5 European Travel Destinations for Enneagram 9s
In honor of the fact that this year I finally crossed the ocean after a very LOOOONGGGG few years of staying close to home (eeeeeeek!), and the fun recent occurrence of being in The Washington Post’s Sunday Travel Section …. I made a list of must-see spots in a region of the world I absolutely love.
And if there are any Enneagram 9s out there—or if you’re friends with one—this list is an especially Enneagram 9-friendly one (aka: lots of cozy spots and opportunities for chilling out or randomly wandering around to enjoy beauty, tranquility and meaningful conversations with those along the way)!
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kotor’s old city was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and is filled with medieval architecture and historic monuments. For a spectacular view from above, climb Giovanni Fortress just before sunset.
1- Kotor, Montenegro
Most Enneagram 9 Peacemakers will simply exhale at the thought of wandering the streets of an ancient city in Europe in which they never have to worry about navigating frenetic traffic or aggressive motorbikes.
Kotor is that city. Situated on Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast, Kotor’s Old City is small enough for travelers to aimlessly wander its narrow stone streets without ever getting lost.
Here you can take time out from your wanderings to enjoy listening to outdoor musicians while grabbing a gelato or dining on freshly grilled, stuffed squid with a glass of regional wine.
There is also plenty of beauty to behold outside of Old Town. Kotor Bay’s brilliant Azul water provides easy access for a boat trip to the Blue Cave, or you can spend the day reading on a lounge chair with a gorgeous view and indulging in cocktails delivered right to your chair.
In the evening, walk back to the Old City and enjoy the gorgeous acapella music wafting through the air from a local Orthodox service, or climb San Giovanni Fortress for absolutely spectacular sunset views of both the city and the Bay of Kotor (just make sure you leave time to get down before it gets dark!)
Lake Ohrid straddles the mountainous border between southwestern North Macedonia and eastern Albania. A paved cliffside walk winds along the edge of the lake between the town center and the church of St. John at Kaneo – affording spectacular views of the church and its shimmering backdrop. This view of the water is at the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon.
2 - Lake Ohrid, Macedonia
Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. The city’s architecture is a mix of early Christian basilicas interspersed with well-preserved Byzantine apartment buildings that date back to the 9th century.
If you love outdoor waterfront dining, local wine, makiatos, tranquil waters and walkable stone streets (see a pattern here?), this ancient city is for you.
As someone who’s spiritually inquisitive, I also love the fact that on any given day in Ohrid, I can easily hear both church bells ringing and the call to prayer.
One of my favorite travel memories is simply floating in tranquil Lake Ohrid—one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes with a unique aquatic ecosystem and more than 200 endemic species. You can also hire a rowboat for a stunning view of the church of St. John at Kaneo from the water.
If you’re in the mood for a leisurely day trip, take the ferry to beautiful St. Naum Monastery (a journaler’s paradise!).
For 9s, this is the perfect location to … Simply. Sit. And. Do. Absolutely. Nothing.
3 - Meteora, Greece
Meteora is a sight to behold. Serene. Spiritual. Magical. Mystical. Breathtaking. Inspiring. The epitome of all things nine.
Located in central Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries and convents.
Built in a remote area to avoid the invading Turks, the monasteries seem suspended in air, perched atop high cliffs. Sometimes shrouded in fog, the view makes them feel all the more mystical (see Instagram for more photos of my trip to Meteora when it was shrouded in fog).
Six monasteries are accessible by hiking trails that weave their way up to each, but the trails can at times be quite steep and you will occasionally need to follow the roadside. Taking several days to allow time to visit and explore the grounds is ideal. But if you have less time (like I did) or you prefer to skip the hiking, you can also access many monasteries via a tour bus that will take you to visit each site with time to wander and explore the grounds.
Tip for 9s: take the train to Kalambaka, a small town situated just below Meteora. Not only do you experience a beautiful train ride, you also get a stunning view to enjoy your morning cup of coffee.
4- Perast, Montenegro
Less than 20 minutes north of Kotor, Perast is a sleepy bonus village a short bus or car ride away. It offers a beautiful promenade, small shops, and ancient architecture along the Bay of Kotor.
The city dates back to the 1300s, and with a population less than 300, it’s the perfect chill spot for nines. Sip a godfather cocktail along a waterfront restaurant patio with a stunning view of Our Lady of the Rocks, a majestic church that seems to float on the bay.
Chat with local vendors, see fresh pomegranates growing on trees and simply wander at your own pace without feeling rushed or having to deal with the kind of aggressive street vendors you find in more tourist-filled cities.
Perast is chill. The best kind of chill, and I can’t wait to return.
5 - Prizren, Kosovo
Prizren. Ah…cozy fireplaces in the winter, wonderful local sharri cheese, walkable stone streets, surrounded by mountains, a river running through city center, and a mix of mosques and cathedrals.
One foot planted firmly in Europe and the other steeped in Ottoman traditions, the city’s delightful architecture reflects a complex tapestry of cultures and religions that lay claim to this small corner of southeastern Europe.
Prizren is one of the most picturesque cities in Kosovo. Full of amazing food, a walkable path that leads to an ancient fortress high above the city, Albanian Kosovar hospitality, and Turkish influences you can see, feel and taste, Prizren is the perfect stop for foodies, hikers and those who love history.
And if you’re up for navigating crowds for a few days, arrive during DokuFest, an incredible international film festival that offers improvised screening venues by projecting films onto many of its outdoor local (ancient and new) sites. Prizren is a unique spot in all of the Balkans and one of my favorite spots to visit.
For more photos and commentary about some of my Eastern European excursions, peruse my Instagram account.
If you’re an Enneagram 9…
What are your favorite travel tips or traditions?
Do you have spots that you love and things you prefer to do?
How do you carve out peace or create space for yourself?
If you’re not a 9 — do you know which number you are?
Email me! I’d love to know!