Worldwide 2024-25

EUROPE • THE BALKANS
Discover the Balkans & beyond
From the castles of Transylvania to the
island forests of Losinj, the Balkans
captivate with their wealth of historical
landmarks and cinematic landscapes.
Once a well-kept secret, this region of
southeast Europe is now enjoying its time
in the sun – though some corners remain
off the tourist radar.
The Dalmatian coast – encompassing
southern Croatia and Montenegro – offers
delightful beaches, warm azure seas, and
cities overflowing with history and culture.
The countries of the western Balkans,
meanwhile, offer a path less trodden,
particularly Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania
and Kosovo.
Prizren, Kosovo
St Domnius Cathedral, Split, Croatia
Ottoman architecture • Medieval monuments
Prizren is an important centre of culture in
Kosovo – Europe’s youngest nation – and
nicknamed the ‘Museum under the Open Sky’
for its heritage. Overlooked by a sixth-century
fortress, the city spills out across the lush
foothills of the Sharr Mountains from the bank
of the River Lumbardhi (Bistrica). Here you will
find signs of Ottoman and Byzantine influence,
especially in the Old Town. Landmarks include
the honey-stoned Sinan Pasha Mosque, with
its towering minaret; the 16th-century bridge
which straddles the river; the four UNESCOlisted
Orthodox Christian churches and
monasteries; and the café-lined, cobblestoned
Schadervan Square.
Transylvania, Romania
Prizren, Kosovo
Saxon churches • Mountain scenery •
Medieval castles
Transylvania offers a wealth of attractions,
including an imposing landscape of forests,
fortified Saxon churches, fairy-tale castles and
rural villages – all divided by the commanding
Carpathian Mountains and Transylvanian Alps.
The region has the royal seal of approval:
Britain’s King Charles III – himself a distant
ancestor of Romanian ruler Vlad the Impaler
– owns properties here, including a restored
guesthouse in the village of Zalanpatak.
Further highlights of the region include the
iconic Bran Castle, the fiery local brandy of
Palinca, and the pastel-hued town of Sighisoara
– a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bran Castle, Brasov, Romania
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