This week, we invited journalist and travel writer Camilla Bell-Davies to be a guest blogger and tell us which Balkan countries are on her radar in 2026. Camilla lived in Serbia and often travelled to Bosnia and Kosovo for a change of scene. She wrote about Balkans travel for The Financial Times, The Guardian and Telegraph Travel.
I first stumbled into the Western Balkans as a student backpacker in the 2010s and was instantly drawn to its rich culture and gorgeous landscapes. It wasn’t long before I made the Balkans my permanent home, as a writer based in Belgrade. With free reign to wander, I came to know the many wonderful places on the Undiscovered Balkans radar. Every country has so much to recommend, but if I was to pick the top three rising stars for 2026, it would be these:
Beyond Belgrade: Serbia’s wild places
I may be bias given I lived there, but 2026 really is the moment for Serbia to step into the spotlight. The country saw record visitor numbers in 2024 and 2025, travel magazines are calling it ‘Europe’s most under-the-radar destination’, and it has affordable prices that make slow, immersive travel possible. I say visit now before Serbia becomes the next big thing!
Belgrade, Tašmajdan park in the snow
Serbian hospitality is soulful and spontaneous, guesthouses are rustic and full of charm, and cities feel refreshingly untouristy. Venture beyond Belgrade’s café-lined streets and legendary nightlife to the wild ‘Eagle Canyon’, or the mighty Iron Gates at Djerdap Gorge on the Danube river, where you can kayak for hours to peaceful birdsong.
Going with a local guide is the best way to enjoy a Serbia adventure. Belgrade has seen peaceful student protests ongoing for a year, but these are confined to certain areas at certain times – your guide will know the details.
NEW for 2026: 7-Day Hiking Holiday in Serbia
Why you should visit beautiful, resilient Bosnia
What a long way Bosnia and Herzegovina have come in 30 years since the end of the Balkans war in 1995. National Geographic even declared Sarajevo the ‘Reader’s Choice Winner’ top destination of 2025. I’ve always loved Bosnia’s fusion of cultures and creeds, and its supernatural beauty that is bound to reward the curious traveller in 2026.
Sarajevo, sunset from the Yellow Bastion
Mornings in Bosnia begin with a traditional Turkish-style coffee, carefully prepared in cezve copper pots (see left). This delicate coffee ritual sums up the kindness shown to guests. Prepare to experience even greater hospitality when it comes to meals.
Foodie and active travellers take note: quite recently Herzegovina’s rolling vineyards earned Mostar the European Capital of Wine award, which has since led to new hiking and biking trails opening between lovely vineyard guesthouses.
Bosnia has hands-down some of the Balkans’ most beautiful landscapes. The Via Dinarica hiking trail winds through the stunning karsts of the Dinaric Alps, and even passes by Tito’s underground nuclear bunker – a must-see for travellers interested in Cold War history.
7-Day Guided Bosnia Adventure: Bosnia and Herzegovina Activity Holiday
Related:
- How to drink Bosnian coffee the right way
- What to see and do in Sarajevo
- 7 Balkan alternatives to the best hikes in Europe
Wild swimmers, head to Kosovo
Kosovo may be one of Europe’s youngest countries, but its landscapes feel timeless. The Rugova Gorge, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and wild swimming lakes is one of the best places for hiking on the Peaks of the Balkans trail. At the entrance to the gorge is Peja/Peč – a vibrant town with superb cheeses!
A wild swimming lake on Kosovo’s section of the Peaks of the Balkans trail
The southern town of Prizren is a jewel – quite literally. As well as being the centuries-old home of silver filigree jewellery, it’s a true arts hub, set to celebrate 25 years of its international film festival in 2026.
Better still, Prizren backs onto the rugged Shar mountains which are criss-crossed with the amazing High Scardus Trail. Bold adventurers can even follow this hiking trail over the mountains to North Macedonia… but that’s another blog post!
You can follow these hiking routes as part of our special Undiscovered Kosovo Activity Holiday, or check out our range of adventure travel holidays in the Balkans and sign up to our monthly newsletter for updates, inspiration and special offers.
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