When people think of Europe, the first destinations that often come to mind are France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and maybe Switzerland. However, Europe is home to dozens of countries, and one of the most underrated regions for travelers is the Balkans. While there’s no universal agreement on which countries belong to the Balkans, the region generally includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with Romania and Slovenia sometimes considered part of it as well.
Despite being overlooked by many tourists, the Balkans offer stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures — all at a fraction of the cost compared to Western Europe. While some places may still be pricey by Filipino standards, they are generally more budget-friendly than their Western European counterparts. If visiting the Balkans is on your travel bucket list, keep reading as we share how we planned our unforgettable Balkan adventure in this article!
1. Secure the right visas.
As mentioned earlier, the Balkan region generally consists of 11 countries. However, not all of them are part of the Schengen Area.
Schengen Balkan Countries
Only five countries in the Balkan region are included in the Schengen Area. These are the following:
- Greece
- Croatia
- Slovenia
- Bulgaria
- Romania
Note: Bulgaria and Romania currently only accept Schengen visas at their sea and air borders.
Among the Schengen countries in the Balkans, Greece is the most practical choice for Filipino travelers. Here are the reasons:
- Greece has its own embassy in the Philippines, making visa processing more straightforward.
- Athens Airport is well-connected, with affordable flights available from many destinations.
- Greece is a stunning travel destination, so it’s well worth adding to your itinerary!
Alternatively, you can also apply for a Schengen visa through Slovenia, which is processed by the Belgian Embassy in the Philippines.
TIP! Design an itinerary that requires multiple Schengen entries, making your multiple-entry visa application more justifiable. See sample itinerary in the next section.
Non-Schengen Balkan Countries
Here are the Balkan countries outside of the Schengen Area:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
If you’re traveling…
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