Balkans or Baltics?

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 04 August, 2024

What should the next holiday destination be? If you’re facing this question and have already scaled the peaks of Switzerland, posed by the Eiffel Tower, had your fill of arrabiata pizza in Italy, enjoyed a flamenco dance show in Spain and gone island island hopping in Greece; and are looking for inspiration for your next holiday, then how about the Balkans or Baltics? These destinations not only sound exotic but are relatively undiscovered by many and offer a plethora of experiences that are sure to leave you mesmerised.

So, what really are the Balkans or the Baltics? It is easy to be confused between the two and planning a Trip here warrants clearing the distinction between the two country groups

Though both sound similar, they are distinct groups of countries in Europe. The Baltic states lie in the north-eastern region of Europe containing the countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, whereas the Balkans, also called Balkan Peninsula, lies in the easternmost part of Europe's three great southern peninsulas, and is usually characterized as comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia; with some parts of Greece and Turkey belonging to the region as well.

Choosing between the Balkans and the Baltics for your next travel adventure can be a delightful dilemma. Both regions, rich in history and culture, offer unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse cuisines. Whether you're drawn to the rugged mountains and ancient towns of the Balkans or the medieval charm and pristine nature of the Baltics, you are sure of a fantastic holiday.

I find it convenient to distinguish between the two country groups as the countries by the sea and the countries of the mountains, which makes it easy to remmeber their locations and their differences. In fact, the clue is in their  names itself. The Baltics are named after the Baltic Sea which is an arm of the Atlantic sea, justa ferry ride away from Scandinavia, Whereas The name "Balkans" comes from the Turkish word "balkan," meaning "mountain." The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and stretches across southeastern Europe, including countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. The Balkan Peninsula is bordered by teh Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea And is geographically close to Italy, Greece and Turkey.

Let’s start with the Balkans and what they have to offer. The Balkans have a tumultuous history, shaped by various empires and cultures, including the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian Empires. The region has witnessed significant conflicts, such as the Balkan Wars and the Yugoslav Wars, which have left a lasting impact on its cultural and political landscape. Today, the Balkans are known for their resilience, cultural diversity, and vibrant traditions. Stunningly beautiful landscapes is what you can expect here. Croatia shot to fame with the mega hit serious “the game of thrones” and you can walk along the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik, explore the historic Old Town, and enjoy the stunning Adriatic coastline which boasts of some of the cleanest water in the world. One of the must see attractions here is Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, with 16 interconnected lakes formed by natural travertine barriers over thousands of years where you can walk over wooden pathways and bridges.

Kotor, Montenegro offers an unforgettable hike to its ancient fortress, providing panoramic views of the stunning Bay of Kotor. In Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, visitors can explore the Latin Bridge, the site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination that sparked the First World War, and admire the city’s unique blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture. Just a short drive away, Mostar boasts the iconic Stari Most bridge, famous for its traditional diving competition. Lake Bled, Slovenia invites you to take a boat to Bled Island, hike to Bled Castle, and soak in the lake’s serene beauty. Belgrade, Serbia captivates with its vibrant nightlife, Kalemegdan Fortress, and a plethora of museums and galleries. Lastly, the Rila Monastery in Bulgaria enchants visitors with its exquisite frescoes, rich history, and the scenic Rila Mountains perfect for hiking. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the region’s diverse heritage and natural beauty, making the Balkans a must-visit for any traveler.

The term "Baltics" refers to the countries bordering the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The history of the Baltic countries is marked by periods of independence and foreign domination. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were influenced by the German, Swedish, Polish, and Russian empires. The 20th century saw these countries under Soviet control until they regained independence in the early 1990s. The Baltics have since developed rapidly, becoming known for their digital advancements, well-preserved historical sites, and strong national identities.

The Baltic region offers an array of unique experiences and stunning sights. You can easily reach Tallinn by taking a ferry from Helsinki and wander through the fairy-tale Old Town, marvel at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and explore the vibrant Kalamaja district. Riga, Latvia, entices visitors with its remarkable Art Nouveau architecture, historic Old Town, and beautiful parks perfect for a relaxing stroll. Vilnius, Lithuania, captivates with its baroque Old Town, the iconic Hill of Crosses, and the bohemian charm of the Uzupis district. Lahemaa National Park, Estonia, provides opportunities to hike through lush forests, discover picturesque coastal villages, and spot wildlife in a pristine natural setting. The Curonian Spit in Lithuania, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts striking sand dunes, traditional fishing villages, and unique natural beauty. On Saaremaa Island, Estonia, you can visit medieval windmills, explore unique meteorite craters, and relax in the serene countryside. Gauja National Park in Latvia offers medieval castles, dense forests, and picturesque valleys to explore. Lastly, in Trakai, Lithuania, you can take a boat ride to the island castle, enjoy scenic views, and taste traditional Karaim cuisine. Each destination showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural splendor of the Baltic countries, making them a must-visit for any traveler.

Both the Balkans and the Baltics offer captivating travel experiences, each with its own unique charm. Whether you choose to explore the rugged landscapes and ancient towns of the Balkans or the medieval charm and pristine nature of the Baltics, you are guaranteed an unforgettable adventure. At Veena World, we aim to offer you exciting experiences with the best itineraries. These countries can be easily combined in various interesting combinations so you can get maximum enjoyment. You could choose to visit just the Balkans or the Baltics separately in different tours, or combine them with Scandinavia for winning combinations that offer you the best of a Europe that you haven’t yet experienced.