The Balkans offer a one-of-a-kind travel experience, blending ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures. From the snow-capped peaks of the Accursed Mountains to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, every corner of this region is packed with surprises. Imagine driving along the Adriatic Highway, exploring medieval fortresses in Serbia, or enjoying a scenic train ride through Montenegro — you can find all this and more on a Balkan road trip.
A Balkan road trip is perfect for adventure seekers, history buffs, and food lovers. Whether you’re a backpacker looking for an affordable journey or a couple seeking a luxury Balkan holiday, the region offers incredible diversity.
If you love off-the-beaten-path destinations, budget-friendly travel, or stunning nature, this is the ideal trip for you.
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How Long to Visit the Balkans?
One Week Balkan Itinerary: stick to one or two countries, like Croatia and Montenegro or Serbia and North Macedonia.
2-Week Balkan Road Trip: cover five to six countries, mixing coastal drives and mountain adventures.
3-Week Balkans Itinerary: a full Balkans loop, including Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece, plus hidden gems along the way.
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How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Balkans?
Budget Travel: €30–€50/day.
Hostels: €10–€15/night Street food: €3–€5 Bus/train travel: €5–€15 per ride
Mid-Range Travel: €70–€120/day (Example: a 2-week Balkan road trip with car rental and comfortable stays.)
Boutique hotels: €40–€70/night
Restaurants: €10–€20/meal
Car rental: €20–€40/day
Luxury Travel: €200+/day (Example: a Peaks of the Balkans guided tour with premium hotels and gourmet dining.)
5-star hotels: €150–€300/night
Private tours: €100+
Fine dining: €30–€50/meal
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Local Tips and Money-Saving Advice for Visiting the Balkans
✅ Use public transport. A Balkan train itinerary can be both scenic and affordable.
✅Eat at local bakeries (try Burek in Bosnia, Ćevapi in Serbia, and Pide in Turkey).
✅ Rent a car outside major cities for cheaper rates. ✅ Winter (December–February) is great for skiing in Bulgaria and Montenegro.
✅ Must-Have Travel Passes: Balkan Flexipass (great for train travel across multiple countries) or Interrail Route Balkan (for unlimited train travel if you’re under 27.
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Featured Travel Guides from the Balkans
Now that you know how to plan your Balkan road trip itinerary, check out some of my detailed guides on The Travel Bunny:
Early in the morning, we woke up and had a quick breakfast at Urban Hostel & Apartments. We then went to Skopje‘s center and split up. Ana and I went to the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, which was the Skopje walking tour starting point. In the meantime, Tim went to walk around in the city on his own. Join me and Ana to find out about the free Skopje walking tour we went on! Highlights of the free Skopje walking tour It was the first time I went on a walking tour. It was interesting that we had a diverse group of Americans, Australians, …
On our first day in Skopje, we were looking for a place to eat, recommended by Lonely Planet. Sadly, it no longer existed, as we soon found out after asking around. However, our steps took us to a really nice place nearby, where we heard some good music: Kantina Restaurant, Skopje. And I loved the food and the atmosphere so much that I absolutely had to share this with you. So don’t skip going to Kantina when you visit Skopje. Keep reading to find out why! Kantina Restaurant Skopje has friendly staff We sat down on the terrace and a very …
As the sun began its ascent behind the majestic peaks of Rila National Park, we reluctantly bid farewell to the serene Rila Monastery. The journey to Skopje, North Macedonia awaited us, and we were eager to embark on the next chapter of our Balkan road trip. The road, however, had other plans. With construction crews diligently working to expand the pathways and freshly cut trees strewn across our path, our progress was slow, almost teasingly so. But as the saying goes, “It’s not about the destination, but the journey”. And what a journey it was! As we navigated the winding …
Today we’ll cover the top 10 things to eat and drink in Bulgaria when you’re traveling through the Balkans. But first, let me introduce you to Bulgarian cuisine. Bulgarian cuisine is part of Southeast Europe’s Mediterranean cuisine and it’s very similar to other Balkan cuisines. Bulgarian cuisine is a diverse and delectable fusion of regional influences and the nation’s own distinctive traditions. It is renowned for its substantial meals that are filling and created with flavorful spices and fresh ingredients. An entrée to traditional Bulgarian cuisine Salads are frequently used as starters in Bulgarian cuisine, along with a variety of soups such as …
After a day and a half spent in Sofia, we went on our Balkan road trip and got to visit Rila Monastery, one of the most famous monasteries in Bulgaria. It was so nice to enjoy the mountain temperatures after the hot days we had experienced till then. We felt so cold that we actually switched to long pants, discreetly, in the parking lot before visiting a monastery! My visit to Monastery Rila Bulgaria The Rila Monastery is quite a sight, due to its beautifully painted interior courtyard. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Its courtyard is a very calm place and you …
