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    HomeTrip ideasJournalFavorite destinations at any time: The Balkan countries

    Favorite destinations at any time: The Balkan countries

    The nations of the Balkan region, also known as Southeast Europe, have a distinctive spirit, joyful yet bittersweet. Every square meter of land in this geography holds memories as well cultural riches. Perhaps this is another reason why this intriguing region has been a popular travel route throughout the ages, in addition to its magnificent nature and legendary hospitality.

    Keep reading for a summary of the Balkan countries and some of their highlights!

    Turkish Airlines Blog
    Turkish Airlines Blog
    With this account, managed by our writer team, we welcome all who love travel and exploration to enjoy these blog posts. And we gently remind our readers of the delight to be found in 'hitting the road'. As Tolstoy said: “All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.”

    Croatia: Its capital and other cities 

    Dubrovnik
    Dubrovnik, Croatia.

    At the meeting point of the Balkans and Central and Southeast Europe, Croatia is bordered by Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zagreb, the country’s capital and its largest city, is known for having more than a thousand islands.

    During the Middle Ages, the country was divided into different districts and in subsequent years has seen a variety of governments and administrations. After an administrative change in 2006, Croatia, which has 127 cities, was divided into 428 municipalities.

    With a deep-rooted history, Croatia was indirectly or directly influenced by various empires including the Roman, Byzantium, Ottoman and Austria-Hungarian. This rich heritage can be further explored in historical points within the cities of Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Trogir.

    To discover more about Croatia, check out the Turkish Airlines Blog: The intersection of the Balkans and the Mediterranean: The capital and other cities of Croatia!


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    Bulgaria: Its capital and other cities 

    Sofia, Bulgaria.
    Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.

    Of course, Bulgaria is a destination that we always mention in discussions about the fascinating Balkan region! Bulgaria is bordered by Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Romania and Türkiye. Sofia is the Bulgarian capital as well as the country’s largest and most touristic city.

    The current culture of Bulgaria has been shaped by Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Russian influences. The country – known for its history, magnificent natural beauties and fertile lands – also has beautiful cities, especially Sofia, the capital. Other cities to visit in Bulgaria include (but are not limited to) Plovdiv, Varna, Pleven, Vidin, Silistra, Kardzhali, Momchilgrad and Ruse.

    To get to know Bulgaria better and discover the country through its loveliest routes, check out our blog on The capital and other cities in Bulgaria?


    Hungary: Its capital and other cities

    Budapest, Hungary.
    Budapest, the capital of Hungary.

    Hungary, a landlocked nation partially located in the Carpathian Basin, is bordered by Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, Ukraine and Romania.

    The capital and most populous city in this Schengen country is Budapest. Budapest, one of the world’s most touristic and beautiful cities, is also the most visited destination in Hungary.

    Other notable cities in this nation – one that fascinates with its cuisine, historical sites and natural beauties – are Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, Segedin and Veszprem.

    For a closer look at the unique historical texture underlying the dynamic face of Hungary, check out the Turkish Airlines blog, Hungary’s capital and other cities!


    Serbia: Its capital and other cities

    St. Sava Cathedral.
    St. Sava Cathedral, Belgrade.

    Set at the crossroads of the Panonia Plain and the Balkans in Southeast Europe, Serbia is bordered by Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Romania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

    Belgrade is the capital and most populous city in Serbia, which is a popular destination among the visa-free Balkan countries. The diverse city of Belgrade is also considered the country’s liveliest and most touristic. 

    In addition to Belgrade, other notable Serbian cities include Novi Sad, Niš and Kraljevo.

    To explore Serbia’s capital, its other cities, and some of the country’s most beautiful non-urban places, just click on The capital and other cities of Serbia.


    Montenegro: Its capital and other cities

    Kotor, Montenegro.
    Historic city of Kotor, Montenegro.

    Set along the Adriatic coast, Montenegro is bordered by Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are becoming increasingly popular among the visa-free Balkan countries.

    Podgorica is the capital and commercial center of Montenegro, a country that has emerged as a desirable summertime destination. The seaside town of Budva is particularly lively and colorful, with a tourist boom in summer.

    Other notable points in Montenegro are the medieval town of Kotor, the port city of Bar, and Tivat – known for its superyacht marina.

    To find out more about Montenegro’s most popular and lively cities, you can read Montenegro: the capital and other cities


    Bosnia and Herzegovina: Its capital and other cities

    View of Sarajevo
    Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Last, but far from least, is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Offering great natural beauty, Bosnia and Herzegovina is bordered by Montenegro, Serbia and Croatia. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo.

    Bosnia and Herzegovina, often the first country visited in the region, has a rich diversity and culture. Ruled by many states over the years, the Ottoman influence is evident in the country’s architecture and cuisine.

    In addition to Sarajevo, notable cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina include Mostar, Zenica, Banja Luka and Tuzla, which are also the largest cities.

    The blog, The capital and cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an ideal place to start for an introduction to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its magnificent nature and historical cities!

    *The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

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