The Balkans in [2026]: Europe's Most Underrated Region

I went to the Balkans expecting something between Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. What I found was harder to categorize and significantly more interesting than I'd anticipated.

Why the Balkans Are Worth Your Time

The combination of dramatic landscape, rich and complicated history, genuine food culture, and prices that are 40–60% of Western European equivalents make the region an extraordinarily good value for travelers who prioritize experience over convenience. The infrastructure has improved significantly in the last decade — roads, accommodation, and tourist facilities are consistently better than their reputation suggests. The English-language capability has also improved, particularly among younger people in cities.

The Countries I'd Prioritize

Montenegro's Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful places in Europe — genuinely — and still significantly less crowded than the Croatian coast that gets all the attention. Albania has developed remarkably fast as a tourist destination while maintaining authenticity that more visited countries have lost; Berat and Gjirokastra are extraordinary towns. North Macedonia is consistently overlooked and has Ohrid, a lake town of genuine beauty. Serbia's Novi Sad is more interesting to me than its bigger sibling Belgrade, though Belgrade has a nightlife reputation for a reason.

What to Know Before Going

Currency situation is complicated — some countries use the euro, some don't, and several countries that don't have pegged currencies. Research each country before crossing the border. The border crossings between some Balkan countries can take time — factor this into travel planning especially by road. Some countries have specific requirements for travelers from certain nationalities — check visa requirements individually for each country on your itinerary.

Traveling the Region

The bus network connects most cities adequately if slowly. Renting a car unlocks the region significantly — many of the best experiences (mountain roads, coastal drives, national parks) require flexibility that public transport doesn't offer. The driving standards vary — I'd describe North Macedonia's mountain roads as exciting and Albania's coastal highway as genuinely stunning but requiring attention.

Here's where I land: The Balkans will be discovered properly within a decade. Go before that happens.