We are driving down the Dalmation coast from Slovinia to Albania and returning via an inland route. Our planned route goes Zagreb, Sarajevo, Skopje, Tirane, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Trogir (via Split), Rovinj and then to Lubjana. Have any of you driving on the internal roads in Slovinia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Albania? How are they? Of particular concern is the drive from Sarajevo to Skopje (10 hours?). Thank you for your input.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
544 posts
I don't know about the other locations, but the roads in Slovenia and Croatia are fine. The coastal road is a bit slow because it really follows the coast line, but the scenery is terrific.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1557 posts
you may want to look at Balkanology.com. Also the 'in your pocket' guides (free downloadable from their website) are great for the countries you are planning on traveling to.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I have driven that area except Albania and can tell you that I could drive fast. Driving is a challenge because the roads are not well maintained. You will have difficulty in going as far in a day as you plan.
First thing I would do is to make an itinerary listing where I would spend each night. Then list everything you plan to do each day and allot time for each activity so you will know how much you can do.
Examine a highway map for mileage and allow more time than you think you will need to drive each day. I have found the choices at Barnes and Noble or Borders to be best.
I always estimate speed at 30 mph. Remember that in that part of E Europe the roads go through many small villages where the speed limit is not always posted.
I got a ticket for going too fast through one. When I protested that there was no speed limit sign the patrolman told me there is no need because everyone knows the limit is 30 kmh. That is 18 mph! I paid the fine.
Lets hope the highway conditions and signing have improved. They are hard to read and not always clear when you can read them.
Posted by
Denver, CO, usa
2 posts
My sister and I rented a car in Trieste, Italy, and drove through Slovenia to Croatia. We stayed in Marina, but made side trips to Trogir and Dubrovnik. The highway was great...until it ended at Split. But the coastal road, although slow, was very scenic. One word of caution: Make sure you check if your rental car takes diesel or regular gas. On the final day of our great week's stay, we put regular gas into the diesel tank, but we're so delighted with all the help that we got from concerned croatians. After the car was towed into Reika, they had the tank cleaned and fixed and we were on the road again in about four hours.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA, USA
19 posts
we were on the roads from Lake Ohrid, Macedonia to Tirana in April of this year. The main roads are fine, two lanes, paved. Side roads are not well mintained and may be dirt with holes. From the Macedonian border to Tirana is a beautiful drive with one mountain pass. several horseshoe turns.
Albania is a beautiful country with lovely people.
Have fun
Donna Grubbs
Bellingham Washington