A Slow Travel Guide to the Balkans

The Balkans are a group of countries situated along the Balkan Mountains including Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Montenegro and Macedonia. Croatia, Greece, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey are also lumped into the group at varying degrees since they partially back onto the Balkan Peninsula. 

They have been adored by tourists for decades for their turquoise waters, stunning landscapes and relaxed atmosphere. Though there are some resort-style accommodations spread out throughout the countries, there is a higher focus on boutique and small luxury hotels, making it the ultimate getaway for some rest and relaxation. Recently though, a new type of travel has been taking over these Baltic gems. 

The Balkans are the perfect place to start your relationship with slow travel thanks to the laid-back, locally integrated nature of their tourism industries. If you will be travelling for an extended period time, they are also highly road-trippable. Though the standard “somewhere new every day” style road trip does not suit the slow travel movement, week-long stints in each location and moving leisurely between your destinations surely does. Since the Balkans are scattered along scenic routes and tiny villages, they are the perfect candidate for long-term slow travel.

What is slow travel? 

Slow travel is a new wave trend in the travel industry that focuses on the building of genuine relationships and connections to host communities. In order for this to be achieved, there is an avoidance of quickly hopping from one place to the next and an emphasis on staying in one place for long periods of time, hence where the niche gets its name. Usually, it will involve “living like a local” and avoiding high traffic tourist areas. Making friends, having REAL cultural experiences and eating at local hotspots is the name of the game.

Perast Village, Montenegro 

Historical Perast is a beautiful little town located in Montenegro that is perfect for a leisurely long-term stay. You can enjoy the architecture, visit the local church services on Sundays and enjoy dining outside in the year-round sunny weather. There are only 360 inhabitants in this sleepy little fishing town, so you’ll be sure to get to know everyone around you- you’ll never have trouble finding someone to join you for a glass of wine. On adventurous days, you can rent a saint boat to explore the islets of Saint George, alone or with a group of new friends. 

Stay: For your first slow travel vacation to Montenegro, consider staying at the Hotel Admiral. This historic hotel has a small capacity for personalized experience, an 18th century Baroque mansion facade and is centrally located for perusing the village and making friends.

Fishing Port in Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj is one of the most beautiful little towns in the Balkans, and a fan favourite in Croatia. This little fishing village has turned into a bit of a tourist destination, however a stay in the “old town” will give you a much more local-friendly experience. You’ll love the ancient cobblestone roads, laundry lines sweeping across front ears and pastel houses.

Stay: Hotel Sapori Di Spirito Santo is the perfect hotel for your slow travel experience in Rovinj. The hotel offers guests leisure bicycles for travelling the town and you can even take in a local polo game while you’re in the area. When you’re not exploring the village, you can enjoy a five-star menu, an underground wine bar, and stunning waterfront trails. 

Lake Cottage in Lake Ohrid, Macedonia

Lake Ohrid is the ideal Macedonian destination for taking it slow. You can enjoy the lakeside, cottage lifestyle of the locals, take nature walks and visit the odd cafe for your morning pastries. Though you can spend your time in town, you may also want to embrace the quiet, secluded lifestyle and send your time cooking, reading and relaxing on your own. It’s also a UNESCO world heritage site, you you’ll love exploring the architecture during more energetic days. 

Stay: If you want the true slow travel experience in Macedonia, you should consider booking a stay at a waterfront cottage. This is the best way to live like a local, and have easy access to all of the best activities Ohrid has to offer. You can hop on a fishing boat, sunbathe by the shore, or walk the cobblestone roads on a lazy afternoon.

Rolling Vineyards in Goriška, Slovenia 

Goriška, bordering on Italy represents European countryside living at it’s finest. Enjoy lush forest, gentle hills and quiet farmsteads. Here, you can meander small towns and say hello to your neighbours, or hibernate on acres of land with a bottle of wine and a good book- after all, that’s the epitome of embracing the local lifestyle. 

Stay: Gredic is the vineyard castle boutique hotel of your dreams. Of course, the small hotel features stunning Mediterranean farm-to-table cuisine and luxurious, modern decor, but it’s also the perfect started point for a relaxed, locally-driven getaway. From hear, you can cycle through rolling vineyards, shop local markets and wander through the surrounding villages.

Island Castle in Bled, Slovenia 

If you want a quiet place to unwind, why not head to an Island? Bled Slovenia is a great place to reconnect with nature, spend afternoons swimming and experience a little bit of local culture. Its small size lends itself well to meeting new people and a high integration with the local population. If you want to fully experience Slovenian living, a stay in Bled is a great place to start.

Stay: This charming castle hotel is ready to sweep you off your feet. Adora is perched delicately between the wilderness and the waterfront, and is your golden ticket to a sweet escape on Bled Island. Besides its to-die-for location, and peaceful Victorian interior, you’ll be able to experience the history and culture of the island from the inside, out. No more guided tours, take the local approach instead.

Quint Countryside in Amanruya, Turkey 

Amanruya represents quiet countryside living at it’s best, making it the ideal place to experiment with slow travel. You can explore the Aegean Sea from a local sailboat (or fishing boat if you’re feeling adventurous), go horseback riding through the rolling hills or visit the historic town. If you’re looking to make connections, this is a great place to be. Everyone will be happy to show you around, going you at the dinner table or offer suggestions on where to go. Especially if you make an effort to learn the language while you are there, you’ll be guaranteed a genuine Turkish experience. 

Stay: The countryside is always the perfect place to plan your slow travel vacation, and Amanruya is Turkey’s greatest hotel for a relaxed local adventure. You can stroll through the olive groves, dine al fresco and go for a dip when you’re on the property, and explore the local villages when you’re feeling more energetic. That being said, the resort and spa is pretty relaxing, so we won’t blame you if your excursions are few and far between. 

Sleepy Beaches in Himare, Albania

This quaint Himare beach town is a great place to kick back and connect with your host community. You can visit the shoreline for tourist-frequented cafe’s and indie boutiques, or you can head into the village for a more local experience. Here, you can visit the fruit market, watch children dancing in the streets, and ask advice on where to find locals-only secluded beaches. They people here are really friendly so you’ll be certain to leave with a new friend or two.

Stay: The Geo and Art Hotel in Himare is the best choice for a slow travel stay in Albania. You can take the onsite beach bikes to the shore, or to grab a cup of local java, or stay and relax the day away at the resort. Its minimal, modern bohemian design is perfect for a luxury stay that still feels like home.