03/09/2024
Before delving into each of the locations Za Tebe Monte represents for travellers, let us share a few interesting facts about each.
Today, our focus is on the Balkans.
There is no universal agreement on what constitutes the Balkans. However, the following are usually included: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. Portions of Greece and Turkey are also within the Balkan Peninsula.
They're notable as much for their commonalities as they are for their differences. Their unique blend of cultures, languages and histories making the Balkans a fascinating destination for travellers and historians alike.
The Balkan Peninsula is the easternmost of Europe’s three great southern peninsulas. Generally, the Balkans are bordered on the northwest by Italy, on the north by Hungary, on the north and northeast by Moldova and Ukraine, and the south by Greece and Turkey or the Aegean Sea (depending on how the region is defined).
The Balkan Mountains have a significant impact on the climate of the Balkan Peninsula. The northern and central parts of the Balkans are characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and well-distributed rainfall. The southern and coastal areas, however, have a Mediterranean type of climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, relatively rainy winters.
The Balkans feature numerous glacial landscapes, such as mountains, valleys and lakes shaped by the movement of glaciers during the last ice age, such as the Durmitor range in Montenegro. These glacial features add to the region's natural beauty and are popular destinations for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Sneak peek of our two main Balkan travel locations:
Croatia is famous for its major cities such as Zagreb (Advent & Christmas Market in Zagreb won the best award in Europe several times). GOT fans, of course, you will recognise many major set locations in and around Croatian cities, including Dubrovnik, Split and Trsteno. There are many many historical islands in the turquoise clear waters of Dalmatian coast and of course the magnificent Plitvice Lakes, that transform with each season!
We guarantee this destination will become a regular feature in your annual calendar!
Montenegro might be one of the smallest countries in Europe, but makes up for size with it’s majestic mountains and incredibly rich history within the Balkans.
It has a coastline of 300km and most of the country is more than 1000m above sea. Montenegro is home to the deepest canyon in Europe (Tara Canyon), Lake Skadar, one of the biggest bird reserves in Europe, and the Crvena Stijena cave, which is more than 40 000 years old. Montenegro boasts 117 beaches, has one of the oldest olive trees in the world; and is one of the larger producers of raspberries. Ostrog Monastery is one of the biggest Orthodox shrines in the World. This small country is home to several UNESCO sites including the Bay of Kotor.
A feast of history, culture, natural beauty, great food and some of the best wines to be found in the world awaits you in the Balkans!
*Keep a look out for our customised retreats, specialised hiker and solo travel packages coming up in the Balkans and other locations!
