Balkan Road Trip Route: 10 – 14 Day Itinerary Through 5 Countries

The Balkan Peninsula is geographically and culturally one of the most diverse regions in Europe. It’s home to mountain ranges, incredible cuisines, a dreamy coastline, and consists of multiple new countries, some of which weren’t “born” until 1992. The Balkan states, formally known as Yugoslavia, have a turbulent past, but with a booming tourism industry, a brighter future is in store.

The Balkan Peninsula is among our favourite areas of Europe, especially when it comes to road trips. It is severely underrated, overwhelmingly beautiful, and has so much to offer for those that are willing to hop in a car and choose the road less traveled.

Take our word for it! We’ve spent as much as five weeks at a time, on the road in the Balkans region. In this guide to the best Balkan road trip route, we’ve compiled the region’s highlights into 10 – 14 day long itineraries.

Essentials for the Best Balkan Road Trip Route

✈️ This Balkan road trip route begins in the city of Split, Croatia. If you’re flying to the Balkans for a road trip, search for flights into Split’s International Airport.

🚗 Plan on renting a car in Split where you’ll find the largest number of rental car agencies. Make reservations well in advance if you’re doing a Balkan road trip in the summer. This route also allow you to end the journey in Split which means you’ll pay less by returning the car to the same pick-up location.

🛣 Before booking a rental car, be 100% sure that there are no restrictions on driving the rental car across borders and within multiple countries. In this case, it’s worth it to read the fine print!

⚠ Aside from Croatia, the countries included in this Balkan road trip route are not part of the European Union. This is important to know in case you need to purchase an eSIM card or travel insurance that’s valid beyond the EU.

💸 A Balkan road trip is ideal for enthusiasts of budget travel. Compared to western Europe, travelling in the Balkans is very cost effective and affordable.

⏱ By driving throughout the Balkans for only one or two weeks, you’ll be able to see a good number of highlights but definitely not everything. This short amount of time is just a glimpse into these countries which will leave you wanting to come back and see more!

What Is the Best Way to Travel the Balkans?

Driving Throughout the Balkans

By opting for a road trip, you’re choosing to explore the Balkans beyond just a handful of big cities. Don’t get us wrong – the Balkan cities are 100% worth visiting, but they’re not necessarily the only places you want to see while in that part of the world.

The Balkans peninsula is an incredible arena for taking road trips, primarily because much of it is off the beaten path, and driving makes it a thousand times easier to reach its top sights. A solid Balkan road trip route should take you through national parks, beaches, underrated places and small towns which isn’t widely possible with public transportation in many Balkan countries.

🚗 Find a rental car for a perfect Balkan road trip route

Train Travel in the Balkans

There is a time and place where you should choose train travel without any hesitation. Touring the Balkans is not one of those times. This boils down to the fact that the Balkan peninsula isn’t efficiently covered by a train system, aside from reaching one major city to another.

For example, there are so many gorgeous places to see in the Balkans along the coast (hello, beautiful beaches!). For a majority of the shoreline, you can’t even take a train along the coast and will miss out on a lot.

Bus Rides & Tours of the Balkans

If you’re adamant about not driving in the Balkans, the next best ways to get around are by bus or with a guided tour. Bus transportation is much more common in the Balkans and superior to train travel in terms of coverage. With the right planning, you can complete this Balkan road trip route by bus if driving isn’t your thing. The only big downside to bus travel is that it can be slow.

→ 🚏Browse bus routes in the Balkans ←

Guided tours are very popular in the Balkans, especially those that include multiple countries within a short time frame. If you’re not a self-guided traveler, choose a pre-planned package instead, which already has all the logistics set for you. Naturally, this is the most expensive option for traveling in the Balkans, but sometimes, convenience trumps price.

→ 🧳 Find guided trips in the Balkans ←

Balkan Countries Included in This Road Trip Route

The Balkan peninsula is similarly structured to the remainder of Europe. Various states are small and in close proximity to each other, which makes it a breeze to hop on over from one country to another.

This Balkan road trip route includes travel to four countries if you only have ten days or five countries in a two-week itinerary. If you’re planning a week-long road trip adventure in the Balkans, it’s possible to visit Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. With an additional week, it’s doable to add North Macedonia to your itinerary.

🚗 Book a cheap rental car for your Balkan road trip

What About the Rest of the Balkan Peninsula?

“The Balkans” refers to the geographical region of the Balkan Peninsula. There is no official consensus on which states belong to the Balkans, and answers will differ depending on who you ask. For the most part, “the Balkans” typically refers to Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Most of the time, Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovenia are also mentioned.

That’s a crap ton of states. Unless you are planning on spending months on the road, do not expect a normal Balkan road trip to include all of these countries. Additionally, it makes sense to group the Balkan countries by area when planning where to travel. For example, Kosovo and Serbia are stacked which would make it easier to visit both within the same trip.

How Much Time Is Needed for a Balkan Road Trip?

Even with just visiting a handful of countries out of the many states located in the Balkan peninsula, it feels like there is never enough time. The Balkans are massive and one of the biggest mistakes that people make is that they try to squeeze in too many destinations within a short time frame.

We’ve included a 10-day itinerary below for those who are ambitious, energetic, and possibly experienced travellers. While it’s something we would be able to accomplish, the timeline is quick and not ideal for everyone (especially if you’re travelling with kids).

If it’s a possibility, we highly recommend opting for the 14-day (2-week) itinerary for a Balkan road trip route. It is less rushed, with shorter drive times, and jam-packed with highlights.

→ 🛫 Find cheap flights to Split Airport ←

Balkan Road Trip Route: 10 Days (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Day 1: Split, Croatia to Dubrovnik, Croatia

Total drive time – 3 hours

🏁 Begin in Split, Croatia

Kick off the Balkan road trip by departing from Split, Croatia. If you’re picking up a rental car, it’s recommended to do so at the airport so you can avoid driving in the busy city streets of Split.

Drive Along the Stunning Makarska Riviera

While your navigation may direct you inland, you’ll want to stay on the D8 state road which runs along Croatia’s coastline. The Makarska Riviera is one of the most underrated summer destinations in Croatia and is comprised of incredible beaches with turquoise waters.

Spend the Evening and Night in Exciting Dubrovnik

With an endless amount of things to do and see in Dubrovnik, exploring this medieval city can go well into the night. Within the historic fortress walls is where you’ll find the top sights and must-see landmarks in Dubrovnik in addition to the best restaurants. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll surely want to visit the iconic viewpoint of Dubrovnik located here.

→ 👣 Book a short walking tour of Dubrovnik ←

Day 2: Dubrovnik, Croatia to Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Total drive time – 2.5 hours

Cross the Border Into Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Among the first impressions of crossing into Montenegro is the coastal gem of Herceg Novi. This picturesque town sits on the waterfront of the Bay of Kotor and at the base of the country’s tallest mountain peak, Mount Orjen.

After stopping in Herceg Novi, you must continue along the shoreline and take the ferry from here to Lepetane in order to avoid driving around the entirety of Kotor Bay. The car ferry takes 10 minutes and costs around €5 per vehicle. You do not need reservations and the ferry runs consistently around the clock.

Experience the Breathtaking Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

Although it’s very well known, Sveti Stefan is still an absolute must-see destination in Montenegro. This 15th-century fishing village is an island connected by a narrow strip of sand from the mainland, creating two marvellous beaches on both sides. It is idyllic and even deemed perfect enough for celebrity vacations.

→ 🛌 Find a hotel in Sveti Stefan ←

Days 3 – 5: Sveti Stefan, Montenegro to the Albanian Riviera

Total drive time – 5 hours

Drive Through the Scenic Llogara Pass

One of the most scenic drives in Europe is the road which cuts through the Ceraunian Mountains in the Llogara National Park which reaches the shoreline of the Albanian Riviera. It is very high up and feels nearly vertical, but that’s just part of the thrill! Each twist and turn of Llogara Pass offers astounding views of the beaches below and even Greek islands in the distance.

Hit the Beaches in Dhërmi

While many tourists flock to Ksamil because that’s what they’ve heard about, it’s actually not where you’ll find the best beaches in Albania. Dhërmi and its surrounding area is the first section of the Albanian Riviera which also happens to have some of the most flawless beaches along the Adriatic. Turquoise water, fewer crowds, and even a few sandy beaches await! Give yourself some down time on this Balkan road trip and relax at the beaches for a couple of days.

→ 🛶 Kayak Tour of Dhërmi’s Best Beaches ←

Day 6: Dhërmi, Albania to Berat, Albania

Total drive time – 3 hours

Visit the UNESCO Site of Berat

Listed as one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Albania is the 2,400-year-old city of Berat. The city is often known as the City of a Thousand Windows because of the illusion caused by its perfectly preserved Ottoman-style homes and their many windows. Berat is a prominent symbol of Albanian heritage, architecture, and proof of religious co-existence within the country’s history.

The city of Berat is a top destination in Albania (for good reason) and no stranger to tourism – book a local walking tour to gain the most from your experience!

→ 🛌 Find places to stay in Berat ←

Days 7 – 8: Berat, Albania to Theth National Park, Albania

Total drive time – 5 hours

Go Hiking in Theth National Park

It’s time to spend a couple of days in the pinnacle of Albanian nature and mountainous landscape. Theth National Park is the country’s pride and joy when it comes to outdoor adventures, breathtaking views and towering mountain summits.

From the small village of Theth, you can either find a local guide to take you on a hike or skip the walking and book a 4×4 tour instead. In rural parts of Albania like Theth, it’s best to simply ask your host to help you organize a trek or excursion. Nine out of ten times, they’ll have a solution for you!

→ 🏔 Find places to stay in Theth, Albania ←

Day 9: Theth, Albania to Kotor, Montenegro

Total drive time – 4 hours

Explore Old Town Kotor

Originally founded by the Romans, Kotor also goes by its Italian name of Cattaro. It is an ancient fortified town, which means it was walled in as a form of defence, once upon a time. Today, it feels like you’re stepping back in time as the town center is accessible on foot through the maze-like alleys and cobblestone-lined paths.

Listed as a UNESCO Site, old town Kotor is an absolute must-visit destination in Montenegro and definitely among the most charming and well-preserved sites in the Balkans region.

📸 Top Rated Activity: Private Guided Walking Tour of Old Town Kotor

Bonus: Reach the Top of Lovcen National Park

From Kotor, it’s a brief drive up the mountain and along the famous Kotor Serpentine road which consists of 25 hairpin turns. The drive up is just part of the experience of reaching the Lovcen peak, where you can also visit the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegosh. This detour doesn’t take long and is absolutely worth it in order to find the best panoramic views of Kotor Bay.

Day 10: Kotor, Montenegro to Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Total drive time – 3 hours

Visit the Iconic Bridge in Mostar

Quite possibly the most photogenic bridge in the world is this Ottoman-era bridge over the Neretva River found in the city of Mostar. It stands 20 metres high and is defined by its insanely angled arch, which only once you actually walk across, will understand how vertical it is. Many tourists head to the Balkans just to see this particular bridge and we can confirm, you can’t miss it! The surrounding streets are lined with cute shops, restaurants, cafes and an old bazaar.

→ 🛌 Find places to stay in Mostar ←

Balkan Road Trip Route: 2 Weeks (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Day 1: Split, Croatia to Brač, Croatia

Take a Ferry to the Island of Brač

There are over 1,200 formations within the Croatian Archipelago. Nearly 80 of them are legitimate islands that sunbathers seek out for their summer holiday. Island hopping in Croatia is the latest obsession for those who aren’t traveling a bit further south to Greece.

Split is a major ferry port, which means you can hop on a boat in Split and get to almost anywhere along the coast. The island of Brač is within close proximity and definitely worth the brief ferry ride to enjoy some beaches and a taste of Croatian island life.

Day 2: Brač, Croatia to Dubrovnik, Croatia

Total drive time – 2.5 hours

From the east end of Brač island, you can take a ferry from the port in Sumartin to the city of Makarska, back on the mainland. As you travel south along the D8 from Makarska, you won’t be able to help yourself once you see a continuous stretch of gorgeous beaches, one after another. The Makarska Riviera is unquestionably in the top three best areas for beaches in Croatia.

→ ⛴ Book ferry tickets from Brač to Makarska ←

Explore the Picturesque City of Dubrovnik

While Dubrovnik is one of the most popular places in the entire Balkan peninsula, it’s still worth visiting as long as you can accept it that it will be a little crowded. The fortified town centre of old Dubrovnik is undoubtedly the most picturesque area of Dubrovnik with its historic architecture, countless landmarks and probably a few filming locations you’ll recognize.

The best view of Dubrovnik can be found in Dubrovnik West Harbour.

😋 Top Rated Activity: Dubrovnik Gastronomy 3-Hour Food and Wine Tour

Day 3: Dubrovnik, Croatia to Petrovac, Montenegro

Total drive time – 2.5 hours

Wander Through the Medieval Town of Herceg Novi

Founded in 1382, the identity of Herceg Novi has been influenced by countless empires from invasions and conquests. While its picture-perfect location on the shores of Kotor Bay is great now, it made Herceg Novi awfully vulnerable throughout history.

While wandering through the medieval quarter of Herceg Novi, make sure to visit the Kanli Kula (an amphitheater and fortress) and the Forte Mare Fortress right on the water. The old town is also very vertical and consists of many stairs, which is a great opportunity to stretch your legs from the road trip.

Enjoy the Romantic Landscape of Sveti Stefan

This gem has come a long way from once being a coastal fortress and humble fishing village. Now, Sveti Stefan is known as one of the most luxurious places to visit in the Balkans and has even hosted members of royal families. Connected by a sandbar with two stunning beaches on each side, Sveti Stefan is an island and among the most memorable sceneries in all of Europe.

→ 🛌 Find places to stay in Sveti Stefan ←

Go Swimming in Petrovac

The settlement of Petrovac has existed since the 4th century when the Romans decided it was beautiful enough to build their own vacation villas there. Today, it is purely a holiday hotspot and filled with beautiful hotels, vacation rentals, and a gorgeous beach which overlooks two islets in the bay. Atop one of these islets is St. Nedjelja Church, which is built directly into the jagged rock.

Days 4 – 6: Petrovac, Montenegro to the Albanian Riviera

Total drive time – 5 hours

Catch the Endless Panoramic Views Along Llogara Pass

The drive through Llogara Pass is an activity of its own and a must-do experience in Albania. Each turn and hairpin provides a different sweeping view of the Albanian Riviera below and into the horizon of the Adriatic Sea. There are a couple of designated viewpoints to stop at during the drive as well as small cafes, a few friendly donkeys and horses.

The roads are narrow and curvy, so it is one of the top places in Albania which you should be extra cautious while driving.

Enjoy a Proper Beach Holiday in Dhërmi and Himarë

Read our guide for a full review of the best places and beaches to visit in Himarë.

→ 🐠 Book a boat trip to the incredible Gjipe Beach ←

Day 7: Himarë, Albania to Gjirokaster, Albania

Total drive time – 2 hours

Check Out the Famous Blue Eye

The Blue Eye near Sarandë became a worldwide phenomenon among bucket list travelers. It is famous for the resemblance of… a blue eye. Beneath the unrealistically clear turquoise surface of the spring water is the dark entrance to a cave, which acts as the pupil of the blue eye illusion.

It is technically not possible to swim in the Blue Eye because it’s a protected nature reserve but still remains to be one of the most popular attractions in the Balkans.

Stroll Through Old Town Gjirokaster

Defined by a castle at the top of the town’s hill, the walls of this fortress are believed to date back to the 12th century. The streets of the old town of Gjirokaster below are beautifully preserved and known for their significance in Albanian heritage. Therefore, Gjirokaster has been a UNESCO Site since 2005 and is famously visited for its atmospheric bazaar which runs along multiple streets. Hands down, Gjirokaster is one picture-perfect gem in Albania that should not be missed.

Read our guide for more about visiting Gjirokaster, Albania.

→ 🚶🏻‍♀️Book an inexpensive walking tour of Gjirokaster ←

Day 8: Gjirokaster, Albania to Berat, Albania

Total drive time – 2.5 hours

Walk Around the UNESCO Ranked Site of Berat

Berat is adorned with white Ottoman-era houses, which has earned the town the nickname “The City of a Thousand Windows.” While Berat is incredible to look at, there are additional landmarks that shouldn’t be missed:

• Berat Castle
• National Iconographic Museum
• Gorica Bridge
• Mangalem Neighbourhood of Ottoman Homes
• St. Theodore’s Church

👣 Recommended Activity: Berat Culture and History Walking Tour

Days 9 – 10: Berat, Albania to Ohrid, North Macedonia

Total drive time – 3 hours

Visit Lake Ohrid, One of the Oldest Lakes in the World

A majority of Lake Ohrid is located in North Macedonia, but a portion of it also belongs to Albania. Its main significance is that it’s the oldest lake in Europe and also one of the deepest. Naturally, it has a long history and many secrets that have yet to be uncovered. As recently as 2023, discoveries were made in Lake Ohrid of an 8,000-year-old settlement that was believed to have been built on stilts.

While driving to Ohrid, make a stop in Lin, Albania just before the border with North Macedonia. This is the actual site of the oldest settlement to be found in Europe. Read our guide on visiting the ancient village of Lin, Albania.

See the Landmarks in Ohrid’s Historic Centre

Read our guide for a full review on the best sights in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

→ 🚤 Top Rated Activity: Full-Day Private Lake Ohrid Tour ←

Day 11: Ohrid, North Macedonia to Krujë, Albania

Total drive time – 3 hours

Discover The Ancient City of Kruje

The old town streets of Krujë (or Kruja) feel like you’re strolling through a movie set. It is without a doubt one of the most photogenic destinations in Albania and perhaps the Balkan peninsula. While many people will visit Krujë for the castle, the old bazaar that’s filled with vendors, artists and restaurants is the real heart of this adorable town.

→ 🏰 Book a tour of Kruja Castle ←

Days 12 – 13: Kruje, Albania to Theth, Albania

Total drive time – 3 hours

Go Trekking or Off-Roading in Theth National Park

To experience the finest of Albania’s nature, adventuring through the Theth National Park is a must. The dramatic scenery of soaring peaks, rushing rivers, and blooming wildflowers is among the dreamiest we’ve experienced in all of Europe.

Small towns like Theth are nestled at the bases of the Albanian Alps and home to some of the coziest guesthouses you’ll ever experience.

→ 🏔 Find places to stay in Theth, Albania ←

Day 14: Theth, Albania to Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Total drive time – 5.5 hours

Walk Across the Picturesque Bridge in Mostar

Also known as Stari Most, the original bridge that connects two sides of Mostar was built in 1566 before its devastating destruction during the Bosnian war. Naturally, the decision to reconstruct this incredible bridge was a no-brainer and now, it attracts travellers from all over the world.

The romantic scene of the arched bridge floating over the blue river with surrounding stone buildings and historic mosques is as idyllic as it is one-of-a-kind.

→ 🇧🇦 Book a walking tour of Mostar ←

Is Driving in the Balkans Safe for Tourists?

Despite the lack of the worldwide popularity that western Europe receives, the Balkans are a safe destination for foreigners. In terms of overall travel safety, there are no unique precautions that tourists need to take while visiting the Balkan states. Aside from the basics like using common sense, steering clear of tourist scams, and keeping a close eye on your belongings, there are no legitimate safety concerns for tourists.

Driving throughout the Balkans is a little different and we’d be lying if we said it’s not just a tad colourful. Of course, this depends on if you’ve driven abroad before and where. For example, if you compare the driving habits in the Balkans to what you experience in southern Italy, it’s really not terribly different. But, if you only have experience with driving in the U.S. or western Europe, you are in for some surprises during a Balkan road trip.

This is not to say that driving is unsafe in the Balkans. For any confident driver, driving in the Balkan peninsula is unchallenging.

Things to be mindful of while driving in the Balkans:

• Tailgating and Passing – It is guaranteed that you will be tailgated. Do not provoke fellow drivers, stay focused on the road ahead of you and eventually they will pass you. Even on narrow roads, passing cars are very common so don’t be alerted.
• Animal Traffic – In addition to being stuck behind tractors, you’ll find farm animals sharing the roads with you. Naturally, you’ll want to avoid hitting goats, sheep, donkeys, etc. but also be patient while they cross.
• Avoid Cities – Unless you consider yourself an expert driver, do not test your skills by driving in the city centres of big cities in the Balkans. It is usually absolute mayhem and all bets are off.

→ ☔️ Protect your Balkan road trip with travel insurance ←

Important Tips for Travelling in the Balkans

1. Do not treat each country in the Balkans as the same place.

Individual countries in the Balkan Peninsula have their own history, government, language, culture, and more. As travellers, the most important thing we should bring with us to any new place is respect. While the Balkans are safe to visit, regional and political issues are still present (as they are everywhere in the world) and it’s crucial to be delicate on certain matters.

2. Know the currency of each country you are traveling to.

Some may use the euro, and some may use their own currency. In that case, you should have the correct type of cash on hand. While popular tourist areas throughout the Balkans tend to accept the euro anyway, it’s not always the case.

A currency cheat sheet for Balkan countries mentioned in this road trip route:

• Croatia Currency – Euro
• Montenegro Currency – Euro
• Albania Currency – Albanian Lek
• Bosnia & Herzegovina – Convertible Mark
• North Macedonia – Macedonian Denar

On this note, make sure you always have cash (coins too) available because it’s not a given that credit cards are accepted everywhere.

3. Prepare for border patrol.

Compared to traveling throughout EU states, crossing the border in the Balkans takes more time. There are physical borders and a control process at each one when traveling from one Balkan state to another. In general, it’s best to factor in some extra travel time to get through these borders. There have been days where we’ve had to wait over one hour and days where we breezed on through – you never know!

To ensure you don’t have any issues crossing borders in the Balkans, have your documents ready. This includes passports, driver’s license, car insurance/registration. Or, if you rented a car, all you need to present is the folder of rental car documents.

In addition to your passport, do your research on any required visas needed to enter a specific Balkan country. Depending on your nationality, you may require a tourist visa.

4. English is largely spoken in popular places of the Balkans, especially in large cities.

However, if you venture off to rural areas or fuel up at a gas station in the middle of nowhere, English is not a given. Our recommendation is to always download the local language in the Google Translator App before you travel so you don’t get stuck in a lost in translation situation. Additionally, learning phrases in local languages is always the best idea.

5. Gas stations are abundant in the Balkans.

While the chance of running out of gas is low, make it a habit to keep your tank full just in case. Fuelling up in the Balkans is rather straight forward and there are no quirks to the process. Gas stations which have attendants or a kiosk means you can typically pay with both cash and card.

To avoid crappy fuel or questionable scenarios, do not stop for gas at really small gas stations with one or two pumps. Instead, look for brands that you often see and that are big establishments. For example, Kastrati in Albania is a very well-known gas station company.

If you are renting a car, be 1000% certain of the type of fuel that goes into your rental car.

Balkan Road Trip Route Resources

TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

---

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.