From Skopje to Corfu

We love to travel to countries that are not popular tourist destinations. And the less you know about these destinations, the more exciting it is to experience them firsthand.

So we decided to embark on an 18-day road trip through the southern Balkans: we started in Macedonia, then spent a week in neighboring Albania, and finally enjoyed a few relaxing days on the Greek island of Corfu.

#Macedonia - Skopje

Our trip began in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. The city center is easily accessible and has a lot to offer for the eyes. In addition to many elegant buildings and bridges, you will find one thing above all - statues, lots of statues. First and foremost, the monstrous statue of Alexander the Great - the celebrated national hero of the Macedonians. As you walk around, you are constantly serenaded with classical music through loudspeakers - somewhat surreal, but charming.

But you can also find a Turkish-Oriental touch in the city. In the bazaar district, you can experience the original Skopje with lots of knick-knacks, lovely and extremely friendly people, and delicious tea.

You can also indulge in culinary delights. The cuisine is very hearty, incredibly delicious, and dirt cheap. Even the occasional drink is affordable on a tight budget.

Skopje is definitely worth a visit and can easily compete with the major European cities.

#Macedonia - Ohrid

From Skopje, you can reach the Ohrid Lake, a completely unknown gem in Europe, in about 3 hours by bus. It is one of the oldest lakes on our continent and is said to be particularly deep. The town of Ohrid, located idyllically on the shores, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List with its small old town. You can have a very carefree and beautiful beach holiday here.

The lake invites you to swim, from cozy beach bars you can watch the colorful hustle and bustle or explore the surroundings and climb up to the photogenic cathedral above the water.

You should also not miss the sunset with a beer from the lakeside. Absolutely fantastic!

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#Albania - Crossing the Border to an Completely Unknown Country

Then it was time for the first change of country! From Ohrid, it was not far to the Albanian border. When we arrived there, we had to WALK across the border with our backpacks because the Macedonian taxi did not continue. A strange and exciting moment! We then decided to march to the next village to cautiously approach our next travel destination.

#Albania - Pogradec

The first larger town that welcomed us was Pogradec and it was exactly what you would expect from an Albanian town: ugly concrete buildings, rundown cars, lots of trash, and stray dogs. We didn't feel very comfortable at first until we found our accommodation behind the New Cathedral - a nice Albanian lady greeted us and showed us the room.

The New Cathedral in Pogradec

We wanted to give the city another chance with a little walk and ventured into the city center. It was much friendlier there and you could feel that the residents were slowly but surely turning their homes into a little gem.

At the bazaar, you could buy all sorts of things, and in a street café, we had our first Albanian espresso. And if you think it was just a brown, tasteless brew, you are completely wrong - the Albanians can make excellent coffee. And the best part: an espresso costs only 50 cents.

At the bazaar...

After our first night in Pogradec, we moved on and learned about a small Albanian mountain village...

#Albania - Voskopoja

... and so it happened that about an hour later, we were sitting in a Mercedes Sprinter, which certainly would not pass the German TÜV, but it had about 12 seats. Together with about 25 (!) Albanian passengers, we drove, sorry: raced, over rough and bumpy roads. Unimaginable in Germany! But the horsepower of the old wreck seemed to still be in good shape. Then we entered a rugged, wild mountain landscape, which couldn't have been more beautiful.

In the Albanian Alps

Shortly afterwards, we reached a small village called Voskopoja, which supposedly used to be an important trading and economic town in the past. There is no sign of that today. The sandy dirt road of the charming village was just replaced by cobblestones. We walked past lovingly restored houses and gardens when suddenly a girl waved at us from one of those gardens and asked us in basic English if we were looking for a room. Immediately, we went to see the room and were thrilled. A simple room with a small stove, ancient but comfortable bed, and a bathroom. Everything you need! We also got to meet the girl's parents. Incredibly nice people who couldn't speak a word of English but convinced us with their incredible hospitality. By 2 o'clock in the afternoon, we had already had various homemade rakija with our hosts in their beautiful garden and smoked Albanian killer cigarettes until our ears were smoking. After that, a glass of honey and freshly picked plums were brought out just to make us feel at home. And these Albanians definitely succeeded!

The garden of our Albanian hosts

The green raki bottle was still full at first

We also explored the surroundings and found one of the many bunkers from the time of the dictatorship. Various ruins stood lonely and abandoned in the prairie, waiting for the occasional visitor. Hay was piled up into strange pyramids, horses grazed on lush meadows, chickens patrolled the yards, and the sun smiled through the colorful fruit trees.

Although life up here seems anything but easy, it is still a place of happiness - a form of happiness that may not be immediately apparent at first glance.

#Albania - Gjirokastra

The next stop on our road trip was mentioned in every Albania travel guide - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Gjirokastra. It astonishes not only with its peculiar-looking houses from the Ottoman era but also with a beautiful old town.

After our first night, we were asked by the receptionist of our hotel if we wanted to be extras in a small TV report for Albanian television, which was about her ascent in the tough tourism industry. She actually wanted to become a teacher, but since she belonged to the 'wrong' party, the government prevented her from pursuing her desired profession. So she successfully established herself in the travel industry. One day later, we appeared on Albanian television!

The city itself boasts an ancient fortress, which offers a fantastic panorama. On the way there, locals sell dried herbs and other knick-knacks. Although the people here are desperately poor, they are never bitter or rude. So you might as well take home a wonderfully fragrant bunch of oregano.

This city should definitely not be missed on a trip to Albania as it offers a fascinating atmosphere - especially in the evening when you can get delicious food for a few euros and the lanterns bathe the old town in a warm light.

#Albania - Saranda

On the west coast of southern Albania, you will even find a real seaside resort - Saranda. The pretty coastal town may remind you of Italian towns in the 70s, but after a short acclimatization phase, it is quite pleasant here. There is crystal clear water, cozy and excellent restaurants, a very clean and well-maintained promenade, and 4 scoops of ice cream for 80 cents - all in Albania!

#Albania - Butrint & Blue Eye

From Saranda, you can take various trips, for example, to the ancient Roman port city of Butrint. If you like archaeological sites and ruins, this is the place for you!

A real natural spectacle can be found west of Saranda - the Blue Eye. It is an underground karst spring. Certain minerals give the water an intense blue color.

Although we initially had difficulties with this country, it has to be admitted that Albania is indeed a real alternative to the usual holiday destinations in Europe. It offers unspoiled nature, exciting cities, very hospitable residents, and is very affordable. Viva Albania!!!

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#Corfu - Crossing the Border by Ferry

From Saranda, you can already see the mainland on the horizon of the Mediterranean Sea - more precisely, the Greek island of Corfu, which is only three kilometers away. And of course, you can reach it from Saranda by ferry.

After only 90 minutes of sailing, we arrived on the green island, which is part of the Ionian Islands. We survived the somewhat tedious passport control in the best weather, and with public transportation, we headed to our hotel in the south of Corfu. We immediately tested the pool and the local beer and went for a refreshing swim in the sea. The last days of our trip had begun...

#Corfu - Corfu Town

If you like Italy, you will love Corfu Town. Here you can stroll through alleys, go souvenir shopping, and enjoy delicious Greek cuisine. Nevertheless, you can still feel the influence of the Venetians who once ruled here. A simply wonderful, charming little town! By the way, the best view is from the new fortress, which you can enter for free.

Another highlight is the airport of Corfu. It is located partly in the water. A few hundred meters behind the runway is a jetty where you can watch the incoming planes. They fly right over you and land on the runway a few seconds later. It gives you goosebumps!

Approach to Corfu

#Corfu - Afionas & Porto Timoni

In the northwest of Corfu, you will find a very special beach - a twin bay. You can reach it on foot via the picturesque village of Afionas. Simply follow the signs and enjoy the magnificent view of the sea. Before you know it, you have arrived and can choose between two parts of the beach - the sheltered and slightly busier side or the windy but almost deserted side.

Exploring the idyllic village of Afionas

View of the twin bay

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Once again, it was the right decision to choose countries as holiday destinations that are not well-known tourist destinations. But it has been shown once again that it is worth visiting such off-the-beaten-path places and experiencing them. Albania, in particular, has surprised us and captivated us. It still qualifies as a true insider tip!