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Katarina Novak

Field writer, Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, based in Ljubljana

Covers Greece, Türkiye, Croatia, North Macedonia

Last field trip Sep 2026148 guides published
  • Balkans
  • Central Europe
  • Coast

Languages: Slovene, Croatian, German, English

About

Katarina is from Maribor and has lived in Ljubljana since 2014. She covers Croatia, Slovenia, the Balkans, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Austria and Greece: the coast before and after the summer crowds, ferries between islands, which borders are Schengen and which are not, and where the euro is and is not the currency.

Field trips

Months, not dates, for privacy.

  • Sep 2026CycladesMilos, Folegandros and Sifnos, 9 nights
  • Jun 2026CycladesNaxos and Tinos
  • May 2026Croatian coastSplit, Hvar and Dubrovnik, 9 nights
  • Oct 2025GreeceAthens, Santorini and Crete off-season, 10 nights

Guides by Katarina Novak

The Süleymaniye Mosque overlooking the city skyline and harbor in İstanbul, TürkiyeItineraryIstanbul in 3 days: palaces, bazaars and a ferry to AsiaUpdated Oct 13, 2026brown and white concrete building under blue sky during daytimeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Istanbul: four areas on two continentsUpdated Oct 13, 2026A city street with a church steeple in the backgroundHow toDay trips from Košice: Slovak Karst, Spiš Castle, Morské OkoUpdated Oct 4, 2026a city with many buildingsItineraryVilnius in 2 days: Old Town, castle hill, Užupis and a museum dayUpdated Oct 4, 2026a view of a town with a church on a hill in the backgroundHow toSedlec ossuary tickets: how to book and what else to buyUpdated Oct 4, 2026an aerial view of a city with a river in the backgroundWhere to stayWhere to stay in Riga: four bases from the Old Town to ĀgenskalnsUpdated Oct 4, 2026white and brown concrete buildingWhere to stayWhere to stay in Bratislava: Old Town, riverside or stationUpdated Oct 4, 2026a river running through a city next to tall buildingsWhere to stayWhere to stay in Eger: four bases from Old Town to wine valleyUpdated Oct 4, 2026a statue of a man on a horse in the middle of a streetItineraryTirana in 2 days: square, bunkers, bazaar and the Dajti cable carUpdated Oct 4, 2026a large building with towers surrounded by treesHead to headPécs or Eger: which Hungarian city should you visit?Updated Oct 4, 2026cathedral near houses during daytimeItinerarySofia in 2 days: Roman Serdika, cathedrals, Boyana and VitoshaUpdated Oct 4, 2026A city street with a church steeple in the backgroundItineraryKošice in 2 days: Hlavná street, cathedral and castle hillUpdated Oct 4, 2026a view of a building from under a bridgeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Plovdiv: four bases, from the Old Town to KapanaUpdated Oct 4, 2026people walking on street near brown concrete building during daytimeItineraryWrocław in 2 days: Market Square, Panorama and Centennial HallUpdated Oct 4, 2026a river running through a city next to tall buildingsHow toSkopje airport to the city center: shuttle bus, taxi and rental carUpdated Oct 4, 2026people walking near white concrete building during daytimeHow toBelgrade tickets and opening hours: fortress, Tesla and YugoslaviaUpdated Oct 4, 2026a river running through a city next to tall buildingsWhen to goBest time to visit Karlovy Vary: spa season, festival and ChristmasUpdated Oct 4, 2026A city street with a church steeple in the backgroundHow toHow to get to Košice: train, coach, plane and the 2026 worksUpdated Oct 4, 2026a canal with boats and buildings along itRulesRussian laws visitors must know: photos, drones, drugs, postsUpdated Oct 4, 2026a large building with a clock towerHow toShould you travel to Moscow right now? A decision guideUpdated Oct 4, 2026a statue of a man on a horse in the middle of a streetHow toTirana airport to city center: bus, taxi, shuttle and late arrivalsUpdated Oct 4, 2026A bicycle sits outside a buildingHow toMoney, phones and laws in Minsk: what to know before you goUpdated Oct 4, 2026people walking on street during daytimeHead to headSarajevo to Mostar: train, bus, car or day tour comparedUpdated Oct 4, 2026cathedral near houses during daytimeHead to headRila Monastery or the Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia: which day trip?Updated Oct 4, 2026people walking near white concrete building during daytimeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Belgrade: four bases, from Stari Grad to ZemunUpdated Oct 4, 2026people walking on street during daytimeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Sarajevo: Baščaršija, center, station or IlidžaUpdated Oct 4, 2026white and brown concrete buildingWhere to stayWhere to stay in Chișinău: Centru, Botanica and three other basesUpdated Oct 4, 2026people walking on street near brown concrete building during daytimeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Wrocław: four bases from Old Town to the zooUpdated Oct 4, 2026white and brown concrete building on top of hillWhere to stayWhere to stay in Novi Sad: center, Petrovaradin or the hillsUpdated Oct 4, 2026a bridge over a river with a waterfall in front of itHead to headMostar day trip or overnight: what a night addsUpdated Oct 4, 2026a view of a building from under a bridgeItineraryPlovdiv in 2 days: Roman theatre, Old Town, Kapana and gardensUpdated Oct 4, 2026aerial view of mountainsHead to headZakopane in winter or summer: which season fits your trip?Updated Oct 4, 2026vehicle on road near building during daytimeItineraryKaunas in 2 days: Old Town, modernist core, funiculars and PažaislisUpdated Oct 4, 2026a river running through a city next to tall buildingsItineraryKarlovy Vary in 2 days: colonnades, funicular and a rain planUpdated Oct 4, 2026people walking on street during daytimeItinerarySarajevo in 2 days: Baščaršija, Latin Bridge, Tunnel of HopeUpdated Oct 4, 2026a large building with towers surrounded by treesItineraryPécs in 2 days: Roman tombs, mosque church and Zsolnay QuarterUpdated Oct 4, 2026a river running through a city next to tall buildingsItineraryEger in 2 days: castle, minaret, wine valley and thermal bathUpdated Oct 4, 2026a river running through a city next to tall buildingsItinerarySkopje in 2 days: Old Bazaar, fortress, museums and Matka CanyonUpdated Oct 4, 2026A bicycle sits outside a buildingHow toShould you travel to Minsk right now? A decision guideUpdated Oct 4, 2026cathedral near houses during daytimeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Sofia: four bases, from Serdika to BoyanaUpdated Oct 4, 2026a large building with a clock towerHow toCash, cards and SIMs in Moscow: what works and what does notUpdated Oct 4, 2026a canal with boats and buildings along itHow toGetting to and from St Petersburg: flights, borders and railUpdated Oct 4, 2026a river running through a city next to tall buildingsWhere to stayWhere to stay in Karlovy Vary: four bases, from spa center to slopesUpdated Oct 4, 2026aerial view of green trees and blue sea during daytimeHow toGetting around Paphos: airport buses, city lines, taxis and car hireUpdated Oct 4, 2026a pier in the middle of a large body of waterHow toDay trips from Limassol: Kourion, Kolossi, Omodos and AkrotiriUpdated Oct 4, 2026brown and green mountain under white sky during daytimeHow toButrint day trip from Saranda: ruins, Ksamil and how to time themUpdated Oct 4, 2026brown and green mountain under white sky during daytimeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Saranda: waterfront, Ksamil or the hillsideUpdated Oct 4, 2026a view of a town with a church on a hill in the backgroundHow toKutná Hora day trip from Prague: trains, route and timingUpdated Oct 4, 2026white and brown concrete building on top of hillHead to headFruška Gora from Novi Sad: Sremski Karlovci, Vrdnik or Iriški VenacUpdated Oct 4, 2026people walking near white concrete building during daytimeItineraryBelgrade in 2 days: fortress, Saint Sava, Tesla and the riversUpdated Oct 4, 2026an aerial view of a city with a river in the backgroundHow toJūrmala day trip from Riga: train, car pass and the best stopsUpdated Oct 4, 2026white and brown concrete buildingHow toVienna to Bratislava: train, coach, boat or carUpdated Oct 4, 2026white and brown concrete buildingItineraryBratislava in 2 days: Old Town, castle and DevínUpdated Oct 4, 2026vehicle on road near building during daytimeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Kaunas: four bases from the Old Town to ŽaliakalnisUpdated Oct 4, 2026a view of a town with a church on a hill in the backgroundHead to headKutná Hora or Pilsen: which day trip from Prague fits you?Updated Oct 4, 2026a view of a city with tall buildingsItineraryPristina in 2 days: museums, the boulevard and a park or monastery dayUpdated Oct 4, 2026a group of people walking up a hill next to a body of waterItineraryOhrid in 2 days: fortress, churches, Kaneo and a lake afternoonUpdated Oct 4, 2026a view of a building from under a bridgeDay tripPlovdiv day trip from Sofia: train times, a timed plan or a nightUpdated Oct 4, 2026A bicycle sits outside a buildingRulesMinsk visa and entry rules: the 30-day visa-free limitUpdated Oct 4, 2026a large building with a clock towerRulesMoscow visa and entry rules: what the UK advice saysUpdated Oct 4, 2026a large building with towers surrounded by treesWhere to stayWhere to stay in Pécs: four bases from the center to the MecsekUpdated Oct 4, 2026a view of a city with tall buildingsWhere to stayWhere to stay in Pristina: four bases, from the boulevard to GermiaUpdated Oct 4, 2026a canal with boats and buildings along itHow toSt Petersburg street safety: taxis, theft, spiking and fake policeUpdated Oct 4, 2026aerial view of mountainsWhere to stayWhere to stay in Zakopane: four bases, from Krupówki to KuźniceUpdated Oct 4, 2026a bridge over a river with a waterfall in front of itItineraryMostar in 1 day: Old Bridge, Tara tower, bazaar, museumsUpdated Oct 4, 2026a view of a city with tall buildingsHow toSerbia and Kosovo border rules: stamps, routes and car insuranceUpdated Oct 4, 2026an aerial view of a city with a river in the backgroundItineraryRiga in 2 days: Old Town, Art Nouveau and the Central MarketUpdated Oct 4, 2026a statue of a man on a horse in the middle of a streetWhere to stayWhere to stay in Tirana: center, Blloku, New Bazaar or Grand ParkUpdated Oct 4, 2026white and brown concrete buildingHead to headCricova or Mileștii Mici: which Moldovan wine cellar to visit from ChișinăuUpdated Oct 4, 2026vehicle on road near building during daytimeHead to headKaunas from Vilnius: day trip or overnight, by train, coach or carUpdated Oct 4, 2026aerial view of mountainsHow toMorskie Oko from Zakopane: parking, buses, tickets and timingUpdated Oct 4, 2026white and brown concrete buildingItineraryChișinău in 2 days: boulevard, museums and a wine or Orheiul Vechi dayUpdated Oct 4, 2026a river running through a city next to tall buildingsHow toEger day trip from Budapest: trains, coach, car and a one-day planUpdated Oct 4, 2026a city with many buildingsHead to headIs the Vilnius Pass worth it? Pass prices against single ticketsUpdated Oct 4, 2026a bridge over a river with a waterfall in front of itWhere to stayWhere to stay in Mostar: old town, fringe lanes, stations, BlagajUpdated Oct 4, 2026a pier in the middle of a large body of waterHead to headLimassol or Paphos: which Cyprus base is right for youUpdated Oct 4, 2026brown and green mountain under white sky during daytimeHow toCorfu to Saranda ferry: seasons, last boats and day trip or overnightUpdated Oct 4, 2026a group of people walking up a hill next to a body of waterWhere to stayWhere to stay in Ohrid: old town, Kaneo, lakefront or the RivieraUpdated Oct 4, 2026white and brown concrete building on top of hillDay tripNovi Sad day trip from Belgrade: trains, shuttle and a one-day planUpdated Oct 4, 2026a pier in the middle of a large body of waterWhere to stayWhere to stay in Limassol: Old Town, seafront, hotel strip or villagesUpdated Oct 4, 2026a city with many buildingsWhere to stayWhere to stay in Vilnius: four bases from the Old Town to UžupisUpdated Oct 4, 2026a river running through a city next to tall buildingsWhere to stayWhere to stay in Skopje: Old Bazaar, Macedonia Square or VodnoUpdated Oct 4, 2026a group of people walking up a hill next to a body of waterHow toHow to get to Ohrid: airport, road from Skopje and no trainUpdated Oct 4, 2026aerial view of city under fogItineraryBrașov in 2 days: Council Square, Black Church and TâmpaUpdated Oct 3, 2026White buildings on a cliffside in Oia, Greece, illuminated by warm evening lightHow toOia sunset: where to watch, when to arrive and quieter spotsUpdated Oct 3, 2026green island aerial sceneryHow toNavagio Beach and the Blue Caves: boat trips and viewpointUpdated Oct 3, 2026Lake Bled with its island church surrounded by mountains in SloveniaHead to headLake Bled or Lake Bohinj? How to choose and when to do bothUpdated Oct 3, 2026people walking on street near brown concrete building during daytimeHead to headWrocław or Kraków: which Polish city fits your trip?Updated Oct 3, 2026a large building with a dome on top of itHow toPalace of Parliament tour in Bucharest: tickets, ID and bookingUpdated Oct 3, 2026brown concrete building near body of water during daytimeBest ofBudva beaches compared: Slovenska, Bečići, Jaz and the small covesUpdated Oct 3, 2026Lake Bled with its island church surrounded by mountains in SloveniaThings to doThings to do at Lake Bled: island, castle, Vintgar and a swimUpdated Oct 3, 2026aerial view of city under fogWhere to stayWhere to stay in Brașov: five bases, from the Old Town to BranUpdated Oct 3, 2026brown concrete building near body of water during daytimeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Budva: Old Town, Slovenska, Bečići or RafailovićiUpdated Oct 3, 2026aerial view of city under fogHow toBran Castle from Brașov: tickets, hours and how to goUpdated Oct 3, 2026gray concrete dragon statueWhere to stayWhere to stay in Ljubljana: Old Town, center, station or TrnovoUpdated Oct 3, 2026brown concrete building near body of water during daytimeHow toTivat or Podgorica airport for Budva: taxi, bus or rental carUpdated Oct 3, 2026a large building with a dome on top of itWhere to stayWhere to stay in Bucharest: four bases, from the Old Town to Gara de NordUpdated Oct 3, 2026a large building with a dome on top of itItineraryBucharest in 2 days: Old Town, Parliament and museumsUpdated Oct 3, 2026a cobblestone street with an arched doorwayWhere to stayWhere to stay in Kotor: Old Town, Dobrota, Prčanj or ŠkaljariUpdated Oct 3, 2026A large body of water with a mountain in the backgroundAlternativesSantorini alternatives: Greek islands that still feel like islandsKatarina Novak · Updated Oct 3, 2026a cable car going over a cliffHead to headKefallonia, Zakynthos or Corfu: which Ionian island to chooseUpdated Oct 3, 2026Lake Bled with its island church surrounded by mountains in SloveniaWhere to stayWhere to stay at Lake Bled: five bases from the shore to RadovljicaUpdated Oct 3, 2026gray concrete dragon statueHow toDay trips from Ljubljana: Bled, Postojna, the coast or ZagrebUpdated Oct 3, 2026a cobblestone street with an arched doorwayHead to headKotor or Budva: which base fits your Montenegro trip?Updated Oct 3, 2026gray concrete dragon statueItineraryLjubljana in 2 days: castle, Plečnik, river and a card checkUpdated Oct 3, 2026A large body of water with a tower in the middle of itWhere to stayWhere to stay in Hania: five bases from the old town to KalyvesUpdated Oct 3, 2026a cobblestone street with an arched doorwayHow toDubrovnik to Kotor day trip: catamaran, bus or car and the borderUpdated Oct 3, 2026hot air balloons on brown field during daytimeRulesTürkiye e-visa: who needs one and who is visa-freeUpdated Oct 3, 2026a building with pillars and stairsDay tripEphesus day trip from Izmir, Kuşadası, Bodrum or IstanbulUpdated Oct 2, 2026A person standing in front of a building with a clock towerHead to headZadar or Split: which Dalmatian base fits your tripUpdated Oct 2, 2026a body of water with a town in the distanceHow toPamukkale travertines and Hierapolis: hours, passes, how to visitUpdated Oct 2, 2026a sandy beach with steps leading to the waterWhere to stayWhere to stay on Brač: Supetar, Bol, Milna or PučišćaUpdated Oct 2, 2026green mountain beside blue sea under blue sky during daytimeWhere to stayWhere to stay in Ölüdeniz: beach village, Ovacık, Hisarönü or FaralyaUpdated Oct 2, 2026A person standing in front of a building with a clock towerItineraryZadar in 2 days: Sea Organ, Forum, beach and an islandUpdated Oct 2, 2026A person standing in front of a building with a clock towerWhere to stayWhere to stay in Zadar: Old Town, Kolovare, Borik or DikloUpdated Oct 2, 2026a group of hot air balloons in the skyWhere to stayWhere to stay in Göreme: four bases for a Cappadocia tripUpdated Oct 2, 2026a sandy beach with steps leading to the waterHow toHow to get to Brač from Split: ferry to Supetar or catamaran to BolUpdated Oct 2, 2026a body of water with a town in the distanceHead to headPamukkale day trip or overnight: which fits your route?Updated Oct 2, 2026a sandy beach with steps leading to the waterItineraryBrač in 3 days: Škrip, Bol's Zlatni rat and Vidova GoraUpdated Oct 2, 2026Terrace overlooking the sea with distant islandsWhen to goThe best time to visit Greece, islands and mainlandUpdated Oct 2, 2026a building with pillars and stairsWhere to stayWhere to stay for Ephesus: Selçuk, Kuşadası, Izmir or ŞirinceUpdated Oct 2, 2026a lot of boats that are sitting in the waterItineraryRovinj in 2 days: old town, bell tower, Golden Cape, boatsUpdated Oct 2, 2026a group of people standing in front of a castleHead to headRhodes or Crete: which Greek island for a first trip?Updated Oct 2, 2026photo of gray concrete establishment near the body of waterHead to headKorčula or Hvar: which Dalmatian island fits your tripUpdated Oct 2, 2026photo of gray concrete establishment near the body of waterWhere to stayWhere to stay on Korčula: old town, Lumbarda, Vela Luka or OrebićUpdated Oct 2, 2026a group of hot air balloons in the skyItineraryCappadocia in 2 days: a Göreme-based route that worksUpdated Oct 2, 2026a building with pillars and stairsHow toEphesus tickets and opening hours: Terrace Houses and passesUpdated Oct 2, 2026green island aerial sceneryHead to headZakynthos or Kefallonia: which Ionian island to choose?Updated Oct 2, 2026green mountain beside blue sea under blue sky during daytimeThings to doThings to do in Ölüdeniz: Babadağ, paragliding, boats and KayaköyUpdated Oct 2, 2026a lot of boats that are sitting in the waterHead to headRovinj, Pula or Poreč: which Istrian base should you pickUpdated Oct 2, 2026white and blue boat on sea during daytimeHow toGreek island ferries: how to book, which operator, and how to track strikesUpdated Oct 2, 2026photo of gray concrete establishment near the body of waterHow toHow to get to Korčula: Split, Dubrovnik and Orebić by boatUpdated Oct 2, 2026a lot of boats that are sitting in the waterWhere to stayWhere to stay in Rovinj: old town, Golden Cape or Kuvi BayUpdated Oct 2, 2026a body of water with a town in the distanceWhere to stayWhere to stay in Pamukkale: village, Karahayıt or DenizliUpdated Oct 2, 2026green mountain beside blue sea under blue sky during daytimeHead to headÖlüdeniz or Kaş: which Turquoise Coast base fits your trip?Updated Oct 2, 2026a group of hot air balloons in the skyHow toCappadocia balloon ride: how to book, cancellations, alternativesUpdated Oct 2, 2026a cable car going over a cliffItineraryKefallonia in 5 days: Myrtos, caves, the north and Ithaca by carUpdated Oct 1, 2026A large body of water with a tower in the middle of itHead to headHania or Rethymno: which Crete base is right for your trip?Updated Oct 1, 2026view of white concrete stairsWhen to goBest time to visit Corfu: month by month, from Easter to OctoberUpdated Oct 1, 2026a group of people standing in front of a castleWhere to stayWhere to stay in Rhodes: five bases from the Old Town to LindosUpdated Oct 1, 2026A large body of water with a tower in the middle of itHow toBalos and Elafonisi from Hania: by car, bus or boat, and which to pickUpdated Oct 1, 2026White buildings on a cliffside in Oia, Greece, illuminated by warm evening lightWhere to stayWhere to stay in Oia: rim, inland lanes, Finikia or AmmoudiUpdated Oct 1, 2026a group of people standing in front of a castleItineraryRhodes in 4 days: Old Town, Lindos, the west coast and SymiUpdated Oct 1, 2026White buildings on a cliffside in Oia, Greece, illuminated by warm evening lightHead to headOia or Fira: which Santorini base is right for youUpdated Oct 1, 2026view of white concrete stairsWhere to stayWhere to stay in Corfu: five bases from the old town to PaleokastritsaUpdated Oct 1, 2026a cable car going over a cliffWhere to stayWhere to stay in Kefallonia: Argostoli, Fiskardo, Assos, Skala or SamiUpdated Oct 1, 2026view of white concrete stairsItineraryCorfu in 5 days: old town, north, west and south by carUpdated Oct 1, 2026green island aerial sceneryWhere to stayWhere to stay in Zakynthos: five bases from the Town to AlykesUpdated Oct 1, 2026
DestinationsWhere to go, when to go and how to get around in 221 countries. Every practical fact shows the date we checked it and who checked it.Where to stayNeighborhoods walked end to end: who each area suits, how far it is from the airport train, and the hotels we would book ourselves.PlanVisas and entry rules, travel insurance, eSIMs and rail passes, explained in plain words and rechecked when the rules change.EventsFestivals, concerts and tours with confirmed dates, rooms near the venue and the fastest way on to the next city.StoriesField reports and data stories from the road. We time the queues, count the costs and say what changed since last year.

Asia

KansaiTokyoBangkokOsakaSiem ReapMt FujiOkinawaKōbeManilaKyotoAll Asia

Caribbean

Fort-de-FranceNassauPort of SpainNegrilSan JuanOcho RiosHavanaEleutheraEl Yunque National ForestSosúaAll Caribbean

Africa

MarrakechRabatToubkal National ParkMaasai MaraCape WinelandsDiani BeachMombasaNairobiAswanSharm El SheikhAll Africa

Events

Sapporo Snow FestivalCherry blossomGion MatsuriDía de MuertosOktoberfestKandy Esala PeraheraEvents calendar

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