The Balkans is one of the most underrated regions in Europe, and after spending three weeks traveling through it solo, I can confidently say it’s one of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken. It’s affordable, incredibly diverse in landscapes and activities, and perfect for female solo travelers.
One of the best parts about traveling through the Balkans is how easy it is to get around. You don’t need to rent a car or take any flights. Everything in this itinerary is connected by buses and ferries, making it very manageable, even for first-time solo travelers.
This itinerary follows a logical route from north to south, starting in Croatia along the Dalmatian Coast, continuing into Montenegro to explore the Bay of Kotor, and ending in Northern Albania with a few adventurous days of hiking in the Albanian Alps. It’s the perfect balance of beach towns, historic cities, and outdoor experiences.
Overview of the 3 Week Balkans Itinerary
This is the perfect itinerary for a first-time visit to the Balkans, covering 3 unique countries. It’s especially great for solo travelers and offers a mix of relaxation and adventure throughout the entire trip.
Click on each name to check out a more detailed itinerary of each location!
Why This Balkans Itinerary Is Great for Solo Travelers
The Balkans is an amazing region for solo female travelers, including first-time solo travelers. Here’s why:
- It’s very easy to get around. Buses and ferries connect all the major cities and islands, so there’s no need to rent a car
- You’re able to visit multiple countries and destinations in a short amount of time, experiencing different cultures and landscapes without travelling far
- It’s a popular backpacking destination, so there are lots of hostels and young travelers, making it easy to meet people
- It’s very safe. I felt comfortable in every place I visited, even walking alone at night
- It’s budget-friendly compared to Western Europe (although Croatia is still on the expensive side)
Getting Around the Balkans
Getting around the Balkans is surprisingly easy and one of the reasons this itinerary works so well. Every destination in this itinerary is accessible without a car, so there’s no need to rent one.
Buses in the Balkans
The main way to get between cities is by bus, as there are no trains. I used Omio to find the best routes and book tickets
Ferries in the Balkans
Ferries are essential in Croatia for getting to islands like Hvar.
Border crossings in the Balkans
Montenegro and Albania are not in the EU, so border crossings can take time. Whether travelling by bus or car, you’ll have to stop at the border and get your passport stamped. Not a big deal, but it does mean that bus journeys usually take longer than the actual travel time advertised.
The 3 Week Balkans Itinerary for Solo Travelers
Croatia – 8 Days
Croatia is the perfect introduction to the Balkans, with historic coastal cities, clear blue water, and beautiful old towns. This part of the itinerary focuses on the Dalmatian Coast and some of the most popular destinations in the country.
Click here for a more detailed 1 week Croatia Itinerary.
Zadar (2 nights)
Zadar is a coastal city that blends Roman history, medieval architecture, and modern waterfront attractions. I almost skipped Zadar but after finding a cheap flight from Paris, I decided to start my Croatia trip there and I’m so happy I did. It’s the perfect destination for solo travelers because it’s walkable, relaxed, and less crowded than other Croatian cities. It felt like the perfect introduction to Croatia!
How to get to Zadar: Fly into Zadar Airport or take a bus from another Croatian city.
Where to stay:
- Downtown Boutique Hostel – my top pick for solo travelers
- Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel – private option in Old Town
Things to do:
- Explore the Old Town & ancient Roman ruins by walking tour
- Watch sunset at the Sea Organ
- Climb St. Anastasia bell tower
- Take an island hopping boat tour
Read more: 2 Days in Zadar for Solo Travelers
Split (1 night)
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city, built around Diocletian’s Palace, a massive Roman complex that now functions as the heart of the city. I only spent 1 night there, but I felt like it was just enough time to see main sites and enjoy the city.
How to get to Split from Zadar: Take a 3-hour bus along the coast from Zadar, book here on Omio.
Where to stay:
- Hostel One Split – my choice for solo travelers
- Villa Varoš – budget-friendly private stay
Things to do:
- Explore Diocletian’s Palace
- Walk along the Riva Promenade
- Hike up Marjan Hill for sunset
- Visit Bačvice Beach
Read more: Is 1 Day in Split Enough?
Hvar (2 nights)
Hvar was my favorite place in Croatia. It’s known for its turquoise water, historic Old Town, and scenic viewpoints. While it has a party reputation, I found it was amazing for relaxing and exploring.
How to get to Hvar from Split: Take a 1-hour ferry from Split, find times and prices here.
Where to stay:
- Rooms Hvar – highly recommend! quiet, budget-friendly private stay, and part of the reason I loved my time in Hvar so much
- Dink’s Place Hostel – social & fun hostel
Things to do:
- Relax at beaches near town, like Pokonji Dol
- Hike to Hvar Fortress
- Visit the Pakleni Islands
- Explore the Old Town
Read more:
3 Day Hvar Itinerary
How to Visit Hvar on a Budget
10 Best Things to do in Hvar, Croatia
Dubrovnik (2 nights)
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most iconic city, known for its medieval walls, marble streets, and dramatic coastal setting. It’s very busy and a bit overwhelming, but definitely worth visiting. I was blown away by the Dubrovnik Walls.
How to get to Dubrovnik from Hvar: Take a ferry, which takes 3-4 hours. Check times and prices here.
Where to stay:
- Love Dubrovnik Hostel – social, good location and amazing views from the hostel dorms
- Villa Sigurata – quiet guesthouse in the Old Town
Things to do:
- Walk the city walls
- Explore the Old Town with a walking tour
- Visit Lovrijenac Fortress
- Relax at Banje Beach
- Sunset at Buza Bar
Money Saving Tip! Make the most out of your time in Dubrovnik with the Dubrovnik Pass. This €40 pass includes entry to the Dubrovnik walls (which itself costs €40 to enter), the Lovrijenac Fortress, and over 10 museums in the city. It’s absolutely worth it if you have a whole day to spend there and want to do more than just walk the walls.
Read more: The Perfect One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Montenegro – 4 Days
Montenegro is more laid-back compared to Croatia, but there’s still lots to do in and around the beautiful city of Kotor. I spent my time in Montenegro relaxing by the bay and enjoying the incredible scenery.
How to get there:
Take a bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor, which takes about 4 hours. Allow extra time for the border crossing.
Kotor (4 nights)
Kotor is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro, located along the Bay of Kotor and surrounded by dramatic mountains. It’s small but packed with things to do. This will be your base for your few days in Montenegro.
Where to stay:
- Hostel Pupa – great for solo budget travelers
- Apartments Ivanišević – amazing private stay in Dobrota, about a 15 minute walk from Kotor
Read More: Where to Stay in Kotor: Inside the Old Town or Dobrota?
Things to do in Kotor:
- Hike to Kotor Fortress or Ladder of Kotor
- Explore the Old Town by walking tour
- Take a boat tour around the bay
- Relax in Dobrota
Read more:
Top 5 Things to Do in Kotor
1 Day in Kotor Itinerary
Day Trip to Perast
One of my highlights in Montenegro was visiting Perast, a small waterfront town about 30 minutes from Kotor. It’s quieter, more relaxed, and perfect for a day trip. You can also stay here instead of Kotor, but it’s a bit more expensive.
Things to do in Perast:
- Walk along the waterfront
- Visit Our Lady of the Rocks
- Climb St. Nicholas bell tower
Read more: Easy Day Trip from Kotor to Perast
Albania – 7 Days
For the last country in this itinerary, we’re heading to the incredible mountains of the Albanian Alps. It’s less touristy than Croatia and Montenegro, but just as beautiful.
How to get there:
Take a bus from Kotor to Shkoder. Once again, expect a long border crossing. The journey was supposed to take 4 hours but took me 6.
Read More: 1 Week Northern Albania Itinerary
Shkoder (2 nights)
Shkoder is the gateway to the Albanian Alps and the perfect base for organizing your hiking trip. It’s also a historic city with lots of culture and things to do.
Where to stay:
- Wanderers Hostel – HIGHLY recommend for solo travelers, but its very popular so book in advance
- CityCenterHotel – good option if you want a private room, great location
Things to do:
- Explore the city with a free walking tour
- Visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography
- Ride a bike to Lake Shkoder
- Eat at a traditional restaurant like Arti Zanave or Fisi Restaurant
Getting to the mountains from Shkoder:
The easiest way to organize transport to Valbona or Theth is through your hostel or hotel in Shkoder. I booked everything through Wanderers Hostel and highly recommend doing the same. Read more about booking transport and accommodations in my 1 Week Northern Albania Itinerary.
Valbona (2 nights)
Valbona is a remote mountain village surrounded by dramatic peaks and hiking trails.
How to Get to Valbona from Shkoder:
2 hour minibus ride to Fierze, 2 hour ferry ride through the Shala River, and another 1 hour minibus ride to your accomodation in Valbona. Book this journey ahead of time through a hostel or hotel in Shkoder.
Where to stay:
- Arben Selimaj Guesthouse – beautiful guesthouse, arranged for me through Wanderers Hostel
- Rosi Peak Guesthouse – affordable private rooms
Things to do:
- Hike Maja e Rosit
- Start the Valbona to Theth hike
Read more:
3 Best Hikes in the Albanian Alps
8 Tips for Hiking in the Albanian Alps
What to Pack for Hiking in the Albanian Alps
Theth (2 nights)
Theth is another mountain village known for hiking and natural beauty.
How to get to Theth from Valbona:
The only way to get to Theth from Valbona is to walk! That’s way the Valbona to Theth trail is so popular (and because it’s a beautiful trail). Find everything you need to know about this trail here.
Where to stay:
- Dreni Guesthouse – beautiful, social guesthouse, arranged for me through Wanderers Hostel
- Shpella Guesthouse Theth – affordable dorm rooms and private rooms
Things to do:
- Hike to the Blue Eye
- Hike to Waterfall Grunas
Getting back to Shkoder:
Travel back to Shkoder by 2 hour minivan, which can be arranged by a hotel or hostel in Shkoder
Tirana (1 night)
Tirana is Albania’s capital and offers a different experience from the mountains. It’s a good place to end your trip and learn more about the country’s history.
How to get to Tirana:
Take a 2-hour bus from Shkoder.
Where to stay:
- Hotel Driti – basic, budget friendly hotel with a great central location
- Trip’n’Hostel – social hostel, great for solo travelers
Things to do:
- Visit Skanderbeg Square
- Explore Bunk’Art 2
- Walk around Tirana Castle
- Try traditional Albanian food
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Continue Planning your Balkans Itinerary
I hope this 3 week Balkans itinerary gave you a helpful overview of how to travel through Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania in one trip. This route ended up being the perfect mix of beach towns, historic cities, relaxing waterfronts, and adventurous mountain hiking, and it’s a solo trip I’ll never forget.
If you want to continue planning your trip to the Balkans and dive deeper into each destination, be sure to check out my other Balkans travel guides, including my Croatia itineraries, Kotor city guides, and detailed Albania hiking posts.
