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The Best of the Balkans: Ultimate Itinerary for 10 days in Montenegro & Albania

Published by joanne on october 4, 2023 october 4, 2023.

Having explored many of the tried-and-true countries in Europe ( Spain , France   and Italy I’m talking to you!), we decided to break into new territory for our first post-covid European vacation: Montenegro and Albania were calling! We were celebrating our 25 th wedding anniversary so instead of a ten day vacation, we took a little over two weeks and added Corfu, Greece as well. While we definitely could have stayed longer, our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania were perfect!

Montenegro and Albania are just now making it on mainstream tourist itineraries. In 5 years, I bet they’ll be as popular as their northern neighbour Croatia. Now is the time to get hopping and visit these unexplored beauties before they’re overcome with hoards of tourists.

Having only 10 days in Montenegro and Albania we just barely scratched the surface of everything these incredible countries have to offer.  It was definitely fast paced as we wanted to fit in as much as we could but our 10 days in the Balkans were unforgettable. I’m so proud of the kids for keeping in such great spirits as we hopped from destination to destination. They enjoyed the fast pace as much as we did.

Why visit Montenegro and Albania?

Unless you’re visiting Kotor on a cruise ship day, Montenegro and Albania are quiet and peaceful locations with very few tourists.

Cheap Prices

Travelling as a family of five, we often have sticker shock when the price of hotels, guides and food get added up. This is absolutely not the case for our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania.

We slept in six different places during our 10 days in the Balkans and most of them were half or even quarter the price of accommodation in other European destinations. It isn’t easy travelling as a family of five, especially when the two boys are over 6ft tall. Accommodations that can sleep five are few and far between. In fact, in Montenegro and Albania, the accommodations were so reasonably priced that having two rooms was easy; we were able to get rooms for less than 100 euros each!

We booked several guides during our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania and they were honestly some of the best private guides we’ve ever had. Being able to pay 200 euros for a one day private tour of the Bay of Kotor and 50 euros for 4 hour long walking tours of Berat or Gjirokaster in Albania was incredible.

Amazing food

The local cuisine in Montenegro and Albania is simply fantastic. From byreks (stuffed phylo pastry) and black risotto to the most amazing seafood, everything was delicious and incredibly inexpensive.

Incredible Beauty

Both Montenegro and Albania are stunning. Whether you’re seeking mountain peaks, coastal seascapes, or classic historical architecture of the old town, Montenegro and Albania have it all.

*Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase products or services through these links, we may earn a small commission. But don’t worry, this will never cost you any extra. As always, all views and thoughts are our own.

How to get around during your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania

You have several options for getting around. Neither country has strong public transportation or train service so you can either take the bus, rent a car, or hire a driver.  We didn’t want to drive everywhere so while we rented a car for our last few days in Albania, we opted to have a driver for most of our 10 days. Private drivers are inexpensive in both countries and it was really nice to be able to enjoy the incredible views.

If you’re looking for a driver/guide in Montenegro we highly recommend contacting M Tours . Mladen was a great help when we were planning our trip and our driver Milos was a joy to travel with. We learned so much about the past and present of Montenegro from him and he got along incredibly well with the kids. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to you and your families.

The Weather in Montenegro and Albania

We visited in July and it was astonishingly hot. We had several days of temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius so if you visit in summer, be prepared for hot temperatures. We were fortunate and didn’t have any rain at all.

The normal temperatures in Montenegro are from 25-30°C in summer, 10 – 15°C in autumn and spring, and 5-10 °C in winter. Albania differs slightly with temperatures averaging 10-20 °C in spring and autumn and 18-32 °C in summer. The average temperatures in the mountain areas of Albania do drop significantly lower all year round with winter averaging between -2 and 5 °C.

Precipitation varies dramatically throughout the year with the wettest months being November and December in both Albania and Montenegro.

What to pack for your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania

Not having travelled to Europe is several years, I really wanted to update most of my ‘travel’ clothing. We usually visit Europe in summer and I love to wear dresses and skirts. They’re always appropriate wherever you visit and they’re cool and light. We also needed to update our electronics such as a travel adapter with a USB-C outlet, automated selfie stick (yeh, I know, but otherwise I’m not in any photos!), etc. I plan to do a full post on all my favourite items but as a small taste, here are some of my favourite outfits and must have travel items from this particular trip.

        My favourite outfits for Albania and Montenegro

Summer Casual Flutter Short Sleeve Smocked Tiered Midi Dress

Boho Long Skirt Split Ruffle High Low Maxi Skirt

Short Sleeve Ruched T Shirt Dress Tie Waist Summer Mini Dresses

Su mmer Casual Short Sleeve V-Neck  Dress with Pockets

Long Boho - Bohemian Maxi Summer Skirt

Skechers Women's Bobs B Cute Sneaker

        A Few of Our Must Have Travel Accessories

Portable Charger with Built in Cables

Digital Luggage Weight Scale

Portable Cordless USB Charger for Apple Watch

All in One Worldwide Travel Adapter

Airfly Pro 

Extendable 3 in 1 Aluminum Selfie Stick with Bluetooth Remote and Tripod Stand

If you want to check out more, visit our Amazon store

10 Day Itinerary for Albania and Montenegro

While you won’t be able to see everything during your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania, you will get a wonderful taste of each of these beautiful Balkan countries.

For more detailed information on our 10 day itinerary, check out our posts on 5 days in Montenegro and 5 days in Albania .

   Brief Summary of Montenegro and Albania 10 day itinerary

Days 1-4: Kotor, Montenegro

Day 5: Budva, Montenegro

Day 6: Kruje, Albania

Day 7: Berat, Albania

Day 8: Himare, Albania

Day 9-10: Sarande and Gjirokaster, Albania

Day 1: Your Arrival in Montenegro

There are several options when choosing flights to Montenegro. The country has two international airports: one in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, and one in Tivat, a short distance from Kotor. Many also choose to fly to Dubrovnik since it’s less than 100 kilometres from Kotor.  

If starting in Kotor, as we suggest, Tivat will be your best arrival point. If planning to start your visit in the Durmitor National Park area, it will be best to fly into Podgorica.

Spend some time settling in to your apartment or hotel. Drop in to Old Town Kotor in time for dinner and have an early evening.

Day 2: Day trip around the Bay of Kotor

After a nice night sleep and breakfast, it’s time to get out and enjoy a day around the Bay of Kotor with your rental car or with a driver.

The Bay of Kotor is breathtaking Thanks to a short ferry service, it’s easy to travel around the entire bay and we highly recommend that you do. Leave Kotor and head toward Prcanj and explore the villages along the coast as you head toward the car ferry in Lepetani. The ferry is only 20 minutes long and has nice views of the bay.

Once on the other side, head towards Herceg Novi, stopping first at the Savina Monastery on the hill. Afterward, visit the hilly town of Herceg Novi. It's definitely one of the best places to visit in Montenegro. We suggest starting at the top and working your way down the stairs to the Pet Danica Walkway along the coast. Continue to Risan, home of incredible Roman mosaics, and Perast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps one of the most popular sights in Montenegro. By visiting late in the afternoon, you can avoid the cruise ship guests that most often visit in the morning. Make sure to take one of the small boats to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks.

After returning to Kotor, head to Old Town and wander until dinner. Enjoy the evening lights of the fortress on the hill as you return to your hotel.

For more information on places to visit around the bay, check out our upcoming post on our daytrip around the Bay of Kotor.

Day 3: The Grand Montenegro Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Montenegro it won’t take long before you read about the Grand Montenegro Tour . Almost every tour company offers it either as a private or group tour. We decided to tweak it a little and remove the boat tour around Skadar Lake but you may decide otherwise.

Birds eye view of the Bay of Kotor from the serpentine roads

The day was amazing as we tackled the serpentine road, enjoyed breakfast in Njegusi, visited the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos in Loven National Park, explored the former capital of Montenegro, Cetinje, all before lunch! Make sure to stop for magnificent views over Lake Skadar before continuing your day.

Mausoleum of Njegoš

There are so many options for late afternoon. You can choose to do a two hour boat ride around Lake Skadar, which is usually part of the  Grand Montenegro Tour, or, you can wander off the beaten path and visit a winery or Sveti Stefan or even further south to an old pirate haven, Ulcinj.

Rijeka Crnojevića Bridge

Day 4: Boat Ride of the Bay of Kotor and exploring Old Town Kotor

Taking a boat ride around the Bay of Kotor is a very popular daytrip. Depending on your budget, you can book a group tour or private tour that can last anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours. We found that four hours was the perfect choice as it allowed plenty of time to make a few stops that weren’t available on your earlier daytrip around the bay.

Mamut Island Kotor

Rose, Montenegro

We recommend visiting the ex submarine tunnel, tour around Marmota Island, visit the luxury yachts at Porto Montenegro and go swimming at the Blue Hole. You can even stop for lunch at a small village such as Rose!

Spend your afternoon climbing to the Kotor fortress or shopping for souvenirs in Old Town Kotor.

Day 5: Travel to and Explore the Old Town of Budva

While you could visit Budva as a daytrip from Kotor, we recommend spending a night. There is so much to do that two hours simply isn’t enough and it’s en route to Albania so you won’t be backtracking.

Even though Budva is known for its party atmosphere, that doesn’t seem to enter its charming old town which is smaller than that of Kotor and much easier to explore without getting lost. After a nice lunch (like all of Montenegro, the seafood is amazing!), visit the old town churches, the Citadella and make sure to check out the incredible views from the city walls. Consider heading to one of the nearby beaches even if just to visit Budva’s famous dancing girl or hop on a bus to explore the beautiful Sveti Stefan.

Day 6: From Budva to Kruje Albania

If you haven’t visited Sveti Stefan yet, this is your last chance so don’t miss it! This stunning outcropping of land was once a small village until taken over by a, now closed, hotel for the rich and famous. It’s a beautiful spot for photos and to wander the beach. For an even more impressive view, take a short visit up the hill to St. Sava Church before continuing on your way for your next 5 days in Albania.

The roads from Budva to Kruje are very good and the drive to Kruje is about three hours, depending on the border crossing.

You’ll likely be hungry on arrival so after checking in, grab a quick lunch and explore the souk (market). The Kruje souk is said to be one of the most authentic in Albania. We had a wonderful time chatting with the grand daughter of a woman who makes silver filagree jewellery and Albania rugs.

The road through the souk leads to the Kruje castle grounds where you’ll enjoy the rest of your day. Visit the Skanderbeg museum and the ethnographic museum, then have a wonderful dinner at one of the delicious restaurants on the castle grounds.

Day 7: Kruje souk and Berat

Staying overnight in Kruje means that you can enjoy time exploring the souk area before tourists arrive on daytrips from Tirana.   The trip from Kruje to Berat is only two hours so there is plenty of time before you need to leave in order to arrive in Berat by lunch time.

Depending on whether you get lost looking for your hotel, you should be ready for your prebooked walking tour with the Berat Tourism Office. Spend the next several hours exploring everything this wonderful medieval town has to offer: the picturesque mosques, the incredible castle area and of course, the amazing town itself … it isn’t hard to understand why Berat is known as the town of a thousand windows.

Day 8: Berat to Himare

It’s about time for some stupendous sea views and beach time on the Albanian Riviera. We recommend spending your first night in Himare because it isn’t near as busy as Sarande and surrounding areas.

The route from Berat to Himare is not for the feint of heart. The roads are fairly good but they are twisty and many people don’t actually adhere to the rules of the road. While you could rent a car, we really recommend hiring a driver for at least this part of your trip.

Break up the long drive with a few stops. Consider stopping at the roman city of Apollonia, visiting St. Mary’s Monastery on Zvernec island and/or stopping to enjoy the views on the Llogora Pass.

Zvernec Monastery

Archaeological Museum of Apollonia

On arrival in Himare, check in and either explore the Himare castle on the hill, or, if you’re ready for some downtime, grab a chair on the beach and enjoy listening to the waves. There are a number of beaches in or near the town and some are busier than others. We stayed at a small hotel across the road from Prinos Beach and loved the location. Whichever you choose, wander into Himare town itself for dinner. There are a number of really good options.

Day 9: Sarande

While Himare may be a much nicer area than Sarande, it isn’t near as conveniently located. Consider renting a car for the next day as the driving is fairly easy and we found it hard to find private drivers for a reasonable price here. It also gives you some flexibility over booking group tours.

On your way to Sarande, stop at Porto Palermo. Visit the castle of Ali Pasha and see the World War II submarine tunnels. Drop your luggage at your hotel and head directly to the ancient city of Butrint, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ll be honest, my family crashed on arrival in Sarande so we decided to have a nap and skip Butrint. It’s blasphemy to say that but sometimes, you just have to do what works for your family. I definitely regret not seeing Butrint and the beaches of Ksamil but it’s a great reason to return.

Have a wonderful dinner, try Haxhi , and wander the boardwalk in Sarande.

Day 10: Gjirokaster

After breakfast, you have a few choices. You could visit Butrint if you didn’t yesterday or you could hop in the car and drive less than two hours to the medieval village of Gjirokaster.

If you visit Gjirokaster,  try to pre-book a walking tour with the Gjirokaster tourist office. At the time of our visit it was only 50 euros for several hours and well worth it. Wander the Old Town and bazaar, visit the Castle of Gjirokaster, explore the castle grounds, and enjoy at least one of the historic homes.

Once back in Sarande, return the rental car and enjoy your last night in Albania. Maybe take advantage of the jumping ledge just off the Sarande city beach and go for a quick swim before dinner!

Final thoughts on our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania

If you have more time, check out our more detailed posts in our Montenegro Travel Guide and our Albania Travel Itinerary for other places to visit in each country. Also consider adding on to your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania by taking the morning ferry and visit Corfu as its quite easy to fly in to Montenegro and fly out of Corfu. In fact, Corfu airport is much closer to Sarande than the international airport in Tirana.

Have you visited Albania or Montenegro? What was your favourite place? Let us know in the comments below.

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Hi! I'm Joanne. I'm a Canadian mom of three wonderful kids who love hockey, swimming, cheerleading and, of course, travel.

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Looking for the best Montenegro and Albania itinerary? You’re in the right place!

Montenegro and Albania were my favourite countries to explore while backpacking around the Balkans. These hidden gems offer stunning landscapes, rich history and culture, delicious food and warm hospitality.

Both countries are still untouched by mass tourism but won’t remain that way for long (Albania in particular blew up on social media last summer!) so now is the perfect time to visit.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a suggested itinerary that will take you through the highlights of these beautiful countries as well as visit a few hidden gems.

Hi, I’m JJ!

I’m a travel blogger with a passion for unique travel destinations, discovering hidden gems, and adventurous solo travel.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the Balkans and love this part of the world. I spent a month hitchhiking around Albania and I fell in love with this amazing country that has so much to offer. Now it’s one of my favourite places in the whole world!

I hope you enjoy my free guides and travel tips! If so, please consider supporting my work 💕

Table of Contents

Why Visit Montenegro and Albania?

Montenegro and Albania are both considered to be off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe, making them perfect for adventurous travellers looking to escape the crowds and find some unique travel experiences .

You’ll find a unique blend of traditional Balkan charm mixed with modern influences in these countries. Plus, both countries are budget-friendly and offer a diverse range of activities for all types of travellers.

I spent a whole summer travelling around the Balkans but spent the most time in Albania and Montenegro. I fell in love with these countries and the people, and I hope you will too!

Montenegro And Albania Itinerary Overview

This 3-week Balkans road trip itinerary will take you through some of the best places to visit in Montenegro and Albania. Of course, you can always adjust it to fit your travel style and preferences.

The itinerary starts in Podgorica, Montenegro and ends in Saranda, Albania. You can choose to rent a car and drive the route or take public transport.

I used a combination of public transport and hitchhiking to get around, and I found it to be an affordable and efficient way of travelling.

Here is an overview of the 3 week Montenegro and Albania itinerary:

Day 1 -3: Montenegro: Kotor

Day 3: Kotor

Day 4: Stari Bar

Day 5 -7: Ulcinj

Day 8 – 10: Albania: Shkoder, Theth & Valbona

Day 11 – 12: Tirana

Day 13 – 14: Berat

Day 14 – 15: Himare

Day 16: Gjipe Beach

Day 17: Saranda

Day 18: Butrint & Ksamil

Day 19: Gjirokaster & The Blue Eye

Day 20: Saranda

Day 21: End of Trip

Montenegro And Albania Itinerary: 3 Weeks Balkans Road Trip

Day 1: podgorica – kotor.

Your Balkans adventure begins in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro.

There isn’t a lot to see in Podgorica so after arriving at the airport or bus station, you can head straight to Kotor – a fortified city and UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Kotor is situated on the edge of the secluded Bay of Kotor. The bay is often referred to as the southernmost fjord in Europe , but it is actually a submerged river canyon.

The drive from Podgorica to Kotor takes about 1.5 hours, and it’s a scenic journey through the mountains with stunning views of the bay. 

Once you get settled into your accommodation, spend the rest of your afternoon taking a stroll around the old town to admire its Venetian architecture and medieval charm.

Impressive medieval walls surround the old town and there are plenty of picturesque alleys and squares to wander while soaking up the atmosphere. Don’t miss St. Tryphon Cathedral , a beautiful Romanesque church with a stunning interior and fascinating history.

I enjoyed getting lost in the narrow alleyways of the old town and discovering hidden gems such as the Cats Museum , where they celebrate the city’s feline residents. Beware though – the museum has some very surreal exhibits!

In the evening grab dinner at one of the many outdoor restaurants in the old town.

There is often live music playing and people congregate in the square to drink wine and socialize. It’s a great place for people-watching and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Where To Stay In Kotor:

Budget: Stay at Old Town Hostel for social vibes and a pool

Mid-range: Hotel Forza Mare is a reasonably priced 5-star boutique hotel in a great location

Luxury: Hotel Forza Terra has a private beach and the best views in Kotor

Day 2: Kotor

Spend your second day exploring the bay of Kotor on a speedboat tour . This popular tour is a must-do in Kotor and was one of the highlights of my time in Montenegro.

The speedboat will take you past the picturesque town of Perast, where you can see ancient churches nestled into the hillside. You will also stop at the famous Our Lady of The Rocks island, a man-made islet with a beautiful church and a small museum.

The decor inside the church is absolutely stunning and the island is a great place to take some amazing photos.

The speedboat will then take you to a hidden submarine bunker carved into the cliffs. The bunker was formerly used by the Yugoslav Navy to conceal submarines during the Cold War. If you are a fan of abandoned places or Cold War history, this is a must-visit spot.

Next, you will head to the Blue Cave , where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore the stunning cave formations. Be aware that the water in the cave can get very choppy if there are several boats nearby, so be prepared for some waves.

I found it difficult to swim against the current to get back to our boat, so if you aren’t a strong swimmer then you may want to stay close to the entrance of the cave.

In the afternoon, take some time to relax on one of Kotor’s many beaches. The beaches in Kotor are small and rocky but the views of the bay are stunning.

You can rent a sunbed and umbrella or simply lay your towel on the rocks.

Wrapping up an unforgettable day in Kotor, make sure to save some energy for a visit to the historic Kotor Fortress .

This climb might be a bit challenging, especially after a day filled with adventure, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth it! Watching the sunset from the fortress is the best thing to do in Kotor .

The path up to the fortress is well-marked and offers several spots to rest and take in the breathtaking views of the bay below. Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with the most stunning panorama of Kotor and its surroundings, especially as the sun begins to set.

The golden hour here casts a magical glow over the landscape, making it a perfect photo opportunity and a serene moment to reflect on the day’s experiences.

It’s a beautiful way to end the day, watching the sun dip below the horizon, and painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Wear sneakers or boots for the hike up to the fortress. I made the mistake of wearing sandals and definitely had regrets! 

Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks and Mamula Boat Tour

✅ Swim in the famous Blue Cave

✅ Visit Our Lady of the Rocks

✅Fun speedboat ride

Day 3: Kotor – Stari Bar

To continue exploring Montenegro, hop on a bus or into your hire car and head to Stari Bar, one of the oldest towns in the country.

The journey from Kotor to Stari Bar takes about 2 hours. If you are travelling by public transport you will need to take a bus from Kotor to Bar and then a short taxi ride to Stari Bar.

Stari Bar is filled with ancient ruins and offers a glimpse into Montenegro’s rich history. It’s a bit of a hidden gem compared to the more popular town of Bar, but its peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscape make it a must-visit and a perfect place to take a slower pace and relax a little.

Start your day with a stroll through the Old Town, admiring the well-preserved stone buildings and ancient walls that surround the area. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping or spend your afternoon partaking in Montenegro’s cafe culture.

You can also visit the oldest tree in Europe , known as the “old olive tree of Mirovica”. This 2000-year-old tree is still producing olives!

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike up to the top of Stari Bar Fortress for even more impressive views of the town and surrounding mountains. I recommend watching the sunset from up here for a truly magical experience.

Afterwards, grab dinner at one of the restaurants in the old town and try some delicious traditional Montenegrin cuisine.

I also recommend you try some of the local speciality alcohol. I really enjoyed the local plum beer and blackberry wine.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats! I saw loads of them here 🐐💕

Where to stay in Stari Bar:

Budget: Iguana House is a cute little one-bed apartment in the Old Town

Mid-range: Old Town Guest House has a terrace and city view

Luxury: Villa Ella is a gorgeous villa with a pool that sleeps up to 6 people

Day 4: Stari Bar – Ulcinj

After a relaxing morning in Stari Bar, it’s time to head to the southernmost town of Ulcinj . You can take a bus from Bar or it’s an approximately 30-minute drive.

Ulcinj is a popular holiday destination for folks from the neighbouring countries of Albania and Serbia but is largely unknown to tourists from outside of the Balkans. I loved my time in Ulcinj and quickly fell in love with this fun little resort town.

Spend your afternoon exploring the old town at a leisurely pace.

The old town is perched on a hill above the main town and offers panoramic views of the beaches, town and harbour and out across the ocean. 

It has been designated a Unesco World Heritage site due to the architecture being created throughout several different time periods, dating all the way back to the 5th century BC. 

There are several cute restaurants and bars tucked away in the narrow streets and cobbled alleyways, which make for a wonderful spot to enjoy a glass of wine with some fantastic views.

Next head to the castle for epic views across the Adriatic. There’s not too much information or activities within the castle walls, but it’s worth visiting for the picturesque views alone.

Grab dinner at Restaurant Antigona . This restaurant is located up on the hill in the old town and has the most perfect views in Ulcinj. The terrace is large so there is plenty of space for you to get a table outside.

The food here was great and I was impressed that they had vegan and gluten-free options on the menu, which are not always easy to find in the Balkans!

Where to stay in Ulcinj:

Budget: I stayed at  Hostel Pirate  and had an amazing time.

Mid-range: Spa Hotel Monefila has two swimming pools and is in a great location

Luxury: Perla Luxury Hotel is a gorgeous hotel with a private beach

Day 6: Ulcinj 

Today I recommend taking a boat trip to visit some of the secret coves and beaches only accessible by boat. Several companies in town offer different tours and trips, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and budget.

I went on the boat trip organised by Hostel Pirate . The trip took us to a few different stops including some stops for cliff jumping. I jumped off a 10-metre cliff into the crystal clear water and it was such an adrenaline rush!

We also stopped at a small beach, only accessible by boat, where we had lunch and some free time to explore and swim. It was so peaceful and beautiful, I could have stayed there all day.

The boat trip is a great way to see more of Ulcinj’s stunning coastline while also having some fun and adventure along the way. 

In the evening grab a seat on the upper terrace of one of the restaurants that line the main strip in front of Small Beach and enjoy watching the bustling street below. Everyone comes out on an evening to walk along the strip. There are bars, street performers, souvenirs, and an electric atmosphere.

It’s a great spot to people-watch, see the locals in action and get a feel for the vibrant culture of Ulcinj. Plus, the food at these restaurants is pretty delicious too!

Once you have had your fill of people-watching, head to one of the clubs towards the harbour to experience some crazy Balkan nightlife!

My favourite club is Big Ben Open Bar . It’s a little pricey (by Montenegrin standards) but the music is good and the vibes are immaculate.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Watch out for sea urchins!  I saw hundreds of them around the rocks. Make sure to wear water shoes or be extra careful when swimming near rocks. Trust me, stepping on a sea urchin is not the best way to end your day.

Ulcinj Beaches Boat Tour

✅ See secret beaches

✅ Catch sunsets

Day 7: Ulcinj – Shkoder

Spend your last morning in Ulcinj soaking up the sun at one of Ulcinj’s beaches. There are several nice beach clubs to choose from, such as Tropicana Beach or Paradise Beach Club . Both offer loungers, umbrellas, and refreshments for a small fee.

There are also several nude beaches in Ulcinj, perfect for getting an all-over tan! Ladies Beach is a lovely women-only nude beach, I spent an afternoon here and really enjoyed it.

If you are on a budget you can find a spot at Small Beach, the free public beach in Ulcinj. Honestly, it’s not the nicest beach and gets super crowded, but it is free.

After getting your fill of sun, it’s time to head to the next destination – Shkoder, Albania ! The drive should take around 2 hours but could be longer depending on the border crossing. You can also take a bus from Ulcinj to Shkoder.

Once you arrive in Shkoder, check into your accommodations and head out to explore this charming city. Shkoder is a charming mix of old and new, with Ottoman and Venetian influences evident throughout the city.

Take a stroll through the pedestrian-only streets and visit some of the main sights such as Ebu Bekr Mosque and The Site of Witness and Memory Museum – which will give you an excellent introduction to Albania’s recent history under a communist dictatorship.

Where to stay in Shkoder:

Budget: Shkodra Backpackers Hostel is great for animal lovers as the hostel is home to several dogs, cats and tortoises!

Mid-range: Hotel Legjenda  is the best place to stay in Shkoder. The pool is lovely and there is such a nice relaxed atmosphere here. It’s a great place to stay for all budgets as it has a range of accommodation options from dorm rooms to deluxe chalets.

Luxury : Hotel Tradita  is a traditionally decorated boutique hotel with large rooms.

Day 8: Shkoder

Start your day with a relaxing morning at Lake Shkodra , a beautiful lake located on the outskirts of Shkoder. It’s a pleasant 45 – 60 minute walk from the town centre or you could rent bikes and cycle as Shkoder is a very bike-friendly town.

The lake (also known as Shkoder Lake, Skadar Lake or Lake Skadar) has an area of almost 320 square kilometres and is the largest lake in Albania. It is fed by the Drin River and three other tributaries and is a popular destination for anglers, campers, and birdwatchers.

I spent a day at the lake for my friend’s birthday and we had an amazing time! We enjoyed a picnic lunch while taking in views of the mountains from across the water’s edge. It was a really relaxing day and there was no one else around so we basically had the beach to ourselves!

There are a few small rocky beaches with beach bars and waterside restaurants which are perfect for relaxing in the sun or renting paddleboards to explore more of this stunning waterway.

In the afternoon head back to Shkoder to explore the famous Rozafa castle. This ancient fortress is located just outside the city and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lake and cityscape. In my opinion, it is the best thing to do in Shkoder .

There is no signage or tourist info available at the castle itself so it’s best to google its history before you visit so that you have some idea of what you’re looking at.

The legend behind the castle is a bit grim (it was supposedly named after a woman who was entombed in the walls as a sacrifice!) but it is very interesting nonetheless.

The best thing about the castle is the view and the friendly goats that live up there!

After learning about Shkoder’s history and admiring the views from the castle, head back into town for a delicious traditional Albanian dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Don’t forget to try some local specialities such as Fergese (a cheesy baked dish) and Tave Kosi (a traditional lamb and yoghurt casserole).

As a vegan, my favourite Albanian dishes were Speca te Mbushur me Oriz (stuffed bell peppers, filled with rice and tomatoes) and Petulla (fried dough balls).

After dinner, take a stroll through Shkoder’s bustling pedestrian street, Rruga Kol Idromeno, to soak in the lively atmosphere of this charming city.

You can also visit some local bars for a taste of Albanian nightlife before heading back to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: If you want a quirky souvenir of your time in Shkoder then head to Keq Marku Tattoo Studio ! This unique tattoo parlour is located inside an abandoned bunker and the artist, Peter, has become somewhat of a celebrity in the area. There are no prices here, if Peter likes you then your tattoo is free, but if he doesn’t like you it’s expensive!

SUP & Kayak Rental In Shkoder

✅ SUP & Kayak rental

✅ Life jackets included

✅ Incredible views

Day 9: Shkoder – Theth – Valbona

Today you’ll need to get an early start as you’ll be completing the famous Theth to Valbona hike!

This is a popular day hike through the Albanian Alps , taking you from Theth to Valbona, through the Valbona pass. It’s one of the most rewarding hikes in the region, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains and deep valleys.

The journey from Shkoder to Theth takes about 2.5 hours and you can either arrange transportation with your hotel or take a minibus that leaves from the city centre.

The hike itself is around 17km long and will take approximately 6-7 hours depending on your pace. But trust me, the views along the way are well worth it!

The hike took me around 7 hours to complete, including lots of time spent stopping to take photos and it was one of the best things I did during my time in the Balkans.

Once you reach Valbona , you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain village surrounded by stunning landscapes.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Leave your luggage (and rental car if you have one) in Shkoder and just pack a lightweight bag with overnight essentials for the hike. You can return to Shkoder to pick up your luggage on the way to Tirana. I like to use the Radical Storage app to find luggage storage options, or you can ask at your hotel.

Where to stay in Valbona:

The best place to stay in Valbona is in a traditional guesthouse. Here are some good options:

Butjina Majag – This guesthouse has incredible views and the owners are so sweet and helpful

Guesthouse Bujtina Valbonë – Big clean and comfortable rooms

Hotel Margjeka Valbone – I didn’t stay here but I did pop in for dinner at their restaurant. The food was really good and the hotel looked nice and cosy too.

Day 10: Valbona – Komani – Tirana

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse, before catching a taxi or hitchhiking to Fierze (only a 20-minute drive away from Valbona). Here you can board the Lake Komani ferry – known as one of the most beautiful boat rides in Europe.

The ferry takes around 3 hours and passes through breathtaking gorges and mountains. It’s one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. I really believe that it should be on everybody’s bucket list!

Once you arrive in Komani, you can take a bus back to Shkoder to pick up your luggage before heading to Tirana. The journey from Shkoder to Tirana takes around 2 hours by bus or car.

I recommend that you check into your accommodation in Tirana and simply relax for a while after your long travel day. 

If you have time and energy, you can explore the city by taking a walk around the main Skanderbeg Square . This is where you’ll find most of the landmarks and monuments, such as the National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower.

As the sun sets head to the newly renovated Tirana Pyramid , which is now a multifunctional cultural center.

The pyramid used to be abandoned and covered in graffiti, but it has now been transformed into a modern and vibrant space where locals gather to hang out. You can climb up the pyramid for a great view of the city at sunset.

If you’re feeling hungry, head to Blloku – a trendy neighbourhood with lots of restaurants and bars. Make sure to also try the local drink rakia – a strong fruit brandy that is popular in Albania.

Where to stay in Tirana:

Budget: Homestel Albania is an awesome hostel with a great breakfast and a gorgeous rooftop terrace

Mid-range: Hotel Deluxe is great value for money – some rooms have saunas!

Luxury: La Suite Boutique Hotel is a beautifully styled boutique hotel

Day 11: Tirana

Start your day in Tirana with a free walking tour , a perfect way to acquaint yourself with the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. These tours are typically led by enthusiastic local guides who are eager to share their love and knowledge of the city.

I recommend taking the 9 am tour so that you have enough time to make the most of your day in Tirana. The tours usually last a couple of hours and operate on a tip-based system, so it’s accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.

Next head to BunkArt2 , a museum housed in an underground bunker that was formerly used as a nuclear shelter during the communist era.

It has since been transformed into a museum which displays artefacts from Albania’s past, giving visitors an insight into the country’s turbulent history. I really enjoyed BunkArt and rate it as one of the best things to do in Tirana.

Once you have reemerged above ground, head to Mt Dajti National Park for some fresh air and stunning views of the city. There is a cable car that takes you up to the top, where you can go hiking or simply enjoy the views.

End your day with dinner at the Sky Club , a panoramic rooftop bar with great views of the city. And if you still have some energy left after your meal, you can take a stroll through the bustling streets of Tirana and experience the lively nightlife.

You’ll find plenty of clubs, bars, and live music venues to choose from. Be sure to stop by The Cloud and get some fun Instagram shots too!

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: If you want to get your adrenaline pumping you can try tandem paragliding while at Mt Dajti National Park. It offers a unique way to experience the beautiful Albanian scenery.

Free 3 Day Tirana Itinerary

Day 12: tirana – berat.

Spend a relaxing morning in Tirana enjoying the city’s laid-back cafe culture. 

Try some traditional Albanian coffee and pastries at Komiteti Kafe-Muzeum , a unique cafe decorated to look like an Albanian home from the communist era. It’s a fun spot and the coffee here is great!

Before leaving Tirana, stop by the House of Leaves , also known as The Museum of Secret Surveillance. It’s a museum that tells the story of Albania’s communist past and showcases all the ways the dictatorship surveyed and controlled its citizens. It’s an interesting and eye-opening experience.

In the afternoon, head to Berat. To get there, you can either drive or take a bus from Tirana. The journey takes around 2 hours and offers some stunning views of the Albanian countryside.

Once in Berat, check into your accommodation and head out to explore the city’s charming old town. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

You can take a stroll through the narrow streets of Mangalem, one of Berat’s oldest neighbourhoods with traditional Ottoman houses and craft shops.

For dinner, head to the area around the old town where you’ll find plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Where to stay in Berat:

Budget: I stayed at Berat Backpackers Hostel and loved the chilled-out vibes – especially the beautiful gardens!

Mid-range: Amalia Hotel is a beautiful hotel in a traditional style

Luxury: Hotel Colombo is in a great location and has an amazing spa and wellness centre on-site.

Day 13: Berat

Today I recommend taking a day trip from Berat to Osum Canyon and Bogove waterfall. The easiest way to get there is on a guided tour .

I recommend this tour as it takes you to some amazing viewpoints at the top of the canyon, as well as the stunning waterfalls. The tour also includes a traditional Albanian picnic lunch with local specialities.

You’ll get to hike through Bogove National Park, where you will have the chance to swim in the crystal waters of the stunning Bogove waterfall. The water is super cold but if you’re visiting in summer as I did, then it’s really refreshing!

If you want a more fast-paced adventure then you can also opt for a river rafting tour !

The day I spent river rafting in Albania is one of my best memories from my trip. I highly recommend that you try it even if you have never been rafting before. This was my first time and I loved every second of it!

After a day of exploring and adventure, head back to Berat for dinner and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the city.

Osum Canyon and Bogove Waterfall Tour

✅ Transport and driver

✅ Swim in a natural pool

✅ Picnic lunch

Day 14: Berat – Himare

Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Berat Castle , a fortress standing proudly atop a hill overlooking the city.

This historical gem dates back to the 4th century BC and offers not just a fascinating peek into the past, but also some of the most breathtaking views of Berat and the surrounding landscapes.

The site is still home to a few residents and hosts several churches. The people who live there are super friendly.

I met the sweetest lady who excitedly called her granddaughter over to translate so that she could offer me tea in her home. I was also given a bag of plums by a friendly old man.

After your morning at the castle, grab a quick lunch in the old town then begin your journey to Himare. 

The drive takes around 3 hours and will take you along the Albanian Riviera, known for its stunning beaches and coastal scenery. You can stop at some of the Riviera beaches along the way. I recommend Jala and Dhermi Beach, in particular. 

Getting there by public transport will be a bit trickier, you can make your way to Vlore and then catch a bus from there. or head back to Tirana and transfer to a bus heading for Saranda . I would allow at least 5 hours for the journey.

I chose to hitchhike this route and had a lot of fun meeting friendly locals who insisted on stopping to show us their favourite beaches and viewpoints along the way. 

I know hitchhiking isn’t for everyone but if you’re up for an adventure it’s a great way to meet some amazing people and see some hidden gems. Hitchhiking was my favourite way to get around in Albania.

Once you arrive in Himare , check into your accommodation and head out to explore the town. This small coastal village has a laid-back vibe and is perfect for soaking up some sun and relaxing by the sea.

You can spend your evening strolling along the promenade, trying out some of the local food, or even taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera to the castle! The panoramic views are something you’ll want to capture and remember. Also, the pathways can be a bit uneven and slippery, so wear comfortable shoes.

Where to stay in Himare:

I wrote a guide to the best hotels in Himare , so feel free to check that out. Here are a few of my favourites:

Budget: Dhima Hotel is a nice little budget hotel with great views and a chill beach bar

Mid-range: Rea Boutique Hotel is my favourite hotel in Himare – I’m obsessed with the views from the bathtub!

Luxury: Prado Luxury Hotel – With a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a shared lounge, this 5-star hotel has everything you need for a luxurious and comfortable stay

Day 15: Himare

Today is a beach day!

Himare might not be on most people’s radar, but for backpackers who have made their way to this part of the world,  it’s a must-visit destination.

I spent a few days in Himare and I honestly regret not staying longer. It’s a great base for exploring the nearby beaches of the Albanian Riviera and also has a really fun nightlife and small resort town kind of vibe. The sunsets in Himare were absolutely incredible too.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Himare . You can spend your day exploring the town, lounging on the beach, or hiking to some of the secluded coves nearby.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the stunning coastline from a different perspective. Or if you prefer a more relaxed activity, then simply grab a spot on the beach and soak up the sun.

The top beaches in Himare are all conveniently located within walking distance of each other. This allows you to easily visit and explore each of them.

The beaches in Himare are really nice. The turquoise water is some of the clearest I’ve ever seen. I remember swimming out really far to where the water was very deep and I could still see all the way to the bottom!

In the evening, head to the main promenade where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars offering delicious Mediterranean-style dishes and refreshing cocktails. Don’t forget to catch one of the stunning sunsets while enjoying your dinner.

After dinner, you can continue the night at one of the lively beach bars or clubs in town. The atmosphere is always buzzing with locals and tourists alike, making it a perfect place to meet new people and make some unforgettable memories.

ebook: Albanian Riviera Guidebook

✅ Detailed 7 day itinerary

✅ Hidden gems!

✅ Printable ebook

Today you’ll be visiting another gorgeous beach in the area, Gjipe Beach . This secluded beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and can only be accessed by boat or via a short hike through the surrounding canyon.

Even though it is a well-known beach in Albania , it remains crowd-free due to its remote location. This adds to the charm and authenticity of the beach, as you won’t find any loud music or crowds of tourists here.

I recommend taking a furgon that is heading from Himare to Saranda and asking the driver to let you off at the top of Gjipe Canyon.

You will need to hike down to the beach from the main road at the top of the cliffs. The hike itself is an adventure, with stunning views and occasional glimpses of the shimmering water below.

For me, this was an incredible experience, as the hike was beautiful and the views from the top of the canyon were stunning. I did some great hikes in Albania and this was one of my favourites. 

Once you reach the beach, you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try renting a paddle board or kayak and paddling to some of the nearby sea caves. Or simply relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem.

After spending a few hours at Gjipe Beach, make your way back to Himare for another delicious dinner and drinks by the beach.

If you still have some energy left you can climb up to Himare castle to watch the sunset and take in the beautiful views of the Albanian Riviera.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: You can find a detailed guide on how to get to Glipe Beach here .

Day 17: Himare – Saranda

Spend your last morning in Himare enjoying a leisurely breakfast, getting some pool time at your hotel and taking in the picturesque views before heading on to your next destination – Saranda.

It’s a short and scenic 1-hour drive along the Albanian coastline to get to Saranda or you can catch one of the furgons that leave several times a day.

Saranda (also known as Sarandë) is the biggest town on the Albanian Riviera. Many travellers come here to explore the nearby beaches and Roman ruins or to take a day trip to Corfu island .

Saranda is polarizing. I enjoyed my time in Saranda but I met other backpackers there who couldn’t wait to leave.

At its core Saranda is a resort town. It’s a very popular holiday destination for Albanians and other holidaymakers from the neighbouring Balkan countries. It can get crowded, noisy, a little dirty, and suffer from all those other negative aspects that you can expect from any popular holiday destination.

Despite those negativities, there are a lot of good reasons to visit Saranda.

Some of the best luxury hotels on the Albanian Riviera can be found in Saranda. There are a ton of nice beaches to relax on, the nightlife is fantastic and best of all, it is a great place to base yourself to explore some of Albania’s top sites.

Start your visit by wandering around the promenade and marina, taking in the sights of the Ionian Sea and the colourful buildings that line the shore.

You can stop by the ruins of a 5th-century synagogue in the centre of Sarandë. There is not too much to see here but there are some interesting mosaics and it’s worth a quick look whilst you are in town.

In the evening you can dance the night away in one of Saranda’s fun nightclubs. My favourite is Mango Beach Club .

Where to stay in Saranda:

Budget: I loved staying at Saranda Backpackers Hostel – It was great for socialising and meeting other solo travellers

Mid-range: Hilltop Heaven Hotel has big comfy beds and gorgeous sea views

Luxury: Hotel Butrinti is a lovely beachside hotel with a great pool and spa

Today you can explore two of  Albania’s top sites – Butrint and Ksamil.

Start your day by heading to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to an ancient city that has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Take your time to explore the site and see the impressive Roman ruins, including the theatre, temple and forum.

You’ll experience some incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins but with only a fraction of the crowds that you would expect at similar ruins in nearby Italy or Greece.

To get to Butrint, you can take a local bus (furgon) or taxi from Saranda. You can then take another furgon to Ksamil.

The furgons are infrequent so you may find yourself waiting around for a while at Butrint. If you would prefer a more convenient option, you can also go on a guided tour to Butrint and Ksamil from Saranda .

Afterwards, head to the nearby seaside village of Ksamil for a relaxing afternoon on its beautiful beaches. It is the most popular and well-known beach on the Albanian Riviera.

Ksamil is popular for its many beach clubs and beach bars which will provide you with everything you need for the perfect beach day. It’s also one of the best places to go snorkelling or paddleboarding as the waters are so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom.

I recommend staying in Ksamil for dinner and sunset and then hitchhiking or taking a taxi back to Saranda.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Due to its popularity Ksamil does get extremely busy during the summer months and the prices here are higher than elsewhere on the Riviera. If you are on a budget bring a packed lunch with you and walk to the end of the beach, past all the beach clubs, where you can find a small section of free public beach.

Butrint And The Beaches Of Ksamil Tour

✅ Air-conditioned transport

✅ Tour guide

✅ Entrance fees

Day 19: Gjirokaster & The Blue Eye Spring

Next up is Gjirokaster, a city that has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site with its beautiful Ottoman-era architecture.

To get there, you can take a bus from Saranda or for a fun adventure you can rent a moped for the day. My friends and I did this and had a blast!

Of course, if you don’t fancy driving a moped, you can also take a private tour of Gjirokaster and the Blue Eye from Saranda with a tour guide.

Once you reach Gjirokaster head to the castle at the top of the hill, take in the views and appreciate the remarkably well-preserved 12th-century fortress. Be sure to check out the old Cold War era American ‘spy plane’, displayed within the grounds.

There’s also an Ottoman bridge located behind the castle, which you can hike to. Use the maps.me app to find the viewpoint (search for Ali Pasha’s bridge).

In the afternoon head to The Blue Eye Spring – a clear water spring with a more than 50-metre-deep pool. The water is an intense blue and turquoise colour and looks unreal! 

Divers have attempted to dive to the bottom of the Blue Eye to calculate its depth but it’s still unclear how deep It really goes.

There are signs around that ban swimming but that doesn’t seem to deter people from jumping in. Just let me warn you… If you fancy a swim, the water is extremely cold! 

💁🏻‍♀️JJ’s Top Tip: Getting to the blue eye can be a bit of a pain if you don’t have your own vehicle. So I highly recommend booking a tour to visit The Blue Eye on a day trip from Sarandë.

Private Gjirokaster & Blue Eye Tour

✅ Private tour

✅ Hotel pickup/drop off

✅ Tour guide & driver

For your last day in Saranda, I recommend taking it easy and enjoying the beautiful beaches. Saranda has several picturesque beaches to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

For a more laid-back vibe, head to Mirror Beach or Santa Quaranta Beach, where you can relax in peace and quiet. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, check out Mango Beach with its resident DJs and fun party vibes.

If you don’t fancy a beach day and would rather do something a little more adventurous then you can head out on an open-top jeep safari which will take you to some of the best spots along the coast.

You can also take a boat trip from Saranda Harbour . Hop on a cool sailing catamaran and kick off a fun boat tour along the coast. Dive into crystal clear waters, jam out to some tunes, and maybe even enjoy a BBQ if you’re up for it.

For your last evening in Albania, make sure to catch an unforgettable sunset at the Lekursi Castle. This ancient castle sits atop a hill and offers stunning panoramic views of Saranda and the coast. You can grab some drinks and snacks at the castle’s bar and enjoy a magical evening watching the sun go down.

Saranda Jeep Safari

✅ Open top Jeep

✅ See the best beaches in Saranda

✅ Hotel pickup

Day 21: Where To Go Next?

Today is the end of your adventure through Montenegro and Albania.

If you are flying home you will need to make your way back to Tirana to get to the airport. It’s a long journey, so make sure to plan accordingly and leave early enough to catch your flight. I recommend booking a private transfer to ensure a hassle-free journey.

If you have some extra time before heading home, why not consider extending your trip and visiting another nearby country?

Greece is just a short ferry ride away from Saranda , and its beautiful islands like Corfu or Zakynthos are definitely worth exploring.

You could also head north to Kosovo , another stunning Balkan country with a rich history and vibrant culture, or head East to the stunning shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia.

Italy is another option. You can take an overnight ferry from the Albanian port of Durres to Bari or Brindisi, and spend a few days exploring the charming cities of southern Italy.

Whatever you decide, I hope this trip has sparked your interest in the lesser-known gems of Europe.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Montenegro and Albania! I hope you’ve fallen in love with these beautiful countries too and will make some unforgettable memories.

💕 If you use this itinerary or follow any of my recommendations, feel free to send me a DM or tag me on Instagram ! I love to follow along on your adventures!

Montenegro And Albania Itinerary Map 

📍 Click here to view this itinerary route in Google Maps.

Renting A Car And Driving In The Balkans

If you’re planning to rent a car and drive for this itinerary, here are some important things to know:

• Most rental companies will require an International Driving Permit.
• You’ll need to purchase a vignette (road tax) when entering Albania. These can be purchased at gas stations near border crossings.
• Some roads in the mountains may be difficult to navigate, so make sure you are comfortable driving on winding roads before embarking on this journey.
• Be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations, as they can differ from country to country.
• Make sure your rental car has insurance that covers all countries you plan to visit.
• You will need to inform the rental company in advance that you will be picking the car up in Montenegro and dropping it off in Albania so that they can ensure you have all the necessary documentation for border crossings. There will usually be an additional fee for this.

FAQs: Montenegro And Albania Itinerary

Which is better montenegro or albania.

Both countries offer unique experiences, so it’s hard to say which is better. Montenegro has stunning beaches and mountains, while Albania has a rich history and cultural heritage. It’s best to visit both and decide for yourself!

How many days do I need in Montenegro?

You can spend anywhere from 3-10 days in Montenegro, depending on your travel style and itinerary. In this itinerary, I’ve included 7 days in Montenegro, but you can adjust it to fit your needs.

How many days do I need for Albania?

Similar to Montenegro, you can spend anywhere from 3-30 days in Albania. I spent a month in Albania and still didn’t see everything! This itinerary includes two weeks in Albania and covers all the top tourist sites, but feel free to adjust it to your preferences.

Is English widely spoken in Montenegro and Albania?

English is not widely spoken in these countries, especially when venturing outside of major cities. It’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in the local language or have a translation app handy.

Can I use Euros in Montenegro and Albania?

In Montenegro, the official currency is the Euro, but they also accept the local currency, the Montenegrin Dinar. In Albania, the official currency is the Albanian Lek. It’s best to have both currencies on hand when travelling in these countries.

How To Get From Montenegro To Albania?

If you are taking a Montenegro road trip, the easiest way to reach Albania is to drive or take a bus from Ulcinj to Shkoder. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and the border crossing is straightforward.

Can I rent a car in Montenegro and leave it in Albania?

Yes, several car rental companies allow you to rent a car in Montenegro and drop it off in Albania. Just make sure to check with the company beforehand and plan for any additional fees or paperwork.

What is the best time of year to visit Montenegro and Albania?

The peak tourist season in these countries is during the summer months (June-August). However, the shoulder season (May and September) can also be a great time to visit as the weather is still warm and there are fewer tourists. Avoid visiting during winter as many tourist sites may be closed.

Are Montenegro and Albania safe for tourists from the United States?

Yes, Montenegro and Albania are safe for tourists from the USA. Both countries are generally safe for tourists, but it’s always important to take basic safety precautions such as avoiding isolated areas and being aware of your surroundings. Overall, as long as you use common sense and follow local laws and customs, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Are Montenegro and Albania safe for solo female travellers?

Both countries are generally safe for solo female travellers, but as with any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. I felt super safe in both countries and didn’t have many issues with harassment or unwanted attention.

Final Thoughts: Montenegro And Albania Itinerary

Montenegro and Albania may not be the most well-known or popular tourist destinations in Europe, but they offer a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and interesting cultures. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled trip or a relaxing beach vacation, these countries have it all.

I’ve tried to include a good mix of activities and sights in this itinerary, from exploring ancient ruins to hiking through National Parks to indulging in delicious local cuisine. But don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover your own hidden gems too!

Just remember to stay open-minded, respectful of local customs, and have a sense of adventure. I hope this itinerary inspires you to visit these beautiful countries and create unforgettable memories! Happy travels! 

For more hidden gem travel inspiration check out my list of 51 unique travel destinations or take the travel personality quiz to find your perfect destination!

My Favourite Travel Resources

Travel Itineraries: I offer a range of pre-planned travel itineraries for many popular destinations. Use them to make planning your next trip a breeze!

Accommodation: I always use booking.com for hotels and Hostelworld for hostels. I’ve found some great bargains by using these sites!

Flights: My favourite tools to find the cheapest flights are WayAway , Expedia and Skyscanner

Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets I use Ferry Scanner

Activities: I use Viator and GetYourGuide to find the best tours and activities in every destination I visit. I’ve had some fantastic experiences using these sites!

Cashback: With the WayAway Plus membership plan, users get access to premium travel support, travel content prepared by locals, and cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel services. I love using Wayaway to get cashback on my travel expenses. In fact, it is one of my fave budget travel hacks 😉 Click here to get 10% off of a WayAway Plus membership

Foreign Currency: I highly recommend getting an international card to save you loads of money in expensive bank fees. The Wise Card allows you to spend in 150+ currencies and withdraw cash from ATMs anywhere in the world without paying any bank fees!

Travel Insurance: Never travel without proper travel insurance! I always use EKTA

Luggage Storage: Radical Storage is a Luggage storage network that operates in over 70 countries and 350 cities with more than 3500 storage points. I love using Radical storage to store my bags before or after checking in/out of my hotel as it gives me an extra day to explore without having to worry about dragging my luggage around with me.

Travel Planning services: Did you know that I offer travel planning services and custom itineraries? Let me plan your next trip for you!

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Albania Or Montenegro: The Honest Comparison You Need!

T he Balkans are a special place, so choosing whether to visit Albania or Montenegro can be a tough choice.

Yet tourism within the region has only really picked up over the last 20 or 30 years. Because of that, Balkan countries remain an oasis of pristine natural beauty and incredible cultural traditions that are begging to be explored. So if you’re thinking of visiting either Albania or Montenegro, then great choice!

Choosing where to go on a Balkan holiday can be tricky though. Every country has its own charm, and due to their lack of popularity (which is undeserving), it can be tough to work out which place would be the most interesting to you.

Especially as countries like Albania and Montenegro are actually very different from each other…

For example Albania is more rugged and less visited, but is perfect for adventurous tourists and hikers. Whereas Montenegro has better infrastructure, hotels, and is well known for its seaside resort towns.

However that’s just the beginning when it comes to how these two countries are different…

Luckily that’s where we can help!

Below we look at both and show you what to expect and where you should visit in terms of the beaches, natural landscapes, and cities, along with much more. All so you can make the right vacation decision!

A Quick Overview & Comparison

Which has the better coastline & beaches, which has the better landscape, which has the better capital city, where to stay according to your budget.

Albania: A Quick Overview

Albania is the more off-the-beaten-track, adventurous option compared to Montenegro.

The currency they use is the Lek (the Euro is often accepted as well, but you’ll get a cheaper price when using the local currency), and there’s less luxurious accommodation options than in some neighboring countries.

In general, Albania also has worse infrastructure than Montenegro. However it has incredible beaches, mountains, and UNESCO sites.

Due to an authoritarian regime which prevailed until the nineties, Albania was virtually closed off to the rest of the world until recently.

Since then, the world has been reluctant to discover all that Albania has to offer, allowing it to remain a diamond in the rough for those adventurous enough to make their way here. This means that the beaches remain uncrowded, prices remain ridiculously low, and people are sincerely hospitable.

At the risk of sounding like a cliché, you really can describe Albania as Europe’s undiscovered gem.

Montenegro: A Quick Overview

Montenegro, a former Yugoslav state and one of the youngest countries in the world, is in our opinion, the more tourist friendly option than Albania.

They use the Euro, have more hostels and hotels than Albania, and generally speaking, the country also has better infrastructure.

It’s also more of a beach destination than Albania, and subsequently you’ll find plenty of seaside resorts in this country.

Regardless of this, Montenegro still remains a very affordable destination, and its combination of UNESCO sites, mountains and beaches makes it the perfect destination for anyone looking to both relax and enjoy some adventure.

Albania: The Beaches & Landscape

Montenegro is known more for its beaches than Albania, but the coastline in Albania is gorgeous, mostly undeveloped and pristine.

The heart of the Albanian Riviera is located in Saranda , once a sleepy fishing village which has slowly but surely become a thriving seaside hub. It’s a great place for people looking to lay on the beach by day, but also party at beach bars by night.

It is significantly more developed than other beach towns, yet it remains authentically Albanian. It is usually the starting point for most travelers who go on to explore lesser known beaches and seaside spots up and down the coast.

For turquoise swimming waters, head to Dhërmi Beach . This picture-perfect spot can get a little crowded in summer though, so if you’re looking for a quieter more rural beach, then the seven-kilometer long Borsh Beach is perfect. Recommended: Camping in Albania

All in all, the coastline of Albania tends to be more rugged, wild and undeveloped compared to Montenegro. That means less facilities on popular beaches, but also less people.

Montenegro: The Beaches & Landscape

This country is a more popular seaside and beach destination than Albania, so you’ll find many charming coastal villages well set-up for tourists up and down Montenegro.

Montenegro’s seaside towns are a lovely combination of cobblestone and seaside promenades, the most significant of which is Kotor . This old medieval town has a walled historical center full of street cats that will quickly purr their way into your heart.

Budva , a seaside town with a bustling nightlife is well worth visiting too. The little island directly opposite the town is known for its wonderful seafood specialties.

We also have to mention Ulcinj , a fantastic little Albanian haven in Montenegro which is home to stunning mosques and delicious kebab stands.

The golden sands and turquoise waters at the two beaches situated in Petrovac shouldn’t be missed for any beach lover either.

Or if you fancy something more secluded, then Dobrec Beach is perfect. Only accessible by boat (from Herzeg-Novi, Rose, Zanjice and Miriste) this beach has hammocks available to use for adventurous tourists that make it here. The locally caught seafood at this secluded cove is well worth trying too!

Want a variety of beach experiences, from golden sands to lively nightlife, quaint seaside villages or relaxing coves? Then Montenegro has it all.

Albania: The Landscape

Albania’s beauty comes from its gorgeous scenery rather than the country’s cityscapes. Albania’s best known mountain range the Accursed Mountains – also called the Albanian Alps – and they are a must visit for anyone to the country.

This mountain range is covered in thick forest, icy lakes and stunning greenery. But it’s also home to beautiful little Albanian villages, where the houses are made of stone and traditions have remained unchanged for generations.

We recommend visiting the village of Theth – arguably the most beautiful in the country.

Situated high up in the Alps, Theth is home to historic buildings and sits in a national park which is full of great hiking routes. A good hiking map of the region can be found here.

If you’re looking for another good base to walk the Albanian Alps, then staying in Valbona is recommended. This mountain hamlet lies beside ancient forests that are home to countless walking routes.

These villages are a real oasis of olden times, and not only are they an incredible sight to see, but they’re also extremely interesting to get to know – as are the people that live in them.

In fact if you’re looking for a holiday that involves nature and hiking then Albania will probably be the better choice than Montenegro.

Montenegro: The Landscape

Montenegro is known as Crna Gora in Montenegrin, meaning Black Mountain – and it’s very aptly named!

Although the country is more famous for its beaches, Montenegro has a huge amount to offer to those with a heart for hiking. Some of the country’s best walks can be found in this fantastic book.

Durmitor is the most significant mountain to mention. This spot is perfect for winter skiing and summer hiking.

Durmitor also harbors the Durmitor National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage site with gorgeous glaciers, as well as Europe’s deepest gorges.

So while Albania may be the better option if you’re looking for hiking on barely traversed trails, Montenegro has plenty to offer too. Albeit it can just be a little busier, as it is the more popular destination after all.

Tirana: The Capital of Albania

Tirana, Albania’s capital city, is a sight to see on its own.

Compared to other European capitals, Tirana is harsher on the eyes – lots of brutalist architecture leftover from authoritarian rule, and significantly less infrastructure than you find in other cities.

However, that in itself makes it one of the most interesting places you can visit in Europe. The Natural History Museum in Tirana is well worth visiting to learn more about the city and country.

A visit to the Gondola and forested slopes of Dajti will also make for a great day-trip from the capital.

In contrast to what the architecture might tell you, people in Tirana are some of the warmest, most inviting people you will ever meet. You will definitely find yourself having coffee with Albanians who will love to tell you about their country’s fascinating history.

Podgorica : The Urban Hub of Montenegro

If you’re looking for a real urban hub, Podgorica is the place to go!

Montenegro’s capital city is regarded as a strange melting pot of all the cultural influences the country has been under throughout its history.

It’s arguably a more beautiful city than Albania’s Tirana, and has lots on offer to history buffs.

Intricate Ottoman-built mosques, as well as Soviet cement block houses and Western-looking cafes and storefronts cohabitate across Podgorica’s skyline and give it a fascinating sense of intrigue and mystique. Visit the 400-year old clock tower to get your history fix.

Home to ancient monasteries, beaches and wildlife, the nearby Lake Skadar National Park is well worth a day-visit from the city too.

Budget: Set in a great area for hiking and exploring, you can expect mountain views and great service when staying at Chri Chri Guesthouse . It’s one of the highest rated places to stay in the country, yet remains very budget friendly. See photos and rates!

Luxury: For a taste of luxury, but at your own pace, Limani Deluxe Apartments is a great choice. You’ll have a balcony that looks directly out on the sea, while still being close to the action in the town of Sarandë. See photos and rates!

Budget: Eko Katun ROSI – Old Tower is a rustic accommodation set in the mountains perfect for hiking and skiing. It’s full of character, yet extremely affordable. See photos and rates!

Luxury: Located in the UNESCO-listed Boka Bay, the five-star Regent Porto Montenegro has gorgeous sea and mountain views, a wondeful pool and some of the best service in the Balkans. See photos and rates!

Recommended For Your Trip To Albania Or Montenegro

Related Posts

Croatia vs Montenegro An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose

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“Jude and Ruby’s Global Travels”

Montenegro & Northern Albania

Having visited many of the previous Balkan countries like Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia it was time to discover Montenegro. We designed a roadtrip touring the coasts and mountains of Montenegro & Northern Albania. It was the perfect way to slow down and see more of both countries. We learned a lot along with way and have pulled it all together in this post to help you plan an amazing roadtrip including the stunning Bay of Kotor.

Montenegro is part of the Balkans, which lie in the heart of Europe. The Balkans are seven countries that gained independence in the mid 90s after devastating regional conflicts. Today, they offer curious travellers accessible destinations, each with its own rich mix of heritage and culture. 

Montenegro Albania Roadtrip Itinerary

1 – Fly into Dubrovnik (Croatia) and transfer to Herceg-Novi (Montenegro)

2 – Leisurely drive (Uber) to Bay or Kotor 

3 – Bay of Kotor & Perast

4 – Shkoder, Albania 

5 – Shkoder, Albania

6 – Budva, Old Bar & Ulcinj, Montenegro

7 – Cavtat, Croatia

You can easily switch this itinerary around to suit your interests and available time. 10 days would be perfect to include Tirana and some more inland spots in Montenegro for example.

Where Are Montenegro & Albania?

Montenegro has a stunning coastline with mountains that glide into turquoise waters. It reminded us of Norwegian fjords in parts. UNESCO protects the old city in Kotor which is  nestled in the main bay.   There’s a lot to explore and it’s easy to get around independently.  You can either rent a car or hire a local driver taxi which is what we did. 

As a country, it is about the size of Connecticut (US) or Wales (UK). You can easily combine mountains and beaches in this type of trip by using our Albania Montenegro itinerary.

We had not originally planned to visit Albania, thinking maybe Kosovo might be an easier second spot. However, when looking at the map and our time, Northern Albanian was an easier proposition for 2 nights. Combining a roadtrip to both Montenegro and Northern Albania was definitely a good decision!

How to Get to Montenegro via Dubrovnik

Flights to montenegro.

It’s easy! We flew separately to Dubrovnik, Croatia from Edinburgh with EasyJet and from London, Stanstead with Jet2.  If you are travelling from within Europe there’s loads of travel options. 

From North America there are non stop flights with United to Dubrovnik. Why Dubrovnik?  It’s only a few miles from the airport to the border of Montenegro and there are a lot more flight options.  There are flights into Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro and Tivat, near Bay of Kotor, which are worth checking out to avoid a border crossing.  Trust us, it was pretty simple – more on borders later.

Transfers to/from Dubrovnik Airport

We love the simplicity of arriving and having a pre-booked taxi waiting to transfer us to our accommodation. Booking.com was really easy to use to  arrange a private taxi to meet us at the airport.  It was good value at 50 EUR to drive us the 30 or so minutes south over the border to Herceg Novi.  

🎒TPoP   Tip : make sure you get your driver’s phone number (not just the company) to connect directly with them when you arrive.  Much easier if there are any delays!

What to Pack for an Albania and Montenegro road trip?

A carry on is all you need for 7 nights exploring Montenegro and Northern Albania. Check out our blog on packing and our special 10kg suitcase tip list with photos of everything that you can fit into a  properly packed bag.  Smaller bags require less space in taxis etc. and are a lot easier to deal with when you’re on the move!

Montenegro and Albania road trip highlights

We saw quite a bit of what both countries have to offer visitors. These were our Albania Montenegro road trip highlights:

• The relaxed coastal town of Herceg-Novi
• UNESCO protected Old City in The Bay of Kotor
• Perast Village By Boat & Return by Bus
• Drive through mountains in Crmnica region with incredible valley views
• Hotel Tradita, Shkoder, what a  dinner experience
• Shkoder Rozafa castle with its amazing 360 views from the top
• Ulcinj old city cliffs and views of the Adriatic
• Old Bar with its winding street cafes and ancient castle
• Cavat town in Croatia

Herceg-Novi

Often overlooked as a stop off point, as travellers head to more well known spots, Herceg-Novi was a gem of a first stop.  The town is more than 6 centuries old with lots of nooks and crannies to explore. We were surprised to learn the  Clock Tower was built during the time of Turk rule.

Some parts are quite a steep walk so if you like a bit of morning exercise, this is a work-out before breakfast.

We stayed at the Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa which was spotless, with a modern vibe. Facing the coast was their  beautiful pool/bar area with ample space for guests. After a flight it was perfect to unwind, have a dip in the pool. The pool deck faces blue waters that signal the entrance to Bay of Kotor.  Our hotel was located right off the main Promenade which starts in Iaglo (technically where our hotel was) and wraps around to the town of Meljine.  

It was easy to find a restaurant at night without booking. Most offered locally menus although looked a little touristy. 

🎒TPoP Tip : Ask the hotel staff where they like to eat outside the hotel!  Oh, and the ice-cream here and across the country was delicious, cheap and hard to pass by on an evening stroll!

Old City – Bay of Kotor

We booked a local taxi for 1pm the next day to a transfer from Iaglo to the old city (Stari Grad) of Bay of Kotor. Two nights here was perfect, giving us a central base for exploring.  Also, gave us time for sunbathing before headed away from the coast.  

Our rooms at Boutique Hotel Astoria, located inside the UNESCO city, were excellent.  The taxi dropped us off outside and a hotel employee met us and guided us to the hotel which was literally 5 minutes round the corner!

Do walk the Old Town without a map.  Don’t worry where you’re going. It’s an adventure exploring the surprising maze of ancient streets each with a mix of shops, bars, historical buildings to check out at your leisure.

Want a climbing challenge?

If you like steep climbs, do hike up behind the old town to the castle for sunset views or towards the old monastery.

Day Trip To Perast From Old Kotor

Kotor is easy to hang around in but when you’re surrounded by such gorgeous bays, there’s a pull to get onto the water. 

Our boat trip to Perast was easy to organize.  Outside the Old City Wall is a tourist booth.  They phone over your booking and then you walk over the road, through a small city park to the jetty where local tour boats moor.  This is where you board.

The boats are quite small, so you don’t feel overcrowded. We had 6 people total plus the captain which made for a great cruise.

Boat Ride To Our Lady Of The Rocks

Before disembarking at Perast we stopped off at an island called Our Lady of the Rocks.  There’s ancient folklore about how it came to be in this spot but in reality it is an engineered structure . That said, it’s a cute stop off with beautiful views and there is a church and small museum to check out.

Perast is tiny and it’s a world away from the busy Bay of Kotor.  You can walk down the only street parallel to the bay and pick your lunch spot.  The town has an incredible number of places, some now 5* hotels but don’t let that deter you as the whole places has a ‘real life’ vibe.  We chatted with a guy who was selling jewellery his mother had made at home and he was the retail store – under a tree in the park!

Relax On The Tiny Beach in Perast!

After lunch, we stumbled upon what looked like a fun beach hangout – Pirates Beach Bar.

Beach is perhaps a little misleading because its was tiny strip of sand. The deck was a great spot to hangout and have a cocktail. We loved hanging out  in the water where there were tables to pop down your drink while we had a quick swim to cool off. 

There was a charge for sun loungers and it was quite busy when we arrived but everyone was having fun. Travellers gathered from as far away as South Africa to Luxembourg.

Where to Eat Dinner in Perast?

Linger and enjoy dinner in Perast. We dined at a waterfront spot restuarant called Konoba Skolji and everything was so fresh.

At dusk we caught a Blue Line bus back to Kotor (about 20 minutes). They run frequently from the Main Street, are safe & inexpensive.

Using public transport when travelling can often be much easier than we might imagine and of course it’s much cheaper! 

Drive Through Crmnica Region

We had pre-booked a driver through the company called  My Day Trip  to take us from Bay of Kotor to our hotel in Shkoder, Albania.  He met us at our hotel in Kotor and was a great tour guide and ambassador for his country. 

Rather than taking us straight down the ‘tourist route’ ie. coast, he offered a mountain route out of Kotor to Celine to Podgorica with a first stop in Rijeka Crnojevica. It has a famous bridge across the river built in 1853 and today a lot of fishing takes place around here.

Passing through the suburbs of the Montenegro capital Podgorica we didn’t feel we were missing a lot.   As guide books had suggested there are more interesting and attractive sights in Montenegro and Albania. 

Wow – these views!

We continued on through the region called Crmnica, known for wine production. Then we took a narrow, twisty road,  onto a tiny back road that you’d never know was there.  As we reversed down this road the driver explained there was no place to turn around!

Then, suddenly we had the most incredible views of huge valleys, meandering rivers, mountain ranges, right there in front of us.  Photos don’t do it justice. There is a great photo point at Pavlova Strana which we’d definitely suggest you try and get to.

Our next stop was the Waterfall Niagara. We descended thirty or so steps from the road and walked right up to the swirling waters. It’s a pretty spot to take a break for 30 minutes or so and a few people were picnicking but it was not busy!  

Is it Easy to Cross the Border from Montenegro to Albania?

Crossing the Border from Montenegro into Northern Albania was straightforward. Soon we were skirting the massive Lake Skader/Shkoder. Interestingly the lake straddles Montenegro and Northern Albania. It is a fantastic place for hiking and exploring nature and you could easily spend a week or two in this part alone.

We travelled on through rural towns and open fields as well as olive tree regions to reach the town of Shkoder (same as the lake!) and our hotel for the night Hotel Tradita. The location of this hotel was just right for us.  We had thought about somewhere out of town, nearer to the lake, but in reality for a couple of nights it was much better to be in a central location.

We explored the city center with it’s mosques, cafes, restaurants and bars. There is a pedestrian area which families enjoying strolling around come evening.  The vibe was relaxed and safe.

Explore Shkoder Rozafa Castle

Before we arrived in Albania we researched hiring bikes to cycle from town to the ancient castle.  But we couldn’t find any to rent when we got there and so we walked.  It was just as well as the climb up the castle isn’t bike friendly and it’s only a couple of kilometers!  Plus we got to see the town as we walked through it. (use Google maps to help guide you along:)

The castle was a great spot to explore.  The oldest wall of the Shkoder Rozafa castle was constructed  in the 1st millennium BCE. Views from the top are awesome, both of the lake and three rivers coming together as they flow to the Adriatic Sea.

On the way back we detoured into an olive wood store meeting the owner who told us about their family business turning this versatile wood into incredible dishes, cheese boards, even jewellery.  We felt the quality was high and the owner was so friendly and proud of his family’s skills. 

Hotel Tradita, Shkoder – What a Party!

Saturday evening at our hotel was a highlight of our trip.  Staff treated guests like close family.  The outdoor courtyard was bustling with locals and a few tourists, the food, music and home made wine and brandy flowed. 

The grilled vegetables – peppers, aubergine (eggplant) melted in the mouth.  The wine was local, organic and some of the best we have ever drunk and that’s after visiting quite a few world renowned wine regions.

Everyone got up and danced together and it was just a happy, fun time.  Of course if you’re looking for a quiet hideaway this wouldn’t be the place to stay as the rooms are off the courtyard.

The hotel is rustic and quite basic but it was a perfect reflection of traditional hospitality and we loved it!

Ulcinj and Old Bar – Montenegro

All good things come to an end!  Our hotel booked a taxi to take us back over the border to Montenegro. This crossing was on a Sunday and it took a good bit longer with more checks.  But we made it to Ulcinj, the most southern coastal town in Montenegro.

Our hotel Hotel Palata Venezia was perched high above the bay with glorious views over the water. The rooms were huge, the pool cute and food excellent.  At night we wandered into the bayfront area  but found it to be very touristy with a lot of nightclubs and imported souvenirs.  Not our most favourite spot although our hotel and the restaurants were enjoyable.

An unexpected experience in Ulcinj was a 4.3 earthquake at 6am. 

A jolt woke us up and that was it. 

 Having lived in seismic areas it wasn’t that scary but  a good breakfast conversation.  

Leaving Ulcinj with the same driver Ivan who’d driven us from Kotor to Albania, he suggested we stop at Old Bar.  What a fabulous small town!  It was easy to stroll around, relax at a street cafe for coffee.  We explored the ancient castle at the top of the street perched in a strategic look out position.  Try and visit here early in the day as was getting busy as we left around 10am.

Final Night in Cavtat, Croatia

We drove on from Bar and back into Croatia. Our last stop was in Budva. In reading guide books, it seemed like this was a ‘not to be missed’ location. We will be honest. It was like walking through a shopping mall in the old town. Too many people and when we tried to go onto the main beach, we were told it was private.  It is a beautiful spot but we would recommend other places to stay in Montenegro.

On our last night, rather than heading into Dubrovnik, we stayed at the Castelleto Guest House in Cavtat.

We had both visited Cavtat before and love it’s laid back atmosphere. The curved harbour is a docking point for super yachts. Our accommodation was a guest house, with a small dipping pool,  and an honor drinks systems. It  was a perfect hideaway to relax at before flying back to the UK. 

Although we were up on the hillside, getting down to the town and harbour is an easy walk. Countless bars and restaurants line the harbour. Take your pick!

That’s It! An Amazing Road trip in Montenegro and Northern Albania!

A funny story! Travel is about seeing new places, fresh experiences and often we meet people that become friends for life!  We had a funny story about some new friends we made on this trip. 

In Perast, Montenegro, at the Pirates Beach, we met an extended family group from South Africa.  The parents had been sailing around the world for 3 years! We had a drink and promised to follow each others journeys.

The next morning we were in a different Montenegro town walking to meet our taxi driver. Incredibly, who do we meet in the street?  Yes, the Sailing Walkers.  We laughed at the random reconnections again saying we would keeping in touch via our blogs.

Finally on our last night in a different town in another country we were walking down the promenade with an ice-cream (last one for the trip!) when we heard loud hellos from a promenade bench.  Yes, it was the SailingWalkers!!

We laughed at the  3rd random meeting in a 3rd city in a week.  We wonder where we will next bump into the SailingWalkers! 

If you’re thinking about going somewhere different in Europe, why not plan a roadtrip to Montenegro and Northern Albania. And, go before the secret’s out!

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LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

Balkans itinerary: 10 days in albania, montenegro, croatia.

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lotuseaters.travel

Why travel to the Balkans? Balkan culture, pastry, wine, raika, blue seas, mountains, lakes, hiking trails, boats, islands, medieval walls, forts, cathedrals, greenery, party vibes, romance, fun, cheese and finally meat. No this is not a list of our favourite things. This is what you will find travelling in the Balkans, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

This strip of three countries provides an excellent and versatile destination that has something to offer everyone whatever kind of holiday you particularly like. Whether you’re a city, beach, food or adventure lover, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia have it all.

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Adventure Lover: Balkans Itinerary Albania, Montenegro and Croatia

Any of these three countries have enough to offer Adventure lovers, but what could be better than adventuring in all three? Balkans travel across Albania, Montenegro and Croatia is perfect for any keen adventurer.

Our top 5 recommendations for adventurers are:

• Skadar Lake (Albania) – kayaking or a boat tour
• Lovcen National Park (Montenegro)
• Hiking and kayaking in Kotor (Montenegro)
• White water rafting on the river Tara (Montenegro)
• Blue cave and National Park Miljet (Croatia)

Firstly, fly into Tirana and spend a day or two in the city. After this take a short bus ride to the Albanian side of Skadar lake. Here you could enjoy 2 nights exploring, and either kayaking or taking a boat tour. If you’re short of time, fly into Podgorica and stay on the Montenegro side of the lake instead.

Next, hop over to Lovcen national park in Montenegro. Spend 2 nights there exploring before moving on the River Tara for white water rafting for 1 night.

From there, take a short break in Kotor to enjoy some good food, after a hike up the Ladder of Kotor and maybe a kayak around the bay .

Next, take the short trip to Dubrovnik and spend the remaining 4 nights there. However, if you’re on a budget , stay out of the city (we provide more tips for staying in Dubrovnik in our linked article ). From Dubrovnik, you can explore the Blue Cave and Miljet Island as well as hiking Mount Srd .

If you want to luxe it up then why not take a sailing tour in Dubrovnik?

As an alternative, you could spend longer in Albania and explore the Albania Alps – find out more here.

Where to stay

Top Picks for Accommodation 🏨

• Lake Skadar: Ethno Village Skadar (Montenegro) or Mi Casa es Tu Casa (Albania)
• Lovcen National Park: Hotel Monte Rosa
• River Tara: Rafting River Tara Hotel
• Kotor: Apartments Old Town Wine Hotel
• Dubrovnik: Villa Four Winds III

City Lover: Balkans Itinerary Albania, Montenegro and Croatia

With so much to see and do, this area offers culture and intrigue enough to sate any city lovers appetite.

Our top 4 suggestions are:

• Tirana (Albania)
• Tivat (Montenegro)
• Dubrovnik (Croatia)
• Korcula (Croatia)

For city fans, Tirana is a must , although it may not seem it, this city has a lot to offer. Fly into there and enjoy 2 nights exploring. Next, head over to neighbouring Montenegro. Skip Podgorcia and go to Tivat for 2 nights, an up and coming town in Montenegro.

A  short hop will take you to Dubrovnik, where I’d recommend at least 3 nights. Then, take a bus or drive to Korcula Island and stay in the main town, which is nicknamed “Little Dubrovnik”.

Few people realise that you can visit this Island directly from Dubrovnik due to the short car ferry from the mainland. Rather than visiting the Islands near Split, we would suggest skipping this well trodden path.

FERRY FROM DUBROVNIK TO KORCULA

• Tirana : Hotel Opera
• Tivat : Hotel Pine
• Dubrovnik: Dominus Little Palace
• Korcula : Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel

Foodie: Balkans Itineary Suggestions

Foodies assemble. Even though Italy may be well known as a foodies paradise, the Balkans is also punching! There’s plenty of great grub on offer throughout this area. If you’re a keen foodie, then Balkans travel in Albania, Montenegro and Croatia is perfect for you.

Our top 4 picks for foodies are:

• Perast (Montenegro)
• Ston (Croatia)

Firstly, head to Tirana in Albani a which has an up and coming food scene. Restaurant Mullixhu has an incredible (and great value) tasting menu conjured up by a Michelin star chef.

Next head to Perast, a picture perfect town just outside Kotor, offering idyllic surroundings and fresh as a daisy seafood.

From here, we would suggest travelling onwards to Dubrovnik which is a foodie paradise. Michelin starred restaurants and wine bars galore. Or, if you’d rather more traditional cuisine then find a more local key restaurant by the sea and go for fresh fish and dalmatian smoked ham and cheese platters.

Lastly, head up the coast, just a short ride on bus or by car will take you to Ston. Home of the Oyster!

💡Another city to consider if you love food, is Belgrade in Serbia . We lived in Belgrade for nearly two months and fell in love with the incredible food scene.

• Tirana: Hotel Opera
• Perast: Apartments Admiral
• Ston: Apartmani Ponta

Beach Lover: Balkans Itinerary

This area along the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast is packed with beautiful beaches.  For beach lovers who are looking for alternatives to rival Greece and Italy, this is the perfect destination to try.

Our top 4 treats for beach lovers are:

• Albanian Riviera (Albania)
• Budva (Montenegro)

First, to the lesser known Albanian Riviera! Honestly, you could spend 10 full days just in this area. Pick your favourite beach on the Albanian riviera from our guide here.

Next, to Budva . Miles of beaches await you. The town itself has some delightful beaches, but head further along to Queens Beach for a real treat.

Then we would recommend heading on to Dubrovnik, for coves and clear sea. Finally, take the ferry to Korcula Island . Take your time and explore this beautiful Island paradise.

• Albanian Riviera: Sofo Hotel (Dhmeri), Villa Calliope (Jale), Argjile Rooms (Himare)
• Budva: Old Town Pearl Apartment . If you want to luxe it up, why not stay in Sveti Stefan?
• Korcula: Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel

Buses between Albania, Croatia and Montenegro

The best way to get between the three different countries is to take the bus. There is an excellent network of buses.

We use the bus booking website BookAway for bus travel in this area and highly recommend it.

For more information on travelling by bus between Albania, Montenegro and Croatia, click here and here .

Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case. Find them here on Amazon .

Find yours on here and get the travelling started!

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6 responses to “balkans itinerary: 10 days in albania, montenegro, croatia”.

On my list of must-sees! Thanks for the suggestions! 🌞

Great article!

[…] to travel in the Balkans by public transport. Here’s how to get the bus from Montenegro to […]

[…] If you want more advice on what to do in Montenegro, then check out our articles on Budva and Kotor. Or if you’d rather read a full guide on travelling in the Balkans, you can find our article here. […]

Found your site today and am enjoying it! We just returned from a two month bike ride from Amsterdam to Athens where the last month was spent pedaling through Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece. We so enjoyed the Balkans! I could talk for an hour about the wonderful-ness encountered. Great pictures! I’m missing that coastline and the spectacular views. Seeing a country on a bicycle really allows you to see a country.

[…] we believe that travellers in 2023 will start to explore multiple countries during one trip. Albania, Montenegro and Croatia is a great example of three countries offering ease of transit with public transport. But further […]

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10 Day Albania and Montenegro Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 10 day Albania and Montenegro tour with TourRadar. Choose from 16 trips with 28 customer reviews, that range from 8 up to 10 days.

16 Albania And Montenegro 10 day tour packages with 28 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days – Choose Balkans Route

Everything was just perfect, organisation, our tour guide, food, trails, nature. Breathtaking sceneries.

Peaks of the Balkans Tours in 10 days – Classic Route

Peaks of the Balkans Three-Country Trek

• Mountain Hikes

Peaks of the Balkans – Small Group Tour in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro

The scenery is spectacular and every day was different. A memorable hiking experience I highly recommend.

• €29 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Visit Albania - North Macedonia - Kosovo - Montenegro

Ervin were one of the best of not the best guides that we experienced in our 35 years of touring the world.

Essential Southern Balkans

Peaks of the Balkans - Hike Beyond Borders in Albania & Montenegro (8 day)

It was a great week. Despite the sometimes tough walks - it was thrilling to be up in the mountains with the quiet, sheep and stars.

• Food & Culinary

Albania & Montenegro Tour

Albania a terrific country. Tour itineracy perfect. Other hotels excellent.

Peaks of Balkan - Mountain Hiking at its Best with Ascent of Trekufiri (2366 m)

• River Cruise

The Treasures of the Adriatic: Croatia, Greece, Albania and Montenegro (port-to-port cruise)

• Coastal Walks

High Trails of the Balkans

Self – Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days

Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 8 days – Choose Balkans Route

Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 8 days

• Intl. Flights Included

Balkans: An Impression

• Flights included

What people love about 10 Day Albania And Montenegro Tours

Totally worth it! I enjoyed everything

Professionally run company with all details of the trip taken care of from the moment I booked, My guide, Denis, was brilliant ensuring my safety and setting a pace I could handle. The scenery is spectacular and every day was different. The guest houses were comfortable and the food provided was very good and plentiful. A memorable hiking experience I highly recommend.

Our tour guide was excellent and informant and was always very professional. He seems always helpful and friendly even after hours. Ervin were one of the best of not the best guides that we experienced in our 35 years of touring the world. Thanks Ervin.

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This Dreamy Coastal Road Trip in Montenegro Includes Charming Small Towns, Gorgeous Beaches, and Storybook Architecture

Buckle up for fairy-tale views.

Meagan Drillinger/Travel + Leisure

Montenegro will have you feeling like you slipped out of reality and into the middle of a fantasy novel. From the mountain-wreathed Boka Bay, with its legends of buried treasure, to the white stone medieval villages tucked up on hillsides, and the powder-soft sand of the sprawling, southern beaches, Montenegro’s coastline is so many worlds in one. 

Long dominated by the Venetians and Austro-Hungarians, there’s still a regal glamour to Montenegro, from its storybook architecture to the majesty of its raw, rugged, and untamed nature. And with a coastline that's only 183 miles long, you can find yourself changing from one world to the next in a matter of hours.

Travel, for me, is not about small doses. It's about diving in head first and gobbling it all up. So, when I decided to go to Montenegro, I didn’t want to just go to Montenegro. I needed to drive the entire coast from Croatia to Albania, stopping at every possible beach I could along the way. What resulted was a magical road trip discovering the pocket-sized country that packs a punch in both history and natural beauty.

How to Prepare for a Montenegro Road Trip

Driving in Montenegro is easy for someone from North America. Cars drive on the right-hand side, roads are well-maintained, and signage is clear. As is common in Europe, most rental cars are manual, so it’s necessary to know how to drive stick shift. 

If you’re planning on crossing any borders, check with the agency first to make sure your car is registered — Border Protection will check your paperwork. I rented our car in Croatia and confirmed it was authorized to go into Montenegro.

Most places I stopped at along the way accepted major credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash. (In Montenegro, they use the euro.)

For most travelers embarking on a coastal road trip in Montenegro, it’s easiest to fly into Dubrovnik. The border with Montenegro is less than 20 minutes from the Dubrovnik airport. 

Meagan Drillinger/Travel + Leisure

Montenegro Coastal Road Trip Itinerary

Few places are as intoxicating as Montenegro’s Boka Bay. You may see it listed on maps as the Bay of Kotor, but most people in Montenegro call it Boka Bay. This massive, bow-shaped bay is made up of two broad bodies of water separated by a skinny channel. There's a ferry crossing at the channel for those who want to get from one end of the bay to the other quickly, but for first-timers to Montenegro, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not driving the entire perimeter of the bay.

Brace yourself for misty limestone mountains carpeted with a fuzzy coating of green brush. The towering mountains loom silently around the emerald and turquoise waters. Around every ridge and tucked into quiet coves are white-and-pink stone medieval villages. If you weren’t driving a rental car, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think you had stumbled back in time.

Courtesy of One&Only

The first stop for us was in the town of Herceg Novi, which is quickly transforming into a hub for the evolving Montenegrin Riviera. Shielded by the watchful Mount Orjen, this coastal medieval village is fostering a reputation for being a luxury and wellness hot spot in Montenegro. 

Here, I checked into the One&Only Portonovi — the brand's first property in Europe — with beautiful lakefront villas, palatial pools, manicured gardens, and its own private beachfront on the bay. Rooms here are massive, each one with a soaking tub and cozy fireplace. Don’t miss an alfresco lunch at Italian-inspired Sabia, or evening cocktails and sushi at the lounge-like Tapasake. The hotel can arrange a private boat tour of the bay, stopping at nearby villages like Perast as well as Our Lady of the Rocks, a 15th-century church set on a small island in the middle of the bay. Of course, you’ll want to experience a treatment at the Ottoman-inspired spa, too.

From Herceg Novi, it’s an hour's drive along the perimeter of the bay to reach Kotor, which sits snugly in the crook of the easternmost corner of the bay. Surrounded by mountains, the old port city was one of the most protected in Montenegro from outside invaders. In fact, the walls surrounding Old Town are so important, they are one of the only UNESCO cultural sites in Montenegro.

Stepping through the gates and into the walled maze of Kotor’s Old Town is another piercing of the veil between past and present. The only thing jolting us back to modern day was the unnatural echo of our suitcase wheels clacking over the cobblestone streets as we made our way to our Airbnb.

I could have spent weeks in Kotor exploring all the alleys, slipping in and out of historic shops and churches, and climbing the fortifications for the most beautiful views of the rooftops, mountains, and bay. When no cruise ships were docked in the port, it felt like we had the place to ourselves, save for the hundreds of cats roaming the streets. Speaking of, Kotor is a cat lover’s paradise — so much so that the felines are a protected part of the city’s heritage and have free reign. The story goes that during the plagues that swept across Europe in the Middle Ages, Kotor brought a handful of cats into the walled city to kill the infected rats. Centuries later, the rats are gone, but hundreds of cats remain, all cared for and loved by the residents of Old Town.  

Modernity creeps in once you arrive in Budva, arguably the beach capital of Montenegro. This coastal town sits directly on the Adriatic Sea, evoking that quintessential riviera vibe. It started in its medieval Old Town, which dates back a couple of thousand years. Today, however, the action in Budva takes place in the newer parts along its beaches.

A glance at the shoreline reveals hundreds of lounge chairs lined along the pebbly beach backed by umbrella-shaded bars and restaurants. Inland are massive shopping centers, high-rise condos, and glamorous restaurants. Budva is a place of convenience, and a clear beach vacation destination. 

You can spend time here hopping from beach club to beach club, but arguably the best beaches of Montenegro await further south. 

Sveti Stefan

If you have the time and budget, Sveti Stefan is a must-visit. You’ll see the island village from the highway, sticking out of the sparkling blues of the Adriatic, with its red roofs and rim of pink-sand beaches. Upon further inspection, you’ll notice the facades of Sveti Stefan seem much more preserved and modern than other medieval villages in Montenegro. That’s because Sveti Stefan is a former medieval village that has been transformed into a five-star Aman resort. 

Aman Sveti Stefan has taken over the entire 1.2-square-mile town and transformed it into one of the most glamorous and exclusive resorts in the world. Only guests are permitted within the walls of the resort, and those select few enter a 15th-century aesthetic, with breathtaking Adriatic views and the highest of creature comforts.

For the rest of us, the white, pebbly beaches in front of the island are open to the public, where it’s easy to perch up on a lounge chair and order a drink.

We cruised down the coastline for another hour before reaching Ulcinj. Perched on a clifftop, dramatically overlooking the sea, this is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic, founded around the fifth century B.C.E. During the course of its centuries-long history, it has flown many flags, including Roman, Illyrian, Byzantine, Serbian, Venetian, and Ottoman. Don't miss the Ulcinj Castle here, which dates back more than 2,000 years.

The beaches of southern Montenegro are arguably the best in the country. Long Beach, just outside of Ulcinj and Donji Stoj, was the pièce de résistance to cap off this coastal Montenegrin road trip. The seemingly endless stretch of sand was a welcome change from the smaller, crescent-shaped, pebbly beaches in the north. 

Driving as far south as you can in Montenegro, so close you can touch the border with Albania, will put you at Ada Bojana Beach. Along the banks here, you'll find stilted wooden houses and a string of bohemian beach bars. Expect Southeast Asian island vibes, minus the throngs of backpacking tourists. 

Grab a seat on the shabby-chic outdoor sofas at Restaurant Barbana, a funky beach bar with a menu of fresh seafood and cocktails. At night, strings of glowing fairy lights create an ethereal atmosphere that, once again, suspends reality. It doesn’t matter here that Dubrovnik is only 3.5 hours away. Montenegro has this way about it that allows you to push pause on reality and live somewhere in between.

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travelsauro

Adventure travel blog. Hiking, Scuba Diving and Travels

A 10-day trip to the Balkans

November 6, 2022 By Travelsauro 5 Comments

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. There are other affiliate links too. This disclosure pertains to all product links.

We’d like to begin this guest post by thanking Miguel one and a thousand times for being our host here at Travelsauro. He has opened his blog´s doors to us and we are truly grateful. Thanks to him for every tip and trick he has offered; they’re awesome and highly motivating.

As for the presentations, we are Pablo and Let, Let and Pablo, heading up a project called Aprendizaje Viajero . In it, we write stories, tips and anecdotes for our fellow travellers. Today, we come to Travelsauro to speak about one of the most interesting routes in Europe – a 10-day trip to the Balkans.

During this trip, we visited Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia . It was an authentic adventure. Today we are going to focus on Montenegro – how we arrived there and how we visited one of the most interesting spots in Europe: the deepest natural canyon, Durmitor.

FLYING TO THE BALKANS

Dubrovnik (Croatia) is one of the most famous entry points to the region. However, we found another way to do it from below (its neighbour Albania) thanks to a very cheap flight we found online. We’d like to say that it’s very important to know the best day of the week to book flights, because depending on the day it’s possible to find variations of up to 15% of the price.

We flew from Madrid for about 60€ thanks to one of the premises of the article: NEVER book a flight on a Saturday.

Tirana is a very different city (if we can call it so). Although it’s in Europe, its streets don’t make you feel as though you are in the Old Continent. The people are friendly and happy to help you with anything you need. Keep in mind that English is not usually spoken here, so you might have to learn sign language before you book the trip.

The food is tasty, original and very cheap. The city offers a good opportunity to try new things. Needless to say, most infrastructures are awful; you will see this as soon as you leave the city. There is currently no train station, no bus station and no McDonalds! It’s actually the only European capital without the famous Golden Arches, though this is a fact we appreciated, as it made us feel as though we were in an exotic destination. We hate that place, seriously.

Some people on the street told us that behind a shopping mall there were a few buses from different travel agencies going to Montenegro. Thus, we continued our trip on wheels with an Albanian driver who was completely crazy about traditional music.

Montenegro was the next stop on our trip through the Balkans. First, we stopped at Budva, home of the famous Sveti Stefan. It’s a very “Instagram-friendly” small island. However, access is quite difficult because the island belongs to a five-star hotel. It’s not a “backpacker spot.” Still, we took some pics from the beach and it was worth it!

In Budva, we rented a car, then decided to visit the heart of the Balkans. This meant getting away from the beaches and into the mountains. Before that, though, we had an amazing stop: Kotor (which looks like a small Dubrovnik).

Kotor is the same thing as saying “tourism,” so we stayed there only half a day. The fortress and Kotor Bay are two places you should visit. Seriously, get up the stairs and you’ll find amazing views from the top. They’re totally worth it.

From Kotor, there are day trips to a town called Perast, which is just 10 minutes away by car. There, you can eat at the seaside for just 5€ and enjoy the most AMAZING views of the two islands in the middle of the lake. For another 5€, you can find people who will take you there by boat. Highly recommended. Make sure you have your camera ready because you’ll take lots of pictures.

Durmitor National Park: The deepest canyon in Europe

We started going deeper into the country, as we couldn’t wait to visit that region. Throughout this 10-day trip through the Balkans, there was certainly a must-visit place: Durmitor National Park. You need A LOT of patience to get there because the road delights you with 400 km of turn after turn. Be patient. Most drivers are absolutely crazy, but it’s all part of the fun.

Montenegro has plenty of mountains, and the ride bordering the Piva River up to the Bosnian frontier was one of the most beautiful roads we’d ever driven. Crossing the national park will leave you breathless. You’ll have to drive through 18 tunnels carved through the rocks, though they look more like caves than tunnels.

This region is perfect for rafting and other adventurous activities, so go ahead and try some if you’d like. However, we think that simply driving around this part of Europe was an adventure in itself. 

We crossed to Bosnia through deep forests after making a stop at Scepan Polje, on one of the most dangerous border crossings in Europe. It’s hard to get there due to the conditions of the road (and we were soaking wet due to a storm), so be careful if you decide to take this route.

The border police at Scepan Polje didn’t help, either.

The Republic of Srpska

Wasn’t this Bosnia? Yes, but we want to remind the reader that the country is divided not only politically and religiously, but also territorially. From 1992 to 1995, Bosnia suffered one of the bloodiest wars modern Europe has ever seen. One of the consequences was the creation of the Republic of Srpska, taking up 49 percent of the country. Most people there are orthodox Serbians, while the other 51 percent are Bosniaks.

The road to Sarajevo was by far the worst we had encountered throughout our journey. The lack of pavement and the poor weather conditions didn’t help. However, the landscapes are very picturesque. Sadly, in every village we crossed, we found the aftermath of the war, which gave us the chills.

Sarajevo is fascinating, one of the most spectacular cities we have been to. It’s one of the highlights of any trip through the Balkans.

– Article written by Pablo and Leti from Aprendizaje Viajero – 

We would like to thank Miguel once again for opening his doors to us.

For more information on Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia or Croatia, you may follow us at:

Aprendizaje Viajero / Facebook / Instagram

Did you like this itinerary for a 10-day trip to the Balkans? Leave a comment!

Hi, I’m Miguel; Adventure traveler, scuba diver and hiking lover. I have been traveling the world for the last 12 years and I hope my experiences, photos and hiking routes inspire you to travel the world too.

July 6, 2018 at 1:55 pm

Sounds like a wonderful trip-your descriptive prose makes it come alive. I would like to take a 10 day trip to the Balkans – Montenegro, Bulgaria, Albania – I have already been to Budapest and Croatia. Any thoughts about good tours for two women in their 60’s both active?

July 11, 2018 at 5:12 am

Hi Jonna! how are you? This post was written by Aprendizaje viajero. so you should ask them, I’m pretty sure they will help you 🙂

Safe travels, Miguel.

March 3, 2019 at 11:21 pm

Uno de mis viajes futuros será conocer toda la zona del báltico gran aporte por parte de los chico de aprendizaje viajero y travelsauro gracias por la valiosa información

February 23, 2019 at 5:39 pm

Thanks for the insight. I wasn’t planning on visiting Sarajevo, but now think I need to add it to my itinerary.

January 25, 2021 at 7:13 am

Nice. I’ve been to all those places, except for Tirana. I’ve been to Albania twice, just never to the capital, preferring the national park at Theth.

So, speaking of the deepest canyon, carved by the Tara River, any visitor to that area should go to the Tara ZipLine, near Zabljak.

You can take a zip line trip over tat deep canyon for just 25 Euros (2019 price). Not for the faint of heart!

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Wander-Lush

Where to Go on a Balkan Road Trip: 20 Epic Self-Drive Itineraries

Love road trips? The Balkans is one of the best regions in Europe for self-driving. This post brings together 20 tried-and-tested Balkans road trip itineraries to help you plan the perfect 3-14 day adventure.

Short distances, safe roads and affordable car rentals – the Balkans is a great place for a road trip.

With your own wheels, you can cover a whole country in a couple of days. In a week or more, you can fit in a cross-border itinerary to get a taste for the region’s diversity.

Mountains, lakes, dynamic cities, UNESCO sites and some of the best beaches in Europe – all for a fraction of the cost, and with a fraction of the crowds. The driving style in the Balkans takes some getting used to, but that’s all part of the experience!

This guide will take you through the very best tried-and-tested Balkans road trip itineraries to help you plan your own. I’ve also included lots of tips and tricks for driving in the Balkans, rental car advice, and two route maps.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Renting a car in the Balkans

There are two booking platforms I personally recommend for renting a car in the Balkans.

The first is Local Rent . This website aggregates local agents instead of big-ticket rental companies, meaning you can often find cars for much lower prices (from as little as 12 Euros/day in some countries!). Insurance often comes included in the base rate and better still, most cars do not require a deposit or credit card.

Currently, Local Rent is available in Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece and Turkey .

→ Check prices on the Local Rent website .

For the other Balkan countries, I highly recommend using Discover Cars . This comparison website allows you to compare rentals from both international and local agents, and to pre-purchase comprehensive insurance.

→ Visit Discover Cars and plug in your dates to see what’s available .

3 quick Balkans road trip tips

You need prior permission to cross borders.

If you’re driving around the Balkans in a rental car and you plan on crossing international borders, it’s essential to inform the rental company ahead of time . Give them plenty of advance notice so they can organise a Green Card for you.

Some agencies put restrictions on which borders you can cross in a rental – many won’t allow you to drive into Kosovo, for example – so be sure to check this before you start planning your route.

Rental companies with offices across the region will usually allow you to return your car in a different country for an extra fee.

You need a Green Card

A Green Card is essentially a travel document that verifies that your car is insured . Without one, you might be asked to purchase local insurance instead.

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey all require a Green Card. Green Cards are not valid in Kosovo, so every driver has to purchase separate insurance at the border. This costs around 15 Euros for a fortnight of coverage.

Look out for vignettes & tolls

While Montenegro has only one toll road that can easily be avoided, Serbia for example has several toll roads with relatively high fees.

Other countries in the Balkans impose a blanket vignette or ‘road tax’ for using the highways rather than separate tolls. Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia all charge vignettes of between 3-15 Euros per week.

If you rent your car from within one of these countries, the cost will be rolled into the rental price. If you’re entering overaland, you can either pre-purchase an e-vignette online or buy it from a petrol station when you arrive. (Note that you need the car registration details to register online.)

• Albania: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Bosnia: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Bulgaria: Purchase an e-vignette here
• Croatia: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Greece: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Kosovo: No toll roads
• Montenegro: Only one toll tunnel (Sozina tunnel, €2.5) – no vignette
• North Macedonia: See a list of toll roads here – no vignette
• Romania: Purchase an e-vignette for Romania here
• Slovenia: See point-of-sale locations for the e-vignette here
• Turkey: See a list of toll roads here (sticker or card required) – no vignette

Balkan road trip: Suggested itineraries

Here are 20 of the very best Balkan road trip itineraries, tried and tested by me and other travel experts.

1. Montenegro road trip: Lake Skadar & The Bay of Kotor (5-7 days)

• Duration: 5-7 days
• Distance covered: 280km (approx. 5 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Kotor Old Town , Perast, Skadar Lake boat trip, Lovcen National Park

Montenegro is the perfect place for a Balkan road trip. This Montenegro road trip itinerary concentrates on the one and only Bay of Kotor, with a stopover at Skadar Lake plus a few nights on Montenegro’s southern coast.

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. This is the same route the famous Belgrade to Bar train takes. Spend a night in Virpazar where you can enjoy a boat trip on the marshy lake and do birdwatching. Or, continue straight to Petrovac, a small coastal settlement with a fortress.

Just 10km further up the coast, Sveti Stefan is quieter than other beach towns and makes for an ideal place to base yourself for a few nights. From here, you can day trip to Budva. Don’t miss the Church of St. Sava for the best views of the private island.

Cut briefly inland to reach Boka Kotorska, one of the most beautiful parts of the country . The Bay is dotted with cities and towns of various sizes – Tivat, Kotor, Perast and Herceg Novi are all worth spending a day in. In Kotor, hike to the castle and get lost in the old town. Perast is smaller and less touristy than Kotor, making it my favourite spot on the Bay. Don’t miss a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, one of the most unique churches in the Balkans.

If you need a break from the coast, it’s a quick drive to Lovcen National Park and the iconic Petar Petrovic Njegos Mausoleum. From Herceg Novi, loop back to Podgorica, passing through Niksic and stopping off at Ostrog Monastery.

Check out my top tips for a successful road trip in Montenegro and my general travel tips for Montenegro .

2. Northern Croatia road trip: Istrian Peninsula (7 days)

Recommended by Maggie, The World Was Here First

• Duration: 7 days
• Distance covered: 200km (approx. 3 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Pula Amphitheatre, Istrian wineries, Rovinj old town

One of the best places in the Balkans to go for a road trip is the gorgeous Istria region of Croatia . As one of the gastronomic centres of Croatia, Istria is an excellent place for food lovers and sun-seekers alike.

If you want to get the most out of Istria, plan to spend at least one week exploring this lovely region. This will allow you to see the beautiful coastal cities of ‘Blue Istria’ as well as explore the hill towns and culinary scene of ‘Green Istria’.

The easiest place to begin a road trip in Istria is in the biggest city, Pula. 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.

Don’t have a car? Here’s how to travel between Rovinj and Pula by bus.

From Pula, head north to the coastal town of Umag. 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. 

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. Here, you can feast on truffle-laden dishes while enjoying all the charms of a Tuscan hill town with a fraction of the crowds. You can also drive down the coast and visit the beautiful old towns of Porec or Novigrad and take in the stunning Lim Fjord.

Finally, no trip to Istria is complete without a stop in Rovinj. The Old Town is perfectly preserved and the pedestrianised streets will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Though Rovinj can get very crowded in the summer months, it still retains its charm and is very much worth exploring.

Related: 8 beautiful places to visit in Croatian Istria .

3. Croatia & Bosnia and Herzegovina road trip: Split to Sarajevo via Mostar (10 days)

Recommended by Coni, Experiencing the Globe

• Duration: 10 days
• Distance covered: 315km (approx. 5 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Waterfalls, Pocitelj open-air museum, Mostar bridge, Sarajevo Old Bazaar

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. I’d recommend setting aside 10 days to fully enjoy it.

Start in Split, Croatia, where you can explore Diocletian’s palace (a 1700-year-old fortress where the Roman Emperor lived), enjoy the forest and the beaches of Marjan Park, and visit a few art museums (don’t miss the Mestrovic Gallery).

From Split, you can add on a few day  trips. 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).

After Split, drive along the coast to Croatia’s capital of adventure, Omis, where you can have fun doing zip-lining, rafting or rock climbing.

After a few days on the Adriatic coast, head to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your first stop will be at Kravica Waterfalls. Spend a few hours wandering around and go for a quick swim in the cold water before moving on to Pocitelj. This is the first indication that you’re entering a Muslim country. Pocitelj village is an open-air museum: medieval towers and mosques set in a cliff overlooking the Neretva river.

Related: My guide to exploring Pocitelj .

The next stop is Blagaj, where a historical tekija (a Dervish monastery) is set in a cliff near a spring of the Buna river.

Stay at least a day in Mostar , the best place to learn about the history of BiH, especially the Yugoslav wars. The contrast between western Croatia and eastern Bosnia is really palpable here. The river divides the town in two different worlds.

The last stop is Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital. Walk around town to discover layers of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and socialist history.

4. Short Romania road trip: Bucharest Loop (7-10 days)

Recommended by Victor, Victor’s Travels

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Distance covered: 670km (approx. 10 hours of driving)
• Highlights: UNESCO-Listed Sighisoara, Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Brasov

Romania is one of those countries you can easily underestimate due to the lack of tourist attractions. Sure, you have the Transylvanian region with Dracula’s castle, but the country has a lot more to offer!

Our Romania road trip started in Bucharest, Romania’s capital, where we rented a small car for about 50 Euros for a little over a week. When booking in advance, I definitely recommend getting the ‘worry-free’ option with full coverage, as you will encounter potholes and loose gravel on many of Romania’s roads.

Our first stop was Sibiu, a charming little city about 4 hours’ drive from Bucharest, with little bakeries, orthodox churches, and colourful buildings.

The next brief stop was the city of Sighisoara, which has a UNESCO-Listed walled old town. You can almost hear the buildings creak and crumble, most of them being at least 300 years old.

More Transylvania goodness: My guide to the walled city of Sighisoara .

Brasov was next, with its many hip cafe’s, excellent (and cheap!) restaurants, and friendly locals. I recommend hiking up to the Hollywood-like ‘Brasov’ sign for a breathtaking view of the city.

Romania’s famous castles were next on our itinerary. We decided to stop only briefly at Bran Castle (the famous Dracula’s castle) for a quick walk around the exterior. Instead, we drove another hour to check out Peles Castle , which is considered to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. The tour is interesting too, as every room has a completely different interior.

Sinaia was our last stop before heading back to Bucharest. 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. The beautiful mountains of Bucegi Natural Park still had lots of snow.

5. North Macedonia road trip: Skopje to Ohrid (5-7 days)

• Distance covered: 600km (approx. 9 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Skopje Old Bazaar, Tetovo Mosque, Lake Ohrid, Krushevo

Another classic Balkan road trip, the Skopje loop route in North Macedonia covers all the country’s must-sees. 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.

Head south, Skirting Mavrovo National Park, to reach Lake Ohrid. Ohrid is a great base for exploring the monasteries and churches around the lake and wineries and villages further inland. Make a stop in Bitola to visit the ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient Greek/Roman city, before heading into the hills.

A few days in charming Krushevo , my favourite place in North Macedonia, will recharge your spirits. Wander the cobbled streets, eat at the local cafes, and be sure to visit some of the craftspeople in town.

Return to Skopje via Prilep with an option to stop over in Veles on the way back.

Related: The perfect North Macedonia itinerary by bus .

6. Bulgaria road trip: Ruse to Smolyan (7-10 days)

Recommended by Daniela, Ipanema Travels

• Distance covered: 900km (approx. 15 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Veliko Tarnovo, Rhodope Mountains, Plovdiv

This road trip takes you from north to south visiting some of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The whole trip is a bit over 900km. If you travel slowly, taking the time to see everything along the way, you can easily spend a whole week or more on the road.

The trip starts in Ruse on the Danube River. On the next day, continue via the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (a UNESCO Site) and Nikopolis ad Istrum (an ancient Roman city) to Veliko Tarnovo . 

Veliko Tarnovo is perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, being the old capital of the country in the period 1185-1396.  Spend a whole day in Veliko Tarnovo, including a detour to the nearby village of Arbanasi.

From Veliko Tarnovo, the road trip continues to Kazanlak, crossing the Balkan Mountains and the Shipka Pass. Stop at Shipka Pass and climb to the top of the Monument to Freedom for some amazing views.

Afterwards, continue to Kanzanlak stopping at Shipka Memorial Church on the way. Spend the evening in Kazanlak and visit the famous Thracian Tomb (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) the next morning. In the afternoon head to Plovdiv – another contender for the crown of the most beautiful city in Bulgaria.

After Plovid, head further south to Smolyan – a lovely city in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains – stopping at Pamporovo, a famous ski resort, on the way. While you’re there, take the chair lift to Snezhanka Peak or climb the Snezhanka TV tower for breathtaking views. Stay the night in Smolyan and the next day, take a mini road trip to the nearby authentic village of Shiroka Luka and the stunning Trigrad Gorge leading to the Yagodinska Cave.

You can start and end this trip in Sofia, travelling to Ruse on the first day and back to Sofia on last day via Devin and Plovdiv. Or, you can make it a longer Balkan road trip by starting in Romania and continuing south to Greece.

7. Albania road trip: The Albanian Riviera (4-7 days)

Recommended by Rohan and Max, Travels of a Bookpacker

• Duration: 4-7 days
• Distance covered: 460km (approx. 8 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Albania’s beaches

If you’re into beaches, you can’t go past the fantastically scenic route stretching along the coast of Albania. The road is easy to drive and provides lots of great places to stop for a swim or detour off to see the sights inland.

We travelled this route over three weeks, taking our time to relax and enjoy the beaches. Realistically, you could drive the Albanian coast in a few days if you were pressed for time.

Start your drive from the capital, Tirana , and head straight out to the beach town of Durres. From there, follow the highway south and turn off to the beach whenever you fancy! Some of the best beaches are located at Vlores, Himare and Dhermi. The hidden beach at Gjipe is well worth a visit but requires a 4×4 or a 20 minute walk to reach.

Alternative Albania: Check out my 2-week road trip itinerary for the coast and interior.

Finally, continue down the coast to Sarande, making an inland detour to the Blue Eye . You can either finish your road trip there, continue south to Greece , or loop back up through Gjirokaster to get back to Tirana.

There are guest houses, hotels and even a few hostels in most beach towns. By far, the best experience is wild camping on the coast of Albania . There are so many amazing spots to pull up with your campervan (or tent at some of them) and enjoy beach views from your back door. The Italian influence, felt from just across the sea, is evident in the availability of great pizza and gelato. You’ll also find a great range of affordable restaurants selling fresh seafood.

Related: An easy 2-week Albania itinerary by bus .

8. Serbia road trip: Nis to Subotica (3-5 days)

Recommended by Allison, Sofia Adventures

• Duration: 3-5 days
• Distance covered: 430km (approx. 6 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Belgrade, Novi Sad, wineries, Art Nouveau architecture in Subotica

If you’re planning a road trip through the Balkans, don’t discount Serbia! This beautiful Balkan country often gets the short end of the stick, with people only spending a couple of days in Belgrade. But Serbia deserves a lot more than that!

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.

Start in Nis, the largest city in southern Serbia. Nis is a wonder for history lovers. You should visit the Skull Tower, a ghastly relic of the Ottoman occupation, and Nis Fortress, as well as the Crveni Krst (Red Cross) Concentration Camp Museum. There is a large spomenik dedicated to those who died in Nis during World War II on Mount Burbanj. If you visit these sites, please do so respectfully.

After Nis, head north to Belgrade. There’s so much to do in Belgrade that it practically defies belief, but I suggest taking a communist tour, exploring the night life, checking out the food and street art scene, going for a river cruise on the Sava and Danube, and visiting Kalemegdan Fortress. 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.

Finally, head up to Vojvodina, an autonomous region of Serbia which used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Novi Sad should be your first port of call here, although a side trip to nearby Sremski Karlovci to try some of the delicious Fruska Gora wineries would be a wonderful addition.

Novi Sad is Serbia’s beautiful second city with uniquely beautiful architecture and a funky vibe. 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.

Find your way around Serbia’s second city with my Novi Sad city guide.

End your Serbia trip in Subotica. This stunning Art Nouveau city is most famous for the gorgeous Raichle Palace, which is easily the most beautiful building in all of Serbia. It’s now been converted into a museum.

The main square with the town hall, library, and the most beautiful McDonalds I’ve ever seen (no joke), is also a must visit, and be sure to also stop by the synagogue and Subotica Cathedral, which is famous for a large crack in the middle of the cathedral!

9. Kosovo, Albania & Montenegro road trip: Prizren to Shkoder via Ulcinj (3-7 days)

Recommended by Erika, Erika’s Travelventures

• Duration: 3-7 days
• Distance covered: 230km (approx. 5 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Prizren, the Accursed Mountains, beaches around Ulcinj

In order to get a taste of just how diverse this conglomerate of countries is, try a Balkan road trip from Prizren, Kosovo, to Shkoder, Albania, and Ulcinj, Montenegro. This route takes you from a sleepy Islamic town to a mountainous Albanian one, then finally to a beachy Montenegrin destination.

You can do this road trip in a minimum of three days, that’s how close each of the towns are. However, I recommend taking it slow and spending maybe two days in each place. Spend three days in Shkoder if you want to make a day trip to the mountain village of Theth.

First stop, Prizren, Kosovo. Kosovo is a tiny country that should not be skipped on any Balkan road trip because of how culturally and historically unique it is. Prizren in southern Kosovo is a gem of a town and is a more cultural version of Kosovo’s capital, Pristina.

Prizren is home to a large fortress located atop a hill – the perfect sunrise or sunset spot. There is an old bazaar area that will transport you to the heart of any Islamic country, if the sound of the central mosque’s call to prayer hasn’t done so already.

From Prizren, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the Albanian border, then 2.5 hours until Shkoder.

Shkoder is the economic and political centre of northern Albania and is close to some beautiful natural landscapes, including lakes and mountains. Take a tour or day trip drive to Theth, a tiny mountain village surrounded by impressive jagged mountains. Shkoder itself has many charming pedestrian pathways where you can relax on a cafe terrace or go for drinks at a quirky pub.

Stretch your legs: My tips for the Valbona to Theth hike.

From Shkoder, it’s no more than an hour of driving to Ulcinj, a quick hop over the Montenegrin border. Montenegro has endless towns along its coastline that are famous for their beaches. Ulcinj is no exception, although it is far less known.

Bask in the sun, go for a stroll under the palm trees, or explore the maze-like old town located at the top of a small hill. Find relaxation during the day, and go out for some dancing during the night at the many bars and clubs.

10. Slovenia road trip: Brda to Ljubljana (10 days)

Recommended by Karen, Local Holland

• Distance covered: 300km (approx. 4 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Predjama Castle, hiking in Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj

Slovenia is the perfect spot for a Balkan road trip. In 10 days, we experienced the best western Slovenia has to offer. We started and ended near the Italian border to take advantage of affordable flights into Venice.

One of the unexpected highlights near the beginning of our trip was the stunning Brda region, which sits directly next to the Italian border. Here, you can enjoy local red and white wines in stunning hilltop towns such as Smartno na Pohorju.

If you’re a wine lover, it’s worth taking a day (or two) to explore the various wineries and learn about the unique history of this region. We also loved stopping off at small towns along the beautiful Soca River.

After exploring Brda, we drove down to Predjama to experience the stunning castle built in the mouth of a cave. The castle itself has an amazing history and some shocking features, so be sure to enter the cave! The next day, we enjoyed the beautiful Skocjanske caves, a less-crowded alternative to Postojna cave.

The next two days were spent exploring the beautiful Triglavski National Park and the stunning Tolmin Gorge. While driving up, I wondered if we were in Yosemite National Park in the US. The hiking here is first-class and Triglav is a popular day hike among Slovenians. I also loved exploring the picturesque Tolmin Gorge with its beautiful aquamarine water.

After some hiking, we rested up for a day of relaxation at Lake Bohinj, the little sister to Lake Bled – again without the crowds. It’s located at the foot of Triglav National Park, so the views are absolutely stunning. You can take a dip in the water or go SUPing. After a relaxing afternoon, we ended our evening with sunset at Lake Bled.

No car? Here’s how to travel to Bled from Ljubljana by bus.

Depending on how much time you have, you might want to give yourself several days in Ljubljana to experience one of Europe’s greenest capitals. Slovenia has a thriving experimental craft beer culture, so be sure to try a pint of the local brew. Throw in a side trip to the charming city of Skofja Loka to visit the castle.

Driving in Slovenia is fairy straightforward. The highways are very well maintained. Anyone who’s not used to hills should practice driving in manual. If you will be driving on smaller narrow roads, especially in the mountains, it’s best to avoid driving at night.

11. Transylvania road trip: Sibiu to Targu Mures (5-8 days)

Recommended by Corina, Another Milestone

• Duration: 5-8 days
• Distance covered: 760km (approx. 13 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Fortified churches, the Merry Cemetery, Turda Salt Mine

The classic tour of Transylvania includes the big cities of the region , some traditional villages, important natural attractions and landscapes that will amaze you. Five days are enough to see it all. Add an extra three days for Maramures and you will remember this holiday forever!

Start your trip in Sibiu with a long walk in the old town. The next day, go to Cluj Napoca, stopping on the way to see Alba Iulia, the white citadel, and to explore the salt mine amusement park in Turda.

Dedicate your third day to Cluj Napoca, the largest city in Transylvania, for its old town, modern restaurants and botanical garden. On day four, you can visit the wooden churches of Maramures and stop in Sighetu Marmatiei.

The next day, visit the main attractions around the area: The Merry Cemetery and a prison transformed in museum. Don’t leave Maramures without a ride on the mocanita , a steam train that takes you deep into the woods. In the evening, you can stop in a traditional village.

Coming back to Transylvania on your seventh day, visit Targu Mures, another medieval city. On the way back to Sibiu, spend your last day discovering the fortified churches of Transylvania, UNESCO Heritage sites Biertan and Valea Viilor.

12. Great Balkan Cities Road Trip: Zagreb to Belgrade & Sarajevo (10-14 days)

• Duration: 10-14 days
• Distance covered: 880km (approx. 12 hours of driving)
• Highlights: House of Flowers in Belgrade, Sargan Eight historic railroad, Bridge on the Drina , Sarajevo Old Bazaar

Perfect for urban explorers and modern history aficionados, this driving itinerary takes you to three of the best cities in the Balkans: Zagreb, Belgrade and Sarajevo. In between, you’ll be treated to a slew of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, several smaller cities and a couple of national parks.

Starting in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, wander the twin neighbourhoods of Kaptol and Lower Town, popping into as many museums and quirky art galleries as you can. Walk the Green Horseshoe and be sure to spend an afternoon amongst the gravestones at Mirogoj Cemetery.

Say goodbye to the crowds heading west towards Croatia’s coast and set your sights eastward instead, driving through the beautiful and underrated Slavonia region. Osijek was once the largest city in Croatia; now it’s a relatively quiet and peaceful place with a beautiful old town and several monuments that commemorate the terrible conflicts of the 1990s. Pay your respects at the Monument to Croatian War Veterans and learn the incredible tale behind the ‘Red Fico’, then sit at a cafe on the River Drava to process it all.

Cross the border into Northern Serbia , stopping for a few nights in charming Novi Sad before continuing to the capital. There are dozens of hidden gems in the concrete jungle that is Belgrade: Don’t miss the TV Tower or the House of Flowers, a museum-mausoleum dedicated to Tito. Finish your time in Belgrade with an afternoon stroll through Zemun – a cute town within the city – or a bike ride through New Belgrade to admire the Brutalist architecture.

Head to the border region to hike in Tara National Park, using the town of Mokra Gora as a base. Here’s where you can hitch a ride on the Sargan Eight, a heritage narrow-gauge railway that’s been chugging through these mountains on and off since 1925. The city of Viesgrad and its iconic stone bridge lie just over the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pause here to take in the sombre significance of the famous Bridge on the Drina .

Sarajevo, Bosnia’s lively capital, is just a short drive away. Compare and contrast its Old Bazaar with the Brutalist face of Belgrade and the classical European architecture of Zagreb – you’ve just ticked off three of the region’s great cities!

13. Turkey, Bulgaria & Greece Road Trip: Istanbul to Thessaloniki (10-14 days)

• Distance covered: 1,000km (approx. 16 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Istanbul, Bulgarian Revival Architecture in Plovdiv, Pyramids of Melnik, markets and street food in Thessaloniki

East meets West on this itinerary that traverses continents, taking you from the crossroads of Asia into the heart of Europe. Kick things off in the one and only Istanbul, a total Turkey icon . Three days is barely enough time to see the highlights: Prioritise the Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower , Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, but leave a few hours to get lost down the charming streets of Karaköy and Balat as well.

Follow in the footsteps of the Ottoman Empire’s finest as you trace north-east into Bulgaria, stopping to visit the mosque in Edirne along the way. Plovdiv might not have the same reputation as Istanbul, but it’s another of this region’s greatest cities (and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements). A few days here is ample time to admire the Bulgarian Revival Architecture .

Along the Greek border, visit the ski town of Smolyan, hike through arched bridges in Trigrad Gorge, and spend a few days crisscrossing the cobbled streets of Melnik, a beautiful town with Ottoman-style houses set against a rocky gorge. Hike through the Melnik Pyramids to see this unearthly landscape up close.

Final stop: Northern Greece. Serres has been a stopover point for traders throughout its history and is an important piece in this east-meets-west puzzle. Visit some of the numerous archaeological sites in the area before continuing down to Thessaloniki , Greece’s second-largest city.

There’s no better place to bring your road trip full circle than in the bustling markets of Thessaloniki – this is, after all, the birthplace of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Hang up your keys here, or continue driving to Halkidiki or to Meteora and Athens , using these Greece road trip itinerary ideas for inspiration.

14. Black Sea Road Trip: Burgas to Constanta & the Danube Delta (5-7 days)

• Distance covered: 420km (approx. 7 hours of driving)
• Highlights: UNESCO-Listed Nessebar, Black Sea beaches, the casino at Constanta, boat trip on the Danube Delta

The best beaches in the Balkans might be on the Adriatic Coast, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the Black Sea completely. The slice of shoreline split between Bulgaria and Romania offers both swimming beaches and the Danube Delta, Europe’s second-largest river delta wetland and a flora-and-fauna lover’s paradise. All that against the backdrop of the mythical Black Sea .

To tackle this part of the Balkans by road, it’s recommended to start in Burgas, Bulgaria. Spend a day dashing between sandy beaches and pockets of glorious architecture, visiting the Church of Saint Cyril and Methodius and the wonderful Ethnographic Museum.

A little further along the coast, the ever-charming Nessebar awaits. Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’, the entire old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with countless monuments to discover. More secluded coves and swimming beaches can be found off the road between Nessebar and Varna. After crossing into Romania, head to Constanta to see the much-photographed abandoned casino. It’s even more enigmatic in real life than the pictures would have you think.

Finally, the city of Tulcea, just shy of the Ukrainian border, is the jumping-off point for tours of the Danube Delta , a stunning landscape rich with nesting birds and rare fish.

15. Short Bulgaria road trip: Sofia to the Buzludzha (1-3 days)

Recommended by Stephanie, Sofia Adventures

• Duration: 1-3 days
• Distance covered: 500km (approx. 6 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Buzludha Monument, Shipka church

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. While I usually make the drive there and return in one day, you can also choose to stretch this out into a two-day or three-day day road trip if you don’t want to tackle that much driving in one day.

Leaving from Sofia, the drive winds through the Central Balkan Mountains in the Central Balkan National Park, which has the distinction of being a Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can plan your itinerary to include stops at several additional Communist Monuments. The mountains in this part of the country are dotted with them.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to visit Shipka, which is about thirty minutes from Buzludzha. The town’s gorgeous Russian Orthodox Church was built to serve the Russian troops who stayed behind after the Russians helped expel the Ottomans from Bulgaria.

The main event, of course, is Buzludzha. This former Monument House of the Bulgarian Communist Party sits atop a mountain and is only truly accessible by car. Famous for looking like a Communist UFO, give yourself time to get out and walk around the site.

If you want to turn your road trip into a multi-day affair, spend the night in nearby Stara Zagora, where you can take in another one of the country’s most famous Communist Sites and add a trip to the Thracian Tomb of Kazanak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Otherwise, the drive back to Sofia will be beautiful, but possibly tiring. It helps to share this journey with another driver if you’re going to attempt it in one day.

16. Alternative Montenegro road trip: Komovi to Durmitor National Park (7 days)

Recommended by Sabrina and Kati, Moon & Honey Travel

• Distance covered: 560km (approx. 13 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Hiking, Bobotov Kuv

This Montenegro road trip highlights the country’s most impressive mountain ranges and national parks: Komovi, Prokletije and Durmitor.

It’s best to start this trip in the capital city, Podgorica. After picking up your rental car, begin your journey inland to the Komovi mountains. Base yourself in Stavna, a high alpine pasture dotted with traditional herdmen’s settlements (aka Katuns ). Here, you’re well-positioned to hike to the summit of Kom Vasojevićki, one of the highest peaks in the Komovi Range.

After exploring Komovi, it’s time to venture further inland to Prokletije National Park, otherwise known as the Accursed Mountains. Base yourself in Grebaje Valley and/or Ropojana Valley. You can access a number of day hiking trails from these valleys, though trail markings aren’t always ubiquitous, or clear. Note that there’s a 1 Euro entrance fee per person per day.

After a few days in the Accursed Mountains, begin the 3.5-4 hour drive to Durmitor National Park. The best base for exploring Durmitor is the town of Zabljak. There are numerous hiking options, including Bobotov Kuv and Planinica.

Your journey continues along the scenic Sedlo Route P14 through the heart of Durmitor National Park to Pluzine. The P14 is arguably the most beautiful road in all of Montenegro.

From here, you can make your return journey to Podgorica.

17. Kosovo road trip: Pristina to Prizren (3-5 days)

Recommended by Paulina, Paulina on the Road

• Distance covered: 160km (approx. 3 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Kosovo’s two biggest cities, UNESCO monasteries

Despite its small size, Kosovo is home to many different cultures, spectacular landscapes and warm-hearted people. One of the best ways to discover the beauty of Kosovo is by doing a road trip through the county.

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. Calculate at least three days.

After enjoying what Pristina has to offer, start your road trip by driving to Prizren via the M9, with a quick detour to the UNESCO-Listed Gracanica Monastery on the way. The ride only lasts a little over an hour, but you’ll already get fantastic views. When arriving in Prizren, take at least one day to explore Kosovo’s most picturesque city. It has plenty of charming bars, too!

After Prizren, it’s time to drive to Gjakova , a small historic town with a wonderful covered bazaar. From there, head to Peja in the northern part of Kosovo, stopping at the second UNESCO monastery, Decani.

Pec is home to a large Serbian community and hosts the Peja Patriarchate, the spiritual seat and mausoleum of the Serbian Patriarchs. It’s also the gateway to the jaw-dropping Rugova Valley, a heaven for outdoor sports lovers.

This itinerary is the perfect way to spend 3 days in Kosovo .

18. Highlights of Croatia road trip: Zagreb to Dubrovnik (7 days)

Recommended by Inma, A World to Travel

• Distance covered: 600km (approx. 8 hours of driving)
• Highlights: The walled city of Dubrovnik, Dalmatian Coast, Korcula Island

A few years ago, I became infatuated by travelling by train in Europe . When I arrived in the Balkans and realised that it wasn’t so easy, I decided to rent a car instead.

I travelled from inland Croatia down the Dalmatian Coast over seven days. My first stop was Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. 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.

From there, I continued on towards Plitvice lakes. This part of Croatia is something else. Who can avoid falling in love with the unreal turquoise waters? It’s certainly one of the highlights of the country for me.

As I made my way down the coast, Krka, Split and other small towns all made for excellent stopover points. When I finally arrived in majestic Dubrovnik, I dropped off my rental car to continue on by bus.

If you decide to travel through Croatia from north to south, I recommend you to visit the wonderful Korcula island (less than two hours by car and ferry from Dubrovnik). Normally people skip it, but it’s well worth a visit!

19. Bosnia and Herzegovina & Montenegro road trip: Sarajevo to Zabljak (3-5 days)

Recommended by Arzo, Arzo Travels

• Distance covered: 170km (approx. 4 hours of driving)
• Highlights: Sarajevo, rafting on the Tara River

The Balkans has some amazing driving routes, and one of my favourite scenic drives is from Sarajevo (the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina) to Zabljak in Montenegro.

This route is different from everywhere else I have driven and one of the most beautiful trips I’ve ever done. Start from Sarajevo and take the M5 to Foca. The streets are mostly in good condition and the views are nice. Bosnians tend to drive fast and a bit reckless (I have seen several accidents), so be careful.

From Foca, take the M20 and then the M18. Close to the Montenegrin border, you’ll see the stunning Tara River. If you’re into water rafting and the season is right, this is the place to do it. Your route then passes through the Pluzine and Pliva Lake – one of the most beautiful places in the Balkans.

Driving here is stunning (though streets tend to be narrow in parts). The nature is a mix of Switzerland and Norway. Make sure to plan at least one day at Pliva Lake – there are good cafes, but a picnic somewhere high in the mountains is the best way to enjoy your breaks.

When you cross the border into Montenegro, head for the town of Zabljak at the gateway to Durmitor National Park. From here you can partake in some hiking before looping back to Sarajevo or continuing your road trip through Montenegro to the Bay of Kotor and the coast.

20. Southern Albania road trip: Saranda loop (4-7 days)

Recommended by Christine, Christine Abroad

• Distance covered: 360km (approx. 7 hours of driving)
• Highlights: The Blue Eye, beaches, UNESCO sites Gjirokaster & Butrint

The South of Albania has become quite popular in recent years – and for good reason. The Albanian riviera is full of beautiful beaches and bays with crystal clear water and white sand.

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.

Related: Gjirokaster city guide .

I recommend this one week road trip, starting and ending in Saranda where there are ferry connections to Corfu, Greece. The best route is a circle, driving north first with stops in Himare and Gjipe Beach on your first day, then staying in Dhermi for two nights if you want to spend some time on the beach.

Next stop is Gjirokaster, which is situated inland. Head here on the morning of your third day and stay one night. On day four, make a day trip to Syri i Kalter, and then spend your last days in Saranda.

From Saranda, you can visit Butrint and Ksamil on a day trip, which is very easy if you have a car. Then you can drive around the various bays and beaches around Ksamil. Dedicate one of your last days to exploring historic Butrint, another UNESCO site.

The roads are fine in this part of Albania, and you won’t be driving more than one or two hours per day.

Have you ever done a road trip in the Balkans? Do you have any tips to share? Which of these Balkan road trip itineraries takes your fancy?

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Albania Travel Guide

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Looking to travel through the Balkan’s next year and have a couple of months to have a good look around. Can you suggest a travel plan that covers all 20 road trips in one?

Hi Ross – you would need to look carefully into border crossings, permits and insurance requirements.

This was an excellent topic about Balkan road trips with many tips! I travel in June of 2022 from Greece to Sarajevo and back. I make it about 8 days alone with my motorcycle. This was an amazing beautiful roadtrip, cheap & fair enough. I would make it again and again! Thanks for the info.

Great information Emily, thank you so much!

So many beautiful places. I’ve visited the coastline of Montenegro and was absolutely amazed by the beauty of the Kotor Bay Area. In Croatia I was very disappointed of Dubrovnik it was a bit to touristy in my opinion. I’m looking forward to my next trip to the Balkans, thanks for your tips 😉 Can’t wait to explore Durmitor NP in Montenegro

I actually missed visiting Dubrovnik – maybe it was a good thing! I loved the bay in Montenegro too, especially Perast.

Such beautiful places! Thank you for a detailed and impressive guide! Saved your post for the future.

Hey, Emily!

Thank you so much for all the awesome info. I have plans for a Balkans road trip in the works, but am undecided as to when in the year to make it happen. 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?

Cheers, Shay

Hi Shay! Glad you found the post helpful. That’s a good question!

We travelled mostly in winter and found most cities were nice and quiet. We didn’t have any trouble getting around in winter. However, a lot of smaller places (especially coastal towns in Croatia and Montenegro) are very seasonal and almost completely shut down in winter. I love having quiet streets, but there were a lot of cafes/shops that we missed out on because it wasn’t the season yet. That’s definitely something to consider.

If you want to do trekking (for example in Albania), the season doesn’t start until late May/June. So it depends on what activities you want to do as well. Bucharest and Transylvania in winter was cold but SO SO beautiful. Obviously driving in winter requires the right equipment.

Spring shoulder season would be a good compromise. We loved May (we were in Kosovo/Macedonia at that time) – beautiful and green but still not too busy.

I really hope this helps!

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Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania Tour

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is worth the trip alone. But the Adriatic coast gives this trip to the Balkans a truly special air of escape. Take a boat trip on Skadar lake – the biggest in the Balkans – and explore the ancient sights and modern life of Kotor, Visegrad, Budva and stunning Sarajevo.

This is a tour which includes a lot of what makes this part of the world truly special. Your friendly, fully licensed guide will ensure you see everything and give you insights into the land behind the beauty.

Here’s what you’ll see:

City tour of Tirana, the Albanian capital, Berat fortress and old town, Kruje fortress, Montenegro’s city of Bar and its old town, Skadar lake boat trip, Kotor and its amazing harbour and palaces, seeing the sights around Kotor bay and outlying villages, lively Budva, Mostar and its famous bridge, Visegrad and Sarajevo with its incredible history.

What your tour includes

• Your friendly professional guide – choose a driver-guide or local guide. They’ll be there to offer their knowledge as well as to help you interact with local people.
• Simple customization – let us personalize your tour to meet your needs. We can add stops, rest days, exploration time, your preferred pick-ups and drop-offs. A
• No hidden costs – fuel, parking fees and other costs are included in your free, no-obligation quote.

Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania Tour Itinerary

→ City tour of the Albanian capital and free time Visit the “Skanderberg square” (The main square in Tirana) with the Skanderberg Statue; Тhe “Ethem bey” mosque (the Only historical mosque in Tirana) Тhe “Enver Hoxha” pyramid, the Peace bell Тhe Building of the historical museum of Tirana, a Preserved bunker (in one of the bunkers there is a museum about the victims of the Albanian Communist regime) Maria Theresa boulevard, Тhe University of Tirana, Тhe Old government square; The Clock tower (19th Century)

Overnight in Tirana

→ Transfer to Montenegro Visit the old town of Bar

Overnight in Bar

→ Boat trip of the lake

→ Transfer to Kotor

→ City tour of the old town Visit the Kotor old city, Kotor harbour, city walls, St Tryphon cathedral, St Nicola church, Piaza of the arms, Church of St Luke, Gurdich gate, Clock tower, Grubonja palace, Karampana well, Drago palace, Pima palace, Beskuca’s Palace, Grgurina Palace, Bizanti Palace, Prince’s Palace, Sea gate, Old Kotor prison building

→ Transfer to Budva Free time in Budva

Overnight in Budva

→ Transfer to Cetinje City tour of Cretinje old center

→ Transfer back to Budva

→ Transfer to Mostar Visit Blagaj on the way

→ City tour of Mostar Visit the Strati Most/ The most bridge (A rebuilt 16th-century Ottoman bridge in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina that crosses the river Neretva and connects the two parts of the city. The Old Bridge stood for 427 years, until it was destroyed on 9 November 1993 by Croat military forces during the Croat–Bosniak War.); The Old turkish bazar “Kujundziluk”, The Old turkish quarter, “Koskin – Mehmed pasha’s” mosque, (Small mosque dating to the 17th century)

Overnight in Mostar

→ City tour of Sarajevo Visit the Bascarsija (The historical Turkish market); Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (Ottoman mosque from 16th century); The Latin Bridge/ The Assassination Bridge (Ottoman-era stone bridge near the site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s 1914 assassination); The Sebilj Monument (Famous 18th century wooden fountain); Тhe “Sacred Heart” Cathedral (Gothic cathedral from the 19th century); The Sarajevo city hall.

The Abandoned Bobsleigh Track (Built in 1984 for the Winter Olympic games in Former Yugoslavia The country opened its doors to the international community to celebrate sport, after the breakup of Yugoslavia, during the long Sarajevo siege the bobsleigh track been used as a base for the artillery); The Tunnel of Hope (Military-history museum at the site of a storied Bosnian War–era underground tunnel); During your free time in Sarajevo you can enter the Museum of Sarajevo 1878–1918 (Compact museum dedicated to historical events in Sarajevo during the Austro-Hungarian period.); The War Childhood Museum (Prominent museum featuring exhibits & videos on the children who lived through the Bosnian War.); The Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide.

Overnight in Sarajevo

→ Transfer back to Sarajevo

End of the tour

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Home > Two Week Balkans Road Trip Itinerary

Two Week Balkans Road Trip Itinerary

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Want an easy-to-follow two-week Balkan road trip? Then look no further; here is your guide to a Balkans road trip for 2 fun-filled weeks

Were you hoping to find some secret gems on your Balkans road trip or looking for the most stunning natural parts of the region? This guide should help you sort through the hundreds of destinations in the Balkans  so you can guarantee you are seeing the best of the best on your two-week trip through Europe’s forgotten oasis.

Fear not; if our itinerary doesn’t cover an area of the Balkans you are eager to see, we have loads of other Balkan travel guides on the site that may suit your fancy.

You don’t have to use this itinerary as an end-all-be-all for your trip. Sift through our many guides and itineraries and use the information to put together your dream trip according to your desires.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Where Are The Balkans

The Balkan peninsula is a geographic region in the southeast of Europe, usually consisting of a dozen countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece , and Turkey.

Although the Balkans region is not necessarily defined, generally, these are the countries that are referred to as part of the Balkans on Chasing the Donkey. Others disagree.

The region is named after the Balkan mountain range, which extends nearly all the way across the peninsula. The peninsula is trapped between the Adriatic Sea to the West, the Black Sea to the East, and the Mediterranean in the South and is one of the best regions for nature escapes in Europe.

How To Travel In The Balkans – We’ll Help You Plan Your Holidays In The Balkans 

Getting around the Balkans is easy and getting easier by the year. With advances to its intricate train network, bus lines and routes being added to connect popular tourist towns, and improvements in highway systems in almost every country, traveling around the Balkans has never been easier.

Not to mention, it seems budget airlines have figured out people want to travel to the Balkans and have added many affordable routes throughout the region, with many more in the works.

However, a self-driven road trip is our favorite way to get around the Balkans because of its cost, efficiency, and pure beauty. We will set an itinerary for this two-week Balkan road trip .

When To Travel In The Balkans

Between the top-notch ski run s at an affordable price, the Adriatic’s immaculate beaches , the unspoiled hiking trails among dozens of national parks, and the dashing water activities of the Black Sea , there is fun for all seasons in the Balkans.

You may take a winter vacation to ski among the fantasized peaks of the Balkans range and decide you crave a summer vacation to its beaches afterward. There is no reason not to keep coming back, as there is a journey to be had at all times of the year.

For the sake of 10 days in the Balkans itinerary, we will assume it is the travel season , and you are road-tripping during the summer months along the Adriatic Coast.

Balkan Countries To Visit In Two Weeks

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

2 Week Balkan Road Trip Itinerary

You will likely fly to the Balkans unless you travel from somewhere nearby, where you can come with your own vehicle. From there, you will need to rent a car to start your road trip . Starting from any of these destinations is suitable; we have mapped out this specific itinerary to spare you time in back-tracking and distances between cities.

Not to waste more breath, here is our suggested two-week Balkans Itinerary:

Where To Start Your Balkans Road Trip

As mentioned, you can start anywhere in the Balkans, and there is always another nearby city within driving distance worth visiting . However, we suggest starting in Albania’s capital city for convenience when planning for this itinerary.

Tirana, Albania (3-4 Days)

Tirana is the capital and largest city in Albania  but by no means the only place to be in Albania. Kruja and Durres are within an hour’s drive from the capital city and well worth your time during your visit.

We suggest spending a day in each of these cities during your stay in Albania.

Start in Tirana , where you must check out Skanderbeg Square’s main square, which is excellent for people-watching. Check out the National Historical Museum, the famous statue of Albania’s #1 hero, and the square’s namesake, Skanderbeg.

Tirana is filled with lovely people, just as all of Albania is, and prices are exceptionally affordable for things like checking out the local cuisine and bar scene.

Next, travel to Kruja – a charming medieval village between soaring mountain peaks and truly green valleys. Besides its picturesque natural appearance , Kruja also has very significant historical importance to Albania.

Very few foreign tourists make the day trip to Kruja; however, you will find a lot of Albanian weekend warriors visiting on days off of work. Despite that, the village has been able to remain wholly authentic and void of tourist traps .

Lastly, on your third and final day, you can travel to the coast of Durres for a true beach escape. It is the most ancient city in the whole country and owns the biggest port in Albania .

Durres has over 3,000 years of history, dating back to 627 B.C., earning it the nickname of the eternal city over the Adriatic. The most notable tourist attraction and historical significance is the amphitheater of the Roman Emperor Hadrian – the second-largest amphitheater in the Balkans.

When the three days are over, you will likely be craving more of Albania’s culture , and the good news is there is still plenty to see of this country, just not on this itinerary. The Albanian Riviera in the South is one of the most overlooked areas of the Balkans and Europe. Save it for another trip!

• Your Guide To Tirana, And What To Do There
• Where To Stay In Tirana
• Renting A Car In Albania

Budva, Montenegro (2 Days)

About four hours north of Tirana along the Adriatic coast is the exciting Montenegrin city of Budva. With so much to experience in the Balkans, Montenegro is often skipped in favor of more popular tourist countries; however, those who don’t miss this place will be treated to an authentic experience that many more popular countries in the Balkans cannot provide.

Budva and Sveti Stefan are two semi-secret coastal towns in the tiny country, which are both worth visiting. If you spend two days between the two places, you will probably have seen all you need to see – but it is still worth the time.

In Budva, step through the medieval gate leading to town directly onto the beach and stroll down the coast for about five minutes until you reach Mogren Beach – Budva’s best. Here, you will notice a bronze statue of a ballet dancer gazing out to sea. It is the graceful symbol of Budva – a town we would argue is just as graceful as the statue itself.

You can rent paddleboards or kayaks and cover more of the pristine waters surrounding the area that way.

Just six miles to the East is Sveti Stefan , which is a must-visit. It is a fortified town built on a small island connected to the mainland by a sand spit. It is a rare geographical feature but an even rarer town. Walk through its narrow streets, and you can easily spend a few hours soaking up the beauty. If you still have energy, find a way up the hillside on the mainland for an even better bird’s eye view of Sveti Stefan.

Again, Montenegro is a beautiful country and worth more time on your visit – however – for the sake of keeping to the itinerary, it may be better to revisit another time. Podgorica is the country’s capital and is only about an hour away. The city is known to be suffering through an identity crisis after a long history of controlling empires, which gives it a huge, unpronounced feel.

• Your Guide To Montenegro And What To Do There
• Your Guide To Budva And Sveti Stefan
• Where To Stay In Budva
• Renting A Car In Montenegro

Dubrovnik, Croatia (1-2 Day)

Just 2.5 hours northwest of Budva along the Dalmatian Coast is the bustling little seaside town of Dubrovnik in Croatia. You may have seen a few places in Dubrovnik on HBO already, as it has gained some fame as the host of many scenes from the popular series Game of Thrones .

Though tourism has soared in the past decade along the coast of Croatia, Dubrovnik is well-deserved in its attention and is still a must-see on your Balkan road trip .

Make sure you traverse the narrow lanes of its fortified Old Town and take in the excellent architecture that drew the attention of the monster series, G.O.T.

After a long day on the beach, make sure you catch the sunset at one of the seaside cliffside bars offering happy hour at golden hour. You may need to arrive early at a few more popular spots – especially during the busy season – and be ready to witness magic in the sky as the colors change all sorts of vibrant colors. Dubrovnik is one of the best places in the Balkans for sunset magic.

• Your Guide To Dubrovnik And What To Do There
• Where To Stay In Dubrovnik
• Renting A Car In Croatia
• Beaches In Dubrovnik
• Game Of Thrones Locations In Dubrovnik
• Accommodation In Dubrovnik With Pools
• Camping In Dubrovnik

Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina (1 Day)

After Dubrovnik , whether you decide to spend a night in the city or not, you can drive to your next destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina – a much quieter destination for a good night of sleep – in a tiny valley village called Mostar.

It is due north, about 2.5 hours from Dubrovnik , and has a tremendous nighttime ambiance that you will appreciate. It will likely be late by that time, so you can check into your hotel and get ready to witness the largest city in Herzegovina in the morning.

Despite being the largest city, there is no need for concern. It is quaint but full of dark history. You can hike the hills, but watch out for undetonated landmines. This might be a bit intimidating, so if you’d like, you can stay in town and witness its history on the walls – literally. Bullet holes still grace the concrete and stone walls around town. It is a tell-tale sign of a violent past, but do not fret; Mostar is such a peaceful place today.

Most people hang around the enchanting famous Old Bridge (Stari Grad), where the two sides of the town connect over the river. You can join if you dare (the bridge is about 60 feet high). If you are lucky, you may catch the locals jumping from the bridge into the river – a sort of tradition in town.

Spend the afternoon walking around the cobblestoned town, and when you feel like you have walked around the entire city, you can grab a drink and get a good night’s sleep or head to your next destination – back to Croatia !

• Your Guide To One Day In Mostar
• Where To Stay In Mostar
• Renting A Car
• Guide To The Mostar Bridge Jump

Split, Croatia (1-2 Days)

You will cross borders several times, and here you are crossing back into the long, narrow nation of Croatia to the most famous seaside town, Split.

Split has become one of the hottest destinations in the Balkan peninsula . If you are road-tripping during the summer, you may have to book accommodation in advance – especially when arriving in the nighttime; you don’t want to be left without a place to sleep.

Split is the second-largest city in the country and the largest in the Dalmatia region. Despite all the people, we like Split because of its blend of modern living and ancient history.

You only need one day to see the sites in Split , but you will notice many people hanging around at the resorts and taking boat trips for an extended stay.

Whatever you do, there are a few things we suggest, none of which include beaches or lazing in the sun.

The Old Town and its maze of narrow streets and cafes are worth getting lost in. We’d also suggest climbing the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral for unparalleled views of the city and the fifty shades of blue in the Adriatic Sea. Lastly, you must visit Diocletian’s Palace – especially as a Game of Thrones fan, as multiple scenes were shot here at this UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Alternatively, if you want to run away from the crowds, consider traveling just a short half-hour down the coast to Omis , which is regarded as very similar to Split in architecture but half the price and size (and madness) of Split.

After a full day in Split, you will need to be well-rested for your longest drive of the road trip , but don’t worry; the time is well worth it, and the ride is beautiful.

• Your Guide To Split And What To Do There
• Where To Stay In Split
• Best Clinic In Split
• Beaches In Split
• Boat Trip From Split
• How To Spend 24 Hours In Split
• How To Spend 48 Hours In Split
• Blue Cave Tour From Split

Zagreb, Croatia (3 Days)

Four hours north of Split is Croatia’s stunning capital in the northern part of the country, Zagreb. It is one of the best cities in the Balkans to to walk around and experience the culture vibrating off the walls. We love Zagreb for many reasons and believe it is worth at least two days of your itinerary .

There are so many things to see as far as sites go; however, our favorite part of the city is probably its most popular. Gornji Grad – the upper town – with its cobblestoned streets and head-turning architecture, is worth at least a few hours of walking around and grabbing photographs.

Though we could argue your time isn’t wasted leisurely strolling its streets, it is fair to assume that some people would like to stay busy seeing the sites. No worries; there are plenty of things to do in Zagreb too.

One of the more entertaining things you can do in Zagreb is spend an hour or two in the Museum of Broken Relationships. People worldwide have submitted their sob stories about lost loves, and is there anything more amusing than complicated love stories (ask Nicholas Sparks)? And yes, it is precisely what it sounds like. The museum is so well done and has become Zagreb’s top tourist attraction based on pure intrigue.

There is also a booming street art scene in the city, which has turned the dull walls into a collection of youth culture and talents, making the city the most beautiful it has ever been.

It is a vibrant city full of young people, bustling chic cafes, talented and entertaining street performers, and green parks around every corner you least expect it. The city is forever in our hearts, and we are sure it will find a place in yours, too.

• Your Guide To Zagreb, And What To Do There
• Where To Stay In Zagreb
• How To Get To Zagreb
• How To Go From Zagreb To Plitvice Lake

Ljubljana (2-3 Days)

We end our itinerary a little under two hours northwest of Zagreb in a new country – in the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. It is another city with a young identity and lively streets. You can walk along the river and be entertained for hours. Or, set up shop on the river at a cafe and spend time watching life go by.

Speaking of capital cities in Europe with a lot of green space, Ljubljana has set a precedent in that category, making it one of the prettiest urban cities in Europe – and it is hard to dispute that once you see it.

Spend the majority of your stay in the gorgeous Old Town, soaking up the excellent vibe of restaurants serving up delicious traditional Slovenian foods . If you still have time left for your vacation, you MUST visit Lake Bled , which is the country’s biggest attraction and one not to be missed.

• Where To Stay In Ljubljana
• Renting A Car In Ljubljana
• Bridges In Ljubljana
• Day Trips From Ljubljana
• Your Guide To Ljubljana And What To Do There

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Enjoy your balkan road trip.

The Balkans are a vastly underrated road trip destination in Europe. As a matter of fact, when you combine its lovely coastal drives among pristine, crystal blue waters of the Adriatic, its mountainous terrain, Transylvania’s wooded forests , quaint Black Sea coastal towns , stunning old-world architecture, and wondrous lakes and waterfalls , the Balkans region is genuinely incomparable to anywhere else in the world. And the affordable prices to travel around the area don’t hurt either.

Even though this region of Europe is often forgotten, it is no less beautiful than anywhere else on the continent and deserves more attention as a holiday oasis.

Don’t be shy. Comment below if you have any questions regarding a vacation to the Balkans.

• All About Traveling In The Balkans
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Comments (5)

I appreciate this article and it brings to mind an experience I have already had in this area. I have been to Montenegro and entered with a tour group out of Croatia. We spent over an hour waiting while the bus driver and tour guide spoke with the border guards and bribing them to get them to let us cross the border. I remember the tour guide making a comment once back on the bus, “that was cheaper this time” and laughing. The bus driver stepped on it across the border before the guards changed their minds. I don’t feel any need to return to Montenegro. What has been your experience with border guards in this region? Thank you!

If you don’t mind me saying so, Mostar is NE of Dubrovnik not “due north”. Due North would be Split. I teach world history and geography, so I tend to pay attention to directions. Thanks!

This is very helpful thanks. Aiming to do Balkans for 5 weeks in July and August. Looking at doing about 9 countries. Taking your tip on the smaller car + green card. Any specific countries that you found one should avoid? Or need special papers or visas?

Hi and thanks for this detailed information! It is very useful. I was wondering how easy is to collect the hire car from Tirana airport and then drop off in Croatia?

Thank you in advance

You are welcome. Choosing the airport depends on what places you want to go to and where you can get connections.

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Off the Beaten Path in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro

Hiking the heart of the balkans.

From $4,595

Moderate to Strenuous

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Tirana, Albania

Depart: Tirana, Albania

• Witness the spectacular alpine landscapes of Valbona and Theth national parks
• Follow trails through the jaw-dropping scenery of Montenegro's stunning Grebaja Valley
• Hike on Mt. Trekufiri (7,762'), the three-border peak, and cross into Montenegro on foot
• Visit the 14th century Visiko Decani Monastery, an awe-inspiring World Heritage Site
• Savor the cuisine at Mrizi I Zanave, Albania's organic Slow Food restaurant

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in hotels and mountain inns
• Permits required to cross the green border between the countries
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Hotel Cocja

Shkodër, Albania

Day 1 (1 night)

Rezidenca B & B

Valbona, Albania

Days 2-4 (3 nights)

Hotel Happy

Gjakova, Albania

Day 5 (1 night)

Moonlight House

Vusanje, Montenegro

Days 6-7 (2 nights)

Villa Gjecaj

Theth National Park, Albania

Day 8 (1 night)

Mrizi i Zanave

Fishte, Albania

Day 9 (1 night)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Vlatko Bulatovic

Stanislav Simicic

Mirjeta Shatri

What the Trip is Like

• 1,800 feet gain/loss
• Day 6: 10+ miles, 5 hours, 1,500 feet gain/2,900 feet loss

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

How to get to Albania from Montenegro?

I was planning to travel from Montenegro to Albania and it was quite difficult to find information on how to get to Albania from Montenegro. So, I did some research and I decided to write a blog post about it.

How to get to Albania from Montenegro? You can travel to Albania from Montenegro by bus, by taxi or with a rental car. The trip will take you at least 2 hours and it will cost you €10-€33 by bus or €90-€115 by taxi. If you drive a rental car, you will need to pay a fee to cross the border. There are no trains from Montenegro to Albania.

However, crossing the border between Montenegro and Albania is still quite off-the-beaten-path! So, let’s make sure you are well prepared for your trip across the border from Montenegro to Albania.

Bus to Albania from Montenegro

If you want to travel by bus from Montenegro to Albania, you can get on the bus in these Montenegrin cities:

1.       Herceg Novi 2.       Kotor 3.       Budva 4.       Podgorica

The bus from Montenegro to Albania departs from Herceg Novi at 9:30 am. From Herceg Novi, the bus makes stops in Kotor at 10:45 am, Budva at 11:20 am and Podgorica at 13:00 pm. From Podgorica, the bus continues its journey to the border at Bozaj at 13:35 pm.

The bus from Montenegro, stops in the following Albanian cities:

1.       Shkoder 2.       Lezhe 3.       Durres 4.       Tirana 5.       Elbasan

So, once the bus has crossed the border at Bozaj, the bus will make its first Albanian stop in Shkoder at 14:50. From Shkoder, the bus will make a stop in Lezhe at 15:30, Durres at 17:00, Tirana at 17:45 and its final stop is Elbasan at 18:30.

The Transportation Guide every Traveller in Albania Needs in 2021!

Whether you travel by bus, by car, by ferry, by taxi or with a rental car - this transportation guide will get you to the most beautiful places in albania., and it's yours free, you have successfully subscribed.

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Bus pricing from Montenegro to Albania

The bus from Montenegro to Albania costs between €10.00 and €33.00, depending on how long you stay in the bus. Herceg Novi, Kotor and Budva are popular beach cities in Montenegro, but further away from the border. Podgorica on the other hand, is close to the border of Albania.

The shortest route to cross the border, is travelling from Podgorica to Shkoder. Podgorica is capital city of Montenegro, which happens to be close to the border. The first stop of the bus on the Albanian side of the border is Shkodra. Shkodra is absolutely worth a visit as a tourist. As a tourist in Shkodra, you can visit the Venetian boulevard, the famous Rozafa caste and the Lake Koman ferry.

From Kotor, Budva and Podgorica there are more frequent buses to Albania. Moreover, the most popular cities to travel to in Albania are Shkoder and Tirana.

Bus from Kotor to Shkoder

The bus journey from Kotor to Shkoder takes 3 hours and 45 minutes. There are three bus departures per day from Kotor to Shkoder. The earliest bus leaves Kotor at 6:45 am and arrives in Shkoder at 10:30 am. The next bus departs at 8:00am from Kotor and arrives in Shkoder at 11:50 am. And the third bus, departs at 10:45 am and will arrive in Shkoder at 14:50. The price for a bus ticket from Kotor to Shkoder is between €15.00 and €25.00.

Shkoder is a great starting point to explore the Albanian Alps in the North of Albania. Check out my perfect itinerary for the Albanian Alps here!

Bus from Kotor to Tirana

The bus journey from Kotor to Tirana will take you 7 hours. There are three bus departures per day. The bus from Kotor leaves at 6:45 am, 8:00 am or 10:45 am. Depending on how early you departed Kotor, the bus arrives in Tirana at 12:15 pm, 13:50 pm or 17:45 pm. A bus ticket from Kotor to Tirana will cost you €25.00.

Bus from Budva to Shkoder

If you travel from Budva to Shkoder, there are three bus departures per day. The journey from Budva to Shkoder takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. The first bus departs Budva at 7:30 am and will drop you off in Shkoder at 10:30 am. If you take the bus from Budva is at 8:30 am, you will arrive in Shkoder at 11:50 am. And finally is you depart Budva at 11:20 am, you will be in Shkoder at 14:50 pm. The bus ticket from Budva to Shkoder costs between €12.00 and €18.00.

Shkoder is a great starting point to visit the Theth mountain village, hike across the Valbone Pass & see the Blue Eye of Theth. Check out my perfect Albanian Alps tour itinerary over here!

Bus from Budva to Tirana

The bus journey from Budva to Tirana will take you 6 hours and 25 minutes. You can depart Budva at 7:30 am, 8:30 am and 11:20 am. The bus from Budva will arrive in Tirana at 12:15 pm, 13:50 pm and 17:45 pm. The bus ticket from Budva to Tirana costs €23.00 per person.

Bus from Podgorica to Shkoder

The bus journey from Podgorica to Shkoder takes only 1 hour and 50 minutes. There are four bus departures from Podgorica to Shkoder per day. The bus departs Podgorica at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 13:00 pm or 16:00 pm. The bus from Podgorica arrives in Shkoder at 10:30 am, 11:50 am, 14:50 pm or 18:30 pm. A bus ticket from Podgorica to Shkoder costs only €10.00 per person.

Did you know that the North of Albania has some amazing beaches? Rana e Hedhun beach close to Shkoder is an amazing place to visit. Check out my full guide to beaches in the North of Albania here!

Bus from Podgorica to Tirana

The bus journey from Podgorica to Tirana lasts 4 hours and 45 minutes. There are four bus departures per day between the capital cities. You can depart from Podgorica at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 13:00 pm or 16:00 pm. Depending on which bus you took, you will arrive in Tirana at 12:15 pm, 13:50 pm, 17:45 pm or 20:15 pm. A bus ticket from Podgorica to Tirana will cost you €15.00 per person.

Taxi to Albania from Montenegro

Instead of a bus, you can choose to travel from Montenegro to Albania by taxi as well. Prices are considerably higher for a private transfer or taxi.

A private car for 3-4 persons from Podgorica to Tirana will cost you €110 – €113 per car. Alternatively, you can book a taxi transfer from Podgorica airport to Tirana for €90.00. The taxi journey will take between 2 hour or 2.5 hours depending on the traffic. However, in high season there is usually a larger number of tourists at the border crossing in Bozaj. Therefore, you should expect an additional 45 minutes waiting time at the border.

It is also possible to book a minivan for 8 persons. The price for a minivan transfer from Podgorica to Tirana is between €185.00 – €213.00.

Driving a rental car from Montenegro to Albania

You can also rent a car in Montenegro and drive it across the border to Albania. But if you want to drive across the border, you need to inform your car rental company beforehand.

Moreover, to drive the rental car across the border between Montenegro and Albania, you will need a Green Card. A Green Card is an international certificate, that shows you are covered by insurance. It is a document that proves, that the rented car is covered with basic insurance. The price for a Green Card for one car is €42.35 including VAT.

If you rent a car with Enterprise Car Rental or Green Motion Montenegro, they only charge you €42.35 for the Green Card to drive across the border. If you rent a car from Hertz Montenegro, they will charge you €42.35 for the Green Card and you can choose to pay €6.00-€12.00 per day for additional car insurance. If you pick Europcar for your rental, you will be charged an additional €10.00 per day for taking the car across the border.

From Podgorica, you can drive across the border crossing “Hani I Hotit – Bozaj”. This border crossing leads to the Albanian city of Shkoder. Customs are open until 22:00 every day.

Montenegro to Albania train

It is not possible to travel from Montenegro to Albania by train, because there are no international passenger trains. The only railway between Montenegro and Albania is used to transport goods and cargo only.

Related Questions

Are there trains in Albania? There are no international passenger trains between Albania and Europe. The only international railway between Albania and Montenegro is used for cargo only. There are a few national trains, but they are not fast. You can take the national train between Tirana and Durres as a touristic adventure.

Is Albania safe to drive through? Albania is safe to drive through. The government is improving the roads. You need a 4 wheel-drive car, if you plan on driving to a remote area, due to the gravel roads. To find the route for your travel, it is best to check with locals. Be sure to keep your lights on, because it is a safety law.

I am an Albania Tour Guide , who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania . I arrange your transportation and I am your English speaking guide. So that, you get to experience the most beautiful places in Albania! Kind regards, Manon

Welcome to Albania!

I am a tour guide in albania.

I am an Albania Tour Guide , who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania .

Book your free  Albania Planning Session via Skype now, by using my online scheduler to find a time that’s convenient for you.

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WANTED: Bus Info - Shkoder, Albania TO Ulcinj, Montenegro - Albania Forum

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WANTED: Bus Info - Shkoder, Albania TO Ulcinj, Montenegro

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Does anyone have updated Bus Info for this route?

We have done a lot of research. It APPEARS that some 3-5 companies have this route. It is NOT clear for most what days they do it and most do not have websites.

Different sources indicate possible Departure Times at 09:00, 11:30, 15:00, 16:00, and 17:30.

It also is NOT clear WHERE the Departure location is and seems likely that "it varies by carrier"

5 replies to this topic

Read carefully this thread:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g303166-i19742-k14387977-o10-Shkoder_to_Kotor_private_taxi_transfer-Shkoder_Shkoder_County.html

It’s EXACTLY what you need. Got the timetable, the ticket price, the whatsapp number of the driver, his email address and even his full name. What MORE do you want?

He is ONE GUY with one route - the 9 AM. We already know about that one and are not interested.

There are MULTIPLE bus companies. Many times. But you don't know them but naturally we should just do the one thing you know about?

Thanks but we will find our answers - just not from you

Good luck. I highly doubt there are many companies on that route.

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