Top Destinations to Visit in the Balkans in Spring

Looking for the perfect getaway after a long winter? How about a tour of sunny Europe!  Several days of blooming gardens, breathing in crisp mountain air, and exploring charming old towns without the summer crowds. If that sounds like your kind of trip, then it’s about time you visit the Balkans in Spring! With mild weather, memorable landscapes, and fewer crowds, spring is the ideal time to experience the magic of countries like Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, and Kosovo. 

Whether you love hiking, a stroll through nature and history, or just soaking in the surreal scenery and capturing the most beautiful moments, these spring destinations in 2025 are sure to inspire your next adventure!

Charming Balkan Cities You’ll Love Visiting in Spring  

Bucharest, Romania – Once called ‘The Little Paris’  

Spring transforms Bucharest into a lively mix of colors and energy! Here are a few things you could do when visiting: Start your day with a walk through Cișmigiu Gardens, where flowers burst into bloom, and locals gather for coffee by the lake. Wander the Old Town, where cobbled streets lead to lively clubs, charming cafés and elegant 19th-century buildings. Have an authentic Romanian lunch at ‘Mahala’ restaurant. If you love architecture, go to Constitution Square and see the Grand Palace of the Parliament – the third-largest building in the world. 

Another tip: if you visit during late April – the start of May, look for the majestic magnolias. They should be in full bloom all over the city! There are so many magnolias that a local developed an app just for you to start a treasure hunt and take the most amazing spring photos with a magnolia in the background. Click here to have your own magnolia search.

Sofia, Bulgaria – Mountains and Magnificent Landmarks  

Sofia comes alive in spring. Vitosha Mountain, just outside the city, is the perfect place to have a day to meditate, have an easy hike, or simply admire the plants and friendly animals and be grateful for nature’s beauty. Back in town, admire the golden domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or relax in Borisova Garden, where cherry blossoms put on a stunning show. 

Skopje, North Macedonia – Where nature meets history  

If you find yourself in North Macedonia in 2025, spring is the best time to visit Matka Canyon outside Skopje. Rent a kayak, take a boat ride, or have a brief hike along the trails to discover hidden caves. In the city, you can stroll through the Old Bazaar, where Ottoman-style streets are lined with shops selling all sorts of things, but if you are lucky, you might come across some authentic traditional crafts. Also, keep an eye out for delicious local treats in the same bazaar. 

Belgrade, Serbia – Riverside Views and Fortress Sunsets  

Belgrade is a city that gets overlooked quite often, but it has its own charm, and spring makes it even better! What can you do here? Head to Kalemegdan Fortress, perched above the Danube. This is a well-known place among the locals, not for visiting the fortress but for the jaw-dropping sunset views that make a great backdrop to the most memorable vacation photos. Another place to be this spring is the streets of Zemun – with charming riverside cafés and a relaxed vibe, perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll.

Priština, Kosovo – Green Escapes and Cultural Gems  

You want the best of both worlds: modern buzz but also quiet green spaces? Why not visit Kosovo this Spring? You can see Germia Park – the ideal place to escape the city and enjoy a nature walk. 

For history lovers, try the Ethnographic Museum! It showcases local traditions in a beautifully preserved Ottoman house with paintings, sculptures, costumes, tools; it’s the perfect place to find out more about the roots of Kosovo. 

Tirana, Albania – Parks, History, and a Creative Scene  

Tirana in spring is warm, inviting, and so dynamic! You must put this place on your Spring itinerary and see what hidden gems lie ahead. The Grand Park of Tirana is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, with its peaceful lake where you can rent a boat and enjoy a closer look, and its shaded paths with lots of flowers and trees in full bloom. 

If history and fun facts are your thing, don’t forget to dive into the country’s past at Bunk’Art, an underground museum that takes you through Albania’s most important dates.

Breathtaking Natural Parks to See in Spring 2025 

 Bucegi Mountains, Romania 

Spring is by far the best season to see the Bucegi Mountains. The hike up is beginner-friendly, and once you get to the plateau, you are stunned by the beauty and mystical appearance of two rock formations: The Sphinx – a human profile carved in stone and Babele – ‘the old ladies.’ What makes this adventure formidable is how ,huge fields of wildflowers surround the path up and if you’re lucky, you might even come across a flock of sheep and donkeys!  

You can’t miss out on this Romanian treasure! The fresh alpine air and sweeping views will leave you in awe.

Rila Lakes, Bulgaria  

The Seven Rila Lakes are a sight to behold as the ice melts and the deep blue waters reflect the sky. Are you allowed to swim there? The answer is no, and not because they’re freezing cold in any month, but because it’s forbidden no matter the season! If you’re not up for a 4-5h hike, here’s how you can enjoy the area best: 

Hop on the lift, and in less than 20 minutes, you’ll glide over more than two kilometers of stunning mountain terrain, rising 600 meters above the ground. As you ascend, you’ll be surrounded by towering pines and fir trees, some of which have stood for centuries, creating a truly magical ride through nature. 

Once you reach the Rila Lakes Hut, the adventure continues—just a 40-minute walk separates you from the nearest lakes. For those looking to explore Kidney Lake, take the upper path along Suhia Rid, where breathtaking views await. If Fish Lake is your goal, follow the old southeast trail, where the peaceful beauty of the landscape makes every step worth it.

Llogara National Park, Albania 

You can’t get bored in Albania. To enjoy its natural beauty in the best way possible, drive along the Llogara Pass, where the mountains drop dramatically into the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. This scenic road is one of the most breathtaking in the Balkans, especially in spring when nature is at its freshest and all the colors are so vibrant!

Peaceful Monasteries & Quiet Retreats  

Voroneț Monastery, Romania – The Sistine Chapel of the East  

Famous for its deep blue pigments used for the wall paintings, Voroneț Monastery is even more stunning when surrounded by fresh greenery and blooming flowers. Whether you are religious or not, you will love the atmosphere of this place and be in awe of the “Last Judgment” fresco. It is so impressive that it was compared to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, created in the same period.

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria 

Hidden in the mountains, Rila Monastery is a UNESCO gem worth seeing. The colorful frescoes, quiet courtyards, and mountain backdrop make it a peaceful retreat for locals and travelers. 

Monastery of Saint Naum, North Macedonia  

Perched on the edge of Lake Ohrid, this monastery offers spiritual calm and some of the most beautiful lake views in the region. 

A peaceful garden filled with fountains, roses, and wandering peacocks surrounds the heart of the complex, creating a serene escape. Plan to spend a few relaxing hours here: take a stroll, enjoy a meal or drink at a nearby restaurant, or even dip your toes in the water. A boat trip to the Springs of St. Naum is also a must! 

Castles & Fortresses to Explore in Spring  

Peleș Castle, Romania – A Fairytale in the Carpathians  

This stunning castle, set against a backdrop of green hills and fresh mountain air, looks straight out of a fairy tale. Spring is the perfect time to explore its lavish halls, hand-carved wooden details, and stained-glass windows. Don’t forget to wander through the surrounding gardens, where tulips and roses bloom in spectacular colors; you will, for sure, feel just like royalty.  

Kalaja Fortress, Kosovo – A Historic Hilltop View  

Overlooking Prizren, Kalaja Fortress offers one of the best panoramic views in Kosovo. Visit in spring to enjoy the scenery in perfect weather and explore the ruins of this medieval stronghold. In spring, this area is popular for a little date or a picnic with friends, making the 20-minute hike uphill worth it. You can visit this place anytime since it’s always open, and the entrance is free of charge. 

Stunning Botanical Gardens Bursting with Color 

Botanical Garden in Iași, Romania – A Tulip Paradise  

This vast garden is home to thousands of plant species. Spring brings an explosion of color with an astonishing collection of tulips – over 500 varieties in every shade imaginable. It’s one of the most spectacular tulip displays in the Balkans, so make sure to catch it in April-May! 

Botanical Gardens Jevremovac, Serbia  

This hidden oasis offers both European and Japanese gardens, perfect for a peaceful escape from the city buzz. Visitors can admire a stunning collection of plants inside the Victorian-style greenhouses, including coffee and banana trees, over thirty species of orchids, and a charming display of bonsais and aloe vera. One of the highlights is the Japanese garden, opened in 2004 and designed by Serbian landscape architects Vera and Mihailo Grbić, with funding from the Japanese government as part of a cultural and spiritual initiative.

Other unique ways to enjoy the Balkan Spring like a local 

If you visit the Balkans in March, check out the local markets for the so-called ‘mărțișoare’ – small red-and-white charms that symbolize the arrival of spring and bring good luck! 

This tradition is still vivid in Romania, Moldova, and parts of Bulgaria and North Macedonia. People buy the ones they like most from street vendors or fair markets and wear them pinned to their clothes or as bracelets throughout March. You can find handmade, creative versions at seasonal fairs like the Mărțișor Exhibit at the National Peasant Museum in Bucharest, featuring unique designs like knitted charms, made out of glass and even ones made from recycled keyboards. 

Buy one for yourself or a loved one as a souvenir from the Balkan countries!

Experience the Balkans in the Spring  

The Balkans in Spring are simply magical. Whether you’re hiking in breathtaking national parks, wandering through colorful botanical gardens, or discovering centuries-old monasteries, this season brings out the best of the region.

But with an adventure like that ahead, you might need someone who knows all the cultural insights and all the off-the-beaten-path sites to see. Someone who you can trust and can make the entire trip hustle-free… Contact Balkan Trails!

Plan your trip with Balkan Trails, and let’s customize your experience with these incredible spring destinations in 2025. We will show you unique stays and the best transport routes, while our guides will make you laugh with crazy folklore legends and inside jokes. And yes, we also give tips on what to choose from a menu when it’s time for a culinary adventure as well!