Belgrade to Positano Road Trip Guide: Epic Drive Through Balkans

The route from Belgrade to Positano covers roughly 1,200 kilometers, crossing five countries: Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Italy. Most drivers follow the E70/E71 to the Croatian coast, then the E65 along the Adriatic, before hopping a ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik or driving around via the A1 in Italy. The total driving time is about 14-16 hours without stops, but plan for at least 3 days to enjoy the journey.

A little-known fact: the section between Neum (Bosnia's only coastal town) and Dubrovnik is one of the few places where the E65 passes through two border crossings in under 20 kilometers. This quirk is a remnant of the Dayton Agreement. Many travelers inadvertently lose time here due to long queues in summer.

For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, see our detailed guide.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route passes several UNESCO sites. In Bosnia, the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad (detour 2 hours). Mostar's Old Bridge (2005) is a must-see. In Croatia, Dubrovnik's Old Town is a UNESCO gem. In Italy, the Amalfi Coast (1997) and Historic Centre of Naples (1995) are near your destination.

• Mostar: Stari Most, cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture
• Dubrovnik: City walls, Fort Lovrjenac, Game of Thrones locations
• Amalfi Coast: Positano, Ravello, Amalfi cathedral

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Between Mostar and Dubrovnik, detour to Kravice Waterfalls (20 minutes off E65) – stunning cascades in a lush setting. Near the Croatian border, the village of Ston offers the longest stone walls in Europe (5.5 km) and excellent oysters. In Italy, before Positano, the ghost town of Craco is a hauntingly beautiful ruin.

• Kravice Waterfalls: entrance €10, swimming allowed
• Ston: walls free to walk, oyster tastings at Bota Šare
• Craco: guided tours €8, surreal atmosphere

Local Commerce and Culture

Along the route, stop at local markets. In Sarajevo, Baščaršija market for copperware and ćevapi. Mostar's old bazaar sells hand-painted ceramics. On the Croatian coast, try Pelješac wine region for Dingač red. In Positano, limoncello and handmade sandals are iconic.

• Sarajevo: copper coffee sets, dried figs
• Mostar: pomegranate juice, silk scarves
• Positano: lemon products, ceramic tiles

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel prices vary significantly. In Serbia and Bosnia, petrol costs around €1.5 per liter; Croatia and Italy are about €1.8. Plan for around €200-250 in fuel for the whole trip. Toll roads: Serbia uses vignettes (€15 for 1 week), Croatia has tolls (about €40 total), Italy tolls from Bari to Positano (€20). Carry cash for tolls in Bosnia and Montenegro.

• Serbia: E70 from Belgrade to Šid border
• Croatia: A3 from Lipovac to Zagreb, then A1 to Split
• Bosnia: M17 from Sarajevo to Mostar
• Montenegro: E65 along coast, short section
• Italy: A14 from Bari to Naples, then SS163 Amalfi Coast road

Climate Considerations

Best months: May-June and September-October. July-August brings heat and crowds on the Amalfi Coast. Winter (December-February) possible but snowy in Bosnia and Montenegro. The Adriatic coast enjoys Mediterranean climate; inland Bosnia can be cold. Ferry from Dubrovnik to Bari operates year-round, but frequency drops in winter.

• Summer temps: 30-35°C coastal, 25-30°C inland
• Winter: 0-10°C, possible snow above 500m
• Rainfall: October-November wettest

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

Roads are generally good: Serbian highways are modern; Croatian A1 excellent; Bosnian M17 winding and narrow in places; Italian autostrade well-maintained. Beware of the Neum corridor bottlenecks in summer. The Amalfi Coast road (SS163) is a narrow, winding cliffside road demanding caution. Drive defensively, especially in Bosnia where drivers may be aggressive.

• Emergency numbers: 112 EU, 122 police in Serbia, 194 ambulance in Croatia
• Required equipment: reflective vest, warning triangle, first aid kit
• Tolls: Croatia accepts credit cards, Italy too, Bosnia cash only

Family and Child Suitability

Great for families: stops at Plitvice Lakes (detour 1 hour north of Split) or Krka National Park. Mostar's Old Bridge diving shows entertain kids. Dubrovnik has a cable car and maritime museum. Positano’s Spiaggia Grande is pebbly but safe for swimming. Many hotels offer family rooms, and children under 12 often stay free.

• Plitvice: boardwalks, waterfalls, boat rides
• Krka: waterfalls with swimming allowed
• Dubrovnik: walls (kids under 7 free)

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most accommodation in Serbia, Croatia, and Italy accepts pets with extra fee (€10-30). On ferries, pets are allowed in designated areas (Jadrolinija: dogs on deck). The Amalfi Coast road is pet-friendly, but restaurants may not allow dogs inside. Carry pet passport with rabies vaccination.

• Serbia: no quarantine, pet passport needed
• Croatia: id chip, rabies vaccine
• Italy: same EU rules, leash required

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. Good rest stops: on Serbian A1 at Šid (petrol station with café); in Bosnia near Konjic (Rujište viewpoint); in Croatia at Šibenik (rest area with playground). In Italy, the A14 has Autogrill stations. Consider overnight stops in Sarajevo and Dubrovnik to split the drive.

• Sarajevo: Hotel Holiday (central, parking)
• Dubrovnik: Hotel Bellevue (beachside, garage)
• Positano: Parking in town expensive, use Parcheggio Montepertuso