Summer is the perfect season for traveling, with lots of sunshine, free time and lovely beaches or breathtaking mountains where you can rest your body and soul.
If you want to visit places that will amazed you with their beauty than you need to travel to the Balkan Peninsula. Only here you can find incredible beaches, lovely lakes, amazing country side, high mountains, rivers and streams, churches, mosques and monasteries, big and vibrant cities and charming villages.
Along with the amazing nature, the Balkan has rich and turbulent past. Because the Balkan was ruled by invaders from different nations, now you can witness different styles in the architecture, culture, tradition and cuisine.
Another amazing part is that the Balkan countries are not very expensive, so you can travel on a budget.
If you decides to visit this part of Europe these are the 10 places that you must visit, feel and taste.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
It is a lovely lake surrounded by stunning mountains and forests from all its sides. On the north shore of the lake you can find a medieval castle. In the middle of the lake is Bled Island. This island is also the only natural island in Slovenia.
via wikimedia by Canadianhockey91 (I took it) licensed CC-BY-SA-3.0
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
In this national park in Croatia you can see several waterfalls, lakes, forests and diverse wildlife, all so magical and breathtaking. The lakes are distinguished by their amazing colors that are overflowing from azure to green, gray or blue. The colors change all the time depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water. You can spent a day playing the crystal clear water and just admire the natural wonders.
via wikimedia by Dickelbers (Own work) licensed CC-BY-SA-3.0
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Montenegro is the pearl of the Balkans, like a piece of the paradise nested between amazing mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Near the famous and old city Budva is located Sveti Stefan, a tiny island where there are old buildings from the 15th century. This island is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro, with amazing beach, often reserved for rich people.
via wikimedia by -donald- (Own work) licensed CC-BY-SA-3.0
Meteora, Greece
What makes this place so special and unique are the monasteries on top of rocks. Back in the days, the monks thought that if they build the monasteries on a higher place, rock or mountain, they will be closer to God.
via wikimedia by Dido3 (Own work) licensed CC-BY-SA-3.0
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Located along the river Neretva, Mostar is one of the cities with the greatest history in the country. The city is rich in architecture and old buildings, but most famous for the Old Bridge over the river Neretva built by the Turks in 1556.
via flickr by Monika licensed CC BY-SA 2.0
Ohrid Lake, Macedonia
Lake Ohrid is the seventh deepest lake in Europe and is considered unique in the world. Besides being the most visited destination in Macedonia, Ohrid and Struga, it is visited by people all over Europe. The water in the lake is clear, and you swim in the summer months.
via wikimedia by Diego Delso licensed CC-BY-SA-3.0
Nessebar, Bulgaria
Nessebar is one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. It consists of two parts, the old one is filled with ancient buildings and churches, and the other one is attractive for tourists. In the last 10 years Nessebar have raised as a modern European city with attractive hotels, long beaches and crazy nightlife.
via wikimedia by Sergey Galyonkin licensed CC-BY-SA-2.0
Dracula’s Castle, Romania
If you love old stories about the blood-drinking vampires than you need to visit the home of Dracula. This castle from the 13th century is located in Romania and is visited every year by thousands of curious tourists.
via flickr by Kyle Taylor licensed CC BY 2.0
Saranda, Albania
This romantic and elegant city on the coast of the Ionian Sea, surrounded by clear blue water, white sandy beaches and beautiful promenade is a place to visit during the summer. With fresh sea food and pleasant climate is perfect for vacation.
via flickr by Magalie L’Abbé licensed CC BY-NC 2.0
Nis, Serbia
The main attraction in this Serbian city is the fortress, a complex and important historical monument. It is also known for the natural thermal spas.
via wikimedia by Todor ni (Own work) licensed CC-BY-SA-3.0
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