Planning a motorcycle ride through Croatia and the Balkans? Motorcycle tour leader and regional expert, Mirko, reveals his ultimate route, with a detailed itinerary and tips for exploring this stunning corner of Europe.
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The Croatia and Balkans Motorcycle Tour Loop
By Mirko Ukas
Owner of Rent-a-GS motorcycle rental Croatia
If you’re planning on riding the Balkans, then this article is for you. I’ve been running and guiding tours in this region for a long time and know the Balkans like the back of my hand.
And, I’ve put together this ultimate Balkans route just for you. This guide covers the best ride through the stunning landscapes of Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Albania.
You don’t need a guided tour— just simply follow this incredible route and you’re set for an epic journey. This guide explains everything you need to know…
The Balkan biking route
This is a straightforward, easy-to-follow route complete with daily checkpoints.
The general outline is listed below with the main attractions and points of interest along the way. It’s your job to link it altogether and plot in any other roads and routes you want to see.
You only need to find accommodation along the way, and there’s no need to book everything in advance either. While it’s smart to secure a place in popular destinations like Dubrovnik or Split during peak season, you can typically find cozy spots in less crowded areas just days before your arrival.
Route map
- Start/ end: Split, Croatia
- Total distance: 1,186 miles / 1,910 km (approx. 118 miles / 190 km per day)
- Duration: 12 days
- Countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania
- Cities: Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Sarajevo, Shkoder and Mostar
- National Parks: Plitvice, Krka (Croatia), Durmitor (Montenegro), Teth (Albania)
- Islands: Hvar
Balkans route: day by day tour itinerary
Day 1: Split – NP Krka – Zadar (approx 160 km)
Kick off your motorcycle adventure from Split, heading north along world renowned coastal roads. Enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea as you ride toward Šibenik. Stop for lunch in a charming stone town nestled in the Krka River canyon with narrow cobbled streets and ancient archways.
After lunch, dive into the natural beauty of Krka National Park, with its magnificent waterfalls and lush landscapes. Arrive in Zadar by late afternoon.
Day 2: Zadar – Velebit – NP Plitvice (approx 180 km)
Leave Zadar behind and experience one of Europe’s best coastal roads. This ride hugs the coastline, delivering more spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea, cliffs, and constant curves. After, head inland to the Velebit mountain range towards Plitvice Lakes National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, and forests.
Spend the night in this pristine wilderness and enjoy a traditional dinner in a cozy mountain setting.
Day 3: NP Plitvice – Sarajevo (approx 300 km)
Today, traverse the Dinaric Alps. Ride through valleys alongside rivers and mountain streams until you reach Sarajevo. This historic city, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a blend of cultures and traditions. Explore its streets, try Bosnian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this remarkable city.
Day 4: Rest day in Sarajevo
Take a well-deserved break from riding and dive into Sarajevo. Stroll through lively Baščaršija street, bustling with traditional shops and local restaurants. Don’t forget to try the famous Ćevapi (grilled minced meat) and explore various museums that tell the story of Sarajevo’s complex past. For the more adventurous, venture into the surrounding hills.
Day 5: Sarajevo – Mostar – Jablanica – Sarajevo (300 km)
Set off on a loop ride through central Bosnia, starting with a visit to a Dervish monastery. Continue to Mostar, famed for its iconic stone bridge. After exploring Mostar’s charming streets, head to Jablanica, a picturesque town nestled in a scenic valley. Enjoy the beauty of the Bosnian countryside before returning to Sarajevo for another night.
Day 6: Sarajevo – Trsa – Žabljak (approx 200 km)
Cross the border into Montenegro and prepare yourself for the awesome Durmitor National Park. Tackle the narrow mountain roads winding through this pristine wilderness and you’ll see seriously stunning views at every turn. Descend into the Tara River Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe, and arrive in Žabljak, a charming mountain town.
Day 7: Žabljak – Kolašin – Podgorica – Theth – Shkodër (approx 250 km)
Start your journey from Žabljak and make your way to Kolašin, a premier mountain resort town. Follow the road that runs alongside the Tara River Canyon. As you continue, navigate through the Morača River Canyon, approaching Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica. From here, head toward the Albanian border and into the magnificent Theth National Park. After, start making your way to Shkodër, a historic city in Albania where you will spend the night.
Day 8: Shkodër – Budva – Kotor (approx 140 km)
Leave Shkodër behind and set your sights on the Montenegrin coast. Ride along the picturesque Adriatic coastline, passing the charming island village of Sveti Stefan and the lively town of Budva. Treat yourself to a well-deserved dinner at a traditional restaurant before arriving in Kotor, a historic city set in a stunning bay.
Day 9: Kotor – NP Lovćen – Dubrovnik (approx 100 km)
Ascend the winding roads of Lovćen National Park. You’ll find curves and panoramic views on the way up. Reach the summit and you’ll be treated to vistas of the Adriatic Sea and its coastline. Continue your journey to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” for its medieval walls, marble streets and alluring charm.
Day 10: Rest day Dubrovnik
Dedicate a day for the UNESCO treasures of Dubrovnik. Stroll through its historic streets, admire its impressive fortifications, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this city. Consider taking a boat trip to the nearby island of Lokrum or hiking up Mount Srđ for sweeping views. Don’t forget to try a Dalmatian meal at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Day 11: Dubrovnik – Island Hvar (approx 180 km)
Depart from Dubrovnik and embark on a scenic ride along the Dalmatian Coast. Stop for lunch in the heart of the Neretva Valley, known for its unique landscapes and agricultural traditions. Continue along the Makarska Riviera, where dramatic mountains meet the turquoise sea. Take a short ferry ride to the island of Hvar, known for its pristine beaches, lavender fields, and charming villages.
Day 12: Island Hvar – Split (approx 100 km)
Spend your final day uncovering the hidden gems of Hvar Island. Explore picturesque inland villages and unwind from the ride on secluded pebble beaches. Enjoy a leisurely ride and fully immerse yourself in the island’s beauty before taking a ferry back to Split where you started.
How to ride the Balkan route
Getting to Croatia
First thing’s first, don’t worry about logistics. Croatia has multiple international airports and even has a direct flight from New York to Split and Dubrovnik. Also, it’s easy to find connecting flights from other European cities. One of the most popular options is from Frankfurt Airport in Germany. Use skyscanner to find the cheapest European deals by selecting any airport and view the dates as an entire month instead of selecting specific dates.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can reach Croatia by boat from Italy or Greece. Also, it’s important to mention that Croatia is a part of Schengen, which means that you are allowed to stay in Croatia for 90 days in a six-month period.
When to ride?
The ideal time to ride your motorcycle in Croatia and the Balkans is undoubtedly from April to June and again from September to October. This timeframe allows you to avoid the sweltering summer heat and heavy traffic, ensuring a more enjoyable and stress-free experience on the road.
How to rent a motorcycle in Croatia
It can be a hassle getting your own motorcycle to Croatia. You may find yourself spending half your holiday riding long boring motorway miles in Europe just to get here and losing precious fun riding time.
The easiest way to ride here is to let us take care of it! I run Rent-a-GS Motorcycle rental located in Split and offer a fleet of over 40 top of the range bikes including BMW, Yamaha, Suzuki and Harley. We can also deliver bikes to other cities. Whatever you need!
With all our rentals, we offer three hard cases, phone holder and USB plug, third party liability including taxes and theft insurance, luggage storage, free digital maps and route assistance, unlimited mileage for seven + days of rental, border crossings are permitted and 24/7 road assistance.
About the author and Rent-a-GS
Rent-a-GS is a family-operated motorcycle rental agency based in Split, Croatia. Our journey started 13 years ago, from humble beginnings to becoming an industry leader. We don’t just offer motorcycle rentals; we create unforgettable experiences. With a diverse fleet of over 40 touring motorcycles, we guarantee the latest models and top-of-the-line features to ensure safety and reliability.
You can rent popular touring motorcycles such as the BMW R1300GS, BMW R1250GS, and Yamaha Tenere 700, along with smaller models like the BMW F750GS, BMWF900GS, G310GS.
We make sure that each of our guests gets special attention. So please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help and make sure you have the ultimate motorcycle ride in Croatia and the Balkans!
Get in touch with Mirko and Rent-a-GS here:
- Web: rent-a-gs.com
- Email: info@rent-a-gs.com
This article was contributed by Mirko who runs Rent-a-GS in Croatia, to share his best motorcycle route through the Balkans. If you’re interested in renting a bike, please reach out to Mirko directly via his website or email.
Read more on motorcycle travel in Europe
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Are you planning a motorcycle trip in the Balkans? Do you have any questions, tips or great route suggestions? Let us know in the comments below.