The renowned magazine Time Out has published its list of the most beautiful places in the world for 2026. Among the 50 selected destinations are three natural gems from the Balkans: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Bay of Kotor, and Janjske Otoke in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia – 24th place
"The largest and oldest national park in Croatia features 16 lakes, lush forests, and waterfalls of all shapes and sizes in the very heart of the country. The park is extremely busy during the summer. Visiting in winter means fewer crowds and a chance to see the landscape in its best snowy, almost Narnia-like setting, with frozen waterfalls," the magazine notes.
"In Montenegro, the Adriatic Sea cuts through the steep Dinaric Alps via narrow passages, forming the Bay of Kotor. Here, nestled between water and cliffs, lies the medieval Old Town of Kotor Old Town, with its fortress winding along steep cliffs as if defying gravity.
Although you can reach the fortress via stairs from the town, I prefer wandering along the winding shepherd's path on its northern side. There, among the ruins of an abandoned village, you can enjoy homemade sheep cheese and rye bread in the last inhabited rural house, overlooking the glassy, obsidian waters of the bay," writes Paul Stafford.
Janjske Otoke, Bosnia and Herzegovina – 34th place
"The world is beginning to recognize the many wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the tranquility of Janjske Otoke is something truly special," says John Bills.
He describes this natural wonder as "a network of islands connected by beautiful wooden bridges, with crystal-clear water, untouched greenery, charming cabins, and several peaceful waterfalls."
He adds that the nearby Janj Primeval Forest, with its spectacular biodiversity, is "the icing on the cake."
Bills also offers practical advice: "Public transport is not the most reliable, so rent a car or bicycle, spend the day, and stay overnight in a cabin arranged by the tourist organization in Šipovo."
At the top of the list by Time Out is a lesser-known mountain range in northern Spain: Picos de Europa.
Also known as the "Peaks of Europe," this range is part of the Cantabrian Mountains and stretches across Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León, just about 20 kilometers from the coast. Its highest peak, Torre de Cerredo, reaches 2,650 meters above sea level.
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