The Ultimate Balkan Road Trip: Croatia, Bosnia & Montenegro

Experience a taste of the Balkans with this Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro road trip. In this blog we’ll outline a road trip taking you to these 3 beautiful countries. 

Getting to the Balkan's

Whether you’re planning to fly and rent a vehicle or taking your own vehicle for a road trip, it’s best to start in Dubrovnik. 

Balkan Road Trip Country 1: Croatia

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ is arguably the most well known and most visited place in Croatia. White washed stone houses and red tiled roofs, combined with breathtaking sea views, it’s a stunning part of Croatia. Not to mention that Dubrovnik’s well-preserved Old Town holds the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The maze of cobblestone streets are the ideal location to wander and admire the architecture.

There are lots of things to do around Dubrovnik so you can easily spend a few days in the area, the public transport is also pretty easy to navigate and there are plenty of buses running to the city so you don’t need to worry about driving close.  

⛴️ Get the ferry over to Lokrum island for a day trip and find a secluded swimming spot. You can get the ferry from the harbour in Dubrovnik and you don't need to buy tickets in advance, you can simply purchase them on the day. 

📷 Walk around the City walls, here you can get a view of the red tiled houses and really like you’re in the game of thrones.  It's quite an expensive activity at around €35 per person, you do get exceptional views, but if it's not something you're super bothered about, you could definitely miss it out. You can find more information about the tickets here on the official website.

🛶 Kayak along the Dubrovnik coastline and discover hidden caves and beaches. Many sunset tours are available, providing the perfect way to end your day.

🚃 Take the Dubrovnik Cable car up Srd Hill for panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding coastline.

Korčula 

Korčula is a medieval walled town filled with charm. Wander through its narrow streets, explore the city walls, or climb the Korčula Cathedral for panoramic views.

The island is also home to some stunning, secluded beaches, including Raznjick Peninsula, Plaža Plavina, and Zitna Bay, where you can enjoy cliff-jumping and relaxing by the sea.

Hvar 

If time allows you to also go to the island of Hvar, you could potentially just spend a day here but it’s also great to explore a bit more of what the island has to offer beyond the main town. Spend the day soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of Stari Grad or relax on Brizenica Beach, a peaceful spot away from the crowds. Hvar is known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect stop for any road trip.

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Balkan Road Trip Country 2: Bosnia 

Kravice waterfalls

💧Your journey continues into Bosnia, where the first stop is Kravice Waterfalls. While Croatia has its famous Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls, Kravice offers a more peaceful experience, without the hefty entrance fees. Take a short walk to the falls, or continue hiking to explore more of the area’s natural beauty. Just be aware that this spot can get crowded, so try to visit early or later in the day.

Mostar 

🏛️ Next, head to Mostar, a beautiful town that blends Eastern influences with Ottoman architecture. The famous Stari Most bridge is a must-see, and you might even catch a daring local jumping off it into the river below. Take time to explore the cobbled streets, stop for a Bosnian coffee at a local café, and if you want a perfect view of the bridge, head to the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque.

Balkan Road Trip Country 3: Montenegro 

Bay of Kotor ⛰️

The Bay of Kotor is a breathtaking fjord-like landscape famous for its dramatic mountainous landscapes surrounding the bay and its historic towns. There are lots of different places you could stop while road-tripping here but these are some of our personal favourites:

Perast, a small village on the Bay of Kotor is one of the most popular ones to visit. The waterfront is idyllic to stroll along, we enjoyed an ice cream while admiring the view but it would also be a lovely place to treat yourself to a meal out. You can also take a boat ride to the Lady of the Rocks.

Kotor’s Venetian-walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, similar to Dubrovnik with a maze of cobbled streets, orange-roofed houses and city walls. However, if you avoid the cruise ships docking, it will be much quieter than its neighbour Dubrovnik. Enjoy the old town or hike to Kotor Fortress for an incredible view. 

Fort Vrmac has an amazing view over Kotor Bay. There is an old track made by the military that you can walk along, it takes 30-60 minutes each way depending on your speed and if you’re going up or down the hill. 

A road trip through Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re wandering the old streets of Dubrovnik, exploring the waterfalls of Bosnia, or soaking in the mountain views of Kotor Bay, this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the Balkans region. We know it made us fall in love with this part of Europe.