Balkan Travellers
13 February, 2008 | Thessaloniki and Montenegro are the two destinations recommended for 2008 by the Lonely Planet community of authors, staff and travellers.

Bluelist 2008 is the third edition of Lonely Planet’s popular annual title containing a collection of travel inspirations for the year ahead. It contains recommendations for trends, destinations, journeys and experiences.

Thessaloniki was listed among Lonely Planet’s twelve top-pick cities. Dubbed as a “spirited, energetic, forward-looking city,” the second largest town in Greece is also said to be its “cultural heart” and the gateway to Mount Athos.

Some of the other cities on the list include Apia in Samoa, Bologna in Italy, Miami in the US, Fes in Morocco, Damascus in Syria and Vienna in Austria.

The second Balkan destination recommended in the edition as a top-pick country for 2008 is Montenegro. Describing the “sultry curve of its coastline” as “irresistible,” Lonely Plant says the country offers something for everyone: from “the Adriatic’s deep blue waters” that entice “beach potatoes” to “the tall peaks of the snowy mountains” attracting the “activity-spurred travellers.”

Montenegro is in the company of six other countries on the list. Among them are Armenia and Bhutan.