We are travelling by car in the next couple of weeks and want to slowly cut across the west of Macedonia then through Albania and up the Adriatic coast. We'd like to stay at official campsites throughout the journey if you have any recommendations.

After reaching the top of the coast a quick route to Frieburg.

I read somewhere that there is a very short stretch of coast where border insurance isn't available - is this true. My green card covers Greece, Croatia, Slovenia and the usual countires but not Macedonia, Montenegro Albania or Bosnia Hertz.

Anything to look out for scam or security wise?

Arow, I am there right now.

Macedonia insurance will cost you at the border. I paid a whopping 50 Euros for a motorcycle; maybe for a car it's even more.

Stop at Ohrid if you can, which is a delightful lakeside town. No security (or scam) issues in Macedonia. Decent honest folk throughout.

Border insurance for Albania cost me 15 Euros. The insurance agent tried to sell me Lek in exchange for my Euros. Maybe it was a good exchange rate he was offering, I didn't know at the time, but I didn't buy-in. Hardly a scam - just a bloke trying to earn an extra shilling or two.

Tirana, Albania, was an eye-opener. A really vibrant city - "Café Culture" in the extreme. I enjoyed it all. Again friendly people.

Kotor, Montenegro, is a very beautiful spot. Highly recommended. Montenegro border insurance cost me 10 Euros (for a bike.)

There's a very short stretch of coast that's Bosnian territory, which splits the Croatian coastline in two. I think it was Tito's idea to give Bosnia access to the Adriatic. Neum is the main town along this 10 km stretch. 10-15 mins from border to border (Croatia-Bosnia-Croatia). I was waved through both border crossings this morning. Insurance was a not an issue.

There appears to be plenty of camp sites available, although we're stopping in budget to mid-range guest houses, small hotels etc. Therefore sorry, I can't help you with this aspect. Investigate what an 'Auto Camp' is all about; we've seen a few signs displaying this, although not popped-in to take a look. Could be that these are right up your street.

Zero security or scam concerns throughout.

The Balkans are just great.

Keith

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Right Way Round ...

I will second everything Keith1954 says, it was my experience in 2013 & 2014. I too travelled by Motorcycle and had no issues what so ever in any of the countries mentioned.

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Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway

Thanks a lot for the up to the minute info Keith (& Tim).. I've not driven through the Balkans before. I've since read that there seems to be a good campsite (Rino) past Struga so I will definitely visit Ohrid on the way round.

The Adriatic coast from Durres up looks to be littered with sites so that part shouldn't be a problem, mainly a matter which are the best.

Any suggestions please on routes - from say - the Trieste area to Frieburg or the Black Forest.