The real authentic Balkan
Posted by SenorElPresidente@reddit | AskBalkans | View on Reddit | 23 comments
I'm driving down to the Balkans to explore the region for 6-8 weeks. Not interested in big cities and touristy areas/attractions/tours and want to spend the bare minimum of time in such places.
I'm more interested in nature (mountains, caves, rivers, waterfalls..) and culture (monestaries, old towns, small villages, ruins...) and history (historical sites, old bunkers/military stuff, museums...). I rather camp/sleep in car or in some guesthouse than in a 5* hotels. Rather eat authentic street food or small local restaurants than fancy restaurants. I rather sit and have a drink/meal with locals without speaking any common language than cool and loud bars/clubs.
This is a no-plan trip. I will just sit in my car next week and drive in that general direction and along the way hopefully get good recommendations from locals. But it wouldn't hurt to get some recommendations already now from you guys for at least a few locations in order to get a sense of what direction I should be driving and vaguely plan the route.
What/where would you recommend that I visit/see/do?
Ilyah_Shah_@reddit
Albania is cheap, cheap, cheap.
deyannn@reddit
Like others said, Balkans is a bit broad. I also plan to visit some of my neighbouring countries.
I'm from Bulgaria (where you know ... we have most of the Balkan mountain range gere).
The actual Balkan range is fine, I think I prefer the Rhodope mountains, where you get to experience some Balkan aspects (hospitable Muslim people in dirt poor villages, mixed culture). Going around Yagodina and Trigrad gorge is really nice and there are hiking trails.
You don't want to visit Bulgaria though and it looks like you are more inclined to visit the western Balkans. When I went to Bosnia I didn't have much chance to go around, but it seems like the authentic place you want to visit.
SenorElPresidente@reddit (OP)
I'm just trying to limit the trip geographically because I'm driving all the way from Sweden and don't want to stress by doing too many countries/places. But will 100% visit Bulgaria. It's already planned for next year 🙂
Early-Show2886@reddit
First of all, what kind of idea do you have of the Balkans? I mean, what do you understand by that term? Are you going there with notions derived from the books of Karl May?
SenorElPresidente@reddit (OP)
I honestly don't have any specific idea of what "Balkan" is which is why I want to explore it. But I'm guessing it's quite diverse in some aspects, and similar in others...just like any other place on earth.
All I know is I have had good experience with people from the Balkans around the world and here in Sweden (except maybe Romanians).
Salt_Fennel8876@reddit
Balkan is a mountain. The Balkan mountain is located in Bulgaria. But you don't want to visit Bulgaria, so it doesn't matter.
SenorElPresidente@reddit (OP)
Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, and Turkey are planned for next year. I'm just trying to limit the trip geographically because I'm driving all the way from Sweden and don't want to stress by doing too many countries/places. But will 100% visit Bulgaria.
Kooky_Appeal_6554@reddit
why not bulgaria? in Bulgaria the Balkan Mountains are located and the balkan got it names from it.
and why not turkey? the europan part is unique its called east thrace: trakya
https://www.investintrakya.org.tr/en/General-Overview-Of-The-Region
SenorElPresidente@reddit (OP)
Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, and Turkey are planned for next year. I'm just trying to limit the trip geographically because I'm driving all the way from Sweden and don't want to stress by doing too many countries/places. But will 100% visit them!
Top-Turnip-415@reddit
Translation: I’m broke and not spending a dime
SenorElPresidente@reddit (OP)
I have a budget of €1000/week. It may not be much, but I'm not looking for handouts/free stuff. I was just giving examples of what type of travels I like so people have an idea of what to recommend.
There is no need to be a dick.
msoc@reddit
Pretty sure you are "being a dick". Unfortunately if you can't handle someone pulling your leg you may want to stay out of the Balkans.
sjedinjenoStanje@reddit
He's hoping the locals don't have anything better to do than entertain and feed a foreign tourist.
Top-Turnip-415@reddit
I remember there was a guy on r/albania who was offering “English lessons” and the pleasure of his company in exchange for free accommodation and food. To immerse himself in the culture of course. 🙄
goatgrlgoat@reddit
Bosnia and the lakes and rivers around una and una national park - cheap and cool by the river and great food
SenorElPresidente@reddit (OP)
Just googled una and it looks great! Thanks for the tip 🙏🏻
kalyjuga@reddit
Balkans is too broad? What country u even thinking about? It's fuckin heatwave here, so maybe just go to the seaside, Croatia, Montenegro, you can find cheap campsites there. Bosnia, Albania for nature and cheap food. Serbia has beautiful nature but everything else is falling apart atm
SenorElPresidente@reddit (OP)
I'm thinking maybe following the coast and then drive inland if someone recommends something nice there. Always happy to swim in lakes, rivers, ocean, and springs to cool down. I heard also there are some cool mountains to visit.
Again this is a no-plan trip, which is why I'm asking if there is anything people think should see/visit. Very flexible travels...
jinawee@reddit
Google Maps is more than enough.
SenorElPresidente@reddit (OP)
Yes, that is indeed the plan once I get there. Just open maps and see what is available.
mau7_7_7@reddit
The north of Rumania has beautiful monasteries and nature. Bosnia all over it’s impressive and amazing food. An arch from Bihać to Tuzla can be a way to get to know the nice people of Bosnia. Many lakes to visit in Serbia (Guča without the festival it’s a nice place to hide, it has a lot to offer for driving around. At Ivanjica the gent who create the festival took me to a lake and told stories about a secret nuclear project, very nice people we met.. never been in Montenegro, but it would be my place to go to see Dalmatian beauty without masses. I’ve spend the last 15 summers in Croatia and it’s great, I love it. but there are very few places where you can avoid masses and prices are getting out of average families income, plus, sadly, locals are burnout already by the end of june and this guys are tough workers..Perhaps a cabin at the west of Hvar.
Outside Ljubljana, Bled & the coast during the summer, it’s great to go around Slovenian forests and sleep in nature, also great food and super safe, but we are not known for being very open and friendly. I hope this helps.
Inductiekookplaat@reddit
For Slovenia: absolutely visit the Skocjan Caves. Far less touristy than the Postojna Caves.
SenorElPresidente@reddit (OP)
I'm thinking maybe following the coast and then drive inland if someone recommends something nice there. Always happy to swim in lakes, rivers, ocean, and springs to cool down. I heard also there are some cool mountains to visit.
Again this is a no-plan trip, which is why I'm asking if there is anything people think should see/visit. Very flexible travels...