There are two challenges concerning cycling in the Western Balkans. The coast area has – especially in the summer season – very busy traffic. Plus: the more southern one goes, the more unknown the area becomes. My effort was to deal with both.

Only a few fragments are busy, the vast majority is a joy to experience. Even the island of Pag and the road leading to it I managed to make it mainly quiet, resulting in some of the most beautiful sections of the whole route. In general the scenery is a treat each and every day, food is great and culture is to be found lusciously.

Montenegro especially Albania may be unfamiliar to many, the local people are very friendly. I have been visiting these countries already for more than ten years, so I know and describe the area from experience.

Especially the sections remote from the coast are pretty much untouched by tourism, resulting in an almost un-European experience.

The route includes the Ćiro, a former train track, transformed into a cycle route between Dubrovnik and Mostar. It is already famous yet not busy. I gave it some bike friendly tweaks just under Mostar.