BALKANS beyond THE BEACHES


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42 27 MARCH 2025


Plan a holiday to the Balkans to explore the region’s cool cities and gourmet gastronomy, says Alice Barnes-Brown


he Balkan countries are coming into their own, and not just for budget-friendly beach holidays. Croatia – named Europe’s best country to visit at this month’s ITB Berlin trade show – is a


“standout” for Prestige Travel, which saw an 81% increase in Croatia bookings during this year’s peaks period, compared with last year. Other Balkan states are becoming better known not only for quiet coastlines but also city stays, adventure tours and active trips. For those willing to get off the beaten track and into the mountains, hills and lakes that define this region, these countries offer history and hospitality by the bucketload. Travel Weekly selects three different ways for clients to get up close and personal with this riveting region.


Istria


Visitors don’t have to venture too far from Croatia’s coastline to discover the epicurean appeal of this region, which prizes many of the same ingredients as neighbouring Italy but with a fraction of the crowds. Set in vineyards that roll towards a quiet section of the Istrian peninsula’s coast, the Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery is a foodie fantasy: guests are treated to a flavoursome five-course tasting menu, and each plate can be


accompanied by a glass of one of the estate’s 14 varieties of wine. With a car, clients can explore the sun-baked villages in the surrounding area. Medieval Motovun is famed for its truffles – both black and white – so suggest clients drive over for a hearty lunch of truffle-infused pasta. Budding historians can lose themselves in the gilded mosaics of the Byzantine Euphrasian Basilica, situated in the heart of Porec. Back at Meneghetti, olive-oil


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