"Balkan Love"

'We are all living under the same sky' and we sure loved traveling under the Balkan sky.

Our love for the Balkan is big

and there is a lot room for more Balkan to get a place in our heart.

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

Jajce and Mostar

  Mostar, Bosnia&Herzegovina

So much history in one city.. Mostar and it's Stari Most (Old Bridge) is special. We also wandered outside the walls of the Stari Grad (Old Town). We have seen buildings in ruins due to the war, but also murals of hope and unity!

Stari Most, Mostar

Mostar, Bosnia&Herzegovina

Mostar, Bosnia&Herzegovina

Gazing at the stars under the Balkan night sky

  Vlöre, Albania

We so hoped for a night full of stars when we spend the night in the Saharan dessert on our journey in Morocco. The full moon however thought otherwise, the night was so bright and no star to be seen. But then we traveled to the Balkan.. only to be treated on the most beautiful night skies, filled with thousands of stars, every night!

                                                                          Vlöre, Albania

Kravica waterfalls and the waterfalls near Jajce

  Kravica Waterfalls, Bosnia&Herzegovina

Both at the Kravica waterfalls and the waterfalls near Jajce we found beautiful camp spots. To be honest we didn't liked the Kravica waterfalls itself that much. The waterfalls are pretty, but we think a little too developed with restaurants and tavernas all around. Only when we found this cool camp spot only a few hundred meters from the waterfalls we fell in love with the place. We stayed a while, going for a morning run, a dip in the river afterwards and then chilling all day long. The waterfalls near Jajce with the watermills are unique. The sight from the Boardwalk of Love is pretty cool and there are some good swimming opportunities. However even in summer the water is freezing cold! .

Boardwalk of Love, Waterfalls in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bay of Kotor

  Perast, Montenegro

The Bay of Kotor is a little crowded, but also a lot of fun. There is a small road winding around the bay and so many spots, jetties and little beaches to get into the water. There are people in the water everywhere. We found a good place to park our van near the town of Risan, next to the water. Before visiting Perast we picked our own little jetty that was still free, jumping and splashing in the water until the heat past. We enjoyed strolling around in Risan, Perast and the old town of Kotor. The old town of Kotor is absolutely beautiful.

Perast, Montenegro

Perast, Montenegro

One of our favourite camp spots

  Adriatic Sea, Montenegro

Situated in the Bay of Kotor, but on the side of the Adriatic Sea we found this absolute gem of a camp spot. We stayed three nights. The first night we shared the spot with another jeep, the other nights it was just the two of us. We had the scare of our life trying to drive back up the gravel road and getting stuck. But somehow we managed to get our Sapa back on track. Such a relief and the spot was totally worth it.! But.. if you want to go, be warned. Driving down is easy, getting up has proven a lot more challenging! :)

Beautiful camp spot, Adriatic Sea, Montenegro

Beautiful camp spot, Adriatic Sea, Montenegro

Beautiful camp spot, Adriatic Sea, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park

  Durmitor NP, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park was already on our wish list since we visited Sujetska National Park in Bosnia&Herzegovina last year., which is just across the border with Durmitor National Park. It was even more beautiful then we thought it would be. We took some days to hike in the wonderful mountains. We hiked near the Black Lake to the surrounding lakes, Mount Prutas trail and the Bobotov Kuk trail, not all the way to the top though! Our favourite camp spot was at the trailhead of the Mount Prutas trail. If you want to buy cheese and/or honey from the local sheep shepherds, look for the Sir (cheese) and Med (honey) signs.n

Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Prutas trailhead, Durmitor NP, Montenegro

Prokletije National Park + Plav

  Prokletije NP, Montenegro

Prokletije National Park, we love you! How amazingly beautiful is this national park? It is situated near the city of Plav. When entering the park there is a big grassy field with a stunning view on the mountains where you can camp. It is such a wonderful place to park your van and enjoy the mountain view. We hiked the Volusnica Trail. One of the most beautiful hikes we did this journey!

Hiking the Volusnica Trail, Prokletije NP, Montenegro

Lake Shkodër, Albanian Side

  Lake Shkodër, Albania

Maybe not our favourite lake, but however we found a really nice spot to camp and spend the night. The sunset above the lake with the reflection was so beautiful!

Chilling at this jewel of a camp spot at the coast of Albania

  Rinia, Albania

Sun drenched days, the beach close by and stunning views.. morning runs, playing games and drawing all day long.. we've had some beautifuls days at this camp spot!

Stunning view from our van, Rinia, Albania

Golden hour at the beach near Rinia, Albania

Golden hour at the beach near Rinia, Albania

Looking through the window glass in Berat

  Berat, Albania

A city of a thousand windows, Berat.

                                                                             Berat, Albania

Learning more about the Albanian history in Tirana and Gjirokastër

  Cold War Tunnel and castle of Gjirokastër, Albania

We learned more about the Albanian history while traveling through the country. In Tirana we visited the Bunk'Art museum, in Gjirokastër we visited the Castle of Gjirokastêr and the Cold War Tunnel .All three very interesting museums!

On the road to Ksabni beach and Aquarium beach, Albania

Having beach fun at the Albanian Riviera

  Ksamil, Albania

We had two really cool camp spots at the Albanian Riviera. One near Ksabni and Aquarium beach and one near the beach in Ksamil. Swimming, reading a book in the sun and of course drawing all day! :)

Istanbul Vibes

  Istanbul, Turkey

From our nice and quiet little beach (see our Greece page :) ) to Istanbul! We thought it might be a little overwhelming. It sure was, but in the nicest way. We loved the easy going vibes! Istanbul made it from day one to one of our favourite cities. When in Istanbul, make sure to go see Kadikoy and Beyoglu districts. A grungy feel with lots of cool bars and intresting street art! Istanbul is easily explored by public transport. Buy an Istanbul Kart which is valid on all means of transport, including the ferry.

Kadikoy District, Istanbul, Turkey

Strassbourg

  Strassbourg, France

On the former van trip we had some difficulties finding nice spots to camp. So finding a super cool spot for the van right in the city centre on our first night was perfect, and set the tone for the rest of our trip. After a long drive eating some bread and cheese, with a bottle of wine at the popular riverside banks was all we need..

Strassbourg, France

Zaghreb!

  Zaghreb, Croatia

Our second stop on our road trip, Zaghreb. Lots to see en to do. We stayed only one night, but we might come back for a city trip. We are curious for more. :)

                                       Zagreb, Croatia

Belgrade, what a surprise!

  Belgrade, Serbia

On our way back home we took the time and stayed two days in Belgrade. With no expectations at all, this city came as a real suprise. We cycled along on our Ahooga folding bikes, looking for and finding beautiful murals. Also the waterfront is nice. We had the best time dancing the night away at KC Grad..

                                       Savamala District, Belgrade, Serbia

And just like that we jumped into a new adventure!

On this journey.. you and me, we were on the same team. Wanna know more about this love story? :) It continued in Greece..