The infamous peninsula! Many countries! Delicious cuisine! Warm sea, mountains and ancient cities! Visa-free entry!… and other flashy headlines to start this article with. Everything said – true.
Well, almost – about visas, they lied a little.
Where is it located?
The Balkan Peninsula is located in the southeast of Europe. The main countries located here – these are Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Macedonia.
The Balkan countries also partially include:
- Croatia;
- Romania;
- Turkey;
- Italy.
< li>Slovenia;
But about them some other time. Now we tell you why to go to each of the countries of the peninsula and how to do it.
Photo: srpska. en
Albania
Capital: Tirana.
Entry conditions:From April 1 to October 31, Russians can enter Albania without a visa, there are no entry restrictions due to COVID-19.
How to get there: via Istanbul.
< p>What to see: the most unexplored country in the Balkans, which was closed from the rest of the world for a long time, and which is now blooming again and opening up for travelers. This is the place in the Balkans where the bunkers of the former dictator Enver Hozhdi and cozy authentic white houses in the seaside Berat side by side.
See how the Adriatic and Ionian meet in Vlore, take a boat ride through the mini-fjords of Lake Komani and look for the strange Greek-Ottoman culture in Gjirokastra.
< /p>
Photo: geo-1.ru
Bulgaria
Capital: Sofia.
Entry conditions:for Russians – even for those who have a visa – entry is closed, but for citizens of many other countries – including Belarus and Ukraine – country is available. A negative covid test will be required within 72 hours.
How to get there: via Istanbul.
What to see: to start – the old towns of Nessebar and Plovdiv, where Roman buildings have been preserved. Then – small trekking in the national park Kamchia. And to combine mountains and architecture, go to Belogradchik.
Photo: 3pulse.com
Greece
Capital : Athens.
Entry conditions: no more than 500 Russians per week, Schengen required.
How to get there: direct flights from Moscow to Athens resumed, via Egypt or Istanbul.
What to see: you can start with antiquities – visit the classical Greek acropolis in Athens or the Palace of Knossos in Crete – traces of the Minoan civilization.
Go on a yacht trip in search of cozy bays and the best beaches, or hike in Zagorochoria, where you will find a stone bridge and the enchanting Vikos canyon.
Photo: greece.uz
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Capital: Sarajevo.
Entry conditions: no visa required for stays of less than 30 days, a negative covid test for 48 hours is required.
Getting there: via Istanbul.
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What to see: historical bridges – semicircular arched in Mostar and Latin in Sarajevo. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated on the second bridge: this was the start of the First World War.
Climb to the top of Mount Maglic or view the stunning natural complex of Kravice waterfalls – nature in this country is very hospitable.
Photo: wikiway.com
Serbia
Capital: Belgrade .
Entry conditions: negative covid test within 48 hours.
How to get there: direct flights from Moscow resumed – or via Istanbul.
What to see:in Belgrade, you need to linger not only for the sake of the fortress, but for the sake of the Skadarlie art quarter; Dzherdap Gorge – your mountain must-visit, and mystical skulls await you in the Chele-Kula tower.
Photo: hi .su
Kosovo
Capital: Pristina.
Entry conditions:carefully look from which side you enter: Serbia does not recognize the existence of this country. Need a visa – Schengen is best, you can spend up to 15 days in the country using it.
How to get there: it is best from Serbia, and to leave – to Macedonia or Albania.
What to see: ancient Prizren, rising from the ashes and ruins of Pristina with mosques and the Mirusha karst canyon.
Photo: travelalbania-agency.com
Montenegro
Capital: Podgorica.
Entry conditions: No visa or negative test required for up to 30 days.
How to get there: via Istanbul.
What to see: Bay of Kotor with its yachts and seaside town; the incredible Durmitor National Park on the border with Serbia and for a snack – old town in Budva.
Photo: miro.medium.com
Macedonia
Capital: Skopje.
Entry conditions: up to 30 days no visa needed, no test required.
How to get there: via Istanbul .
What to see: Ohrid – beautiful old city on the lake; the ancient red, ornate monastery of St. Naum and the Matka canyon with a karst cave.
Photo: bestwanderlust.com
Have a nice trip! To make sure everything goes smoothly, check out the author's tours to the Balkans and choose your unique trip.
