- Duration: 3-7 days
- Distance covered: 230km (approx. 5 hours of driving)
- Highlights: Prizren, the Accursed Mountains, beaches around Ulcinj
Via experience the diversity of this group of nations, consider taking a car trip through the Balkans from Prizren, Kosovo, via Shkoder, Albania, and Ulcinj, Montenegro. This path leads from a tranquil Islamic town to an Albanian mountain village and, at the end, to a beachfront Montenegrin destination.
Because all the towns are so close to one another, you might complete this road trip in little more than three days. But I advise going slowly and maybe staying two days at a time in each location. If you want to take a day journey to the alpine village of Theth, stay three days in Shkoder.
First up, Kosovo’s Prizren. Due to its own culture and history, Kosovo is a little country that should not be missed when traveling across the Balkans. A gem of a town, Prizren is located in southern Kosovo and is a more refined counterpart of Pristina, the capital.
A massive fortification perches atop a hill in Prizren, making it the ideal location for a sunrise or sunset. If the sound of the major mosque’s call to prayer hasn’t already transported you to the center of any Islamic nation, there’s an ancient bazaar area.
It takes roughly 30 minutes to drive from Prizren to the Albanian border, and another 2.5 hours to go to Shkoder.
Situated near stunning natural scenery including lakes and mountains, Shkoder serves as the political and economic hub of northern Albania. Take a tour or go by car for a day trip to Theth, a little alpine community encircled by strikingly angular mountains. Shkoder has a plethora of quaint pedestrian walkways where you may unwind on a café terrace or enjoy a drink at a unique tavern.
Ulcinj may be reached from Shkoder with a short drive of around one hour, crossing the Montenegrin border quickly. Numerous coastal communities in Montenegro are well-known for their beaches. Despite being far less well-known, Ulcinj is not an exception.
Enjoy the sun, take a stroll beneath the palm trees, or explore the ancient village that resembles a maze that is perched atop a little hill. Take time to unwind throughout the day and visit the numerous bars and clubs at night for some dancing.
