12 countries · slow travel · real food

Plan the Balkans like a local would.

Practical guides from a Kiwi who moved to Albania in 2017. Where to go, what to eat, and how to actually get between places.

Start in Albania →
All 12 countries

↑ just updated: Tirana to Saranda by bus, car or shuttle

Valley in the Albanian Alps
the Albanian Alps

living here since 2017

Destinations

Where are you headed?

18 Things to do in Saranda, Albania

Albania

Riviera, Alps & Tirana

Snow-covered rooftops of Râșnov, Romania, seen from above with pine-covered hills and a wide valley stretching toward distant Carpathian mountains under dramatic clouds.

Romania

Transylvania & castles

8 Things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia

Lakes & the Julian Alps

The image shows a picturesque view of a historic stone bridge, likely the famous Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The arched bridge spans a clear blue river, with people gathered along the top, taking in the scenery. On either side of the bridge, there are stone buildings with traditional rooftops, and the foreground is filled with green foliage. In the background, steep hills or mountains create a dramatic natural setting, with sunlight casting warm tones across the landscape. The image evokes a sense of history and beauty in this charming location.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Mostar & Sarajevo

Balkan Countries: A Guide to Travelling the Balkans

Montenegro

The Bay of Kotor

All 12 countries

Croatia · Serbia · Kosovo · North Macedonia · Bulgaria · Greece · Turkey

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First trip?

New to the Balkans? Start here.

16 Balkan Tips You Need to Know!

Planning

20 Valuable Balkan Tips You Need to Know

Best Tips to Prepare for a Balkan Road Trip

Road trips

7 Best Tips to Prepare for a Balkan Road Trip

balkan food

Food

25 Delicious Balkan Foods to Try

Anita in front of a blue door

zdravo, hello!

About me

Hi, I’m Anita.

Përshëndetje · Zdravo · Bună · Živjo · Merhaba

I’m from New Zealand, I’ve been travelling since 2011, and I moved to Albania in 2017. Since then I’ve crossed the Balkans by bus, car and on foot, and written down the practical things that are hard to find anywhere else.

More about me

Fresh from the blog

Recently updated guides

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Plan it

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Stays

Hotels and apartments in every town I cover.

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Car hire

Compare rental car prices before you drive.

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Tours

Day trips, food tours and guided hikes.

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Buses & trains

Search routes and book tickets online.

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eSIM

Mobile data without hunting for a SIM shop.

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Small group · 2027

Travel the real Albania with me

A small-group trip through the places I take friends when they visit.

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