Czech tourists turn to Balkan destinations amid rising Croatia prices

Czech travellers are increasingly choosing alternative Balkan countries such as Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia‑Herzegovina and Montenegro’s coastal region over Croatia, where holiday costs have risen sharply. These nations offer comparable natural scenery, historic sites and significantly lower prices, prompting large travel agencies to add them to standard tour packages. Slovenia, just a six‑to‑seven‑hour drive from Prague, highlights the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, the turquoise Soča River and a Adriatic coastline, while Montenegro’s Boka Kotorska bay, UNESCO‑listed Kotor and the Durmitor National Park provide rugged fjord‑like landscapes. Slovenia is an EU and Schengen member, whereas Montenegro requires passport checks and a green card for car travel.

In the Czech Republic, the Besedické skály in the Český ráj region present a family‑friendly hiking loop of about four kilometres, taking 1.5‑2 hours. The trail climbs to panoramic viewpoints over the Jizera valley, Frýdštejn castle and the “Czech Dolomites,” then descends into a sandstone labyrinth with narrow passages, caves and a historic “Kalich” prayer cave. The route is rated as moderately easy and is suitable for children, though strollers are not recommended. Practical details include a total elevation gain of roughly 200 m and opportunities to sample local blueberry dumplings at nearby eateries.