The Balkans is arguably the best value backpacking destination in Europe — a region of staggering natural beauty, complex history, extraordinary food, and prices that make Western Europe look absurd. This 3-week loop connects the highlights without repetition.
The Route
Ljubljana → Lake Bled → Zagreb → Plitvice → Split → Dubrovnik → Kotor → Budva → Sarajevo → Mostar → Tirana → Ohrid → Skopje → Belgrade → Exit
Week 1: Slovenia & Croatia
Start in Ljubljana (fly into here or Vienna). The city is compact and charming — one full day is enough. Then head to Lake Bled (bus, 1hr, $4) — the lake itself is free, the island church costs $15 by rowboat. Don't miss Vintgar Gorge walk (free).
Zagreb next (bus, 2.5hrs, $10). The Upper Town is free to wander, the Museum of Broken Relationships is oddly brilliant ($5). Head south to Plitvice Lakes ($15 entry, non-negotiable but spectacular) then bus to Split ($12).
Split has Diocletian's Palace — a Roman imperial palace turned neighbourhood where people actually live. Budget 2 nights. Then bus to Dubrovnik ($12, 4hrs).
Week 2: Montenegro & Bosnia
Cross from Dubrovnik into Montenegro (bus, $15, 2hrs). Kotor Bay is one of Europe's most dramatic settings — medieval walled city surrounded by mountains plunging into the sea. Walk the walls ($8), stay 2 nights.
Then up to Sarajevo via Mostar. Mostar's Stari Most bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the Balkans. The city is tiny — half a day is enough before continuing to Sarajevo (bus, 2hrs, $8).
Sarajevo deserves 2 full days. The history here — Austro-Hungarian architecture crammed next to Ottoman bazaars, the scars of the 1990s siege, the extraordinary food — makes it one of Europe's most compelling cities. Budget $28/day.
Week 3: Albania, North Macedonia & Serbia
Albania is the wild card of the Balkans — barely touched by mass tourism, extraordinary scenery, and comically cheap. Tirana's Blloku district has a buzzing cafe and bar scene. Spend a night, then head to the Albanian Riviera if you want beaches ($5–8/night camping in shoulder season).
Ohrid in North Macedonia is unmissable — a UNESCO town on a lake, with a castle, ancient churches, and some of the cheapest food in Europe. End in Belgrade, Serbia's chaotic, underrated capital with legendary nightlife and excellent food.
Budget for 21 Days
- Accommodation: avg $12/night × 21 = $252
- Food: avg $12/day × 21 = $252
- Transport between cities: ~$120
- Activities: ~$80
- Total without flights: ~$704