The Balkans are one of the most unique and culturally rich parts of the world. This Eastern European region has often gotten a bad rap for its turbulent history but the Balkan countries are now safe and affordable places to travel to. With friendly locals, excellent food and plenty of beaches and historical sites, consider the Balkans for your next road trip.
I've personally traveled through all of the former Yugoslavian countries, with the exception of Slovenia and it is certainly possible to travel through the Balkans using only public transportation. However, buses can be infrequent and sometimes unreliable, which makes traveling by car a distinct advantage.
If you're able to find a rental car company that allows for one-way rentals and border crossings, and you're willing to brave the risk of the roads, travel the Balkans by car. Plus, there are stunning natural areas and sites like monasteries that can be hard to reach by public transit. So, I've put together a seven-country Balkan road trip that can be done in small parts or spread out over the course of an entire season. If possible, I'd recommend doing this trip during the shoulder seasons of April and May or September and October. It's a lot less crowded.
Belgrade makes for a convenient starting point
Balkan airports are not exactly known for being well-connected but there is one big exception to that. Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport receives direct flights from all over Europe as well as from New York and Chicago. The capital of Serbia, Belgrade is located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. It's also known as the Barcelona of the Balkans for its vibrant nightlife.
Some of Belgrade's biggest attractions are its fortress and its Orthodox churches like St. Mark and the lavishly gilded Temple of Saint Sava. Its worth checking out one of the local "kafanas" in Belgrade, which are taverns that offer food, drink and often live music.
After Belgrade, head an hour north to Serbia's second city, Novi Sad. The center square is charming and photogenic and it's worth checking out the Novi Sad Synagogue and heading across the Danube to Pertovaradin fortress.
Ottoman architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital Sarajevo is four hours and 30 minutes away from Novi Sad. It has been called the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its religious and diversity. Sarajevo is one of the only cities in Europe with a mosque, catholic church, orthodox church and synagogue in the same neighborhood.
After heading to the 15th century bazaar Bascarsija, indulge in Sarajevo's rich cuisine, with dishes like cevapi and burek. A unique activity to do in Sarajevo is to hike to and walk along the 1984 Olympic bobsled track.
Mostar, located two hours from Sarajevo, is the next point along our route and one of the highlights of the trip. The Old Bridge in Mostar is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic symbol of the city. There are also excellent day trips from Mostar, like Blagaj and Pocitelj. Vrelo Bune in Blagaj is a natural spring flowing from a canyon with small waterfalls 20 minutes from Mostar. Meanwhile, Pocitelj is 30 minutes south of Mostar and a historic hillside town that's now an open air museum.
The last stop in Bosnia is Trebinje, part of the Republika Srpska, which is one of the two federal governmental entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trebinje is a town of just 31,000 people along the Trebisnjica river which can be visited in one day. Make sure to check out the hilltop Hercegovacka Gracanica temple, the Arslanagic Bridge and the historical center.
Quick stop in Croatia
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, Dubrovnik, is located just 35 minutes south of Trebinje. This famous walled city on the Adriatic sea was a prominent filming location for King's Landing in Game of Thrones.
Dubrovnik is noticeably pricier than the other cities on the list but it's one of the most photogenic locations in the Balkans. One could easily spend a few days wandering in and around the historic center alone. The most popular activity is walking along the city walls and taking in the views. However, it is 40 euros for a ticket and can get quite crowded in the Summer.
So, a free alternative to walking the city walls is hiking up to a viewpoint. I'd recommend the Bosanka viewpoint for the most complete view of Dubrovnik's walled city center. As this is the first coastal location on the itinerary, take advantage of the opportunity to eat some delicious Croatian seafood dishes.
Stunning Montenegro flies under the radar
The first stop in beautiful and underrated Montenegro is Herceg Novi, just under an hour's drive from Dubrovnik. Herceg Novi is a laid back seaside town with a picturesque historical center. However, my favorite place in the city is the tranquil Savina Monastery, which has incredible sea views. The long waterfront promenade makes Herceg Novi a great place for a walk or run.
Another of the most stunning places in the Balkans is Kotor, located on its namesake bay, one hour from Herceg Novi. Kotor has become an incredibly popular destination in recent years so expect it to be crowded in the summer, especially in the historical center. Like in Dubrovnik, the best way to beat the crowds is to hike.
To sidestep the 15 Euro entrance fee at the stairs for Kotor Fortress, consider hiking up to it instead. Then, continue onto the Old Kotor Fort Trail for jawdropping views of the city and the Bay of Kotor. After your descent, make sure to stop by BBQ Tanjga for huge portions of meat, potatoes and vegetables to refuel.
As day trips on the way to Budva, consider heading to Lovcen National Park and its Njegos Mausoleum, which is the highest mausoleum in the world at over 5400 feet above sea level. Lovcen is about an hour from Kotor. Continue on for a half hour to Cetinje for lunch and make sure to visit the monastery there.
Budva, our final destination in Montenegro, is about 35 minutes from Cetinje. It's a resort city with plenty of beaches and good nightlife. I'd recommend heading to Mogren Beach and walking up to Fort Mogren.
Northern Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia
Our next stop is the Northern Albanian city of Shkoder, two hours from Budva. In Shkoder, don't miss Rozafa Castle, biking along Lake Skadar and the Ottoman era Mesi Bridge. If you have the time, I'd highly recommend heading two hours north up to the Albanian Alps in Theth National Park and hiking the scenic Valbona Pass. If not, head two hours and 45 minutes east from Shkoder to Prizren, Kosovo.
In Prizren, see panoramic views of the city by heading up to Prizren Fortess. The Stone Bridge and Sinan Pasha Mosque are other worthwhile sites in the "cultural capital of Kosovo". From Prizren, Kosovo's capital and biggest city, Pristina, is one hour and 10 minutes away. While in Pristina, you'll bizarrely see a statue of former U.S. president Bill Clinton. Clinton launched the NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia in 1999 just as Serbia was cracking down on ethnic Albanian Kosovar independence efforts.
So, Clinton is considered a hero in the Kosovo. Another reminder of the Kosovo War is the eerie and unfinished Christ the Savior Serbian Orthodox church near the National Library. The library is well worth a visit as well for its unconventional architecture. After Pristina, head to North Macedonia's capital Skopje, which is one hour and 30 minutes away.
You'll find more bizarre statues in Skopje, which commissioned a city makeover a decade ago to "attract tourists". These over the top monuments are scattered across the city and hearken back to ancient Macedonia, which is a point of contention with neighboring Greece. In Skopje make sure to check out the Old Bazaar and consider hiking up to the Millennium Cross.
The jewel of North Macedonia is Ohrid, a two hour and 40 minute drive from Skopje and located on the lake named for it. Ohrid, along with Sarajevo contests the title of "Jerusalem of the Balkans". There are churches everywhere in Ohrid and the best of the bunch are Saints Clement and Panteleimon, Saint Sophia and the waterfront Church of Saint John the Theologian.
Ohrid is an excellent place to spend a few days. Make sure to stop by Samuel's Fortress, Beach Labino, Plaoshnik Archaeological Park, Old Bazaar Street, and the Macedonian Theater. Also consider taking a boat ride to the famous Sveti Naum monastery.
Historic sites in Albania
After spending time on Lake Ohrid, take a three hour drive back into Albania and check out Berat. The historical center with its signature white buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk up to the Berat Castle for the best views of the city and the Osum River.
Two hours and 30 minutes south, you'll find Gjirokaster, another hilltop UNESCO World Heritage site. The food in Albania is generally excellent but Taverna Brahimi stood out. Gjirokaster also has an interesting castle and consider heading out to the Ali Pasha Bridge, which provides a stark contrast to the canyon landscape
Finish off this long road trip at the beach and drive an hour southwest to Sarande. A resort city, Sarande also has some intriguing cultural attractions. The abandoned Monastery of 40 Saints is worth exploring for the adventurous. Butrint National Park contains Greek and Roman ruins on a waterfront setting and some of the best beaches are in nearby Ksamil.
From Sarande, you can head to the nearest international airport, which is on the nearby island of Corfu in Greece. Conversely, you can head up to Albania's capital, Tirana, to catch a flight back home after a long and rewarding trip.