Once known as Europe’s powder keg, the region boasts astonishingly beautiful landscapes.
Situated between the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea, this landmass has long been a target of invasions and annexations due to its strategic location, suffering immensely from warfare. Ethnic conflicts continue to persist to this very day.
Yet, beneath its sorrowful history, the Balkan Peninsula still holds breathtakingly enchanting scenery that is hard to forget. Perhaps even after a decade or more, revisiting this land will still move you deeply.
Slovenia – Bohinj
It takes only about 45 minutes by bus from Lake Bled to Bohinj, and the fare is very affordable. Unfortunately, the bus service is infrequent, so it's best to plan your return trip in advance to avoid waiting at the station.
The moment you arrive, you’ll feel as if you’ve reached a hidden paradise, with water so clear you can see to the bottom. You can even walk all the way around the lake and take in 360-degree views of Bohinj. Best of all, there aren’t many tourists—walking in this peaceful setting is incredibly relaxing.
Croatia – Zadar
The entire country nestles along the Adriatic Sea, and the city of Zadar is no exception. It’s also known as one of the best places in the world to watch the sunset. Why? Because the famous Greeting the Sun and Sea Organ are both located here.
Greeting the Sun consists of over 300 layers of glass panels powered by solar energy. At sunset, it acts as a mirror reflecting the sky’s colors. When night falls, it transforms into a colorful light display on the ground. As for the Sea Organ, it’s like a piano played by the sea—when seawater flows into underwater channels beneath the structure, different sounds are produced based on the size of the waves.
Croatia – Pag
The best way to get to Pag is by bus from Zadar—it takes less than an hour to arrive. In ancient times, it was famous for lace production. (The photo below was taken from the bus!) Now it’s become a popular spot for both locals and tourists. You can enjoy local food here, especially cheese and lamb. (This photo was taken from the bus!)
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Mostar
Mostar is located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the Bosnian War, it was under siege, and many buildings were destroyed by shelling. After the war, historical structures near the Old Bridge began to be rebuilt, but areas farther from the city center still have many abandoned buildings covered in bullet holes. They stand as silent protests, reminding people of the darkness of war. However, the scenery around the Old Bridge looks like something out of a fairy tale—so beautiful it almost feels unreal.
Montenegro – Kotor
Montenegro is a mountainous country; in fact, “Montenegro” means “Black Mountain” (Monte = mountain, Negro = black). Kotor is one of its coastal cities where you can climb to an ancient fortress overlooking the entire Kotor Bay. Behind the fortress, you can also walk along what seems like a hiking trail and explore another side of Kotor.
Then you’ll realize—this world is truly vast.
Albania – Berat
Albania is one of the least developed and lowest-income countries in Europe, largely due to historical issues. It takes about three hours by bus from the capital Tirana, and the fare is just 400 lek—that’s around HK$25 or roughly US$3.
Berat is also known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” I didn’t count to verify the exact number, but the Ottoman-style houses lean against each other in a slightly haphazard yet charming way. At night, when the lights come on, the view is truly unique.
North Macedonia – Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is a very large lake that spans both Albania and North Macedonia. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both cultural and natural significance.
Here, aside from admiring numerous ancient churches, climbing up a hill during sunset will captivate you with the glowing sun and the lake’s crimson hues—you won’t be able to look away.
Kosovo – Prizren
Known as “Europe’s youngest country,” Kosovo declared independence in 2008 but has only been recognized by 108 countries so far. Prizren is the most visited place after the capital, Pristina.
Here you can feel the warmth of the locals. Despite occasional patrols by foreign troops, nothing dampens the genuine smiles on people’s faces.
Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo
Once the capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo strikes me as even more special than the current capital, Sofia. VT preserves ancient architecture, whose distinctive designs attract visitors from around the globe. The city is also surrounded by mountains, and climbing to higher ground offers a panoramic view—as if you’re looking down on a basin. With a bit of imagination, it resembles a giant bowl.
Romania – Timisoara
Geographically, Romania appears to be the largest country in the Balkan Peninsula. If you plan to visit a few of its more famous major cities, half a month won’t be enough — you could easily spend a full month exploring.
Timisoara, once deeply influenced by Austrian culture, is known as the “Little Vienna.”
Geographically, this place neighbors Serbia and serves as the best gateway to the country. However, this photo wasn’t taken in Timisoara but rather on the train from Brasov to Timisoara. They say the most beautiful scenery is often along the way, not just at the destination.
Serbia – Belgrade
Serbia has always given me the impression of being at odds politically with all other Balkan countries. Why? It’s all history’s fault again. Moreover, until the late 1990s, it was still under bombardment by Western countries due to ethnic and territorial issues, leaving an indelible past for the Serbian people.
After years of effort, Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, has now become a fairly modern city. The most famous attraction here is the Boat Party. All clubs and bars are built on boats along the river, and each boat has its own unique style and music. Nightlife enthusiasts, don’t miss it!
The Balkan Peninsula — every time I arrive in a new country, it feels like my heart gets hit hard. Aside from the extremely complex yet important history that can make your head spin, the atmosphere along the way can be suffocating, never giving your eyes a moment to rest.
One day, I’ll come back to find you all again.
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