The best roadtrip through Greece, Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia & Slovenia
The amazing nature of south Europe. Several UNESCO world heritage sites are waiting to be explored. Visit the greatest spots in Greece, Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia & Slovenia with this comprehensive road trip plan. Visit the worlds deepest canyon, breathtaking caves, all spectacular viewpoints and much more.
Trip overview:
- 2 weeks
- 5100 km (by car)
- 107 km (by foot)
- 7 countries
- 31h (on the ferry)
Greece
Take the ferry from Venice (Italy) to Patras (Greece). It takes around 31h to get there. We recommend to book a room on the ferry as it is an overnight ride. Also, it’s good to already have a room booked in Patras because depending on the ferry schedule you’ll arrive pretty late.
Zakynthos
The ferry to the island Zakynthos starts from Kyllini early in the morning and returns again in the evening. One day is more than enough to see the best spots on the island.
The wreck on the Navagio beach is only accessible by boat, some local operators offer tours. The famous viewpoint can easily be reached by car and presents this nice view.
Greece mainland
The best spots on the mainland of Greece are located around the golf of corinth. First spot to visit is the castle of Acrocorinth, a huge fortress on top of a hill. It’s worth to spend at least an hour walking through the ancient ruins.
Next stop is the city Corinth. Check out the famous canal of corinth from one of the foot bridges and take a snap of this insane, man made canal. Another great point around that area is the Epidaurus theatre.
Next point is Athens. You’ll spend at least half a day for visiting the Acropolis and the areas surrounding it.
Now we’re heading north to check out some more awesome spots in Greece mainland.
Finally, the location we were waiting for, Meteora. We recommend do both, go for a hike and stop at the monasteries by car. You’ll get some unique views by hiking through the forest and rocks. Five of the monasteries are open to the public.
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On the way to Albania we recommend to make a stop at the Vikos canyon, the deepest canyon of the world. The way to get there is already fun. The canyon itself is just spectacular and there is a hiking trial along the river. It’s possible to drive to the top of the canyon or you can walk all the way up. We recommend to drive to the top and enjoy the view there and then follow a few hundert meters at the beginning of the trail. There you’ll find a man made trail that is cut into the overhanging walls of the canyon.
Albania
Don’t miss Syri Kalter, the most powerful dwell in Albania.
Another great place you don’t want to miss is the cave of Pëllumbas. The cave can be reached by hiking up the hill for approximately one hour. We recommend to bring bright torches / headlights and solid shoes. You’ll find some well preserved stalagmites as well as stalagtites and some huge chambers to discover. Surprisingly, there is no entrance fee, guided tour or barrier. Another cool thing are the countless bats hanging on the roof of the cave. Some of them fly around and will shot over your head while you’re in there.
Montenegro
Driving north we pass the peninsula Sveti Stefan.
On the way to Durmitor national park stop at the Pavlova Strana Viewpoint. You’ll feel like you’re at the end of the world somewhere deep in a jungle.
Before getting to the Durmitor national park we recommend to go for a hike in the Mrtvica Canyon. There is a relict from the last war hidden in the canyon.
We spotted countless fire salamanders along the way.
When you reach the end of the trail (the trail still goes on, but is not that thrilling) you’ll be rewarded with a weird tunnel cut into the vertical cliff (on Google Maps: Mrtvicke Grede).
In order to get to Durmitor national park you will drive through kinda no-mans land. Make sure to get enough fuel and food to overcome all the mountains until you’re there. Make sure you walk around the lake and enjoy the purest nature.
While driving back to the sea, stop at the Ostrog monastery. The road to get there is quite fun and a monastery built into the cliff in that altitude is just impressive.
Croatia
Driving further north you’ll pass the cities Dubrovnik and Split. It’s worth to stop and do some sightseeing or shopping. Next great spot to spend half a day is the Krka national park. Walk along the countless wooden paths.
Next place to visit is the Plitvice lakes national park. You’ll need at least half a day to check out all the waterfalls and lakes.
Next place to see is the city Rovinj.
Slovenia
Slovenia has some great spots to visit. First we checked out the Škocjan Caves, where a river flows through. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and the path is impressive.
Another unique and last spot on the plan for us is lake Bled with an small, photogenic island in the middle of the lake.
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