For several years in the early 1990s, in the wake of the breakup of Yugoslavia, this small country in the Balkans was constantly in the news because of the brutal civil war it suffered between the Muslim Bosniaks and the Orthodox Christian Bosnian Serbs. It has been at peace since December 1995, and more travelers have been discovering its myriad natural, historical, and cultural appeals. But others come for "dark tourism," a trend which involves visiting places associated with trage
Eastern Europe (14)
"Overtourism" is a hot topic these days in the travel sector, and the popularity of a number of destinations continues to burgeon, cities especially in Europe such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Prague, and Venice have found themselves grappling increasingly with its challenges. With the influx of visitors, the delicate balance between tourism and local life is at risk. In response, the Czech Republic (aka Czechia) is implementing measures such as bar-crawl bans and str
Bulgaria offers an abundance of unforgettable experiences, from tranquil coastal towns to breathtaking mountain retreats. Additionally, affordable real estate opportunities make Bulgaria the perfect place to enjoy seafront living without breaking the bank.
Discover the ornate Rila Monastery, where history and spirituality meet. Afterward, sample wines produced using Bulgaria's unique varietals such as Mavrud and Rubin grapes.
Tryavna
Tryavna is an ethno town that provides visitors with a r
When you say you’re taking a European holiday, everything always imagines medieval towns, picturesque cafes with great food, and fashionable cities with chic people and hundreds of museums and historical buildings. But there’s more to this old continent. It’s actually a really good destination for adventurers, especially those who want to be (relatively) close to civilization while experiencing their crazy stunts. And on of the best adrenaline things you can in Europe is try rafting.
And here’s
Croatia´s second-largest city (pop. a bit over 176,000) is both bustling and beautifully sited on the Dalmatian Coast, with a breathtaking coastline, set on the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and offering beautiful beaches, which can be explored via or private and group boat excursions. It´s a must-see destination for anyone seeking to experience this country´s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, and it´s a particular draw within Europe with visitors especially from Eastern E
Saunas are more than just places to sweat; they're sanctuaries of relaxation, culture, and rejuvenation. From the ethereal landscapes of Scandinavia to the depths of Estonian tradition, each sauna offers a unique experience worth travelling for. Here, we unveil some of the world's most exceptional saunas that redefine the art of sweating.
Nestled in the picturesque vineyards south of Gothenburg, Ästad Vingård stands as a testament to Swedish excellence in wine, cuisine, and sauna culture. Amidst
I am excited to introduce you to one of the most famous gems of the Dalmatian Coast:the island of Hvar. In the heart of the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a true paradise that captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, vibrant nightlife, and gourmet cuisine. According to relevant Forbes, Hvar is the first on the list of "European Island Destinations To Visit This Year."
"Chic Hvar in the Adriatic Sea came in at 9th place in the CNTraveler Readers' Choice Awards 2023 for the Be
This city of just over 54,000 is the largest of Croatia's historic Istria region, on the northern Adriatic coast in the country's northwestern corner. I recently visited Pula for three days, taking in its top sights and feeling its beauty. If you're interested in rich culture/history as well as leisure pursuits, the best time to visit is from April to October (and to build a better, customized experience, try the TripHobo trip planner). Its long, rich history dates back more than 2,000 years,
The magnificent Czech capital Prague and the towns and cities of the surrounding region of Bohemia tend get most of the attention from travelers and travel writers alike. But in my many visits and time living in the Czech Republic, I found that the next-door Moravia region has an amazing amount of cool stuff to offer, as well. And one of its top attractions is its own capital, Brno, which mixes history and culture with a friendly, untouristy – and even newly hip – vibe, yet at prices
by Maria José Cortes Lamas
Before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, Bulgaria for Westerners was tucked even farther than most behind the old Iron Curtain. Today the differences are truly astonishing to see: a country vibrant with energy – though obviously not without its problems. And its capital Sofia – with a population of 1.2 million, yet fairly accessible (and bargain priced!) for the visitor – is the place where this energy is especially showcased (though it’s often bypassed by
Now that tourism to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is about to start heating up again for the summer, it’s a good time to cast a glance even beyond top dog Dubrovnik to other magical spots along these shores – and at the top of the list is a city with perhaps one of the world’s most unusual historic quarters: Split. It’s fair to say the mix of history, dining, beaches and more here is a mix unlike any on the planet.
Founded in the 6th century BC against a backdrop of high, rocky hills as the
Gjirokastra (also spelled Gjirokastër) is a town in southern Albania which in 2005 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a highly historic city and placed on slopes of the Drino River valley, with beautiful scenery and bordered by high mountains.
Known as the "City of a Thousand Stairs" Gjirokastra is characterized by cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era houses with stone roofs and wooden balconies. Gjirokastra's historic castle is located on top of a hill. The city has a troubled p
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Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is chock-full of historic, architecturally charming towns and cities, but few would question that the queen of them all is the walled old quarter of Dubrovnik, thought to have been founded in the 7th century but according to some theories dating back even much earlier, to ancient Hellenic times. In any case, this eight-square-mile cluster of stone buildings and red-tile roofs has as a result become one of Europe’s more popular cities and tourist destinations – n
