LO·BAH / lo(w)o͞obə / is the short form for “Land Of Blood And Honey” which is how the Balkans has historically been described. The widest circulating explanation of its etymology and this appellation is that Balkan was the nickname given to the region by the Ottomans, with bal in Turkish meaning ‘honey’ and kan meaning ‘blood’.

Other sources claim that balkan has more practical roots and comes from the same Ottoman Turkish word meaning ‘chain of wooded mountains“ as the region is full of some of the most beautiful peaks in Europe, most of which are found along the Dinaric Alps.

Whichever account holds true, the fact of the matter is the Balkans is indeed a region of extremes that both loves and defends itself fiercely – and a region you will find some of the most magnificent landscapes, hospitable people and enchanting adventures in Europe. Allow us to introduce you…