Balkan Roadtrip!

BALKAN SPRING ROAD TRIP GUIDE
We have put our heads together and set up a short guide with the best information about what to do and where to go on preseason road trip in Slovenia and Western Balkan region. 

WHICH COUNTRIES CAN I VISIT?
With our camper vans you can visit any country in Europe - also the ones that are not the part of the EU. We have green card (insurance) included in the basic quote for every rent so relax and explore.

Before you start to read about best places to see and things to do, make sure you choose a camper van which suits you the most. Please find more information about campers booking process and how it works here .

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO?

SLOVENIA

When spring comes to Slovenia, everything start to waken up. People, good vibrations and especially breathtaking nature we have.

Slovenia is on the third place in EU in percentage of forest covering it. Almost 60% of Slovenia is covered by forest. This fact makes it one of the top European camping and outdoor destinations. Forest, mountains, river and lakes are exploding in green colour every Spring.

Here is the list of top things to do on spring road trip in Slovenia:

FLOWER BLOOMING ON THE TOP OF SCENIC PLATEAUS

We have many incredible plateaus in Slovenia, perfect for hiking and enjoying the fresh air. One of the most amazing is Velika Planina. You can reach Velika Planina by foot or by interesting ski lift.
In early spring you can catch an amazing view of spring crocuses blooming over hills in purple colour.
There is a campsite right under the plateau:
https://www.avtokampi.si/campsites/camping-alpe       

2. CAMPING UNDER KANIN SKI SLOPE

Yes you heard correctly. While most of the ski places in Slovenia will be without snow in Spring, we have one ski place still covered with snow. It is because of its height over 2000 m. You can ski here before noon then drive to the Adriatic cost to fresh in the sea. In less than two hours! Ski place is located in one of the most amazing valleys in Europe, known for beautiful nature and adrenaline sports. We have a friend there who is both – ski instructor and water sports guide. You can contact him for discount in spring and summer on this email:
http://www.aquatoursbovec.com/en/contact/
You can also spend a night in the camper van at his house.
There are also few campsites and camper van stops in the valley and one right under the mountain!

3. ENJOY PEACE IN BLED LAKE

Bled is one of the main Slovenian tourist destinations. It is lake with an island, surrounded by mountains and hill with a castle on top – Very, very nice! That is also the reason why place gets a bit crowded in top touristic months. However in spring you will get the chance to really enjoy this place.

4. BIKING AND HIKING

Spring is a great time for doing outdoor activities such as biking or hiking in Slovenia. The best thing about this time of the year are temperatures. In summer, it can get too hot for being very active outdoors. However temperatures around 25 C in spring time are perfect.

There are many amazing biking and hiking routes in diverse landscape of Slovenia.
Here is the link to the best biking ones from I feel Slovenia:
https://www.slovenia.info/en/stories/the-most-beautiful-biking-trails

Slovenia is also a hiking paradise. Please check the link below for most beautiful Slovenian hiking trails:
https://www.slovenia.info/en/things-to-do/active-holidays/hiking   

5. PIRAN AND SALT PANELS OF SEČOVLJE

Piran is a very romantic Adriatic coastal town with narrow streets and fishermen vibe.
In spring temperatures at the coast are a bit higher as inland so you will have your fresh sea meal in your short sleeves.

Not far from Piran you can also visit salt panels of Sečovlje. Interesting old school way of salt production from Adriatic sea.
Especially cool way to do that is with electric bike.
There is a campsite very near Piran from which you can walk to the city next to Adriatic sea:
https://www.avtokampi.si/campsites/camping-fiesa
It is also a nice place to enjoy the beach. Sea temperature in the beginning of Spring start to rise from 15 C all the way up to 20 C and more in June. So you will be able to cool your heads in Adriatic sea.

6. ENJOY SPRING VIBES IN LJUBLJANA AND MARIBOR OLD TOWN

Ljubljana is lovely small town. In a spring people start to wake up. Parks, Bars  and restaurants begin to fill with happy faces. River Ljubljanica is dividing Old town in two parts. Beautiful old bridges are connecting the people above the river. Old castle on the hill is watching over the city from the legend of the Dragon.
You can explore the whole Ljubljana old town in a day or two.

Camping in Ljubljana is possible in several camper stops or camps jus outside of an Old town.

Maribor is second biggest Slovenian city located in East Slovenia.
Besides mighty Drava river which is flowing through Old town, Maribor is very proud to show visitors the oldest vine producing grape in the World from 17th century.

CROATIA
Croatia is our neighbors country. It has one of the most beautiful coast lines in the World. Besides the coast it also has amazing national parks and old romantic , cities.

What is special in Croatian spring and what are the things you shouldn't miss while visiting.

1. LIVELY CITY OF ZAGREB

Zagreb is Croatian capital and is one of the biggest EX-Yugoslavian cities. Either it's driving with vintage Tram, walking through its green parks or having a chat with extra nice residents, this city has a very good vibe. There is a lot of nighlife in Zagreb too.
If you have time, do a tour with legendary vintage EX-YU cars called - Yugo car adventure. They will offer you a special deal by showing them our invoice:
https://yugocar-adventure.com/

2.  CAMPING IN PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK

Plitvice lakes are not far from Zagreb. It is one of the most beautiful national parks in the World. Lakes, water falls and crystal cold river are covering forest area inside.
To really feel the beauty of Plitvice lake national park, Spring is the best time to visit. There are no crowds and nature is blooming in green. You will fall in love in it we promise.
There is a campsite right next to Plitvice lakes, where you can also take a swim in cold, crystal clear Korana river:
https://www.avtokampi.si/campsites/camping-korana

3. VISIT DUBROVNIK

You all probably know Dubrovnik right? If you guys haven seen Games of Thrones series – this is where all the scenes from King's landing were filmed. City is truly breathtaking and not to be missed. Especially in Spring time. There will be some people but it won't be crowded. You will be able to enjoy it's narrow roads and romatnic passages.

4. PICK UP AND COOK WILD ASPARAGUS

This is not a place but an extra fun and especially tasty activity. Wild asparagus can be picked in Croatia in April and May. You can learn some traditional recipe how to use it in a delicious local meals. Njami!

5. ENJOY OYSTER FESTIVAL IN CITY OF STON - SOUTH CROATIA

Another tasty activity you can enjoy right at the beginning of Spring is Ston Oyster festival. It is taking place on 21. and 22.3.2020. You can taste traditionally farmed local oysters in many different tasty ways of preparation.
Ston is amazing city in South Croatia coast, located only 45 minutes from Dubrovnik.

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

1. MOSTAR

This ancient town is a must see when visiting Balkan region. Mostar is located only few hours away from Dubrovnik and still has Mediterranean climate. It's World know Old bridge (stari most) from 16th centruy was build by Ottoman empire and was connecting Oriental culture with Catholic and Orthodox. Bridge was destroyed in 1993 but later rebuilt. Nowdays it is a symbol of peace and also a jumping point for brave local jumpers. After they will collect some bakshis (small money) they will jump from 24 m high bridge into cold Neretva river. Best time to visit Mostar is spring because again – no crowds will be there.

1. SARAJEVO

One of our favorite cities in the Balkans. City has been through some tough times but didn't lose his spirit. Young people are returning and bringing such a friendly and positive vibe in this belowed place. Have a sip of real Turkish coffee on Baščaršija, eat some traditional Bosnian burek, smoke shisha and say hi to friendly local people which are happy you visited their town.
Don't forget to visit one of the most interesting museums in the whole Balkans like the tunnel of hope and Sarajevo historical museum with Tito bar below it. Trust me, beer will feel good after this powerful and museum visit.

3. KRAVICE AND PLIVA WATERFALLS

Everyone loves waterfalls and other beautiful natural formations. If water would be oil (probably will be some day), Bosnia would be one of the richest countries in the World. They have abundance of it.
One of the most beautiful waterfalls are Kravice and Pliva. First one is located only 40 kilometers south of Mostar. Second one is located in the city of Jajce, which is also worth visiting.

4. BUNA SPRINGS

Buna spring is a natural phenomena where crystal clear water coming out of a cave and starts to form beautiful Buna river. It's located less than 10 kilometers from Mostar. Beside this beautiful source of Buna and its gorge, there is also very old typical Balkan house called Tekija. Together with the river if forms breathtaking view.

Next part of the Balkan road trip guide is coming soon. We are talking about Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and more.

Enjoy!