Travel guide
A practical guide to traveling the Balkans
The Balkans pack a lot into a small area: Adriatic coastline, high mountains, Ottoman and Venetian towns, Orthodox monasteries and lively capitals, often a few hours’ drive apart. Most travelers combine three to six countries in one to three weeks, and spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
This guide brings together the essentials for planning a first trip, with links to our more detailed articles.
Which countries to include
Countries
The countries usually counted as Balkan include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia. Definitions vary, as we explain in What countries are in the Balkans?.
- First trip, classic route: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro: Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo and the Bay of Kotor.
- Southern loop: Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia: Kotor, Berat, Gjirokastër and Lake Ohrid.
- The full sweep: Romania to Slovenia across nine countries, as on our 17-day Grand Balkan Tour.
When to go
Seasons
- April–June: green landscapes, comfortable city walking and fewer crowds on the coast.
- July–August: best for swimming and the mountains, but the coast and cities are busy and hot.
- September–October: warm sea, harvest season and quieter roads; for many travelers the best months.
- November–March: quiet cities, winter sports in the mountains, and some coastal businesses closed.
More detail: What is the best month to visit the Balkans?
How long you need
Timing
Allow at least two nights in each main stop. Ten days covers one region comfortably, such as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, while two to three weeks lets you cross several countries without rushing. Distances look short on the map, but mountain roads and border crossings take time.
Getting around
Transport
Buses connect almost every town; rental cars give flexibility; ferries serve the Croatian islands; and a few scenic rail lines are worth riding. For multi-country trips, a private driver handles borders and logistics. See The best way to travel around the Balkans.
Entry rules and money
Practical
- Schengen: Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece are in the Schengen Area; the other Balkan countries set their own entry rules. Time spent outside Schengen does not count toward the Schengen 90-day limit.
- Before you go: check current requirements for the EU Entry/Exit System and ETIAS, and see our visa guide for American travelers.
- Currencies: the euro is used in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bulgaria and Greece. Other countries have their own currencies, and cash is still handy in small towns.
Culture, food and etiquette
Culture
Coffee culture, long family lunches, grilled meats, fresh cheeses and grape spirits are shared across the region, with local twists everywhere. Music and folk traditions vary from country to country; see Balkan folk music.
Recent history is personal for many families, especially the wars of the 1990s. Ask about people’s towns and traditions rather than their ethnicity, and let your hosts decide how much they want to share.
Sample routes
Itineraries
- 7 days: Dubrovnik, Kotor and the Bay of Kotor, Mostar and Sarajevo.
- 10 days: add Lake Ohrid and Skopje, or Berat and Gjirokastër in Albania.
- 14 days: combine the Adriatic coast with Sarajevo, Belgrade and Lake Bled, or with Albania and North Macedonia.
- 17 days: Romania to Slovenia across nine countries, as on our Grand Balkan Tour.
Experiences worth planning for
Highlights
- Walking Dubrovnik’s city walls early in the morning, before the day’s visitors arrive.
- A boat on the Bay of Kotor to the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks.
- Coffee in Sarajevo’s Baščaršija and the view from Trebević.
- Sunset over Lake Ohrid from the Church of St. John at Kaneo.
- The lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice, best visited early or late in the day.
- A long lunch in a village konoba or family-run guesthouse.
Key takeaways
Summary
- Most travelers combine three to six countries in one to three weeks.
- Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
- Allow at least two nights per main stop; mountain roads and borders take time.
- Check Schengen, Entry/Exit System and ETIAS rules before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
How many days do I need for the Balkans?
Ten days is enough for one region, such as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Two to three weeks lets you cross several countries comfortably.
What is the best month to visit the Balkans?
May, June, September and early October offer warm weather with fewer crowds.
Is the Balkans safe for travelers?
The region is generally safe for visitors. Use the same common-sense precautions you would anywhere in Europe and check your government’s travel advice.
Which Balkan countries use the euro?
Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bulgaria and Greece.
Related reading
- The best way to travel around the Balkans
- What is the best month to visit the Balkans?
- Best Balkan tour itineraries
When you are ready to plan, see our private and multi-country journeys.
Prepared by Balkland’s regional travel team.
Travel stories, route ideas, and practical Balkan tips prepared for you by the Balkland regional team.