South Balkans Road Trip: Epic Journey Traveling From Albania to North Macedonia and Kosovo
After exploring the northern Balkans, including Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, it was time to plan another road trip, this time to the South Balkans. I had already spent significant time in Greece, which is also considered part of the southern Balkans, but this trip would focus on the less visited and vastly underrated countries of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. Planning a trip to these off-the-beaten-path destinations can feel challenging due to the limited information available. Let’s be honest, mentioning Tirana to someone in Western Europe might likely elicit the response, “Wait, why?”
Koman Lake Ferry cruising through dramatic mountain peaks
Don’t worry, those people truly don’t know what they’re missing. If you seek breathtaking mountain landscapes, stunning beaches, captivating lakes, and incredibly affordable prices, these places are worth exploring. This guide will detail my journey and assist you in planning your own. You don’t have to follow my exact route; you can adapt it based on your available time and desired destinations.
Beautiful Ksamil beach with turquoise water in Albania
Famous old bridge in Prizren, Kosovo with Ottoman architecture
St. Jovan's church overlooking Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Where I Went in the South Balkans: Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo
Scenic view of Lake Ohrid surrounded by mountains
I had just over two weeks for this trip. Initially, I considered focusing primarily on Albania, but I realized this might be too much time for a country of its size (which proved correct). After researching the region further, I decided to include the neighboring countries of North Macedonia and Kosovo, which turned out to be an excellent decision. If you have less than two weeks, this itinerary might feel rushed. In that case, concentrating primarily on Albania before adding shorter side trips to Kosovo or North Macedonia might be a better approach. If time allows, note that I spent the majority of my trip in Albania due to the abundance of activities there. Here is a map illustrating my itinerary.
Rent a Car for the Ultimate South Balkans Road Trip
For this itinerary to be feasible within the timeframe, renting a car is essential. While public transportation is available, with buses connecting Tirana to various regional locations, it’s simply not as efficient as having your own vehicle. A significant part of the charm in these countries comes from visiting smaller towns that aren’t well-connected or discovering remote mountain viewpoints overlooking the Adriatic Sea or Lake Ohrid.
Rental car parked on a road in Albania with scenic views
Renting a car in the region is very affordable. I began my trip in Tirana, where rental cars were available for as low as €10 per day. I chose to pay around €18 per day for full insurance coverage from a more reputable company. The main freeways in these countries are generally in good condition.
The Ultimate Montenegro Coastal Itinerary: Budva, Bar, Kotor, Ulcinj
Rolling green landscape in Albania seen from a car
Starting Point
This trip follows a circular loop through Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, allowing you to start in any of the three capitals: Tirana, Skopje, or Pristina. This eliminates the need for potentially costly one-way rental car drop-offs or booking multi-city flights. For my journey, I began in Tirana.
From Tirana, I spent two nights exploring the capital before driving south to the historic city of Berat. From Berat, I continued south along the coast. After spending a night in Gjirokaster, it was time to travel into North Macedonia. In North Macedonia, my focus was on Lake Ohrid and Skopje, which covers the main attractions for most visitors.
The old city of Berat, Albania with hillside houses
From North Macedonia, I crossed the border into Kosovo to visit Pristina and Prizren before heading back to Albania. This time, I returned to the northern part of Albania to explore its famous and beautiful mountain ranges. After visiting Valbona National Park and experiencing the Koman Lake ferry, I drove back to Tirana to conclude the trip.
Start in Tirana
Tirana is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities in the Balkans, boasting incredible restaurants, cafes serving excellent coffee for under $1, unique museums, vibrant open-air markets, and impressive street art.
The famous Tirana Pyramid under construction
Spend your first day in Tirana getting familiar with the area around Skanderbeg Square, visiting Bunkart 2 and/or the House of Leaves, admiring the socialist mural on the National History Museum, exploring the recently renovated Pazar I Ri market, and strolling through the hipster neighborhood of Blloku, which was once the center of Communist power under Enver Hoxha.
Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, Albania
Entrance to Bunkart 2 in Tirana
Street art and buildings in the Blloku neighborhood of Tirana
Blloku is a fantastic area for nightlife. I highly recommend Colonial Cocktail Academy for innovative drinks, Radio Bar for relaxed vintage-style cocktails, Nouveau Vague for one of Tirana’s most photogenic terraces, and Kino for a lovely summer garden and superb mixed drinks.
Outdoor seating area at Nouvelle Vague bar in Tirana
Berat, Albania
View of Berat, Albania from across the Osum River
From Tirana, the first stop on this incredible road trip is the old town of Berat. Unlike Tirana, which lacks a traditional old town due to Communist-era development, Berat perfectly embodies the charm of historic European villages. Having spent considerable time in Albania, I consider Berat the country’s most impressive traditional town. Known as the “City of 1000 Windows,” this old town shows significant Ottoman influence, evident in its architecture, similar to parts of Turkey.
Panoramic view of Berat's old town from a guesthouse rooftop
Picturesque stone houses with red roofs built on the hillside in Berat
Charming stone houses with dark mahogany roofs are built along the hillside, with a prominent fortress atop the hill adding to the dramatic view. The town is incredibly photogenic and offers some of the best picture opportunities in the country.
Old bridge in Berat, Albania providing a view of the city
For the best views, visit the new bridge and capture the town head-on. The views from the main town square, lined with numerous cafes, are also stunning.
The Ultimate Mexico, Belize, Guatemala Travel Itinerary
If you’re spending just one night here as I did, make sure to have dinner at Homemade food Lili, located right in the old town. The owner is incredibly cheerful and full of energy, and the food is some of the best Albanian cuisine you’ll find. It’s an absolute must-visit.
Where I Stayed in Berat
Exterior of Guesthouse Arben Elezi in Berat, Albania
Berat offers countless accommodation options at very affordable prices. I stayed at Guesthouse Arben Elezi which provided comfortable rooms and modern facilities. However, the highlight was the rooftop terrace offering direct views of Berat’s old town. Enjoying breakfast here with that panorama was a genuine treat.
Himare and the Albanian Riviera
After one night in Berat, I drove south towards the Albanian coast to soak up the sun and sea. The Adriatic coastline of Albania is, in my opinion, completely underrated. It features dramatic mountain peaks meeting the beautiful Ionian Sea, creating an irresistible landscape. Driving along the coast reminded me at times of Crete, mixed with the scenery of Kefalonia in Greece. It is spectacular and should not be missed! The drive involves a steep ascent into the mountains before descending to sea level, where the views of mountains towering over the sea are breathtaking.
Road winding through mountains with a view of the sea in Albania
Numerous towns and destinations dot the coast. The main points of interest include:
- Vlore
- Appollonia
- Dhermi
- Himare
- Sarande
- Butrint National Park
- Ksamil
There are many smaller, beautiful villages as well, but these are the most prominent. The area isn’t vast, so choosing a town as a base for a few nights and taking day trips is a good strategy.
Delicious Greek food served at a restaurant overlooking the ocean in Ksamil, Albania
View of the turquoise sea and islands near Ksamil, Albania
After reading numerous blogs, I decided on Himare, situated roughly in the middle of the southern coast. It’s known for being more relaxed while still offering beautiful views. Dhermi, nearby, seemed more focused on high-end accommodations, which wasn’t my priority. Sarande, further south, is a larger beach town with a vibe reminiscent of Southern California’s Orange County (similar to Vlore). In the end, I was very pleased with my choice to stay in Himare.
Drop in at the Appollonia Ruins
Ancient ruins at Appollonia, Albania
Columns and archaeological remains at Appollonia with a distant view
On the drive from Berat to Himare, you’ll pass by the ancient Greek ruins at Appollonia. Here, you’ll find a small acropolis-like structure offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys. There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s a pleasant stop along the way to the coast.
Visit Gjipe Beach
Every Albanian I met insisted that visiting Gjipe Beach was a must. It’s considered one of the nicest beaches on the coast, and I wholeheartedly agree. Located between Dhermi and Himare, reaching this beach requires a bit of effort. It involves driving down a narrow, albeit paved, road, parking your car, and then walking for about 20 minutes along a rocky path to the beach.
Beautiful clear water and cliffs at Gjipe Beach, Albania
The walk isn’t difficult, but remember to bring plenty of water. The beach itself is absolutely gorgeous, possessing all the qualities you’d expect from an Ionian Sea beach.
The Ultimate Maldives Budget Travel Guide – Paradise For Cheap
Hikers walking down a rocky path towards Gjipe Beach
Visiting in late April, I enjoyed beautiful weather (25°C+) and no crowds. However, expect this beach (and all others) to be extremely crowded during the summer months.
Visit Butrint National Park
Stone ruins and trees at Butrint National Park, Albania
Butrint National Park, located south of Sarande, is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring some of the least crowded Greek and Roman ruins you’ll encounter.
Amphitheatre ruins at Butrint National Park
Detailed view of carvings on stone ruins in Butrint National Park
Fortress walls within Butrint National Park
The Amphitheatre here was completely empty, allowing me to relax by myself for quite some time. There’s also a well-preserved fortress offering views of the surrounding bay. After exploring the history, have lunch in Ksamil. Guvat Bar and Restaurant is situated directly on the beach with stunning views of the turquoise water. Given the region’s proximity to Greece, you can look forward to delicious Greek food, my favorite European cuisine.
Staying at Beleri House
Beleri House in Himare was an excellent place to stay! It was right on the beachfront and offered great ocean views. Himare is a much more relaxed town and serves as a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding areas.
View of the sea and coastline from an apartment balcony in Himare, Albania
Gjirokaster
View of Gjirokaster, Albania, known as the stone city, from below the fortress
After a very relaxing few days in Himare enjoying the sun and sea, it was time to continue the journey to Gjirokaster, another beautiful medieval mountain town in Albania’s interior. The drive from Himare to Gjirokaster is quite scenic and takes just over two hours.
Blue Eye of Sarande
Along the way, stop at the Blue Eye of Sarande (Syri i Kaltër), a natural pool with incredibly clear water originating from a depth of 50 meters. Swimming is permitted in these waters, and it’s a popular tourist spot.
Gjirokaster Town
Historic stone houses in Gjirokaster, Albania with the fortress on the hill
Upon arriving in Gjirokaster, you’ll undoubtedly be struck by the town’s natural beauty. Like Berat, it has an old town and a new town, but you’ll definitely want to spend the night in the historic part of the village nestled on the hills.
Cobblestone street in the old town of Gjirokaster, Albania
Market street with traditional buildings in Gjirokaster old town
View down a steep street lined with stone houses in Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is known as the “Stone City” and is another stunning example of Ottoman city planning. While sharing the same history as Berat, it has a distinct character. Both towns are incredibly beautiful and worth visiting.
Panoramic view of Gjirokaster, Albania from the fortress
Gjirokaster feels slightly more touristy than Berat, with its main streets filled with souvenir shops and restaurants. However, visiting in late April during the COVID-19 pandemic meant neither town felt crowded at all.
Where I Stayed – Stone Rooms
I found a hotel called the Stone Rooms at the top of Gjirokaster offering complete panoramic views of the city for 20 euros a night. It was a bit of a challenging drive to reach, but the views made it entirely worthwhile.
Lake Ohrid
Mountainous landscape view on the drive in Albania near the border
After spending a night in Gjirokaster, it’s time to make the drive into North Macedonia. This is a long driving day, taking almost six hours, as you’ll mostly traverse small mountainous roads. While this drive can be taxing with questionable road conditions at times, the scenery is well worth it. The mountain area near the Greek border is particularly stunning.
Road sign indicating the direction to Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia
Along the way when traveling from Albania to North Macedonia, you can break up the journey by stopping in Korce for lunch before crossing the border. Before entering North Macedonia, you will need to purchase a Macedonian Green Pass for your car, which serves as insurance. The cost for this is 40 euros.
The Ultimate Road Trips To Take Around The World
After successfully crossing the border from Albania, Lake Ohrid is another 45 minutes’ drive. At this point, you will already be driving alongside the lake, and its beauty is striking. It is one of the largest lakes in the Balkans, and its mountainous backdrop is reminiscent of visiting Lake Como in Italy or Kotor in Montenegro.
What to Do in Lake Ohrid
Scenic view of Lake Ohrid town and coastline from the water
Lake Ohrid, like Lake Como, has multiple towns surrounding it. However, I found that only one, the town of Ohrid itself, was truly historic and picturesque. Other towns are not as frequently mentioned, so basing yourself entirely in Ohrid is likely the best approach. Staying in the old town of Ohrid is ideal as it keeps you close to all the main sights. The primary attractions include the fortress at the top of the town and numerous Orthodox churches. The fortress is a short walk uphill and can be explored in a few minutes.
Beautiful Orthodox churches in Ohrid, North Macedonia
Interior view of a church in Ohrid with religious icons
Among the churches, the most famous and photogenic is undoubtedly St. John’s Church at the tip of the peninsula. From here, you get panoramic views of Lake Ohrid and this beautiful Orthodox church perched in isolation overlooking the water. Beyond the historical sites, you can take a catamaran tour around the lake. Simply walk along the main waterfront, and you’ll find many vendors offering boat tours. Essentially, Lake Ohrid is a place to relax and absorb the stunning lake views. I certainly could have stayed here for a few more days.
Plate of delicious cevapcici, a Balkan grilled meat dish
Also make sure to visit the Bay of the Bones, a reconstructed prehistoric settlement on stilts.
Stay at Villa Ohrid
There are numerous excellent guesthouses in Lake Ohrid, offering endless options. I wanted a view of both the town and the lake, so I chose to stay at Villa Ohrid. It did not disappoint, as I had a balcony with a direct, front-and-center view of the lake. Waking up to this view each morning was divine.
Skopje
After a wonderful few days at Lake Ohrid, it was time to continue the journey to the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje.
The drive is quite scenic, featuring mountain views and terraced farms. There isn’t much to see directly along the route, except for the Ottoman-era mosque in Tetovo, which boasts some incredibly stunning murals. This area in western North Macedonia is predominantly Albanian, a fact I learned shortly after arriving. A significant portion of North Macedonia’s population is Albanian, similar to how many people in Southern Albania consider themselves Greek.
Walking tour group standing near Mother Teresa's childhood home memorial in Skopje
Skopje is a beautiful city and, in my opinion, the most aesthetically pleasing capital among the three visited countries (Tirana, Skopje, and Pristina). The city has a fantastic vibe and energy that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Walking Tour of Skopje
The free walking tour of Skopje is an excellent way to see the city’s main attractions. There is one company that organizes these tours, meeting in the main square next to the Alexander the Great statue. My guide was excellent, providing valuable insights into the city’s history and culture that I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
For context, North Macedonia is a former Yugoslavian country with a Slavic language. However, I hadn’t realized that Greece also has a region called Macedonia, located in the far north with Thessaloniki as its capital. In ancient times, “Macedonia” encompassed what is now modern North Macedonia and the southern region in Greece. Slavic people migrated into the area in the 5th century AD and established their land.
The Perfect Jordan Travel Itinerary: Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea
Until 2018, the country was simply known as “Macedonia.” However, seeking accession to the EU, they agreed to change their name to “North Macedonia” due to Greece’s concerns about the use of the historical name. The name change was adopted just a few years ago, a decision many citizens were not happy about, which is understandable! Nevertheless, the walking tour is great, covering the newer part of the city with its European and Communist-era buildings, as well as the older part just across the old bridge. This historic area thrived during Ottoman times and is now home to a bustling Bazaar district with densely packed shops and restaurants. In fact, it’s the second-largest Bazaar district after Istanbul!
Explore the Bohemian Neighborhood
I stayed in the Bohemian neighborhood, located just 15 minutes from the city center. This area was recommended for its concentration of cool bars and restaurants. If you prefer a more local neighborhood atmosphere, this is definitely where you’ll want to stay. Be sure to visit the cocktail bars like Casa and the restaurants along the main street.
Pristina
Public square in Pristina with modern sculptures
After Skopje, it’s a quick 1.5-hour drive north to the capital of Kosovo. The drive is largely uneventful, and the border crossing was quite easy. The first thing I noticed upon entering Kosovo was the excellent quality of the roads. It felt like a proper freeway, comparable to the best roads in Germany or the United States – by far the best roads I encountered on the trip.
Pristina also defied my expectations. Having endured a devastating war just 25 years ago, I anticipated a city still visibly recovering. Given that Kosovo is largely inhabited by ethnic Albanians, I thought the city might resemble the more gritty parts of Tirana. However, I was mistaken. The city feels much more developed and modern than I expected. It was surprisingly clean and more orderly than other Balkan capitals, especially when compared to Tirana.
People walking on a pedestrian street in Pristina, Kosovo
I only spent a day here, so I didn’t explore in great detail, but it felt like it had slightly less distinct character than the hip Blloku neighborhood in Tirana, for example, or the remnants of the old town in Skopje. I also took the free walking tour in Pristina, which I can recommend. There aren’t many “must-see” historical sights in Pristina as much of the city was destroyed and is quite new.
However, what captivated me in Pristina was not its medieval history but its modern history. I learned a great deal talking to my guide about the Kosovo War. Since it occurred so recently, anyone over the age of 30 remembers the events of the late 90s in vivid detail. He recounted life during those dark times, providing a powerful perspective, similar to my tour guide in Kiev discussing the 2014 revolution.
The Perfect One Week And Two Weeks Travel Itinerary For Albania
The cocktail scene in Pristina is very good. Kosovars enjoy vibrant nightlife, and you’ll find no shortage of places to go out in Pristina. People are out in full force throughout the night in the main square and along Fehmi Agani street. Additionally, the food in Kosovo was the best I had on the entire trip. If you’re looking for delicious grilled meats and crispy burek, you’ll find the best of both in Kosovo!
Peje and Prizren
The next day starts early with a departure from Pristina to the Rugova Valley in the western part of Kosovo. I was recommended this valley by various travel blogs. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the Rugova Valley mountains, just west of the town of Peje.
The mountains here are beautiful, offering ample hiking and even zip-lining opportunities. However, since this itinerary includes a visit to the Valbona and Theth mountain ranges in Albania, if you are following the full loop, I would recommend skipping Peje and Rugova, even if it’s just for a half-day visit, and instead focus your time on Prizren.
Prizren Town
Ottoman style stone bridge and mosque in Prizren, Kosovo
Prizren is the old and traditional town of Kosovo. It served as the capital in earlier times before the capital moved to Pristina. It’s a relatively large town, but its historic core, where you’ll likely spend most of your time, is small and charming.
Buildings lining a river in the old town of Prizren
The old town is picturesque, featuring a large mosque and an old Ottoman bridge that strongly reminds me of the Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is an excellent spot for taking photos, especially around sunset. The historic area isn’t extensive; you can walk from one end to the other in about five minutes. The streets are filled with bars, restaurants, and shisha lounges. At night, it transforms into a lively scene as it seems the entire town, along with tourists, congregates here for a bustling night out.
Hike to the Fortress of Prizren
Sitting atop the hill overlooking Prizren town is the old fortress. It’s a quick 15-minute hike from the old town and well worth it for the panoramic views of the town below. The fortress itself is quite impressive. Originally built during Byzantine times, it was further developed during the Serbian and Ottoman empires. There is no entrance fee.
Along the path, you’ll pass an unfinished Serbian Orthodox church perched on the hilltop overlooking the town, presumably started during the Yugoslavian era. There’s likely ongoing debate among Kosovars about its future.
What to Eat in Prizren
Prizren boasts a plethora of restaurants, including countless Qebaptores (grill houses), Furra (bakeries), and bars. The best restaurant in town is, without a doubt, the one at the Tiffany hotel. This restaurant serves very traditional oven-baked Albanian dishes that I didn’t encounter anywhere else during my trip. Be sure to try the Elbasan lamb!
Plate of traditional Albanian oven-baked lamb dish
Prices in Kosovo are among the cheapest I’ve ever seen in Europe. They are so affordable that I didn’t even bother using credit cards, as paying a few euros with a card felt unnecessary. An espresso at the trendy Gatsby bar next to the bridge costs €0.50, and a lunch of Qebapa is €2-3.
The Perfect Moldova Travel Itinerary: Chisinau, Transnistria, And Cricova
Valbona and Theth
After visiting Prizren, the Kosovo portion of the trip is largely complete, and it’s time to return to Albania. This next section can be a bit confusing and could easily merit its own dedicated post. I will attempt to summarize it as simply as possible. One of the most stunning and highly recommended experiences in Albania, in my opinion, is visiting the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps), Albania’s equivalent to the Italian Dolomites.
Valbona to Theth Hike
Dramatic rocky peaks in the Valbona Valley, Albania
The beauty here is absolutely breathtaking, with dramatic rocky peaks that will impress any lowland visitor. One of the most popular activities in Albania is the hike from Valbona to Theth. Valbona and Theth are two national parks located adjacent to each other in northern Albania – Valbona to the east and Theth to the west. They are connected only by foot, meaning there are no roads linking these two parks directly. Consequently, many travelers undertake the trek on foot, which is considered one of the most epic hikes in the region.
Mountain valley landscape in Valbona, Albania
However, this hike is only possible during the summer months as snow often blocks the pass. This 6-7 hour hike can typically only be completed between May and September. I visited in early May, and unfortunately, the pass was closed. Therefore, I traveled directly to Valbona from Kosovo instead of following the typical route for this trip which involves hiking between the parks. If you are visiting when the pass is open (you can usually message a guesthouse in Valbona to inquire about conditions), this is the general itinerary you would follow:
- Start in Shkoder (spend a night).
- In the morning, your guesthouse or hotel will arrange transport to the Koman Lake Ferry port, which is an incredibly scenic journey in itself (more details on this shortly).
- Take the two-hour ferry ride from Koman to Fierza.
- From Fierza, take another transport to your guesthouse in Valbona, where you will spend the night.
- The next day, undertake the 6-8 hour hike from Valbona to Theth and spend the night at a guesthouse in Theth.
- The following day, take transport back to Shkoder.
For the above itinerary, you can leave your rental car in Shkoder for the 3 days without issue. You cannot take the car with you on this part of the trip because there’s no road connecting Theth back to Valbona unless you want to walk back! Therefore, it’s much simpler to do this section without your rental car.
Valbona National Park
Since I couldn’t do the Valbona to Theth hike, I decided to spend some time exploring Valbona without visiting Theth. Even with the pass closed, there are still hikes available. The Maja e Rosni hike is a popular choice, reaching 2600m and taking about 7 hours round trip. However, it’s only about 1600m to reach the first viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the valley.
View from a hiking trail overlooking the Valbona valley and mountains
This is what I ended up doing, and it was incredibly beautiful. The views stretch for many kilometers down the valley, showcasing the same jagged peaks I saw in the Dolomites. It’s truly breathtaking here.
The Perfect Two Week Itinerary For The Balkan Countries
Staying at Margjeka Hotel
The most popular guesthouse I read about was Margjeka. It’s situated at the very end of the road in Valbona, positioned on a hill, providing views of all the surrounding mountains. The rooms are comfortable, and the food was delicious. Most importantly, waking up to these views was a truly special experience. I would highly recommend staying here!
Koman Lake Ferry
Last but not least, the Koman Lake ferry was the perfect conclusion to an amazing South Balkans itinerary. It might not sound glamorous (and the ferry boat itself certainly isn’t), but this ferry ride between Koman and Fierza is one of the most spectacular things I did.
Seriously, you absolutely cannot leave Albania without experiencing this ferry ride. Imagine towering, Norwegian-style fjords surrounding you as you sail across a stunning turquoise river. It’s a special experience that pictures simply cannot capture adequately.
From Valbona, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the port town of Fierza. There isn’t much there except some restaurants and the ferry terminal. The ferry operates once a day between Koman and Fierza (round trip). The cost is only €6 per person and about €40 for a car.
The ferry ride lasts only two hours, but you’ll wish it were longer. After arriving in Koman, it’s an easy drive back to Shkoder or towards Tirana if needed for your departure.
From Koman, I considered driving to Theth (since I couldn’t hike there) to see how it compared to Valbona. However, ultimately, I decided against it as the last 15 km of road to Theth are very rough and not feasible without a 4×4 vehicle, and I didn’t want to risk it. Instead, I decided to travel to neighboring Montenegro to return to the coast! I wrote a detailed post about the Lake Koman ferry ride, so be sure to read that if you are considering this trip!
Day by Day Breakdown of Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo
Here is a day-by-day breakdown of my itinerary:
Day 1: Tirana
Day 2: Tirana
Day 3: Berat
Day 4: Berat to Himare
Day 5: Himare (explore Butrint National Park)
Day 6: Himare (Relax at beaches)
Day 7: Gjirokaster
Day 8: Lake Ohrid (long day of driving from Albania)
Day 9: Lake Ohrid
Day 10: Skopje
Day 11: Skopje
Day 12: Pristina
Day 13: Pristina
Day 14: Prizren
Day 15: Prizren
Day 16: Valbona
Day 17: Back to Tirana (via the Lake Koman Ferry)
This detailed itinerary provides a framework for exploring the diverse landscapes and rich history of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, highlighting the ease and beauty of traveling through this captivating corner of the Balkans.
