Best Balkans Tours for Outdoor Adventure Seekers

In this post, you will discover the best Balkans tours and suggestions! Perfect for all of you who are outdoor adventure seekers in search of terrific Balkan holiday

So read on to learn which places in the Balkans are great for adventure seekers!

To this day, many are confused about which Balkan countries are. Well, the region is not so big, but big enough to provide you with a lot of choices to explore during your Balkan holidays. Some people are still confused about what countries belong to the Balkans. So here is the list:

– Serbia
– Croatia
– Bosnia and Herzegovina
– Montenegro
– Slovenia
– Kosovo
– Macedonia
– Albania
– Bulgaria
– Romania
– Turkey
– Greece

In all of the countries above you can find the best Balkans tours especially, for outdoor adventure seekers!

Indeed, the best way to explore the Balkans is by car. Rent a car and go on a proper road trip during your Balkan Holiday. See the most in this way, especially outdoors. Nevertheless, you also have buses and some areas trains. Yet, they are a way slower kind of travelling. Beware that buses are not such an efficient way to explore. If you rent a car, book it on time – it is cheaper and researches the rules in each country! For instance, in Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania, you must always have your car lights on.

Any time of the year is good to be in the Balkans. However, summer is the busiest time. Besides, prices are higher during the high season – June to August.

The Balkans had many troubles before, but that is the past. Today, the Balkan countries are safe even for women solo travellers! People are friendly and hospitable. However, like in any other Europen country, be careful of pickpockets.

1. SERBIA

– Go wild: adventure sports & activities

Serbia has so many outdoor places to enjoy adventure activities. For example, Tara national park. Indeed, a pretty corner of planet Earth where you can try rafting! Join us in rafting on Tara through the thick forest, crisscrossed with rivers and mountain streams! You can also spot rich flora and fauna along the way! Besides, here you can try kayaking or hiking! Or, you can go to the most forested mountain in Serbia to try archery and ziplining in Jastrebac. For those who seek more excitement, there is rock climbing in Jelasnica Gorge, near Niš.

– Pause & stare: epic sceneries and quirky views

Serbia is full of incredible nature. Countless natural wonders, rivers, waterfalls, canyons, etc. No wonder how hard it is to see them all! But we are here to help you choose the best ones! To give you an example of a Serbian dazzling beauty, go to the Uvac canyon, and see the enormous limestone cliffs over the vibrant green and blue Uvac river. Tist and turn to create a spectacular sight you won’t see anywhere in the world but in the Balkans. Book a boat tour to experience the Uvac from below and from the above’s viewpoint.

Another incredible natural wonder is Devil’s Town, more in the south. This natural phenomenon is as intriguing as its name. Here you can stop and stare at the series of 200-odd tall, kind spiky stone formations, full of legends and mysteries, especially during the nighttime – if you dare to come when the night falls!

Then, there is Stara Planina, an enormous mountain massive, more than 550 km long, with plenty of viewpoints over 2000m high. Another name for this mountain is Balkan, and guess what!? That is how the Balkan peninsula got its name! The most popular place is a special reserve called Babin Zub that hides many legends. Discover flora, fauna, hidden trails, and eight waterfalls in Stara Planina mountain.

Besides, there is Mountain Greben – a Serbian Matterhorn with outstanding views and Deliblatska peščara – the largest European continental sandstone covering nearly 3500 hectares! See more: 13 places to travel to Serbia that aren’t the city.

Sokobanja is one more unique place with stunning views and nature scenes. It is well known for “natural spas”. Here you can enjoy hot thermal waters after your adrenaline adventures all over Serbia, for instance, after the tandem paragliding adventure near Niš.

And please, do not forget the Serbian villages. There are many charming villages that offer a unique experience of authentic Serbian countryside – for example, Sirogojno village in Zlatibor or Donji Taor.

1. CROATIA

– Go wild: adventure sports & activities

Indeed, Croatia is one of the most diverse countries in the Balkans. Here, you can also find the most adventure activities from all the mentioned Balkan countries. If you are in the adventure seekers category then try rafting on the Cetina or Zrmanja river. Have fun and test your limits on the Paragliding adventure or skydiving in Sinj or Zagreb. Hop on a zipline in Šibenik or Omiš, or check out your balance in a paddleboat on Baćina Lakes. How about caving in Istria or Lika? Or go sailing around a few more than 1200 islands on the Croatian coast and then the freediving? Yep, Croatia has it all! Try Croatia island hopping or explore island Krk from Zagreb and create the best memories of your lifetime!

– Pause & stare: epic sceneries and quirky views

I assure you, you will adore the Croatian landscapes. From Slavonia and Baranja to Istria, over Lika and Dalmatia. Wherever you go you will encounter beauty waiting for you outdoors to admire. Stroll around in the oldest and the biggest national park called Plitvice Lakes, and stop in Baske Ostarije and Velebit. Admire the views over the Adriatic sea and islands like Cres and Krk. See the terrific Sljeme or hike near Zagreb: Medvednica mountain.

Drive to the south towards Dalmatia and make a stop in the Zrmanja river. Or visit the source of the Cetina lake. Hike to Kozjak, Mosor, or Biokovo mountain and enjoy the outstanding views from above. Maybe go up to Skywalk Biokovo – a famous viewpoint or continue to the source of the river Zrmanja, and Srđ hill for more exciting scenes and the best Balkan holiday!

3. MONTENEGRO

Montenegro is not a big country. However, it is full of beauty! Besides natural beauties, Montenegro offers a rich history and historical landmarks, some of which provide the most spectacular views. This country is also very affordable, and you will fall in love with it – I promise!

– Go wild: adventure sports & activities

If you are one of the adventure seekers, you have to visit Durmitor National park. It is one of a kind place worth every visit! You can go here hiking, climbing, and do some wildlife spotting. One of the most scenic places in this area is Crno lake or Black lake. This is where you can do some swimming and canoeing. But the biggest gem of this area is Tara Canyon – the deepest canyon in Europe. It has a maximum depth of 1.3 kilometres. Plus, it is 82 kilometres long! Here you can do a popular white-water Tara rafting adventure – the most exciting activity in Tara canyon. Also, enjoy hiking in Prokletije National Park. This park is one of the best hiking destinations in the Balkans. 

– Pause & stare: epic sceneries and quirky views

St Johns fortress above Kotor city will reward you with outstanding views of Kotor bay. However, it is a long hike lasting around 1 hour, so be prepared to do it while it is a golden hour or early in the morning, not during the direct sun, please! Tara canyon is a place where you don’t have to join rafting but stop and stare at the imposing views from above. As well, as Skadar lake, the one Montenegro shares with Albania. If you are lucky, you will spot some Dalmatian pelicans where – that live on the lake. These adrenaline adventures are perfect for a weekend getaway or an active Balkan holiday!

4. BOSNIA

Many think of the Bosnian War in the ’90s when someone mentions Bosnia and Herzegovina. While it is true that many areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina are still recovering from the devastation and horrific crimes against them, there are places in this beautiful country that are drop/dead gorgeous!

The landscapes in Bosnia are incredible. On top of that, it is an affordable country, maybe the most affordable of all in the Balkans. For adventure seekers, it is a real gem!

– Go wild: adventure sports & activities

Go hiking near Visoko city to explore the newly discovered “Ravne Tunnels” or camp at Boračko lake. Besides swimming, try fishing and rowing/kayaking with the surrounding mountains. Also, swim in Salty Lakes in Tuzla. These lakes are the only ones in Europe, famous for their wellness effects. See some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bosnia or go rafting in Una National park. You can also enjoy ski or snowboarding lessons.

– Pause & stare: epic sceneries and quirky views

Boračko lake is an excellent sight with its pretty colour. But also, do not miss Počitelj – a small village with a rich landscape and history. Kula and Sahat Kula in Počitelj are epic viewpoints.

5. SLOVENIA

Many people know Slovenia for its exceptional views. Besides, Ljubljana is the greenest capital in Europe! Indeed, this country is the perfect place if you want to reconnect with nature! Wine regions, national parks, and lakes will blow your mind!

– Go wild: adventure sports & activities

Lake Bled is a perfect destination for boat rides, kayaking, and such. Additionally, there is a Triglav National Park, where hiking is the most popular activity. Discover Triglav Lakes Valley, and enjoy a yoga retreat in Slovenia or in Lake Bled. Trust me, hiking in the summits of the Julian Alps will be one of the most rewarding things you can do here. But for the best adventures, go to Bovec. A Slovenian “Meka” for adrenaline and adventure activities. Try mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, white-water rafting, zipline, paragliding, caving, etc.

– Pause & stare: epic sceneries and quirky views

It is hard to choose just a few places to see in Slovenia. But you cannot go wrong with Lake Bled views. Especially on calm days without any wind when the lake feels like a mirror. Also, Loz Valley is one scenic place where you can observe many interesting birds. For romantic Balkans, tours plan a stop at the village of Svecina, which has a heart-shaped road. For more romantic trips, find some Slovenian wineries in the nearby hills of Piran that pair nicely as a day trip as well. If you are outdoor adventure seekers, you will love it here!

6. MACEDONIA

Macedonia changed its name in 2019 to North Macedonia. So, North Macedonia is not just Ohrid or Skopje where most people go, but more than that! Macedonia is heaven for wines, churches, and captivating nature. Beautiful villages and landscapes that will leave you speechless, all that, and a lot more to discover while in North Macedonia!

– Go wild: adventure sports & activities

Stroll around in Kruševo – the highest town in North Macedonia that rises over 1350 meters above sea level!

– Pause & stare: epic sceneries and quirky views

Embark on a journey to Mount Vodno and Matka Canyon near Skopje, Marko’s Towers in Prilep, Vardar River, Ohrid on UNESCO, or Stobi ancient town, and fall in love with North Macedonian sceneries.

Best Balkan tours are spread all over this magical destination. Every country in the Balkans has its perks. If you are outdoor adventure seekers looking for the best Balkans tours, you came to the right place! Now read all the mentioned places one more time, and start making your itinerary or contact us – SVOOD – we can help you create your unique, outdoor trip and Balkan holiday! Tours of Balkan countries are the most adventurous!