I first fell in love with the Balkans on my first trip to Croatia in 2016 (my first ever solo trip!), and I’ve been coming back almost every summer since. It’s a backpacker’s paradise: cheap, compact enough to travel without flying, blessed with sunshine, and full of stunning natural and cultural sites. It also has far fewer tourists than other parts of Europe, so traveling here feels like a real adventure.
In this guide I want to share the knowledge I gathered throughout the years and propose the kind of itinerary I would build if I had 2-3 weeks to spare and were a first-timer. It is a fast-paced route, designed for country-counters who want to see as much as possible, but it is also easy to adapt depending on your own style and how long you would like to linger in each place.
This guide provides a practical framework for Balkans travel: a 3-week core itinerary showcasing the region’s highlights, plus optional extensions for those with more time. You’ll also find tips on transport, budget, and accommodation to make your backpacking trip smooth and memorable.
- Day 1-2: Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
- Day 3-4: Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
- Day 5-6: Split (Croatia)
- Day 7-8: Dubrovnik (Croatia)
- Day 9-10: Kotor (Montenegro)
- Day 11-12: Tirana (Albania)
- Day 13: Berat (Albania)
- Day 14-15: Himarë (Albania)
- Day 16-18: Ohrid (North Macedonia)
- Day 19: Skopje (North Macedonia)
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At a glance: Backpacking Balkans travel (3-week itinerary)
| Day | Stop | Minimum time | Highlights | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
Sarajevo |
2 |
History walk (Latin Bridge, Tunnel of Hope), Baščaršija, Trebević cable car. |
Flight to Sarajevo (or bus from Belgrade) |
|
3-4 |
Mostar |
2 |
Stari Most, Blagaj Tekke, Kravica waterfalls |
2.5 hour bus from Sarajevo |
|
5-6 |
Split |
2 |
Diocletian’s Palace, Riva promenade |
4-hour bus from Mostar |
|
7-8 |
Dubrovnik |
2 |
Old Town, city walls |
4-hour bus from Split |
|
9-10 |
Kotor |
2 |
Fortress hike, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks |
2-3 hours bus from Dubrovnik |
|
11-12 |
Tirana |
2 |
Museums, Blloku neighborhood, Dajti Mountain cable car |
6-hour bus from Kotor |
|
13 |
Berat |
1 |
Castle and Ottoman quarter |
2-hour bus from Tirana |
|
14-15 |
Himarë |
2 |
Albanian Riviera beaches, Porto Palermo, Gjipe Beach |
Bus (transit via Vlorë or Lushnjë) |
|
16-18 |
Ohrid |
3 |
St. John at Kaneo, boat trip on Lake Ohrid |
Bus (transit via Tirana) |
|
19 |
Skopje |
1 |
Old Bazaar, Stone Bridge, Matka Canyon |
2-hour bus from Ohrid |
3-Week Balkans Travel Backpacking Itinerary
The Balkans are too diverse to cram every hidden gem into a single trip without skipping places some travellers might consider absolute must-visits. To solve this, I’ve created a 3-week core itinerary covering the highlights from Sarajevo to Skopje, linked in a seamless route that limits unnecessary backtracking.
Following the recommended stays, this itinerary is fast-paced, but manageable if you’re backpacking. You’ll hit cultural cities, stunning coasts, Ottoman towns, lakes, and mountains, all while moving at a pace that’s realistic for public transport.
Day 1–2: Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
⏳ Recommended time in Sarajevo: 2 days
✈️ How to get to Sarajevo: Flight to Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ).
What to do in Sarajevo for 2 days
Sarajevo is where East meets West, and where the scars of history coexist with a thriving resilient culture. Spend your first two days of your Balkans travel wandering the streets of Baščaršija, the historic Ottoman bazaar. Here, cobblestone alleys are lined with tiny artisan shops and the aroma of freshly brewed Bosnian coffee drifts from every corner café. Don’t miss the Latin Bridge, where history feels tangible, or the Tunnel of Hope, a symbol of resilience during the siege of the 1990s.
For panoramic views of the city, take the Trebević cable car up the surrounding mountains. From there, Sarajevo’s mix of mosques, Orthodox churches, synagogues, and Austro-Hungarian architecture unfolds below. Two days allows a relaxed pace to explore museums during your Balkans travel, enjoy hearty local cuisine, and even squeeze in a guided walking tour if you’re keen on learning the city’s layered history.
Where to stay in Sarajevo
Sarajevo’s accommodation options range from budget hostels to stylish apartments. The best areas to stay are Baščaršija, where you’re steps from Ottoman bazaars and coffee houses, or Marijin Dvor, which offers a quieter base near museums and restaurants.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Day 3–4: Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina
⏳ Recommended time in Mostar: 2 days
🚌 How to get to Mostar from Sarajevo: 2.5 hour bus, several departures daily. Check Sarajevo-Mostar buses prices and times and book your tickets here.
What to do in Mostar for 2 days
Mostar is a small city famous for its Stari Most, a 16th-century Ottoman bridge spanning the turquoise Neretva River. Spend a day exploring the Old Town, where cobblestone streets wind past artisan shops, cafés, and historic mosques. Watching locals dive from the bridge is a must.
If time allows, take a short excursion to Blagaj Tekke, a serene Dervish monastery nestled at the base of a cliff beside a turquoise river, or visit Kravica Waterfalls for a refreshing swim. Two days is ideal here: one to soak in the Old Town and bridge, and another for side trips or a leisurely afternoon in a riverside café.
Where to stay in Mostar
Mostar has cozy guesthouses, riverside apartments, and atmospheric hostels. Stay in the Old Town to be close to Stari Most and the cobbled streets, or across the river in quieter residential areas for better value and local charm.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Day 5–6: Split, Croatia
⏳ Recommended time in Split: 2 days
🚌 How to get to Split from Mostar: 4 hour bus, several departures daily. Check Mostar-Split buses prices and times and book your tickets here.
What to do in Split for 2 days
Split is a coastal city that blends history, vibrant street life, and Adriatic charm. Base yourself near the Old Town, centered around Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of winding streets, shops, and cafés. Spend hours wandering this living museum, where history comes alive as locals and visitors intermingle among Roman ruins.
Evenings are perfect for a stroll along the Riva promenade, where sunset paints the Adriatic in shades of gold and orange. If you have an extra half-day, consider a trip to Krka National Park or a ferry to Brač Island for a beach escape. Two days in Split gives you enough time to explore without feeling rushed, but you could easily linger longer to soak in the coastal vibe.
Where to stay in Split
Split offers everything from backpacker hostels to chic seaside hotels. The most atmospheric place to stay is near Diocletian’s Palace, where history is at your doorstep, while areas like Bacvice et une Varos offer a more local vibe with easy beach access.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Split, Croatia.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Day 7–8: Dubrovnik, Croatia
⏳ Recommended time in Dubrovnik: 2 days
🚌 How to get to Dubrovnik from Split: 4 hour bus, several departures daily. Check Split-Dubrovnik buses prices and times and book your tickets here.
What to do in Dubrovnik for 2 days
Dubrovnik deserves its nickname: the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Dubrovnik’s Old Town is mesmerizing, with its narrow streets, baroque architecture, and bustling squares. Walking the city walls is an unforgettable experience: every step rewards you with panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and the shimmering Adriatic.
If you have a spare afternoon, hop on a short ferry to Lokrum Island, a quiet escape from the tourist crowds with lush gardens and scenic walking paths. Dubrovnik is more expensive than other Balkan stops, so consider staying in hostels just outside the Old Town for budget-friendly options. Two days allows you to enjoy the highlights at a comfortable pace, but you’ll leave wishing for more.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s accommodation is pricier, but you’ll find hostels, guesthouses, and boutique stays to suit most budgets. Stay inside the Old Town for atmosphere and convenience, or just outside in Ploče ou Lapad for quieter surroundings and lower prices.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Day 9–10: Kotor, Montenegro
⏳ Recommended time in Kotor: 2 days
🚌 How to get to Kotor from Dubrovnik: 2 to 3 hour bus, several departures daily. Check Dubrovnik-Kotor buses prices and times and book your tickets here.
What to do in Kotor for 2 days
Kotor’s dramatic setting on the Bay of Kotor makes it a highlight of any Balkan backpacking trip. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobbled streets, historic squares, and Venetian architecture. Spend your first day wandering these streets, stopping at the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of local cafés.
For the best views, climb to the Kotor Fortress. It’s a challenging hike of roughly 1300 steps, but the panoramic views over the bay and surrounding mountains are spectacular. Kotor’s compact size makes two days just right: one for the Old Town and fortress, and the second for a half-day trip to Perast and the nearby Our Lady of the Rocks, or a scenic drive along the Montenegrin Riviera, visiting Budva or Herceg Novi.
Where to stay in Kotor
Kotor offers characterful guesthouses, lively hostels, and a few boutique hotels. The Old Town puts you in the heart of the action, while Dobrota, a short walk away, gives you waterfront stays with stunning bay views and a more peaceful setting.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Kotor, Montenegro.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Day 11–12: Tirana, Albania
⏳ Recommended time in Tirana: 2 days
🚌 How to get to Tirana from Kotor: 6 hour bus, only a few departures daily. I recommend getting an early one (around 8.00AM) to arrive during daytime in Tirana. Check Kotor-Tirana buses prices and times and book your tickets here.
What to do in Tirana for 2 days
Tirana is a vibrant, colorful city that mixes history, art, and urban energy. Spend your first day exploring Skanderbeg Square, the city’s central hub, surrounded by the National History Museum with its iconic mosaic façade. Take a stroll along the Blloku district, once restricted to the communist elite, now a buzzing area filled with cafés, restaurants, and street art.
For panoramic views of the city, take the Dajti Express cable car up Mount Dajti. From there, Tirana sprawls beneath you, with the distant mountains providing a stunning backdrop. One full day allows you to grasp the city’s eclectic energy; if you’re a foodie, carve out extra time to sample Albanian specialties like byrek, tavë kosi, or fresh seafood at a local tavern.
Where to stay in Tirana
Tirana has a growing range of hostels, budget hotels, and modern apartments. Skanderbeg Square et une Blloku are the best areas to stay; the first for easy sightseeing access, the second for nightlife, cafés, and a younger vibe.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Tirana, Albania.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Day 13: Berat
⏳ Recommended time in Berat: 1 day
🚌 How to get to Berat from Tirana: 2 hour bus, several departures daily. Check Tirana-Berat buses prices and times and book your tickets here.
What to do in Berat for 1 day
Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is one of Albania’s most picturesque towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its white Ottoman houses climbing up the hillside make it feel like a living museum. Spend your time exploring Berat Castle, still inhabited today, and wandering the cobbled lanes of the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, each offering postcard-perfect views.
Even a single night here is enough to soak in the charm, but if you’re a fan of history, you could linger to explore the Onufri Museum, housed inside a church, with its collection of stunning Orthodox icons. Berat makes a perfect cultural break between lively Tirana and the laid-back coast.
Where to stay in Berat
Berat’s charm lies in its family-run guesthouses and traditional stone houses. The most atmospheric areas to stay are Mangalem et une Gorica, where Ottoman-era houses line the hillside and you get postcard-perfect views of the town’s “thousand windows.”
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Berat, Albania.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Day 14–15: Himarë & the Albanian Riviera
⏳ Recommended time in Himarë: 2 days
🚌 How to get to Himarë from Berat: there are no direct buses between Berat and Himarë, but the journey can easily be made with a connection in Vlorë or Lushnjë. Check Berat-Himarë buses prices and times and book your tickets here.
What to do in Himarë for 2 days
Himarë is a small coastal town along Albania’s Riviera, famous for turquoise waters and a laid-back vibe. Base yourself here to enjoy the beaches and seaside promenades, or take a short drive to nearby gems like Dhermi ou Jale Beach.
The Albanian Riviera feels worlds apart from the more touristy Mediterranean coasts. Spend lazy afternoons swimming, sunbathing, or wandering quiet villages perched on cliffs above the Ionian Sea. Even one full day in Himarë gives you a taste of the coast, but two days is ideal for a relaxed pace and to explore at least one nearby beach town.
Where to stay in Himarë
Himarë offers laid-back hostels, beachside apartments, and boutique hotels. The seafront is best if you want easy beach access, while the hillside above town rewards you with quieter surroundings and panoramic views of the Ionian coast.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Himarë, Albania.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Day 16–18: Ohrid, North Macedonia
⏳ Recommended time in Ohrid: 3 days total including travel day from Himarë
🚌 How to get to Ohrid from Himarë: a long travel day awaits! There are no direct buses between Himarë and Ohrid. You will need to make a connection in Tirana, and then catch one of the few daily Tirana-Ohrid buses from here. Check Himarë-Ohrid bus journeys prices and times and book your tickets here.
What to do in Ohrid for 2 days
Ohrid, often called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans,” is famed for its UNESCO-listed old town, churches, and lake views. Spend your first day wandering the cobbled streets, visiting landmarks like Saint Sophia Church et une Samuil’s Fortress, which offers breathtaking panoramas over Lake Ohrid.
A boat ride on Lake Ohrid is a must, giving you a different perspective of the town and its surrounding nature. Two days lets you explore both the cultural and natural sides of Ohrid, including beach time along the lake, and sampling local specialties like freshwater trout in a lakeside restaurant.
Where to stay in Ohrid
Ohrid has budget-friendly hostels, lakefront apartments, and boutique hotels. The Old Town is perfect for history and atmosphere, while lakeside neighborhoods offer stunning sunsets and a relaxed vibe close to the water.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Day 19: Skopje, North Macedonia
⏳ Recommended time in Skopje: 1 day
🚌 How to get to Skopje from Ohrid: 2 hour bus, several departures daily. Check Ohrid-Skopje buses prices and times and book your tickets here.
What to do in Skopje for 1 day
Skopje is a city of contrasts, where modern statues sit alongside Ottoman bazaars. Start with the Old Bazaar, a vibrant area of narrow streets, traditional coffee shops, and small artisan stores. Don’t miss the Stone Bridge connecting the old and new parts of the city, or the towering statues in Macedonia Square.
One day is sufficient to see Skopje’s highlights, especially if you focus on a walking tour connecting the Old Bazaar, Kale Fortress, and main squares. Skopje’s compact size and central attractions make it manageable even for a single full day of exploration.
Where to stay in Skopje
Skopje offers plenty of affordable hostels, mid-range hotels, and modern apartments. Stay near Macedonia Square if you want to be in the middle of the action, or by the Old Bazaar for a more traditional and lively atmosphere.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Skopje, North Macedonia.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
Optional add-ons for this backpacking Balkans Travel
Belgrade, Serbia (Optional Pre-Trip, 2 Days)
Belgrade is a lively capital that gives you a taste of Serbia before starting the core Balkans route. Spend your first day exploring Kalemegdan Fortress and strolling along Knez Mihailova Street, then dive into the bohemian Skadarlija district for dinner and rakija. The city’s nightlife along the Danube and Sava rivers is legendary, with floating bars and clubs that stay busy until sunrise.
Two days in Belgrade is enough to get a glimpse of Serbia’s energy before moving on. From here, it’s easy to continue your Balkans travel adventure by taking a direct bus to Sarajevo.
Montenegro (Optional Extension During Trip, 4–8 Days)
If you have more time, Montenegro is the perfect place to slow down and go beyond Kotor. The country’s compact size makes it easy to combine cultural towns with wild landscapes. In addition to Kotor, you can visit Lovćen National Park for mountain views, Lake Skadar for birdwatching and boat rides, and Durmitor National Park for alpine hikes, glacial lakes, and even whitewater rafting in the Tara Canyon. In my opinion, 4 full days is the minimum to have a proper sample of Montenegro, though 6-8 days is ideal if you want to balance coast and mountains.
✨ Check my comprehensive 4-8 days Montenegro itinerary article here.
Albania (Optional Extension During Trip, 7-10 Days)
Albania deserves more time than the core itinerary allows. Extending here lets you enjoy a wider stretch of the Albanian Riviera, including Sarandë with its lively seafront, the Blue Eye spring, and the UNESCO site of Butrint. Inland, Gjirokastër enchants with Ottoman houses and castle views, while the mountains of Theth and Valbona offer some of the best trekking in the Balkans.
With at least 4 days you can add highlights to your Balkans travel plan, but a full week is ideal to experience Albania’s mix of beaches, history, and adventure.
Prishtina or Sofia (Optional After the Core Itinerary, 2–3 Days)
After Skopje, you can extend your Balkans backpacking journey to either Kosovo or Bulgaria — though not both, since there are no direct buses between Prishtina and Sofia.
Prishtina, Kosovo’s capital, offers a youthful, friendly vibe with quirky cafés and striking modern architecture like the National Library. Combine it with a day trip to Prizren, a picturesque town of mosques, churches, and Ottoman bridges.
Alternatively, head to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, where Orthodox churches, Ottoman history, and Soviet-era landmarks blend together. With the Vitosha Mountains nearby, it’s easy to combine city exploration with outdoor escapes. Two to three days in either city gives you one more country to tick off your Balkans adventure.
Budget for this backpacking Balkans travel itinerary
The Balkans are a rather a budget-friendly destination, at least compared to the rest of Europe. That being said, affordability depends on the country: Croatia and Montenegro tend to be pricier than Bosnia-Herzegovina and North Macedonia, for example. If you follow this 3-week core Balkans travel itinerary, here is a sum-up of your main expenses (backpacking style):
- Transportation: ~220-250€ bus trips between towns
- Accommodation: 450-500€ if you stay in hostels (shared dorms)
- Attractions: 150-200€ (Kotor Fortress entrance + 2 guided tours + National Parks entrance fees)
FAQ about Backpacking Balkans travel
Is 3 weeks enough for Balkans travel?
Three weeks is just enough to cover the highlights of several countries if you follow a fast-paced Balkans itinerary. You won’t see everything, but you’ll experience a great mix of cities, mountains, and coast. With more time, you can extend your Balkans travel into Albania, Montenegro, or Serbia.
How can I adapt this Balkans itinerary if I only have 10 days or 2 weeks?
With 10 days, I’d advise to focus on only one or two countries, or to only complete the first part of the suggested core itinerary (Bosnia, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, and Montenegro). With 2 weeks, add Albania or North Macedonia. You may also choose to skip one or several cities (for example Split, Berat, or Himarë). This guide is designed as a flexible Balkans travel framework: you can shorten or extend depending on your pace.
Is the Balkans safe for solo travelers?
Yes, from my experience, the Balkans are generally very safe for solo travel, including for females. Petty theft can happen in big cities, but violent crime is rare. People are warm and welcoming. As always when traveling, use common sense and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
What is the best way to travel around the Balkans?
Buses are the backbone of Balkans travel: cheap, frequent, and covering nearly every town. Trains exist but are slower, (except in Serbia where the Belgrade-Novi Sad line is modern and fast), so I wouldn’t recommend them. Ferries link coastal towns in Croatia and Montenegro. Renting a car is also an option if you want maximum flexibility, but you’d need to be an experienced driver, since the roads are often winding and the traffic intense, especially during summer.
Can I start my Balkans travel itinerary in Belgrade, Dubrovnik, or Tirana instead of Sarajevo?
Yes! The Balkans are flexible. Sarajevo is a great starting point, but Belgrade, Dubrovnik, or Tirana are also easy entry points depending on your flights. You can adapt the loop to suit your travel plans.
How easy is it to cross borders during Balkans travel?
Border crossings are simple but can take time, especially in summer. Buses handle the paperwork, so you only need your passport. Keep it handy and always check that your entry stamps are correct.
What is the best time of year for Balkans travel?
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are the sweet spots: warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. July and August are also popular for Balkans travel, but expect higher costs and busy coastal towns.
I hope this 3-week backpacking Balkans travel itinerary has been helpful and informative!
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