Here is the list of most scenic roads in the Balkans that every road trip enthusiast should put on their bucket list and cross it off as soon as possible. The selection was made by our local experts who have travelled all over the region and are glad to share their tips with you.
As a local agency specialized in tailor-made trips all over the Balkan peninsula, we also offer the so-called Fly & Drive tours for more independent travelers who don’t need a driver guide to accompany them all the time. Instead we can suggest an itinerary, find a flight, rent a car for you, book hotels along the way and throw in the most important tourist attractions. Before we send you off to discover the Balkans at your own speed, we also prepare a personalized booklet with information and suggestions about your trip.
So, lets start planning your road trip to the Balkans! Pack your bags and download your playlist; everything else is on us. Check out below the most scenic roads in Slovenia, Croatia and other Balkan countries that are waiting for you.
VRŠIČ PASS
Easily one of the most scenic roads in Slovenia, the Vršč pass (1611 meters) will enchant you with constant views over the high peaks of Julian Alps. Because of the incredible vistas, the road can be overcrowded in the summer, so we encourage you to visit Slovenia in the fall when the colors are just breathtaking.
The road connecting Soča and Sava valleys was built by the Russian POWs during WWI. In March of 1916 a huge avalanche killed 110 of them while they were keeping the road traversable. Later that year their peers built a small wooden chapel of typical Russian design which still stands by the road, just a few kilometers from Kranjska Gora.
ADRIATIC HIGHWAY
Since the construction of the motorway between Croatia’s biggest cities Zagreb and Split, the legendary and always busy Adriatic Highway lost its importance as a vital connection between north and south. That said, driving along the Adriatic coast has never been more pleasurable.
Just imagine always having the azure sea on your right while meandering along the 650 kilometers between Rijeka and Kotor. It connects three countries (Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro) and passes through some of the most beautiful places in the region, such are Zadar, and Dubrovnik. No wander that this nostalgic road is often called Route 66 of the Balkans.
Most scenic roads in the Balkans according to local experts
PANORAMIC ROAD OVER BAY OF KOTOR
The magnificent Bay of Kotor is the focal point of most visitors to Montenegro. Tourist masses who arrive here on huge cruise ships only spend a few hours in the area to stroll the streets of the historic Venetian towns of Kotor and Perast. If you want to truly appreciate the glory of Europe’s southernmost fjord (as the Bay of Kotor is often referred to), you need to get high above and check out the bird’s eye view. Best way to do it is following the curvy road leading up to Lovćen National Park. Get ready for an adrenaline-filled ride full of breathtaking vistas. On the way you can also explore the rich history of Montenegro by visiting the royal capital of Cetinje and the the mausoleum of national hero Petar II Petrović Njegoš at the very top of Jezerski Vrh (1657 meters).
GALIČICA NATIONAL PARK
You might have heard about the the large twin sister lakes of Ohrid and Prespa who lie on the border between three Balkan countries: Albania, North Macedonia and Greece. They are separated by the ripping, rock-crested massif of Galičica which has been protected as a national park since 1958.
The road that connects both lakes over this karst mountain ridge is narrow and not in the best condition, but the views are worthy of every bump. Galičica National Park definitely represents one of the most scenic roads not just in North Macedonia but in the whole Balkan peninsula. The best thing about it is that it is almost completely free of tourist masses.
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FOLLOW THE NERETVA RIVER
The road between two of Bosnia‘s most popular tourist destinations (Sarajevo and Mostar) is an attraction on its own. The best part of this two-hour scenic drive follows the impossible green Neretva river from the town of Konjic to Mostar. In the meantime it enters two canyons and flows over the vast agricultural valley at Jablanica.
You will be amazed by the green surrounding and even greener river that accompanies you throughout this journey. After seeing Mostar, you can continue following the river towards its magnificent delta just before it pours out into the Adriatic Sea. On the way don’t miss the picturesque town of Počitelj sitting on the slopes above the river. The road is also featured in our week-long Balkan tour.
TRANSFĂGĂRĂȘAN
This incredible project – sometimes referred to as “the Road to the Sky” – was built in 1970s for military purposes by the infamous communist leader Ceausescu. The paved mountain road crosses the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains and connects Romania‘s historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia through 5 tunnels, 27 viaducts and no less than 831 small bridges.
The road climbs to an altitude of 2,042 meters above sea level, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania (after the Transalpina). Because of the high altitude the road gets covered with snow and is usually closed from October to June. Keep that in mind if you are planning on travelling to Romania off season.
Explore the scenic roads in the Balkans on personalized fly & drive trips
ALBANIAN RIVIERA
If you are planning a longer Balkan trip, driving along the Ionian coastline is actually a logical continuation of the Adriatic Highway already mentioned above. Most scenic roads in Albania can be found between the tourist resorts of Vlorë in the north and Sarandë in the south. The three-hour drive climbs up the Llogara Pass and offers incredible vistas of the turquoise sea before it descends towards Himarë, where you can make a pit stop and visit the namesake castle.
There are plenty of swimming opportunities along the way. The one that we recommend is the gorgeous and a bit remote Gjipe beach. Be aware that the beach is not accessible by car and you need to walk for 20 minutes. Totally worth it!
SOLČAVA PANORAMIC ROAD
To finish the list of most scenic roads in the Balkans, lets return to Slovenia. This one is a bit off the beaten path and you will need a car suitable for bumpier roads. Alternatively you can also hike it, since the most breathtaking part of the Socava Panoramic Road is only 21 kilometers long and can be done in one day.
The road offers truly mesmerizing views over the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the famous Logarska valley beneath. You will be amazed by the gorgeous bucolic setting full of pastures and distinctive architecture. If you get hungry, there are numerous tourist farms where you can indulge in typical Slovenian food.
Did we get you excited about doing a Fly & Drive tour in Slovenia, Croatia or other Balkan country? Contact our friendly agents at ➨ info@ekorna.net to get more information on which countries you can combine in a single trip and what you need to know before driving in the Balkans. There are some bureaucracy traps you should be careful about, like getting the so-called green card before entering Bosnia and Herzegovina. But let us worry about the paperwork. Just relax and enjoy the scenery while driving along one of the most scenic roads in the Balkans mentioned above.
for a Fly & Drive Trip to the Balkans
