The Balkan countries are some of the most interesting places to travel, especially as a backpacker. For one thing, the region is one of the most inexpensive destinations in the world. A good meal costs $3-$5, a beer or cocktail costs $1-$3, and accommodation costs $7-$20. Getting around is cheap and easy, as there is an extensive bus network throughout the region. In addition, the area is full of natural beauty. Due to its mountainous landscape, the Balkans is one of the wildest areas in Europe. It is also a cultural crossroads of the world, with ruins from the Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Venetian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires. Because it is such a crossroads, there is a really interesting mix of cultures living there today in close geographic proximity. However, this mix has also lead to a lot of violence and conflict in the area. In the 1990s, there was intense fighting throughout much of the Balkans as a result of the breakup of Yugoslavia. While it is currently safe to travel throughout the Balkans (although avoid the Serbia-Kosovo border), many casual tourists have yet to discover the area.

The following is a list of attractions in the southwestern Balkan countries of Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo (many still consider Kosovo to be a part of Serbia, but it is included in this list because of its cultural ties with Albania). Attractions from the other Balkan countries will be listed in parts 2 and 3.

1. Kotor, Montenegro

The historic town of Kotor in Kotor Bay is guaranteed to be one of the most beautiful places you will visit. Don't miss climbing up to the old fort on the mountainside to get the best view. There are also many other picturesque towns along the bay, including Perast.

2. Durmitor National Park and Tara Canyon, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park contains some of Montengro's best hiking spots. The Tara River Gorge can be viewed from the Đurđevića Tara Bridge and is great for rafting. Another nearby outdoor activity is exploring Nevidio Canyon.

3. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Mostar is the largest city in the Herzegovina region. While it features some well preserved Ottoman architecture, it is most famous for its large stone arch bridge, Stari Most. The bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the war between the Bosniaks and the Croats of the area, but was rebuilt it 2004.

4. Počitelj, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Počitelj is a historic village situated in a beautiful river valley south of Mostar. It is a great day trip after visiting Stari Most. On your way here, check out the Dervish monastery in the village of Blagaj.

5. Kravica Waterfall, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Kravica is an 80-foot tall waterfall in southern Herzegovina. It has a similar look to the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes or Krka on the Croatian side. It makes a good day trip from Mostar.

6. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Old town Sarajevo is a great place to spend a few days. Half of the old town has Austrian architecture, while the other half is Ottoman. Walk through the shops of the Baščaršija bazaar and snack on some burek. Drink and listen to traditional music at Kino Bosna. Have a beer at the Sarajevo Brewery. If you want to take a short trip out of town, visit the ruins of the bobsleigh track from the 1984 Olympics.

7. Jajce, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Jajce is a beautiful city in central Bosnia. It is best known for its walled fort and for the large waterfall in the center of town. Travnik is a nice stop on the way here if traveling from Sarajevo.

8. Srebrenik Fortress, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Srebrenik Fortress is the best preserved medieval castle in Bosnia. It is located north of the city of Tuzla, which is also worth visiting.

9. Tešanjska Fortress, Bosnia & Herzegovina

The northern area of Bosnia has several impressive fortresses, including Tešanjska. Also interesting to visit are Vranduk and Dobojska Fortresses.

10. Srebrenica Memorial, Bosnia & Herzegovina

The Srebrenica memorial in Potočari is not an "amazing place to visit", but it should not be skipped. Arguably one of the most horrible but memorable locations in Bosnia, it marks the spot where more than 8000 Bosniak civilians were massacred by Bosnian Serb forces in 1995. There is a large cemetery of reinterred victims from nearby mass graves and an information center that educates visitors on the ethnic cleansing that went on in the area.

11. Prizren, Kosovo

Prizren is a beautiful town in southern Kosovo, with stone bridges and a hilltop fortress. It's Ottoman architecture and relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to explore.

12. Peja, Kosovo

Peja (Peć) is a town in western Kosovo, surrounded by the Rugova Mountains. It has a Turkish-style bazaar and is surrounded by several important Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The highlight of the area is the Rugova Gorge and the Gryka e Madhe cave system.

13. Shkodër, Albania

A city on Lake Shkodra (a.k.a. Skadar), Shkodër is one of the nicest Albanian cities to explore. The highlight of the city is the view from Rozafa (Kalaja) Castle. Nearby attractions include the Mes stone bridge.

14. Gjirokastër Castle, Albania

Gjirokastër is a well-preserved Ottoman town in southern Albania. The town's large castle is a UNESCO world heritage site.

15. Berat, Albania

Berat is another well-preserved Ottoman town in Albania with an impressive fortress called the Kala.

16. The Albanian Alps

Also known as Prokletije, this incredibly beautiful mountain range is in the far north of Albania. Hikers most commonly access the natural area from the village of Theth on the western side. A less common way to enter the mountains is by driving up the Valbonë Valley from the east.