From Coastal Charms to Alpine Adventures: a journey through Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Austria 🌊🏔️

Hola aventureros! 🌍
Ready for another epic road trip? 🚗✨

Building on the adventures from my previous blog post with travels through Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia etc, I’m back with a post that promises even more unforgettable experiences. This time, diving into the scenic splendors of Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Austria—a blend of coastal charms and alpine adventures that will leave you in awe. 🌊🏔️

Just as before, we believe the true essence of travel lies in the journey itself. 💫 Whether it’s wandering through coastal roads or mountain passes, the freedom to pause and immerse ourselves in the diverse landscapes, cultures and cuisines we encounter along the way is what makes road-tripping our favourite way to explore.

Join me as I uncover the must-see spots on this route, sharing stories that will inspire your own travels. Buckle up, the adventure awaits!

Croatia

Zadar – This coastal gem captivated us with its blend of ancient history and modern attractions. We loved wandering through its Roman ruins and enjoying the picturesque sunsets which Alfred Hitchcock called ‘the world’s best’. Zadar’s unique fusion of tradition and innovation makes it a must-see on any Croatian itinerary. We had high hopes of experiencing the famous Sea Organ and Sun Salutation in Zadar, known for their mesmerising blend of art and nature. However, due to time constraints, we couldn’t explore these unique attractions on that occasion. Nevertheless, they’re at the top of our list for our next visit!

Omiš – Situated between cliffs and the Adriatic Sea, Omiš is an adventure lover’s paradise. We found ourselves enchanted by its natural beauty and the fact that the beach/entry in the water had smooth sand, no stones, very suitable for kids, our boy loved spending a full day there.

Pelješac Bridge – Crossing the Pelješac Bridge was a highlight of our journey. This stunning piece of engineering connects the mainland with the Pelješac Peninsula, providing seamless access to some of Croatia’s finest wine regions and coastal routes. Driving over it, we enjoyed the breathtaking views, making the journey itself an unforgettable part of our Croatian adventure.

Skywalk Biokovo – Located at 1,228 meters above sea level in the Ravna Vlaška area, Skywalk Biokovo offers a thrilling glass walkway experience with panoramic views of the Adriatic and surrounding landscapes. Although it was on our itinerary, we missed out on visiting due to the need for pre-booking. It’s definitely a must-see and we’ll make sure to plan ahead for our next trip to capture this breathtaking experience (sadly as we couldn’t visit I do not have any photos of this at present but you can find loads of photos with this on google).

Croatia’s diverse attractions mean there’s always more to explore. Whether it’s charming coastal towns, historical sites or natural wonders, the country offers endless stops worth discovering as time allows.

Kaliakra – Bulgaria

Extending into the Black Sea, Kaliakra Cape captivated us with its rugged cliffs, ancient fortress and sea views. Rich in legend and history, it offered us a unique glimpse into Bulgaria’s coastal heritage. Walking along its trail and seeing its archaeological ruins was a highlight of our trip. I bet the sunset views here are truly magical!
Despite its beautiness, I would like to mention that the heat was intense, so if visiting in the summer I recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat to stay protected under the blazing sun. The view here made braving the high temperatures worth it tho.

Polovragi – Romania

Situated in the scenic foothills of the Southern Carpathians, Polovragi charmed us with its landscapes and rich folklore. You can explore the historic Polovragi Monastery and venture into the mystical Polovragi Cave, which is steeped in legend and offers stunning underground formations. Our stay at Pensiunea Castania made the visit even more delightful. This lovely accommodation, with a pool which our boy enjoyed using it, its cosy atmosphere and warm hospitality, provided a perfect retreat after our adventures. We also went on Transalpina whilst we were there as it’s not too far, about 40minutes drive from Polovragi to Ranca.

Grossglockner – Austria

The highest peak in Austria (3,798 metres), Grossglockner offers a spectacular alpine experience. Driving along the renowned Grossglockner High Alpine Road, we were treated to breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys and mountain peaks. The journey itself is an adventure, with winding roads and scenic stops that allow you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer seeking stunning views or simply looking to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Austrian Alps, Grossglockner is an unforgettable destination.

As travelers who cherish the journey as much as the destination, we’ve learned that every road trip is a collection of moments – discovery, laughter and awe. All these experiences remind us why we are drawn to explore.

So, until our next adventure, remember: the world is vast and there’s always another road to travel and another story to share. Wherever your travels take you next, may they be filled with joy, wonder and the thrill of discovery.

Safe travels, aventureros. Until next time (soon). 🌍🚗✨