We did Balkan Motorcycle Trip in two weeks on Honda Transalp motorcycle and crossed 3000km. We visited Serbia, Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro.
Beautiful landscapes and people’s hospitality accompanied during our roadtrip.
When to go?
Best time is to go in early September, because temperatures vary usually between 25-32C. In July and August the heat can reach up to 44C. Unfortunatelly you can expect some rain too. If only summer months are possible for the trip just take a bright suit and maybe consider a special cooling vest…
HONDA Transalp 650 motorcycle
I has traveling with my girlfriend on one motorcycle. It’s a long distance travel classic, perfect for trips like this. We had two side trunks and one central. No tent, so we were focused on sleeping in hotels and guesthouses.
A normal motorcycle maintenance essentials, waterproof suits, a padlock and I think the most useful one an intercom on a helmet. The rest was cosmetics and some clothes, that’s all we needed.
Where to sleep?
We didn’t make any reservations in advance because we weren’t sure when and where we finish each day.
Booking.com was the website we were searching for accommodation for present or the next day…
Each time we were searching for a place with a parking or locked backyard and a gate, or preferably with a garage not to tempt the thief… /This is a No 1 tip :)/
A tent is also possible and probably much cheaper option but it was too much luggage for us.
The road.
We were trying to use expressways and local roads. Motorways were in last resort, but still we used it to “swallow” km and make up the distance. I think in the whole Balkan Motorcycle trip riding through Montenegro mountain roads and Serbia canyons was the most fun. Ohh the coast of course A BLAST 🙂
Eger – Hungary
Eger was our first overnight stop. After 7h of riding and 300km a nice oldtown walk and dinner with Egri wine finished the day. I love Hungary, the people, the food and wine.
Belgrad – Serbia
Another day of 500km ride and 7h on the road.
We were so amazed by Belgrad, we stayed longer to fell the vibe of Serbia’s capital even more.
Our host lent their garage for our stay, so we were calm about my Transalp.
Kalemegdan
Belgrad fortress with huge walls, a citadel, tombs and even a Park with a Zoo.
Belgrad vibe
We were wandering around the streets, the Uni, parks, parties in Strahinjića Bana and restaurants in Skadarlija.
I must say Belgrad is worth going for a trip like this just for this City! I loved it here. The people, the food, the atmosphere. It was so possitive.
Nikola Tesla Museum
A long walk worth the effort. A really cool place with great electricity show. Krunska 51 street. Or just take a taxi.
Scopje – Macedonia
Entering Macedonia make sure to collect Green Card for your motorcycle from insurance company. I didn’t and I had to pay 40Euro on the Border…
Capital of Macedonia, where Philip II and Aleksander the Great came from. This modern city is growing fast with many new impressive buildings in City Centre. Yet proud with their history they place monuments of the grat Macedonians, which i like.
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcuta was born in Scopje.
We spent the rainy evening in Skopje OLD BAZAR.
It is a beautiful and historical place with many cafes and restaurants. Serbian and mostly Ottoman influences are visible all around. Such a nice place to chill and wander.
Ohrid Lake – Macedonia
A must place to be once you are in Macedonia.
We stayed longer than expected, beacause we fell for this place. For more go for OHRID LAKE post
Albanian coast
Beautiful hilly coast with stony beaches streaching for ever. Main coastline cities are Durres, Vlore and Saranda and if you want beach parties with lots of people go for it.
We were riding along the seashore searching for wonderful spots. There are plenty, just ask around for vacancy. We stayed in peaceful hotel with breathtaking view just a few km south from Vlore.
Apollonia – an antient Greek city ruins
Not far from Vlore an interesting archeological site set on a hill looking down on Adriatic sea.
Albania bunkers
Over 170 thousands concrete bunkers were buit from 1960-1980 by the order of first secretary Enver Hoxha of the Communist Party. The bunkers were supposed to protect the Albanian people against enemy nuclear attack. There were no attack, the Communism fell in ’90s and bunkers stayed. They are abandoned mostly, some people use them as shelter for animals, or cafes.
Budva – Montenegro
Montenegro is so beautifull. People are very relaxed and friendly. Infrastructure is very good, accomodation not too expensive despite Euro curency…
Budva is very touristic, but in September it’s much calmer and it was perfect for us after so many days on the road. We spent a few days just swimming and enjoying the Sun.
Restaurants with seafood and fishes, local market and clubs at night was our daily routine.
BOKA KOTORSKA one day cruise
A wonderful 25 Euro trip to Kotor Bay, often called the fiord of the south. Half a day cruising between towns of Kotor, Herceg Novi and posh Tivat.
Take a Sun lotion and a hat, it’s a great day.
An uforgetable coffe in Kotor town with sigtseeing of this glourious city.
Scuba Diving in Budva
If you are an Open Water Diver just go to Budva Diving Center and book your one (40 Euro) or two (70 Euro) dives. They provide you with all the equipement. I’m PADI OWD and it was my first diving in the Sea water in Europe and it was Fun 🙂
Budva waved beautifly from the distance. Now only 2 days riding back home.
