Visa-free Balkans, the favorite of the holiday… Both cheap and cool

On the eve of the 9-day holiday, some turned their route to their hometown, some to holiday resorts, and some to abroad. Add to that the summer vacation. Come see that vacation means financial burden. Of course, it is possible to find something for everyone in popular destinations such as Bodrum and Çeşme, but an all-inclusive holiday of 4-5 nights on average costs around 30-40 thousand liras. If you want to rent a hostel… This time, the price drops to 20 thousand, but it is also without food. Those who say, „Let me go to Europe to change my mood,“ have a difficult job. Because this time, the exchange rate and the problems that Turkish citizens experience while obtaining visas enter the equation. Isn’t there something for those who want a geography that is close, cheap and ‚to be discovered‘? Here is the answer.

AVAILABLE FROM TURKEY

Tour Operators Spokesperson Cem Polatoğlu says that the share of visa-free countries in sales has doubled due to visa problems, including getting an appointment. Montenegro in particular, Belgrade, Albania… Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt (door visa) and Jordan are very popular visa-free travel destinations. The businesses here are one click away from the hotel management quality in Turkey, but they are also the choice of those who want to explore another culture, another geography, and have a cheap holiday. Besides, vacationing in these regions is cheaper than vacationing in Turkey in the Mediterranean or the Aegean,” he says.

AND UCUZU 279 EUROS

How cheap? His answer is: “The average price of a seaside hotel in Antalya for 4 nights and 5 days, all inclusive, is 30-40 thousand. In Tunisia, a four-star hotel by the sea, including breakfast and dinner, for 4 nights and 5 days, including flight, 499 Euro – 12 thousand TL. You won’t find a four-star hotel for this price in the south. There is also cheaper. For example, 4 nights and 5 days visa-free Belgrade tour; 329 Euros including flight-breakfast – 8 thousand; A tour of Tirana, moreover, a trip to the coastal region, including the flight ticket, costs 279 Euros – 7 thousand liras. There is not even a plane ticket at this price.”

HERE ARE 3 ROUTES

WHAT IS the trademark of the Balkans? Journalist Gözde Akgüngör Pamuk living in Albania compiled the route of Albania, Montenegro and Macedonia for you.

1- HIDDEN TREASURE: TIRANA

“Let me start with Albania, where I have lived for 3 years and loved very much. ‚A real hidden treasure.‘ While it promises adventure and peace with its mountains and canyons in the north (on the border of Montenegro), it is breathtaking with the turquoise waters of the ‚Jon‘ (Ionian) Sea and pristine coves in the south. This is partly the reason for the influx of European tourists. It is also influential in the field of cultural tourism not only with its nature, but also with its ancient cities on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list and with its unique architecture, Ottoman cities, and bunk’art from the time of communist leader Enver Hoxha, which you can only see here. It is possible to travel the country from beginning to end by renting a car (starting from 500 TL per day) after a 1.5-hour flight to the capital Tirana and after a city tour for a day or two. For example, I would say don’t go back without visiting Saranda and Ksamil, known as the ‚Maldives of the Balkans‘, 4 hours away from Tirana, on the Greek border. And a reminder: 1 TL is about 4 LEK. We know the kitchen; pastry, bagel, lokma, meatballs, but they are also assertive in world cuisine. You will also see that Turkish words are used very widely due to our common cultural heritage. One advantage of buying a plane ticket to Tirana is that it is much more economical to go to Montenegro by renting a car from here.”

2- SEA, SUN AND JOURNEY TO THE MEDIEVAL: MONTENEGRO

Let’s come to Montenegro, which is expected to join the EU in the near future. This is one of the reasons why it has become popular in recent years; not to miss the opportunity to visit without a visa as it will soon require a Schengen visa. It is possible to arrive directly from Tivat Airport or by car from Tirana. Two port cities, Kotor and Budva, which are close to each other, stand out in Montenegro. Among these two cities, which fascinate visitors with their medieval castles, winding streets and stone houses among the mountains, Kotor is preferred for ‚journey to history‘ and Budva is mostly preferred for ’sea, sand and nightlife‘. In both cities, it is possible to stay in historical stone houses within the castle. Let’s talk about the island of Sveti Stefan, which is actually a private property in the same gulf; This small peninsula, surrounded by walls and connected to the land by a narrow bridge, deserves a visit. Before the disintegration of Yugoslavia, ‚jet society‘ also stayed here; Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Orson Welles, who are they… Let’s remind you: Montenegro is a little more expensive than other Balkan countries.

3- RUMELI’S PIECE OF EYES: MACEDONIA

– OHRID: On the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Known as the Jerusalem of the Balkans or the Pearl of the Balkans, it reminds a little of Greek towns. Ohrid, one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe, gives you the pleasure of the sea due to its crystal-clear water. You can reach the city center in half an hour by car.

– MANASTIR (BITOLA): One hour drive from Ohrid. The Manastır Military School (museum) where Atatürk was educated attracts the attention of Turkish tourists. The Monastery, where popular TV series were shot, is an ancient and charming town with Ottoman traces.

– SKOPJE: A city that has always preserved its importance for both Ottoman and Turkey throughout its history. Spreading over the Vardar River, the capital is divided into two by the historical Stone Bridge. It is possible to see the traces of a Muslim Turkish society with its Ottoman bazaar on one side, and a society turning to the EU on the other. If you have come to the bazaar, you should definitely eat meatballs, along with „Shopska“, which is similar to our shepherd’s salad. (Epic and Kosmos Meatballs are popular and modest venues.)

– MATKA CANYON: If you want to be closer to nature, you should see Matka Canyon, which is easy to access. It is very pleasant and affordable to visit the canyon by boat.