Europe is the dream destination of every traveler. There’s this versatile region called the Balkans, offering numerous adventure activities. 

In this article, I will present to you ten adventure activities you can do in the Balkans. This geographic area is in Southeast Europe, also known as Balkan Peninsula. It is full of geographical and historical gems, all waiting for you to discover them! What are you waiting for? Pack your backpack, and prepare for your next adventure!

1. Hiking

Hiking is a great adventure activity. We all should do it! And hiking is highly beneficial for our mind and body. You do not have to be a professional hiker to hike somewhere. You can be a beginner hiker too! Luckily, the area of the Balkans has many mountains and natural wonders to explore. See these 13 places to travel to Serbia that aren’t the city and chose your favorite one for hiking! Or hike to the oldest and biggest national park in Croatia called Plitvice Lakes.

2. Kayaking

Kayaking is a fun way to spend a day and explore the surroundings. Choose the Adriatic sea, Danube, or Cetina river. Any lake and enjoy cruising through nature! Have your kayak and book a kayaking tour. Or rent one and spare yourself from carrying it!

3. Rock climbing

Rock climbing is one of the cheapest, adrenaline adventures. Rock climbing is a great way to experience the world from above. It is not only fun but training as well! If you dare to try it, embark on a rock climbing adventure in East Serbia. You will climb the rocks in a special reserve called Jelasnica Gorge. I promise it will leave you speechless! Test your limits. Get out of your comfort zone! You won’t regret it! Are you ready?

4. Camping

Camping is one of the adventure activities everyone can do! But you have to love nature, of course. Did you know that overnighting under the dark sky full of shiny stars is the best hotel out there!? To see it by yourself, try camping in a Serbian Stara Planina mountain! Explore eight waterfalls and hidden trails in Vurnja. Or do the best selfie with a waterfall during the Selfe Waterfall adventure.

If you are a more adventurous spirit, try the adrenalin from Jastrebac. This adventure includes archery, ziplining, and many other entertaining activities. Do not forget to be a responsible camper. Always respect nature!

5. Skiing

The ski resorts in the Balkans are not that large compared to other Western countries. But they are cheaper, and they also provide easier access. Here are a few ski resorts in the Balkans: Zabljak in Montenegro, Brezovica in Kosovo, Jahorina in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Bansko – in Bulgaria. Know that the ski season starts from December until March. Choose February for more snow. 

6. Fishing

For some, fishing may appear dull. On the contrary, it is so much fun when you are in good company! Try kayak fishing on the river, sea, or lake with a professional guide and a tour. I promise it will be the fun you will remember for a lifetime! Trust me, fishing will never be the same afterward!

7. Scuba diving

The Adriatic sea is rich in marine life. So scuba diving is one of the best adventure activities you can do in the Balkans. See WW 2 planes and wrecks from ancient times hidden underwater. See reefs, sea snails, caves, octopuses, conger eels, sea slugs, scorpionfish, colorful sponges, and many other species! Yes, there are more places to try scuba diving in Montenegro and Slovenia. Well, the Croatian coast is number one in the Balkans for this adventure activity! Just seek diving centers in the Adriatic! Try any island such as Hvar, Vis or Brač. Or some less popular ones. Any larger town on the coast will have a scuba diving center too.

8. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is for those who are more scared of sea depth, yet still want to experience some underwater magic. The second-best adventure activity that you can do in the Balkans. You can try snorkeling almost anywhere in the Balkans! Put your mask on and enjoy! See you underwater!

9. Sailing

Again, Croatia! Ok, and Montenegro as well! Prepare for a piece of good news! Sailing is not anymore an activity for wealthy people! Nowadays, you can find lots of companies and boats to rent for reasonable prices. Just research well enough and never take the first company! There are plenty more fish in the sea out there!

10. Wildlife-watching

If you are an animal lover, this activity is perfect for you! You can see some endangered birds, and wildlife animals such as the griffon vulture in Croatia’s Kvarner islands, or Serbia’s Uvac Canyon. Spot the Dalmatian Pelican in Lake Skadar in Albania and Montenegro. Observe incredible birds in Tara National Park in Serbia, Loz Valley in Slovenia, Mavrovo, and Pelister National Parks in North Macedonia.

11. Swimming

There are plenty of great swimming spots in the Balkans! From Slovenia to Albania, seek your favorite ones. Depending on the type of beach you like. Rocky, sandy, or pebbly? The Balkans have it for you. Lake, river, or sea? The choice is yours! Consider Kravice Waterfall in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Jarun lake in Zagreb. or the Danube near Vukovar and in Serbia. You can never go wrong with the Adriatic sea! Although Serbia has no sea, it has some good swimming spots. Choose from Silver Lake in eastern Serbia, Zaovine Lakes in Tara National Park. Or Ada Ciganlija in Belgrade. Please beware that the lakes at Krka National Park are not for swimming. It is forbidden to swim there.

12. Horseback riding

Horseback riding has many benefits for our health and overall well-being. Ride a horse regardless of your age, sex, and physical condition. Try horseback riding, and fall in love with these impressive creatures! We invite you to enjoy the fresh and unforgettable adventure of meeting different animals. This activity is great for bonding! Book your horseback riding adventure!

13. Paragliding

Paragliding is for those people who seek more adrenaline. This epic adventure will show you how to be a bird. Book this adrenaline adventure any day and explore the Balkans from above. Try paragliding in Serbia, click on our platform and contact your professional guide via messages.

14. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Windsurfing and kitesurfing are two extreme sports that deserve to be here for a reason! I advise you to have a second plan in case of windsurfing or kitesurfing cancelation. Why? Both of these are highly dependent on the weather.

15. Rafting

Rafting is an excellent and fun activity for you and your friends! Try rafting in Croatia on the Cetina or Zrmanja river or Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Una or Neretva river. You can try this outdoor activity on Serbia’s Lim, Drina, and Libar rivers. Do not miss Tara Canyon and Tara rafting, the best place to go rafting!

16. Ziplining

One more adrenaline adventure you can do in the Balkans. Try ziplining in Serbia and remember the experience for a lifetime! There are other places to try the zipline, and the most famous ones in Croatia: Šibenik or Omiš.

17. Cycling and mountain biking

Thanks to many hills and mountains in the Balkans, cycling and mountain biking are two more adventure activities to try in this area. The scenic views are rewarding. Check cycling routes in North Macedonia, Biokovo Nature Park in Croatia, the Lovcen in Montenegro, Bike Park Kranjska Gora in Slovenia, or terrific Tara – Serbia. And the best time is not summer due to high heat – June to August, and cold winter – November to February.

18. Archery

Archery is such a fun activity! First, archery entertains. Second, it trains. Third, it bonds. Try your luck with archery in Jastrebac, Serbia.

19. Exploring hidden trails and waterfalls

The Balkans are full of hidden trails and impressive waterfalls. Yet, some are nearly impossible to discover. Book your adventure, and have fun with a professional outdoor guide. Find those hidden gems no one talks about! 

If you are a professional guide join us!