The Western Balkans don’t tend to be towards the top of the classic European adventures list, but they really should be and especially so if you’re looking for a 2-3 week adventure. Whilst the likes of Spain, France and Italy offer the beautiful settings and a similar(ish) geographical area, the Western Balkans offer the variety of 8 different countries, are more compact, less busy and go toe-to-toe with those countries in terms of beaches, dramatic settings and cute old towns. Examples? The Havar area has the best beach and boat setting in Europe; Lake Bled and Sveti Stefan must be up there with the most picturesque spots in Europe; Dubrovnik has arguably the best Old Town and city walls in the world; and, in my opinion, Montenegro has the most beautiful coastline in the world. Don’t believe this? Give it a go – as I say, one of the best 2-3 week European adventures in Europe
Country: Kosovo
A day trip to Pristina
If in the Western Balkans, its tempting to see Kosovo and plan your route to pass through Europe’s newest country and one that evokes strong memories of the Yugoslav Wars. If doing so, aim for the old town of Prizren rather than the capital of Pristina, which I think is one of those cities where you really need a local to bring it to life for you
That being said, it can be included as part of a 2-3 week itinerary of the Western Balkans which are a seriously underrated part of Europe and represent one of the best 2-3 week trips you can do in this part of the world. Stunning castles and old towns, and some of the best coastline in the world all compactly housed within 8 countries. For the 2-3 week itinerary for the highlights and general tips for this part of the world, see this travel entry and where Kosovo fits in –3 week trip around the Balkans States