The most popular holiday destinations in Europe have been in and around central Europe, with countries such as France, Spain, and Italy seeing the vast majority of tourists each year. However, eastern European and Balkan countries have recently gained significant popularity, with many more people choosing to book holidays in countries in this part of Europe. Below, we go through why exactly more people are exploring this part of Europe and some of the main reasons why you should consider it your next holiday destination.
Eastern Europe and the Balkans Are So Close
If you live in Western Europe or the United Kingdom, then the Balkans and Eastern Europe are not far away. You can easily find direct flights to many countries in this part of Europe, such as Hungary, Poland, and Prague.
Western European countries have become popular holiday destinations due to their proximity to the other countries in this part of Europe; however, the difference in time to fly to one of these countries is very small compared to Eastern European countries.
In addition, you can fly in comfort and luxury and travel on a charter plane that can take you directly from an airport close to where you live to an Eastern European country. This will allow you to skip long queues at busy airports and even fly into smaller airports at your chosen destination, avoiding the same hassle and stress when you land.
From the vast majority of regional airports in Western Europe, it takes only a couple of hours to reach the most popular Balkan destinations, which means you don’t have to spend a significant amount of time travelling to enjoy the wonders of this part of Europe.
History and Culture
f you want to travel on holiday to somewhere steeped in history, look no further than the Balkans. This part of the world has an extensive origin to learn about, spanning thousands of years and including the rise and fall of several civilisations, such as the Habsburgs, Ottomans, Byzantines, Romans, and Ancient Greeks.
During your trip here, you can visit many cultural heritage sites. These will take you back in time as you learn about history, such as the Yugoslav Wars, nationalist uprisings, and Ottoman conquest.
There is an abundance of beautiful small old towns, such as Mostar, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These towns are picturesque and almost fairytale-like, allowing you to enjoy stunning surroundings and take fantastic photos to show off to your friends and family when you return home.
Breathtaking Scenery
If you want to embrace nature on your holiday, you will be satisfied on a trip to the Balkans. Aside from the impressive mountain ranges, you can enjoy forests, beaches, hills, caves, canyons, lakes, and waterfalls.
You can also book trekking adventures to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in this part of Europe on foot, such as the Rila and Pirin mountains. Other countries that are fantastic for those who love the outdoors include Romania and Bulgaria, which have an almost endless amount of untouched nature to take in.
Fuel Your Adrenaline
There is plenty of opportunity in the Balkans for those looking to enjoy some activities to get their adrenaline going. From whitewater rafting to mountain biking and even rock climbing, you certainly won’t be short of options to get your heart pumping. A great location for those looking for a holiday full of thrilling activities is the Julian Alps in Slovenia.
Here, you can enjoy challenging hikes, mountain biking beside lakes, and toboggan runs during the summer. There is even a high-ropes course to test your balance in the trees as you dangle high above the ground. No matter what type of activity you are looking for to get your adrenaline pumping, you can find something you will enjoy in the Balkans.
More Bang for Your Buck
Many people choose the Balkans as their holiday destination because you get far more for your money here than in other popular European countries.
The food in the Balkans is fantastic, and it costs very little for its excellent quality. This means you get to enjoy a delicious dining experience without breaking the bank, allowing you to spend the rest of your money on fun activities during your time here. You will be able to find a wide range of cuisine in this part of Europe, meaning that you won’t be left with nothing to eat throughout your entire trip.
Visit Eastern Europe and The Balkans
Eastern Europe and the Balkans are beautiful and largely untouched parts of Europe with much to offer tourists. From the endless amount of culture to the gorgeous scenery and abundance of fun activities, it is easy to see why this part of the world has become significantly more popular recently. If you are interested in travelling to this part of Europe on holiday, then it is a good idea to do some research and figure out what you want to do here to take full advantage of your trip.