Plan your vacations in the Balkans: The perfect itinerary to Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina

The Balkan Peninsula, more commonly referred to as simply the Balkans, is one of Europe’s great southern peninsulas and the one located the furthest east. Since some refer to the region in historical and cultural terms, others do geographical – that’s why the list of countries considered Balkan is somewhat changing. But typically, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia are known as the Balkans. With the Adriatic shoreline on one side and epic mountains on the other, the region is truly mesmerising, sometimes making you question whether you are still in Europe and where exactly – for example, the waterfall national parks resemble the tropics while the Bay of Kotor could easily be mistaken for the Norwegian fjords. This diversity in the landscape provides ample options for where to go and what to do while in the Balkans, all you have to do is take a pick.

While Europe may be famous for its trains, in the Balkans, the best option to get around is either a bus or a rental car. The bus services are surprisingly punctual, making them an affordable and trustworthy means of transport. If you visit during peak season, shuttle buses may be better, more comfortable, and an easier albeit slightly more expensive option than public buses. Car rentals are plentiful, and, quite honestly, renting a car offers you the freedom and flexibility to travel on your own terms – the region is simply too beautiful for not stopping at roadsides to admire the scenery or even make quick detours to nearby towns and villages.

Begin your 12-day trip in the inland capital of Croatia, the city of Zagreb, and let it charm you with its medley of contrasts, history, and striking appearance. Zagreb sometimes lies in the shadow of its coastal counterparts, but its grandeur leaves nobody unimpressed. Put on your favourite pair of walking shoes and embrace how easy this city is to explore on foot. From ornate buildings dating back hundreds of years to modern street art pieces – the city vibrates with expression. Stroll around the Old Town before heading to one of the museums – Zagreb has plenty of good ones, like the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Chocolate Museum, and even an 80s Museum! Another thing in abundance is fantastic restaurants and cafes around the city that showcase culinary excellence through the best local ingredients. Make sure to visit the Upper Town and the Cathedral of Zagreb, ride the Funicular Railway, and have a picnic by Jarun Lake.

From Croatia to Slovenia, begin your second day in the Balkans with an early start road trip to Ljubljana. A drive to Slovenia’s capital from Zagreb takes approximately three hours. It’s worth noting that during the peak season, there may be long queues at the border crossing for passport control, so an early start is a must. Additionally, once you’re in Slovenia, you’ll need a motorway vignette. Known as one of the greenest capitals in Europe, Ljubljana sees an abundance of pedestrians and cyclists take over the city when the weather is fine because car traffic is highly restricted in the city centre. Start exploring the city with a visit to the Old Town and Ljubljana Castle – the view from Castle Hill offers panoramic vistas over the city. After exploring Old Town, cross over the Triple Bridge to find yourself in the city’s architectural marvel Prešernov Trg. During the summer, there are numerous cafes and restaurants that take advantage of the good weather and open their terraces where you can enjoy a fantastic meal. Ljubljana offers a vast selection of traditional and local as well as international cuisines. And then there’s Metelkova Mesto, a popular nightlife destination. This ex-army garrison is now the epicentre of the counterculture, adorned with colourful street art. Other places to explore in the city include the Robba Fountain, Tivoli Park, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and Dragon Bridge.

From the mountains to the seaside, day four takes you on a scenic two-hour road trip from Lake Bled to one of the most charming towns on the Adriatic coast – Piran! You can either drive straight over or make a few stops along the way – the Postojna Cave Park is well worth it. Once you arrive in Piran, bask in the glory of the Old Town, which is one of the most well-preserved historical places in the region with remarkable Venetian Gothic architecture, tuck-away alleyways, and plenty of places to watch some of the most beautiful sunsets from. As a coastal town, Piran boasts some excellent seafood restaurants.

Day five awaits you with a slightly longer drive ahead of you but know that it’s worth every bit – you’re off to the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia. Located a three to four-hour drive from Piran, it is one of the most beautiful national parks in the region, known for its almost tropical landscape complete with lush greenery and the most paradise-like waterfalls. There are 16 interconnected emerald lakes weaving their way through the mountainous landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a bountiful selection of activities, from various walks and hikes to row boat rides in the lakes. It’s best to get an early start at Plitvice to have enough time for exploring. At the end of the day, you’ll want to plan 2-3 hours to drive to Split where your next adventure awaits.

One of the biggest advantages of visiting the Balkan region is its compact size. It couldn’t be easier to country-hop from one place to another. And while sharing borders and history, each place has its distinct culture and character. Many associate Croatia’s southern neighbour Bosnia and Herzegovina with the crippling war in the 90s, but thirty years later, it’s a remarkable east-meets-west destination with mesmerising landscapes, challenging and rewarding nature trails, historically significant towns, and the warmest locals you’ll meet. It only takes two hours to drive from Split in Croatia to Mostar in Herzegovina, which is instantaneously charming. Located in the Neretva River valley, Mostar is known for its world-famous Old Bridge, connecting two parts of the city. As you wander through the city, there are endless reminders of the distant Ottoman past and the not-so-distant past when the country was shaken by war. From bridges to museums, bazaars and town squares, there’s something wonderful around each corner. Make sure to try traditional Balkan cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Mostar!

Filled to the brim with epic mountains, dazzling beaches, and friendly locals, tiny Montenegro confirms that even the smallest places can pack a big punch. The truth is, one day is not nearly enough to discover everything Montenegro has to offer, but this final leg of your Balkan journey is the perfect opportunity to scout ideas and locations for a more in-depth trip back someday. Kotor and the Bay of Kotor are great places to start. Dotted with mediaeval towns, the cliff-hugged Bay of Kotor is a mesmerising place – not quite a fjord or a canyon, but certainly resembling both a bit. The towns are well-connected by zigzagging roads, making it easy to explore the region. Kotor itself is Montenegro’s most-visited place, and for a good reason – packed with centuries-old buildings, quaint mediaeval squares, cobblestone streets, museums, and cafes, it is as vibrant as its surroundings. This pocket-sized town will quickly charm you with its serenity, and you’ll want to enjoy it slowly.