Winter Road Trip in the Balkans

We started our 8 day Balkan trip to Bosnia and Montenegro in the capital of Balkan. Bosnia & Montenegro isn't just Instagrammable, it's affordable, and unforgettable. We traveled in the winter, and let me tell you, this Balkan duo is worth the visit in the shoulder season. From strolling down the streets of Ferhadija, to exploring the colorful cobblestone alleys, it’s a walk down history. I loved that we went in the winter where there were practically no tourists… just our kind of vibe!

The tunnel of hope - proof of this country’s survival spirit!

Bascarsija Bazaar - for Bosnian coffee and souvenir

The symbol of the city of Bosnia!

the latin bridge, where the sparks of the WW 1 ignited

Next stop on our Bosnia adventure was the iconic Mostar. Stari Most is undoubtedly the highlight of this little town but the hidden gems like the 📌 Bazar Kujundžiluk are equally charming. You also cannot miss 📌 Kriva ćuprija, the ‘Crooked Bridge,’ is a quiet masterpiece, its arch gracefully reflecting in the Neretva River. Wandering Mostar’s mahala Old Town cobbled lanes and bazaar alleys beyond the legendary UNESCO bridge will leave you hypnotized, it’s where Mediterranean meets Ottoman-era artisans. The town’s bustling charms span chilled out cafes perfectly positioned for Stari Most photo-opp stalking with some strong Bosnian coffee and cold pastries!

The drive up to Pocitelj, a hidden fortress ruin set against stunning mountain vistas, is a stunner in the Fall. The fortress itself is set against the backdrop of stunning mountain vistas and the stunning clock tower stands tall against the winter sky. Rumor has it that the clock’s ancient hands move at their own pace, as if to savor every moment of the season. We climbed the steps of the Haji-Ali Mosque to enjoy panoramic vistas of the Neretva River below!

Blegaj is yet another hidden gem just a stones throw from Mostar. You will find enchanting Dervish house carved into the cliffs and a humongous waterfall. Legend has it that the sound of the nearby Buna River echoes through the walls, creating a spiritual symphony. I definitely believe that. Blagaj was mesmerizing with its sprawling terracotta-roofed hillside abodes surrounding the turquoise Buna River spring pouring from a cliffside cave. Pro tip: plan for a 2 hour trip, don’t miss the local delicacies in the cafe there - watch the emerald water burble endlessly while you dig into your Bosnian dessert!

Before we crossed the border over to Montenegro , we stumbled on to this small town we stumbled on to on our Balkan road trip. The small-town charm of this little place in the winter is adorable. No fancy places to check out, just a simple sleepy town with a monastery, cute colorful houses and magnificent views of the Trebinjica river. I highly recommend hiking up the mountains for a panoramic view of the town!

On to the next part of our Balkan road trip. After crossing the border from Bosnia, our first stop was📌 Budva. It was endearing to walk the empty strands of Budva’s famous old town. This town is a vibrant mix of sandy beaches, ancient buildings lined with Venetian-inspired architecture. We indulged in basque cheesecakes and hot chocolate as we walked through the old town and watched the sunset over the Adriatic sea!

Nestled on the shores of Bay of Kotor, this is a small town with immense beauty. We were welcomed by empty picturesque narrow winding streets, complete with red-roof architecture, and charming stone houses. Things to do: 📍 Climb the bell towers of the stunning Church of Our Lady of the Rocks 📍 Marvel at the panoramic views of the bay, dotted with small islands that seem to float along endlessly in the azure waters. 📍 Dig into pastries and wine

As far as settings go, the Adriatic village of Kotor is said to have some of the most stunning coastline in all of Europe. Perched on the Bay of Kotor and overlooked by limestone cliffs, this UNESCO-listed destination features gorgeous medieval preservations. Within the walled Kotor Old Town is a labyrinth of alleyways home to café-framed squares, palaces, museums, and theaters. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, Kampana Tower and Maritime Museum of Montenegro are major highlights. Going in winter presents you with a unique opportunity to explore this town without crowds - I loved the authentic experience. Highly recommend going in November or December!

The last one from Balkan series and it was favorite place in the country. It happens to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. Cut into a cliff, this spectacular monastery has centuries of fascinating history. The dramatic setting aside, it was also a special drive with Fall foliage at its very best. The views from the top were simply magical. I couldn’t recommend it enough, especially in the shoulder season! That’s a wrap. Thanks for following along. I hope you plan your trip to these two Balkan countries in the shoulder season!