Quartz ranks top Balkan travel destinations for 2026

The American news portal Quartz has released a list of the best places to visit in the Balkans for 2026, describing the region as one of Europe’s most underrated areas. The report highlights the diversity of the region, which includes the Adriatic coast, Alpine valleys, and a complex, layered history.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, secured the top spot. The city is praised for its unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Jewish, and Olympic heritage, with the report advising travelers not to rush through the city to truly experience its character. Mostar is suggested as a natural follow-up destination.

Other top-ranked locations include Kotor, Montenegro; Istria, Croatia; Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia; the Albanian Riviera, Albania; Mavrovo National Park, North Macedonia; Pristina, Kosovo; and Brač, Croatia. Travel experts suggest visitors select two to four countries rather than attempting to traverse the entire Balkan Peninsula in a single trip.