Five Days, Three Countries: Road-Tripping Through Albania, Kosovo & North Macedonia

The Balkans aren’t always the first place people think of for a European road trip, but they should be. With dramatic mountains, ancient cities, and warm hospitality, this corner of Europe is packed with adventure — and it’s surprisingly easy to explore by car. After plotting and making my own way solo around, I can highly recommend.

Here’s how my five-day road trip through Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia unfolded.

Day 1: Arriving in Tirana

I landed in Tirana, Albania’s lively capital, and hopped straight on the airport bus into the main square. At 400 leke (about €4), it’s affordable and only takes around 20 minutes — the perfect way to ease into the city.

After settling in, I went hunting for dinner and stumbled upon Oriental City Chinese. Let me just say — so good. Salt or Bari 2 would also be worth checking out if you’re after tasty, budget-friendly food.

Day 2: Crossing Into Kosovo – Prizren

The next morning, I hit the road for Kosovo. Crossing the border was straightforward: a €5 fee and about a ten-minute wait at customs. From there, Prizren welcomed me with cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture, and the buzz of cafes.

The highlight? Climbing up to the fortress at sunset. The view across the old town, with the Sinan Pasha Mosque and stone bridge below, was unforgettable. This is the iconic Prizren photo spot, and the golden light makes it magical.

Day 3: Into North Macedonia – Skopje

Leaving Kosovo meant another border crossing — this time into North Macedonia. Be prepared: you’ll need to purchase a “green card” for car insurance. It’s €50 minimum for 15 days, and you must have cash. Expect delays of at least 10 minutes or more.

From Prizren, it’s about 114km (2 hours) to Skopje. I had dinner at Bella Vista Restaurant — good prices, comfortable vibe, and beautifully decorated. Afterward, I checked into Pent Lux Apartments, just a five-minute walk from the main square — super convenient for exploring the city.

(Pro tip: don’t forget about tolls — I paid 60, 30, and 30 at different points along the way).

Day 4: Skopje to Ohrid via Matka Canyon

Leaving Skopje, I made a quick detour to Matka Canyon before heading south. It’s only about 20 minutes off the route — and absolutely worth it. You can take a boat ride out to the caves or hike along the canyon edge (though if you go too far, you’ll end up on the wrong side of the river!). The hike takes about an hour each way, so plan ahead.

Then it was on to Ohrid, a 3-hour drive (173km). I stayed at Villa Varosh, which has free parking — always a bonus on a road trip. The best part of Ohrid was simply walking. I strolled the lakeside boardwalk, climbed up to the church overlooking the water, and soaked in the peaceful vibe.

Day 5: Back to Albania – Berat

The final leg took me back into Albania, with another border crossing. Exiting North Macedonia didn’t require a fee, but there was still a wait of at least 10 minutes.

My destination was Berat, known as the “city of a thousand windows.” Its Ottoman houses stacked up the hillside are every bit as pretty as the postcards suggest.

From there, it was back to Tirana, and before I knew it, I was back on the airport bus heading home — the same 400 leke ride that started it all.

A road trip through Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia is fast-paced but incredibly rewarding. The border crossings are part of the adventure (just keep cash handy!), and every stop brings something new — from fortress sunsets to canyon hikes to lakeside strolls. If you’ve been dreaming of a Balkan adventure, this route is a perfect introduction.