Let’s head to the Balkans!
Turkey
Istanbul — what an incredible city!
Let’s start with the food… simply delicious! From savory kebabs to flavorful mezes and the heavenly baklava, Turkish cuisine is a feast for the senses. And don’t even get me started on the sweets… the colorful displays of Turkish delight and syrup-soaked pastries are pure temptation.
The mosques? Absolutely breathtaking. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are architectural masterpieces, with their towering minarets, intricate tilework, and spiritual ambiance that leaves you in awe.
One of the highlights? The Bosphorus cruise, where you literally float between continents Europe on one side, Asia on the other. It’s a surreal and stunning experience, especially at sunset when the sky turns into a golden canvas over the city skyline.
But Istanbul has a surprise for beach lovers too!
Although it’s best known for its history and culture, Istanbul also offers access to some lovely beaches where you can unwind after the hustle of the city. Like the Princes’ Islands, especially Büyükada, where you can enjoy a peaceful beach day just a ferry ride away from the city chaos.
The best part? Prices are super affordable, making Istanbul a perfect destination whether you’re a budget traveler or looking to splurge a little. Istanbul truly has it all — rich culture, jaw-dropping sights, mouthwatering food, AND beautiful beaches. A must on any traveler’s bucket list!
Efes time!
Slovenia
What an absolutely spectacular country Slovenia is!
Surrounded by nature at every turn, incredibly well-organized, with respectful people and a level of cleanliness that’s honestly refreshing. I didn’t know exactly what to expect… but it far exceeded all my expectations.
My first stop was the Vintgar Gorge, and what a magical place it is. This stunning gorge was carved by the Radovna River, and wooden walkways lead you through narrow paths between dramatic cliffs up to 100 meters high. The sound of rushing water, the lush greenery, and cascading mini waterfalls make it feel like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
After soaking in the natural beauty, it was time to relax in Ljubljana, the charming capital. And wow, what a delightful city! It has this youthful, artistic, and welcoming energy. The old town is full of romantic bridges, cobblestone streets, riverside cafés, and beautiful baroque buildings. Towering above it all is Ljubljana Castle, watching over the city with quiet grace. At night, the city lights up and feels alive with charm. It’s small, walkable, and absolutely enchanting.
After a good night’s rest, the next day started strong with a visit to the jaw-dropping Predjama Castle. I’m not exaggerating — it literally left me speechless. Built into the mouth of a cave, this medieval marvel looks like something out of a fantasy film. It was once home to a rebellious knight — Slovenia’s own Robin Hood — and the secret tunnels still fire up your imagination.
But the adventure didn’t stop there… next up was one of the most mind-blowing natural wonders I’ve ever seen: the Škocjan Caves. A UNESCO World Heritage site, and truly deserving of it. 
These massive underground chambers, hanging bridges, subterranean rivers, and ancient formations look like a scene from another world. You feel tiny standing in the midst of such raw, ancient beauty.
The day ended in the lovely coastal town of Koper, perched along the Adriatic Sea. It’s a small city with a Venetian soul narrow alleys, charming piazzas, and a relaxed seaside promenade that’s perfect for winding down after a long day.
The next morning, I set off early to Izola Beach — and what can I say? A hidden paradise! The water was perfect, and the beers were ice cold. Izola, a former fishing town on the Adriatic coast, has crystal-clear beaches and a seaside promenade full of cafés and bars where time seems to slow down.
After a refreshing swim, I headed to Piran without a doubt, one of my top 5 places to leave. Seaside spots, fresh seafood, local wine, charming Venetian-style streets, and the postcard-perfect Tartini Square. The sunset views? Pure magic.
It’s peaceful, warm, and the kind of place you’d love to retire… or at least daydream about while sipping an espresso by the sea.
Slovenia truly won me over. I’ll definitely be back!
Croatia
Time for Croatia!
After saying a fond goodbye to Slovenia, the adventure continued south… and what better way to start exploring Croatia than with a stop in Rovinj?
This coastal town is, without exaggeration, a living postcard. Colorful houses stacked along a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic, cobblestone alleys scented with sea breeze and lavender, and an effortlessly charming bohemian vibe. The view from the Church of St. Euphemia is absolutely stunning especially at sunset. Rovinj doesn’t try to impress… it just does.
Next stop: Pula, where I had a total “how did I not know this?!” moment. Turns out, the Colosseum in Rome isn’t the only one out there. Pula is home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world — and it’s still standing proud by the sea. You can walk through its arches and imagine gladiator battles right in front of you. It’s truly epic.
And let’s talk about Croatian food… wow.
Fresh, flavorful, and full of Mediterranean soul with a unique local twist. From grilled ćevapi to rich black risottos with squid, and fresh fish pulled straight from the sea — every meal felt like a celebration. And don’t even get me started on the local Istrian wines. Food in Croatia? Pure joy.
Then came Novalja, and what a beautiful place.
Located on the island of Pag, it’s famous for its vibrant nightlife — especially at Zrće Beach, often called the “Ibiza of the Balkans.” But Novalja isn’t just about partying — it also offers peaceful corners, pristine beaches, and a lively little town where you can unwind with sea views and a glass of wine.
After that, I headed to Trogir Beach, another hidden gem.
Located near Šimuni, it’s perfect for those seeking calm, crystal-clear waters, and a more untouched, natural setting. A peaceful oasis surrounded by pine trees and turquoise sea the kind of place where time slows down in the best way.
The plan was to explore the entire Croatian coastline, beach by beach… and wow, what a ride! Each stop had something special from wild and secluded coves to buzzing beach scenes.
And for the grand finale: Dubrovnik.
This city is on another level. Surrounded by towering medieval walls and kissed by the Adriatic, its Old Town is easily one of the most beautiful in Europe. No wonder it became King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Walking its walls, getting lost in marble alleys, and dining by the sea under glowing lanterns? Absolutely magical. It’s the kind of place you definitely want to visit more than once.
Croatia has it all… dreamy beaches, mouthwatering food, and fun around every corner.
And how could I forget Zagreb?
Croatia’s capital absolutely had its moment on this trip and even more so because I got to enjoy it with my cousin. We had an awesome time, full of laughs, cold beers, and that laid-back vibe that just makes you feel right at home.
One of our first stops was the fascinating Nikola Tesla Museum, and yes, it was a high-voltage experience.
Though not huge, it’s a hidden gem for science lovers. Dedicated to the genius who revolutionized electricity, the museum offers an intimate look into the life of
Nikola Tesla, who was born in what is now modern-day Croatia. From his famous Tesla coil to quirky stories about his eccentric personality and futuristic ideas, it’s a place that sparks inspiration.
After that, we wandered through the old town, where we came across one of Zagreb’s most iconic landmarks: St. Mark’s Church.
What a stunning sight! With its colorful tiled roof depicting the coats of arms of Zagreb and the historical Kingdom of Croatia, this 13th-century church isn’t just an architectural masterpiece, it’s a symbol of the city’s heritage. The kind of place where you just have to stop for a photo… or twenty.
As the day wound down, we made our way to the lively Tkalčićeva Street, the city’s buzzing pedestrian zone.
Packed with bars, cafés, and restaurants, it has this effortlessly cool, bohemian vibe that pulls you in. We grabbed a couple of cold beers, sat down, people-watched, and soaked in the atmosphere. Music, laughter, summer energy, it was the perfect Zagreb evening.
Montenegro
Now it’s Montenegro’s turn!
And once again, the same thing happens: I arrive without huge expectations… and end up totally blown away!
Montenegro is one of those countries that make you think, “Why didn’t I come here sooner?” It’s clean, super organized, the people are warm and welcoming, and the food? Absolutely top-notch! Sometimes I honestly think… the more I travel, the more I realize I don’t want to go back to my own country. Not out of sadness, but with a good dose of humor (and a little bit of truth). When it comes to infrastructure, order, and mutual respect, many of these places are simply in a different league.
But hey, let’s keep the adventure going! In Montenegro, I made a particularly special stop at Sveti Stefan and what a hidden gem it turned out to be.
Sveti Stefan Beach is pure bliss calm, scenic, and with that perfect mix of upscale and relaxed vibes. Ideal for sunbathing, taking a dip, and then enjoying a long, lazy lunch by the sea with fresh seafood, a glass of local wine, and a view that no filter could ever match.
Speaking of food… Montenegrin cuisine is a hidden treasure. It combines the best of Mediterranean flavors with Balkan influences: grilled fish, local cheeses, pršut (dry-cured ham similar to prosciutto), fresh salads, and rich, homey dishes that hit the spot every time.
Sveti Stefan may be small, but it leaves a big impression. A peaceful, picturesque place that’s perfect to return to… or better yet, stay for a while.
Bosnia
And now… Bosnia and Herzegovina!
To be honest, this part of the trip came with a bit of unexpected adventure, thanks to a GPS fail and no internet. Because of that, I missed out on a few amazing spots I had planned to see. But hey, I made the most of it and what I did get to experience was absolutely worth it!
The first stop was the iconic Old Mostar.
This small but enchanting town in southern Bosnia completely won me over. The star of the show is, of course, the Stari Most, the old stone bridge that arches over the emerald waters of the Neretva River. Rebuilt after the war, it now stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and unity.
Wandering through the old town, with its cobblestone streets, Ottoman-style houses, artisan markets, and cozy cafés, felt like stepping into a different era. And let’s not forget grabbing a cold beer and devouring some juicy ćevapi with a view of the bridge that moment was simply epic.
Next stop: Sarajevo, a city that completely exceeded my expectations.
Walking down Ferhadija Pedestrian Street is an experience in itself, lined with shops, cafés, street performers, and an energy that’s both historic and alive. What’s truly fascinating about Sarajevo is how mosques, churches, and synagogues coexist within walking distance of each other. It’s a cultural mosaic with soul. And the food? Absolutely delicious! From flaky burek pastries to traditional Bosnian sweets and rich, strong coffee served in elegant copper pots, it’s a feast of flavor and tradition.
The final stop was in Bihać, a charming little town in the northwest of the country.
Set along the banks of the stunning Una River, Bihać is where nature and nightlife meet in the best way. By day, it’s all about crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and peaceful walks through green parks. 
By night, the town lights up with cozy bars, good music, and a friendly, laid-back vibe. It turned out to be the perfect place to wrap up the journey, with one last drink and a toast to the road behind me.
