free Balkan countries. visa free Balkan tour Below you will find the list of the most suitable countries for travel and places to see in the Balkans:
Places to Visit in Albania
Although Albania is the least known and least visited Balkan country, it has many beautiful places to see. If we look at the places where you can find traces of the Ottoman and Italy and where you can take a sea and cultural trip;
- Capital Tirana: The fate of capital cities is often to be boring. Historical buildings, squares and museums in the capital of Albania do not let visitors get bored. If we list the main places to visit in Tirana; Skanderbeg Square, National History Museum, Ethem Bey Mosque, underground bunkers museum (Bunk 1 and 2).
- Elbasan, where you can follow the traces of the Ottoman Empire: There are many places to see in Elbasan, which has a history of two thousand years: Especially Elbasan Castle, Clock Tower, II. Hünkar Mosque, built during the Beyazıt period, Virgin Mary Church, Ethnography Museum, Nazire Mosque and the old bath.
- Berat CityBerat, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is likened to Safranbolu, is known as the "city of a thousand windows" due to its house architecture with large windows. Many churches and mosques, especially Kalaja Castle, are what you will see during your visit to Berat.
- Ksamil city with its magnificent beaches: The Albanian coastline promises beaches with a beauty comparable to the Italian Riviera. Ksamil is the most well-known among them. Not only is it as beautiful as the Italian sea, it is calmer and less crowded, but it is also much more economical.
- Ancient City of ApolloFor history lovers, the ancient city located near the village of Pojani in Fier province is considered among the largest and most important ancient cities in the world. Temples, libraries, triumphal arch and city ruins can be visited.
Places to Visit in North Macedonia
Republic of North Macedonia, with its full name, is one of the countries that will make you fall in love with both its nature and history. The country, whose name was changed from Macedonia to North Macedonia due to the history they could not share with Greece, fascinates its visitors with its magnificent nature as well as its deep-rooted history.
- Ohrid, a piece that fell from heaven: Undoubtedly, the most touristic and most beautiful city in Macedonia is Ohrid, which is believed to have been formed by God dropping a piece of it to the earth while creating heaven. The city, which is likened to Safranbolu due to the traces of Turkish architecture, is located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. In Ohrid, one of the oldest settlements in Europe, a church was built for every day of the year, that is, there are 365 churches of all sizes. Getting lost in the back streets of the old city, going up to the castle, or taking a boat tour on the lake is enough to make your trip to Ohrid enjoyable.
- The city where our ancestor's school is located is Bitola (Bitola): Bitola, the second largest city of Macedonia, was one of the important cities of the region during the Ottoman period and its name was Bitola at that time. Other places to see in the city, which has a special importance for us because it hosts the Monastery Military Academy (Monastır Military Academy, today Bitola Museum), where Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk studied; Sirok Street, where the heart of the city beats, Magnolia Square, Old Bazaar, Sveti Dimitrija Church, Heraclea Lyncestis Ancient City, Haydar Kadı Mosque, Clock Tower, Bedesten, İshak Çelebi Mosque, Pelister National Park, Auto and Ethno Museum
- Matka Canyon, one of the most beautiful canyons in the Balkans: Located only 25 km from the capital Skopje, the canyon spreads over an area of approximately 500 hectares. In the canyon; Including the Vrelo Cave, which is the deepest underground water cave in the world, there are 20 caves ranging in length from 176 meters to 10 meters. The historical churches and monasteries around the canyon are also worth seeing. The best activity to do here is to join the boat tours in the canyon. You can go to Vrelo Cave with boat tours, or you can choose a shorter tour and just go canyoning.
- Skopje, the capital city with the atmosphere of a tiny Ottoman city: Skopje, one of the cities with a river passing through it, is known as the city of statues.
Places to Visit in Kosovo
Kosovo is one of the rare landlocked countries in the Balkans. Of course, there are beautiful places to see when visiting Kosovo, which is a little more in the background compared to its neighbors that have gained popularity with nature, history and culture. Ottoman traces can still be seen today in the country, which has hosted many different cultures.
- Capital Pristina: Pristina, which holds the title of Europe's youngest capital, is a quiet city where you can experience eastern and western culture together. Among the places to see in the city: Skanderberg Statue, Kosovo National Museum, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque, Clock Tower, St. Nicholas Church, Yaşar Pasha Mosque, Gazi Mestan Tomb, Pristina Ethnography Museum, Kocadişi Mansion, Tomb of Sultan Murat I, the first martyr emperor of the Ottoman Empire.
- Prizren, the cultural capital of Kosovo: The city of Prizen, located at the foot of the Shar Mountains, is the center of attraction of Kosovo. The city attracts attention with its works and architectural structure, especially from the Ottoman period, and there are many neighborhoods with Turkish names. Sinan Pasha Mosque, the mosque with the highest minaret in the Balkans, Şadırvan Square and bazaar, Bistrica Bridge (Stone Bridge) and Kalaja Castle, Arasta Mosque, Kırık Masjid, Saraçhane Lodge, St. Spas Church and St. Arhancel Monastery, Mehmet Pasha Bath. Places to see in Prizren can be counted as.
Places to Visit in Serbia
Serbia; It is one of the Balkan countries preferred by Turkish citizens with its delicious food, entertaining nightlife, places to visit and economical accommodation options. Although only the capital Belgrade is generally preferred for Serbia travel, there are large and small cities in Serbia that appeal to different tastes.
- Capital Belgrade: Undoubtedly, the first and most important stop of your Serbia trip is Belgrade. Offering many alternatives from Ottoman monuments to modern city life, the city is at the junction of two rivers and is lush with many parks and gardens. If we list the places to visit in Belgrade; Republic Square, Knez Mihailova Street, Kalemegdan, Student Square, St. Sava Cathedral, Sveti Sava Market, Nicola Tesla Museum, Tajmegdan, St. Mark's Church, Serbian History Museum, Skadarjia District, Zemun District, Gardos Tower, Avala Hill & Avala Tower, Ada Ciganlija, Beton Hala, Sava Mala, Boat Tour on Sava and Danube rivers, FK Crvena Zvezda Stadium for football lovers.
- Novi Sad: Novisad, the second largest city in Serbia and the capital of the Vojvodina region, had an important strategic location during the Habsburg Dynasty. The city attracts attention with the architecture of the old city center as well as its parks and gardens. If we look at the places to see in Novi Sad; Sirmium Ancient City, Virgin Mary Church, Petrovaradin Castle, Catholic Church, Synagogue, Vojvodina Museum, Novi Sad Beach in summer, St. George's Cathedral, Svetozar Miletus Monument.
- Niš, the birthplace of Constantine: The city of Niš, which hosts ruins from different periods, is another spot worth seeing in Serbia. Niš Castle, a Turkish castle, Skull Tower, Mediana Protected Area, King Milan Square, Nazi Concentration Camp, World War II. Park Bubanj Monument built for the people who died in World War II, St. Panteleimon Niş Church, Balibey Mosque and Cegar Hill can be listed as the main places to see in Niş.
- Tara National Park, which will dazzle you with its nature: Tara National Park is a place where the Drina River passes through, where you can do many water sports, do activities such as bird watching and hiking, and enjoy nature and fresh air.
- Novi Pazar, which continues Turkish culture: Novi Pazar is a city where you can see Roman and Ottoman ruins side by side, and many different cultures, from ancient cities to churches, from Turkish baths to mosques. Stari Ras, the ancient city center, Sopocani Monastery, Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery, Altun Alem Mosque, 11-domed historical İsa Bey Bath, Emir Aga Inn, Old Bazaar (Stara Carsija), Ras Museum, Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Church, Turkish Fortress, Novi Pazar Castle, Banja Village, Crna Reka Monastery, Uvac Private Nature Reserve, Novi Pazar Thermal Springs are places to see in Novi Pazar. .
- Drvengrad: The city of Drvengrad, where the movie "Living is a Miracle", one of the most popular movies of the famous director Emir Kustarica, became popular after the movie. Every January, the Kustendorf Film and Music Festival is celebrated in the village. While you're in the city, you can also experience the Sarganeight railway.
Places to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Our common history, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was reborn from the ashes after the sufferings experienced in the recent past, is among the countries to which we are emotionally close. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a very impressive country with its history, culture and nature.
- Capital Sarajevo: Sarajevo, the city where you will take a journey through history while wandering through its streets, will make you feel at home and at times make you sad. If we look at the places to see in Sarajevo; Bascarsija, Sebil, Ferhadiye Street, Latin Bridge, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Brusa Bedesten, Gazi Hüsrev Yadigâr Mosque, National Library, Tunnel of Hope, National Museum, Vrelo Bosne Thermal Spring.
- Konjic is worth seeing with its Ottoman bridge: It is one of the oldest settlements in Bosnia and Herzegovina and The city of Konjic, located on the banks of the Neretva River, is famous for its bridge. Although the Koniça Bridge, built on pointed stone arches, was destroyed in World War II, it was restored and revived in 2009.
- Mostar with its famous bridge: Mostar, which is famous for its works from the Ottoman period and made a name for itself during the Bosnia-Herzegovina civil war, is today the most touristic city in the country. Mostar Bridge, Coppersmiths' Bazaar, Eğri Bridge, Karagöz Bey Mosque, Stari Most Museum, Biscevic House, Muslibegovic House, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, War and Genocide Victims Museum, Sniper Tower, St. Peter and St. Paul Monastery, Poçitel, an Ottoman border town near Mostar, and Blagaj, home to the Ottoman dervish lodge, are places to see in Mostar.
Places to Visit in Montenegro
We are living in the last days to go to Montenegro, which is about to join the European Union, without a visa, so it would be better to go as soon as possible. Below you can find the main places to see in Montenegro, which is a very impressive country with its history and nature.
- Kotor, the tourist center of Montenegro: Kotor, a magnificent medieval town, is the apple of the eye of Montenegro. The only fjord of the Balkans was formed in the Bay of Kotor, and over time, historical beauties were added to its geographical beauty. Places you must see when you come to Kotor: Kotor Old Town, medieval village Perast, Lady of the Rocks Island, boat tour in the bay, Kotor Castle
- Budva for sea holidays: The old city center of Budva, one of the most visited places in Montenegro, and Sveti Stefan Island, which serves as a hotel, are must-see places. In addition, the most beautiful beaches of Montenegro are located around Budva.
- Durmitor National Park: The national park is on the Unesco World Cultural Heritage List. If you are interested in one or more of nature sports such as hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, rafting, this is a true paradise. With its 18 glacial lakes, altitudes of up to 1500 meters and magnificent views, it should definitely be on the list of nature lovers.
Transportation to the Balkans
It makes sense to go to the Balkans by air, because you can find many flights departing from Turkey to all of the countries I mentioned above. Since these countries do not require a visa from Turkish citizens, you can plan your Balkans trip by just taking your passport and flying to one of these countries.
It is also possible to reach the Balkans by road, but to reach the countries I mentioned above from Turkey, you need to go via Greece and/or Bulgaria. Since both countries require visas from Turkish citizens, you must have a Schengen visa. Of course, if you have a green passport, you do not need a visa.
If you plan to go to the Balkans with your own vehicle, you need to get international insurance, that is, a green card, for your vehicle.
If you want to see many of the places on the list of must-see places in the Balkans in a short time; You may consider taking a Balkan tour with a competent company.
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Because of our common past, you will encounter many people who speak Turkish in most of the countries I have listed above, whose families immigrated to Turkey, and you will experience emotional moments by meeting people whose eyes fill with tears when you tell them that you come from Turkey and who say that half of them are in Turkey. This will perhaps be the most impressive part of the Balkans trip…