5 Countries in 5 Weeks

I recently got back from a short but sweet trip to Europe. I knew I wanted to see as much as possible and with the transportation between countries in Europe being so easy to navigate, I backpacked through five new countries! I have never been to this region of Europe before, so to say I was excited would be an understatement. My trip started out with an unforgettable girls trip for one week then as I said my goodbyes to my sister and my friend, I continued on my journey alone. Below you’ll find recommendations for each of the five countries I have visited and I hope one day you will get to experience these places as I have.

GREECE

To begin this leg of my travels, I finally visited the country that has been at the top of my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I used to dream about meeting the locals, eating the cuisine, and roaming around the quaint villages of Greece. I spent two weeks here exploring a few of the many islands and I already know I will be back for more one day.

ATHENS

Stay: 2 days

• Athens Hawks Hostel

• Relaxation Nature & Sea Airbnb

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Visit the Acropolis

• Walk through the National Park

• Shop on Nikis Street

• Vincci Hotel Beach Club

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Couleur Locale

SANTORINI

Stay: 4 days

• Mellow Luxury Cave Airbnb

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Explore the streets of Oia

• Explore the streets of Fira

• Ammoudi Harbor

• Cable car ride to the Old Port

• Perivolos Beach

• Kamari Beach

• Volkan Cinema to watch Mamma Mia

• Boat tour with Spiridakos Sailing

• Massage at De Sol

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Five Senses

PAROS

Stay: 3 days

• Maria’s Studio Airbnb

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Molo Beach

• Explore the village of Marmara

• Explore the village of Marpissa

• Explore the village of Prodromos

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Byzantino

CRETE

Stay: 3 days

• Matala Hostel

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Matala Beach

• Shop along Beach Road

• Hike to Red Beach

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Two Brothers

CORFU

Stay: 1 day

• Kerkira Airbnb

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Stroll along the Harbor

• Visit the Old Town

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Kumquat

ALBANIA

From Corfu, I took the ferry over to what was probably my favorite stop during this trip. Albania feels so untouched by tourism although more people are slowly starting to discover it’s beauty.  I spent one week exploring both the north and south of Albania and there is still so much I want to see and do here.

SARANDE

Stay: 2 days

• City Center Apartment Airbnb

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Walk along the promenade

• Sarande Beach

• Sunset at Lekursi Castle

• Day trip to Ksamil

• Night market along the promenade

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Balbi 34

HIMARE

Stay: 3 days

• Trip N Seaside Hostel

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Potam Beach

• Sfageio Beach

• Walk along the coast into Himare Town

• Boat tour with Himare Sea Escapes

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Astros

SHKODER

Stay: 2 days

• Hood Hostel/Rustic Escape

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Day trip to Shala River and Komani Lake

• Stroll around town

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Dream Food

MONTENEGRO

From the north of Albania, I took a bus to get to my next destination. I only had three days in this beautiful country. Montenegro is becoming more popular amongst travelers and after my short trip there, I can understand why.

BUDVA

Stay: 3 days

• Apartment Sofija Airbnb

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Stroll along the coastline

• Visit the Old Town

• Explore the Citadel

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Garden Cafe

CROATIA

After another bus ride, I made it to the beautiful country of Croatia. Here I decided to book a sailing trip through the company Go Sail Croatia. They planned out an amazing five days for us to see a handful of spots in the country. Accommodation and majority of my meals were included in the price of the trip therefore I just had to sit back, relax, and enjoy the different towns when we docked. You’ll see a pattern throughout each of the different towns I visited but after the five day trip was over, I stayed one extra day to explore a bit more.

DUBROVNIK

Stay: 1 day

• Kleopatra Boat

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Explore Old Town

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Meals provided on the trip

KORCULA

Stay: 1 day

• Kleopatra Boat

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Explore Old Town

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Meals provided on the trip

STARI GRAD

Stay: 1 day

• Kleopatra Boat

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Explore Old Town

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Meals provided on the trip

HVAR

Stay: 1 day

• Kleopatra Boat

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Explore Old Town

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Meals provided on the trip

SPLIT

Stay: 2 days

• Kleopatra Boat

• Empire Hostel

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Explore Old Town

• Krka National Park

• Fabrique Night Club

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Old Town Kebab House

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

My last stop in this region of Europe is another hidden gem. After yet again another bus ride, I arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is a huge Turkish influence here and I spent an amazing three days learning about the history of this country.

MOSTAR

Stay: 3 days

• Hostel Nina

Things You Can’t Miss:

• Old Town Bridge

• Fortica Skywalk

• Objekt Bunker

• Village of Blagaj

• Village of Pocitelj

• Kravice Waterfalls

Restaurant Spotlight:

• Labirint

Whereas this does not conclude my European adventures just yet, it does conclude the five new countries that I was able to visit in just five weeks. As always I hope this inspires you to get outside and start exploring this big beautiful world that we live in!