Top 5 Seaside Secrets of the Balkans
Elena Hubert • March 25, 2025

Discover sun-drenched coastlines, local flavours, and laid-back escapes far from the tourist crowds.


Dreaming of sun-kissed shores, where turquoise waves whisper against timeless cliffs and the scent of the sea mingles with wood-fired bread and wild herbs?
The Balkans call to those who seek more than just a beach—they offer a journey.
Here, you’ll wander quiet coastal paths beneath olive trees, share long lunches by the water with wine poured from local vines, and watch the sun dip behind terracotta rooftops. These are places where time slows, flavours linger, and every view feels like a secret.
Discover our top 5 beach escapes in the Balkans—where walking meets wonder, and every meal tells a story.

A boat is floating on top of a body of water with mountains in the background. Brela beach.

Brela, Croatia

Why this?
Set along Croatia’s stunning Makarska Riviera, Brela is a small seaside village backed by pine forests and the dramatic Biokovo mountains. Home to the iconic Punta Rata Beach, it’s perfect for travellers seeking tranquility, clean waters, and authentic Adriatic charm—without the crowds of Dubrovnik or Split.

How to get there:

  • Fly into Split Airport (SPU)
  • Drive or take a bus south (~1.5 hours) via the scenic coastal road (D8)

What to do there:
Walking: Follow the 6-kilometre lungomare (seaside promenade) from Brela to Baška Voda. It’s ideal for morning jogs or romantic sunset walks with views of the Adriatic.
Food: Enjoy local specialties like black risotto, grilled Adriatic squid, and Dalmatian prosciutto at Konoba Feral, a family-run tavern with a terrace under the pines.
Wine: Explore local varietals like Pošip (white) and Plavac Mali (red). For wine enthusiasts, a day trip to Grabovac Winery in nearby Imotski is a must.

Best time to visit:
Late May to mid-June or September. Warm water, sunny skies, and fewer tourists than peak summer.


A small island in the middle of the ocean with a house on it. Petrovac

Petrovac, Montenegro

Why this?
Petrovac is a picturesque coastal town offering sandy beaches, calm seas, and a peaceful vibe that stands in contrast to neighboring Budva. With Roman mosaics, hilltop ruins, and natural trails, it’s ideal for both relaxing and exploring.

How to get there:

  • Fly into Tivat or Podgorica Airport
  • Reach Petrovac by bus or car (1.5 hours) via the scenic Adriatic Highway

What to do there:
Walking: Walk the cliffside trail to Perazića Do Beach, passing through pine forests, stone tunnels, and ending in a quiet, wild bay.
Food: Feast on octopus salad, sea bass with garlic and herbs, or Montenegrin lamb under sač at Konoba Katic.
Wine: Sip robust local reds like Vranac or tour the massive Plantaže Winery near Podgorica, home to one of Europe’s largest vineyards.

Best time to visit:
June or September. The water is still warm, prices drop, and the town remains lively but uncrowded.

There are many boats in the water and a beach in the background. Palaiokastritsa

Palaiokastritsa, Corfu, Greece



Why this?
Lush green hills, dramatic cliffs, and hidden bays make this Corfu gem perfect for walkers, swimmers, and romantics. It’s peaceful, picture-perfect, and filled with flavor. Its protected bays are great for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling, with quiet tavernas nestled in the hills.

How to get there:

What to do there:
Walking: Hike up to the Angelokastro fortress, a 13th-century castle with stunning views of the Ionian Sea and olive groves below.
Food: Dine on Corfiot sofrito, seafood saganaki, and honey-glazed loukoumades at the sea-view Akron Restaurant.
Wine: Sample regional wines like Kakotrygis and Robola at local tavernas or visit Theotoky Estate for organic wines and olive oil tastings.

Best time to visit:
May–June or September, when the island is green, the sea is warm, and prices are fair.

A beach with mountains in the background and a lot of people on it. Akyaka beach

Akyaka, Turkey



Why this?
Tucked between forested hills and the Aegean Sea, Akyaka is a peaceful escape known for its unique
Ula architecture, natural beauty, and slow living. It’s a Cittaslow-certified town ideal for mindful travelers. The Azmak River, flowing through town, offers opportunities for walking, boat tours, and wildlife spotting.

How to get there:

What to do there:
Walking: Stroll the Azmak River trail, a tree-lined path along crystal-clear water where you can see fish and turtles or take a slow river boat tour.
 
Food: Try stuffed mussels, eggplant meze, and seabream on the grill at riverside Yengeç Restaurant.
 
Wine: While Akyaka itself isn’t a wine region, local restaurants serve top Turkish wines like Narince (white) and Öküzgözü (red) from producers like Kavaklıdere.

Best time to visit:
May or late September. Temperatures are perfect, and prices drop after the high summer season.

An aerial view of a beach with umbrellas and a city in the background. Sozopol, Bulgaria.

 Sozopol, Bulgaria



Why this?
One of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, Sozopol combines rich history, charming architecture, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere. The cobbled streets of the Old Town, wooden houses, and seaside fortress walls make it a photographer’s dream, while Central Beach offers golden sand and warm Black Sea waters.

How to get there:

What to do there:
Walking: Explore the Southern Fortress Wall Walkway, offering panoramic sea views and access to archaeological ruins. Wander quiet alleys with art galleries and coastal viewpoints.
Food: Try grilled mackerel, stuffed peppers, and mussels in white wine at Neptune Restaurant, perched above the sea.
Wine: Visit wineries in the Thracian Valley, known for reds like Mavrud and whites like Dimyat. Local restaurants often serve house wine made nearby.

Best time to visit:
June and early September for sunny days, warm sea, and lower accommodation rates.

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