LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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Why travel to the Balkans? Balkan culture, pastry, wine, raika, blue seas, mountains, lakes, hiking trails, boats, islands, medieval walls, forts, cathedrals, greenery, party vibes, romance, fun, cheese and finally meat. No this is not a list of our favourite things. This is what you will find travelling in the Balkans, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

This strip of three countries provides an excellent and versatile destination that has something to offer everyone whatever kind of holiday you particularly like. Whether you’re a city, beach, food or adventure lover, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia have it all.

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Adventure Lover: Balkans Itinerary Albania, Montenegro and Croatia

Any of these three countries have enough to offer Adventure lovers, but what could be better than adventuring in all three? Balkans travel across Albania, Montenegro and Croatia is perfect for any keen adventurer.

Our top 5 recommendations for adventurers are:

• Skadar Lake (Albania)
• Lovcen National Park (Montenegro)
• Hiking and kayaking in Kotor (Montenegro)
• White water rafting on the river Tara (Montenegro)
• Blue cave and National Park Miljet (Croatia)

Firstly, fly into Tirana and take a short bus ride to the Skadar lake. Here you could enjoy 2 nights exploring. Next, hop over to Lovcen national park in Montenegro. Spend 2 nights  there exploring before moving on the River Tara for white water rafting for 1 night. From there, take a short break in Kotor to enjoy some good food, after a hike up the Ladder of Kotor and maybe a kayak around the bay. Next, take the short trip to Dubrovnik and spend the remaining 4 nights there. However, if you’re on a budget, stay out of the city (we provide more tips for staying in Dubrovnik in our linked article). From Dubrovnik, you can explore the Blue Cave and Miljet Island as well as hiking Mount Srd.

If you want to luxe it up then why not take a sailing tour in Dubrovnik?

As an alternative, you could spend longer in Albania and explore the Albania Alps – find out more here.

City Lover: Balkans Itinerary Albania, Montenegro and Croatia

With so much to see and do, this area offers culture and intrigue enough to sate any city lovers appetite.

Our top 4 suggestions therefore are:

• Tirana (Albania)
• Tivat (Montenegro)
• Dubrovnik (Croatia)
• Korcula (Croatia)

For city fans, Tirana is a must, although it may not seem it, this city has a lot to offer. Fly into there and enjoy 2 nights exploring. Next, head over to neighbouring Montenegro. Skip Podgorcia and go to Tivat for 2 nights, an up and coming town in Montenegro. A  short hop will take you to Dubrovnik, where I’d recommend at least 3 nights. Then, take a bus or drive to Korcula Island and stay in the main town, which is nicknamed “Little Dubrovnik”. Few people realise that you can visit this Island directly from Dubrovnik due to the short car ferry from the mainland. Rather than visiting the Islands near Split, we would suggest skipping this well trodden path.

If you want to luxe it up, why not try one of stay in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town at Little Palace hotel?

Foodie: Balkans Itineary Suggestions

Foodies assemble. Even though Italy may be well known as a foodies paradise, the Balkans is also punching! There’s plenty of great grub on offer throughout this area. If you’re a keen foodie, then Balkans travel in Albania, Montenegro and Croatia is perfect for you.

Our top 4 picks for foodies are:

• Tirana (Albania)
• Perast (Montenegro)
• Dubrovnik (Croatia)
• Ston (Croatia)

Firstly, head to Tirana in Albania which has an up and coming food scene. Restaurant Mullixhu has an incredible (and great value) tasting menu conjured up by a Michelin star chef. Next head to Perast, a picture perfect town just outside Kotor, offering idyllic surroundings and fresh as a daisy seafood.

From here, we would suggest travelling onwards to Dubrovnik which is a foodie paradise. Michelin starred restaurants and wine bars galore. Or, if you’d rather more traditional cuisine then find a more local key restaurant by the sea and go for fresh fish and dalmatian smoked ham and cheese platters. Lastly, head up the coast, just a short ride on bus or by car will take you to Ston. Home of the Oyster!

Beach Lover: Balkans Itinerary

This area along the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast is packed with beautiful beaches.  For beach lovers who are looking for alternatives to rival Greece and Italy, this is the perfect destination to try.

Our top 4 treats for beach lovers are:

• Albanian Riviera (Albania)
• Budva (Montenegro)
• Dubrovnik (Croatia)
• Korcula (Croatia)

First, to the lesser known Albanian Riviera! Next, to Budva. Miles of beaches await you. The town itself has some delightful beaches, but head further along to Queens Beach for a real treat. Then we would recommend heading on to Dubrovnik, for coves and clear sea. Finally, drive or take a bus over to Korcula Island. Take your time and explore this beautiful Island paradise.

Find out more about the beaches in Albania here.

If you want to luxe it up, why not stay on the exclusive resort in Sveti Stefan?

For more information on travelling by bus between Albania, Montenegro and Croatia, click here and here.

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Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case. Find them here on Amazon.

Find yours on here and get the travelling started!

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