Cycling in the Balkans

Scenic Routes

The Balkans offer numerous scenic routes for cyclists, from coastal roads along the Adriatic Sea to mountainous trails in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, for example, offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and historic towns like Dubrovnik.

Visas and Border Crossings

If you plan to cycle across multiple Balkan countries, check visa requirements and border crossing regulations in advance, especially if you're traveling with a bicycle. Some countries may have specific entry requirements for cyclists.

Weather Considerations

The Balkans experience a range of climates, from Mediterranean along the coast to continental and mountainous inland. Be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the time of year and location. Summers can be hot, while winters can be cold and snowy in mountainous regions.

Mountain Biking

For those seeking more adventurous terrain, the Balkans have plenty of options for mountain biking. National parks like Durmitor in Montenegro and Pirin in Bulgaria offer challenging trails amid stunning natural scenery.

Cultural Exploration

Cycling in the Balkans allows you to immerse yourself in the region's rich cultural heritage. You can visit historic towns, ancient ruins, and traditional villages along your route. Countries like Serbia, Macedonia, and Kosovo offer unique cultural experiences waiting to be discovered.

Infrastructure and Services

While some parts of the Balkans may have less developed cycling infrastructure compared to Western Europe, major cities and tourist areas generally have bike-friendly accommodations and services. It's advisable to plan your route in advance and research bike rental options, repair shops, and accommodations along the way.

Safety

As with cycling anywhere, it's essential to prioritize safety. Be aware of traffic conditions, road quality, and potential hazards along your route. Some roads may be narrow and winding, so exercise caution, especially when sharing the road with motor vehicles.

More Helpful Links About Riding in the Balkans

• The team at Wild Atlantic Cycling enjoy researching Balkans cycling tours. Take a look at our Eurovelo blog post on riding EV6 from Belgrade to Bratislava
• Find out more about the ever-expanding Eurovelo network and routes in the Balkans on this Lonely Planet article.
• The individual countries we travel through on our route offer many more routes to ride. We simply seek to whet your appetite to want to return and explore more. Delve in and explore more with these Komoot routes in Montenegro.
• Our contact in Turkey is Istanbul's Bicycle Mayor. Read more here about how he continues to promote cycling in his country.
• You've heard of the Tour de France but did you know that the Tour of Bulgaria was one of the most prestigious cycling races in Europe during the Cold War? This Wiki entry will tell you all about it.
• Every year there is a road race Tour of Thassos Island in Greece. On our tour we delay a day on Thassos to let you ride it at a more leisurely pace!
• North Macedonia and Albania are less developed when it comes to good tarmac for road bikes but if you fancy some off-road fun on a mountain bike take a look here.