Elafonisi Beach is next, and is another island beach connected to Crete by a sand bank across shallow waters. This is a traditional sword dance that reenacts a battle that the Korculans had with the Ottoman turks in the medieval times. Calculate roughly 3 to 3.5 weeks for this route. Belgrade has a ton of traffic and parking can be a bit of a nightmare, so I suggest picking a place to stay in Belgrade that is outside the downtown area: Vracar, Novi Beograd, and Zemun are all fantastic neighborhoods. This route is different from everywhere else I have driven and one of the most beautiful trips I’ve ever done. You’ll need to figure out in advance which day you’ll be leaving from Split, and reserve a rental car. From Umag, you can visit some of Istria’s best wineries or take a day trip to the beautiful hill towns Motovun, Buje, or Groznjan. Visit Discover Cars and plug in your dates to see what’s available, my top tips for a successful road trip in Montenegro. Make sure to give yourself enough time to visit Shipka, which is about thirty minutes from Buzludzha. Famous for looking like a Communist UFO, give yourself time to get out and walk around the site. You’ll want to have breakfast in the accommodation and head back to the car quite early – by 8 or 9am. The next brief stop was the city of Sighisoara, which has a UNESCO-Listed walled old town. Although a large city, Split’s center is quite small, relaxed, and full of history. Slovenia is the perfect spot for a Balkan road trip. I like writing them but have been trying to wait, to allow time to accumulate more stories and anecdotes so I don’t bore you, lovely reader, with comments like, we’re having fun, we’ve driven a lot, blah, blah, blah. Slovenia was a top spot on my Balkan itinerary for many reasons. Check out this kayaking through caves tour to Dugi Otok, or this popular river canoeing tour. Giving yourself between 7 and 10 days to complete a road trip between Chania and Rethymno should allow you enough time to get a taste of the towns and an insight into Cretan culture. 15 cities and towns (19 if I visit all 5 towns in Cinque Terre) . or sit down to a romantic alleyway meal anywhere in old town. You will be able to explore tiny island towns, swim in crystal clear waters, and maybe explore even more beaches and caves. Recommended by Paulina, Paulina on the Road. There are tons of trails surrounding it. It’s always bustling at night in the summer months with street fairs, open air clubs, and more. One side is all done up and preserved with glass, but the rest are more authentic ruins crumbling at the edges. After a few days in the Accursed Mountains, begin the 3.5-4 hour drive to Durmitor National Park. When searching for a rental car in the Balkans, I highly recommend using Discover Cars. So naturally, all my guides include a good dose of all the above. After Hula Hula, choose from one of my recommendations below/in my Hvar Super Guide for dinner. Even if just for a coffee and a break from driving, pull a few minutes off the main road to soak up the last few moments of Croatian sun. Short distances, safe roads and affordable car rentals – the Balkans is a great place for a road trip. You can even backpack around the Balkans if you’d rather. This itinerary includes many under the radar places but Plitvice Lakes National Park is not one of them. From here, you can make your return journey to Podgorica. The Old Town is perfectly preserved and the pedestrianised streets will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Jaz osebno sem ga zaenkrat naredil trikrat, tistega obsežnega. Recommended by Stephanie, Sofia Adventures. The next day, we enjoyed the beautiful Skocjanske caves, a less-crowded alternative to Postojna cave. The drive will be about an hour. Traffic laws in the Balkans are not too difficult too grasp. Calculate at least three days. Rise and shine, it’s time for your first full day! Or, you can make it a longer Balkan road trip by starting in Romania and continuing south to Greece. In a week or more, you can fit in a cross-border itinerary to get a taste for the region’s diversity. I always use Skyscanner to compare fares from all flight providers to find the best deals. There are also some really nice resorts that are quite removed. Montenegro is the perfect place for a Balkan road trip. Sinaia was our last stop before heading back to Bucharest. I’m also a bona-fide festival fiend, so you’ll find tips and in-depth guides to festivals all over the world. This Balkans itinerary as it is written lasts just under 3 weeks, but it’s designed so you can go at your own pace using the route I have outlined. They drive on the right side of the road and have similar streets and freeways to the rest of Europe. There are a few options: Kavana No. A&S is designed to inspire young-at-heart travelers to plan AND make the most of a dream trip. Love road trips? If not, grab some takeaway food either in Bled, or when you get back to Ljubljana! Have your passports out to cross into the third country of your trip! Find your way around Serbia’s second city with my Novi Sad city guide. Last year I spent one month exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro and that 21 days could have easily been extended into a three or four-month trip, at least. These countries comprise the Western Balkans – one day I’ll make a longer itinerary including all the other incredible Balkan countries as well. The next stop is Samaria Gorge, a great spot for hiking lovers. Yet, a quick research brought me to the Savica Waterfalls near the lakes Bohinj and Bled. This Balkan road trip will take you from the capital, Pristina, to the most scenic town, Prizren, via Peja – gateway to the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Kosovo. All images on this site, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted property of myself and are not to be used or distributed without express permission from myself or proper attribution. The easiest place to begin a road trip in Istria is in the biggest city, Pula. Head back to the car around 4-5pm for a slight road trip to Blagaj Springs 15 minutes away. You can do a 12k hike around one side of Lake Bohinj, go river rafting in Bled, do an organized tour + boat ride to Bled Lake/Castle, or go canyoning in the Bohinj Valley. Korčula is called a ‘mini Dubrovnik’ because it is similarly an old walled town on the water. In three weeks it would be pretty much impossible to include it all, so I had to prioritize due to the schedule I had and the needs of my group. When is the Best Time to Visit the Balkans? I’d recommend setting aside 10 days to fully enjoy it. There are two different kinds of Elaphite islands tours, choose which sounds best to you: Dinner: Today grab some takeaway after a long dayor choose from the recommended restaurants above. The P14 is arguably the most beautiful road in all of Montenegro. If you’re into beaches, you can’t go past the fantastically scenic route stretching along the coast of Albania. You’ll drive past some lovely little hilltop towns on your way into Slovenia. We are also inspired by Souvenir Chronicles about driving around the Balkans by car and they were very nice to answer our initial questions about driving a rental car around this area. There are great viewpoints looking over the city, fascinating ruins, and rich history. Glad you found the post helpful. Spend a night in Virpazar where you can enjoy a boat trip on the marshy lake and do birdwatching. You can purchase them in advance online or get them from a store called Travel Corner in port Gruž. When you click on these affiliate links or use promo codes to purchase something, I will get a small commission of the purchase at no extra cost to you (in fact, sometimes it gets you an extra discount!). Your journey continues along the scenic Sedlo Route P14 through the heart of Durmitor National Park to Pluzine. Make sure you have a navigation system (even if offline Google Maps) to guide you on your way, as signs will obviously be in Croatian. More Transylvania goodness: My guide to the handsome walled city of Sighisoara. Today, you can: After the sun sets, choose a spot from the list above to have a last meal from your Balkans road trip. Other than a summer trip providing more time to travel, do you know of any other pros/cons in regards to a summer vs. winter trip? After Prizren, it’s time to drive to Peja in the northern part of Kosovo. The whole trip is a bit over 900km. You can either admire Predjama from outside, or pay a bit extra to go inside. Rent a car/vespa scooters and explore the island, rent a boat to explore the surrounding Pakleni islands, have a beach day, or take a 30 minute bus to explore to oldest town in Croatia, Stari Grad, and taste some Hvar wine. We didn’t have any trouble getting around in winter. The river divides the town in two different worlds. If you want to do trekking (for example in Albania), the season doesn’t start until late May/June. If you only have one day, you can follow the stops below. The true beauty of a Balkans road trip is its flexibility. However, a lot of smaller places (especially coastal towns in Croatia and Montenegro) are very seasonal and almost completely shut down in winter. Montenegro has endless towns along its coastline that are famous for their beaches. ) and have a bit of an explore and dinner before retiring for the night. After a relaxing afternoon, we ended our evening with sunset at Lake Bled. 15 Cities, 6 Countries, 20 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary for a Austria, Balkans, & Italy road trip May 01, 2017 20 days of summer. It might be late when you get in today, so simply walk into the old walled town (are you tired of them yet?! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. . This Balkan road trip is a dream because it includes all the main highlights of the region: turquoise beaches, Roman and medieval towns, stunning nature, and interesting history. Stay a night in Pula and explore it more fully! Best time to visit the Balkan. Budva is easily worth a few days time – it’s a much bigger city than Kotor and is the place young and old come at night time to wander the busy old town streets, listen to live music, and go clubbing. Once you check into your accommodation, get out into the city! Stretch your legs: My tips for the Valbona to Theth hike. It’s now been converted into a museum. Put on your swim suit for a brief stop at some gorgeous waterfalls (and a castle) on the way out of the country and into Montenegro. The ride only lasts a little over an hour, but you’ll already get fantastic views. Sveti Stefan – You can also do Sveti Stefan today (rather than yesterday) to spend more time there. 4. The streets are mostly in good condition and the views are nice. My recommendation is to visit medieval Trogir, Krka waterfalls, and at least one of the islands (there are island hopping tours to cover more in less time). For this part of the Balkans road trip, I’m going to give you a couple options. Head here on the morning of your third day and stay one night. While driving up, I wondered if we were in Yosemite National Park in the US. Get going whenever, and head to some of the sights of the city. You’ll want to exchange euro or get some out before the trip. As I made my way down the coast, Krka, Split and other small towns all made for excellent stopover points. One part of the park has larger lakes and taller waterfalls, whereas the other part has tons of smaller waterfalls above each other. My road trip route between Chania and Rethymno took me through Balos, Elafonisi, Loutro, Samaria Gorge, Falassarna, Preveli Monastery and beach, Margarites Village and Argyroupoli. Join our 6-day Balkan Road Trip while we explore the incredibly diverse Slovenia and its hidden gems in a caravan of retro VW busses. This was a Hungarian fort before the area was under Ottoman rule, and now it’s an old walled town up a hill with a few great lookout points. Check out my city guides for Prizren and Pristina for more tips. Planning the perfect road trip through the Balkans can be a challenging. The next two days were spent exploring the beautiful Triglavski National Park and the stunning Tolmin Gorge. Gostilnica Strudl is as authentic as it gets, and is just in the main town outside of Lake Bohinj. The first day of driving from Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, to the coast takes you over one of the most magnificent stretches of road anywhere in the region: the land bridge over Skadar Lake. Check out my guide for exploring Pocitelj. After Elafonisi you can stop for a swim at yet another beautiful beach called Dalassarna. Sarajevo is even more heavily Turkish than Mostar, with a heavier war history, too. If you’d like something local again, head to Lady Pipi (go early because there may be a line!) So it depends on what activities you want to do as well. It includes an interactive map of motorhome stops and campsites and will help you as a starting point if you are planning a camping, caravanning or motorhome trip in … This ski-resort town was nice and quiet, as we did the trip at the end of March: too late for ski season, too early for hiking season. A few days in charming Krushevo, my favourite place in North Macedonia, will recharge your spirits. Here, you can feast on truffle-laden dishes while enjoying all the charms of a Tuscan hill town with a fraction of the crowds. Don’t miss a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, one of the most unique churches in the Balkans. While Western Serbia is full of beautiful natural wonders like the Drina River and Tara National Park, this road trip in Serbia focuses on four important Serbian cities that are all easily connected by the best highway in the country, making it an easy route. You’ll take your last ferry today, from the same place the previous one dropped you off. It will take you less than an hour to drive from Mostar to the region of two more famous viewpoints of the region: Kravice Waterfalls and Počitelj Castle. The next day, visit the main attractions around the area: The Merry Cemetery and a prison transformed in museum. You’ll take the ferry from Dubrovnik to Korčula (korch-uh-luh). I‘ll let you know where there are options to visit other places if you have more time. Set your destination in Zadar and get on the road! The bridge was destroyed during the war in Jugoslavia and re-built in 2004. Ideally, stay there or nearby. End your Serbia trip in Subotica. We decided to stop only briefly at Bran Castle (the famous Dracula’s castle) for a quick walk around the exterior. Landing in Sofia and wanting to hit Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Old ladies will be selling homemade juices of pomegranate, elderflower, and rose, and little cones full of fresh nuts and dried fruit. Finally, no trip to Istria is complete without a stop in Rovinj. That’s definitely something to consider. For a sit-down meal, try Bruschetta (delicious higher-end restaurant) or Restaurant Kastel. I recommend hiking up to the Hollywood-like ‘Brasov’ sign for a breathtaking view of the city. Note that there’s a 1 Euro entrance fee per person per day. Check out some tips for driving in the Balkans if you like. The Balkans are probably the most underrated and off-the-beaten-path regions in the world, but that also makes it tough to plan out a trip accordingly. There are wonderful cafes and restaurants to enjoy, candy-coloured architecture everywhere you look, and the gorgeous Petrovaradin Fortress which is definitely a can’t-miss. Today you will do a day trip from Ljubljana to some GORGEOUS lakes in the Slovenian countryside. The Balkans is one of the best regions in Europe for self-driving. While you’re there, take the chair lift to Snezhanka Peak or climb the Snezhanka TV tower for breathtaking views. When you’ve had your fill of views and more markets, head back to Mostar. The line may be long, but it’ll save you lots of energy! When someone mentions Slovenia, however, everyone instantly thinks of its capital Ljubljana or the picturesque Lake Bled. Your Balkans road trip itinerary conveniently begins and ends in Dubrovnik – you’re welcome Dubrovnik is one of the most famous cities in Europe and pretty much like a fairytale in real life. Prizren is home to a large fortress located atop a hill – the perfect sunrise or sunset spot. The first stop in Slovenia will be an incredible castle built into the side of a cliff face – Predjama Castle. There will be options for both history and partying today, and enjoying Hvar’s great food. First and foremost, make sure that your car has the proper insurance so you are able to cross the border. Read my guide to visiting Kravice waterfalls below for more info: After your swim, get changed and drive 10 minutes to the impressive hillside fortress of Počitelj. Click below for more in-depth info. Spice Thai Food/Burgers in the Main Square: If you want something a bit different, there’s a fantastic burger place right next to a Thai restaurant in the main square of Hvar town. Click here to read my post about canyoning, river rafting, zip lining, hiking, alpine lakes, scenic overpasses, and more amazing things you can do in Montenegro when you stray from the coast. However, I did my best to share our Balkan road trip itinerary anyway. Here’s how to travel between Rovinj and Pula by bus. From Shkoder, it’s no more than an hour of driving to Ulcinj, a quick hop over the Montenegrin border. Some roads may be narrow. Finally, head up to Vojvodina, an autonomous region of Serbia which used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. If you want to hike higher, I recommend doing the hike in the morning and exploring the town in the evening. You could definitely spend longer in Bosnia + Herzegovina. From there, follow the highway south and turn off to the beach whenever you fancy! After a few days in capital observing the contrasts between Skopje’s sculpture-dotted city centre and the old Ottoman-era bazaar, drive west to the small town of Tetovo, home to one of the most stunning mosques in the Balkans region. After a few days on the Adriatic coast, head to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Famous for its imposing Roman Amphitheatre, it’s also worth taking the time to visit Pula’s bustling central market, learn about oil production at the House of Istrian Olive Oil, or take a day trip to the Brijuni Islands. If you’re staying the night, return it near the hotel. Plitvice Lakes National Park + Pula Arena. Learn more. Shame to miss Serbia, Kosovo and Albania and the less touristy parts of Montenegro though. BUT FIRST – we can squeeze in one final stop, depending on the time of your flight (or if you are spending your final night in Dubrovnik like we did). restaurants, and friendly locals. Spend an hour or two swimming in the chilly water and exploring the gorgeous waterfall systems and rock pools. See the Best of Northern Serbia: Easy 7-Day Serbia Itinerary, Tetovo Painted Mosque: Full Guide to the Best Skopje Day Trip, Lakes, Spomeniks & Old Bazaars: The Perfect North Macedonia Itinerary (7-10 Days), 21 Things to Do in Skopje: A Curated Guide to Europe’s Quirkiest Capital City, 12 Things to Do in Bitola, North Macedonia’s City of Consuls, Where to Buy Handmade Textiles, Souvenirs and Gifts in Tbilisi, Georgia. You can buy lots of fresh fruit here also – it’s very cheap and delicious! This restaurant is one of the best known, and has great tasting platters where you can try a variety of cuisine. When I had that job I was able to familiarize myself a LOT with the country and those that surround it. In this Balkan road trip blog I will tell you some tips, things to know, where to go, things to do and of course show you the best Balkan itinerary for 3 weeks crossing through all the 8 countries. This former Monument House of the Bulgarian Communist Party sits atop a mountain and is only truly accessible by car. At Night: I assume you’re very tired, so you might want to spend this night in! One of my favorite Balkan road trips is to rent a car and spend the day driving the five hours from Sofia to Buzludzha and back. From Prizren, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the Albanian border, then 2.5 hours until Shkoder. Fakin Restaurant overlooks the sunset and serves their own truffle and wine – you can’t go wrong! The trip starts in Ruse on the Danube River. coast away from town – this is the best place to swim. Here are my best options for all budgets: Today you will fly in and get yourself situated; that’s pretty much it! This charming seaside village is pleasant to stroll through and, though it doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of tourist sites, it makes an excellent base to explore some other parts of the region. Plitvice Lakes is a beautiful green national park full of emerald lakes and prolific waterfalls. It covers pretty much the whole country – check it out! D er Balkan: ein Lebensgefühl, eine Halbinsel, ein Gebirge…. Driving in Slovenia is fairy straightforward. Tonight, grab a bit to eat at The Food House – a more casual and affordable yet authentic food option right outside the old town. Airbnb: We stayed in this gorgeous villa – outside of town next to the Fakin winery (it’s okay to be out of town now you have a car!) Read it below. Many of the coastal towns are also in reach of beautiful and historical places such as The Syri i Kalter (the Blue Eye), Butrint (an archeological site), Gjirokaster (UNESCO town), and other interesting sites. Today, it’s a good idea to get them if/when you leave for your Elaphite islands tour from port Gruž, which is where the ferries leave from. Eventually you’ll come upon a pebbly beach where you can lay out and have a swim in the crystal clear water while gazing at a perfect view of the old walled town. This is the first indication that you’re entering a Muslim country. It normally doesn’t have a very good reputation (compared to the beautiful coastline) but it’s worth spending at least one night in Zagreb. ... March 15, 2020 at 7:19 am First, visit the Pula Arena (ancient colosseum), which will be l it up even at night. But First, If You Want More Info in Specific Places…. Before reaching the center of Podgorica, head east towards Rijeka Crnojevica to see the amazing Horseshoe bend. Balkans Road Trip Day 15: Montenegro Road Trip to Budva. At Night: Check out the Black Dog Pub – see if they have live music on (they usually do) and try some local beers or different flavors of rakija. Romania is one of those countries you can easily underestimate due to the lack of tourist attractions.
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