A Road Trip Through the Balkans

On the first weekend of June, joined by a Caribbean friend and three Turks, we decided to make the most of a few free days and explore a small corner of the Balkans. What began as a casual plan quickly turned into an unforgettable road trip across borders, landscapes, and cultures. With our bags packed and car rented, we hit the road and drove straight to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. We didn’t know it yet, but an incredible adventure full of surprises, laughter, and cultural wonders was waiting just around the corner.

Day One: Discovering Pristina from Above

Our journey started smoothly with a short 1.5–2 hour drive on a modern highway. When we arrived in Pristina, we met some volunteer friends from the VCS (Volunteers Centre Skopje) who joined us for the day.

Our first stop was the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, one of the city’s iconic modern landmarks. We climbed the bell tower, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city, perfect for capturing breathtaking photos and getting a true sense of the urban layout. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious meal at a local restaurant, said goodbye to our friends heading back to Skopje, and spent the evening strolling along a vibrant city street, chatting in the local atmosphere.

Day Two: Albania’s Hidden Charms and Montenegro’s Mountain Roads

Early Sunday morning, we set off toward Montenegro. Our journey took us through Lezhë and Shkodër in northern Albania, two cities not often visited by tourists, but filled with charm and local flavor. We took short breaks to sample traditional Albanian dishes like stuffed peppers (dolma), sarmas, and slow-cooked stews. These small towns, while modest in fame, impressed us with their natural beauty and authenticity.

Crossing into Montenegro, the scenery changed. Towering green mountains, narrow one-lane roads through forested hills, and long tunnels welcomed us. Though the winding mountain roads required concentration, the views were more than rewarding. Before reaching Budva, we noticed a small church perched on a hill—St. Sava Church—and decided to detour for sunset. The climb was steep and rugged, but the panoramic view of the Adriatic coast at golden hour was unforgettable.

Afterward, we settled into our accommodation in Budva. In the evening, we explored the famed Old Town (Stari Grad), with its stone alleys, historical churches, cozy cafés, and boutique shops. The town was lively, full of energy and visitors from all over—especially many fellow Turkish tourists. We ended the night sitting by the sea, talking under the stars.

Day Three: Swimming and Sipping Coffee in Kotor

Monday morning began with a refreshing swim at one of Budva’s picturesque beaches. The crystal-clear water, cool breeze, and the silhouette of the city from the sea created a peaceful start to the day. After drying off and packing up, we hit the road toward Kotor, one of Montenegro’s most famous and photogenic towns.

Located on a stunning fjord-like bay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor enchanted us with its preserved medieval architecture. The Old Town here feels like stepping into a different era_, tight stone passageways, hidden squares, old cathedrals, and Venetian influences on every corner. We took a coffee break at a quiet local café and let ourselves get lost in the rhythm of the city.

Compared to Budva’s youthful and energetic vibe, Kotor had a more tranquil, unique atmosphere. Where Budva felt like a seaside city, Kotor was a living museum.

Day Four: One Last Look at the Adriatic

On our final evening in Budva, we packed our bags and went for one last seaside sit-down. The breeze, the waves, and our conversations reminded us of how much we had seen and shared in just a few days.

As we drove back to Macedonia the next morning, there was a strange blend of emotions, relieved and happy to return to our volunteer office in Skopje, yet nostalgic to leave behind Montenegro’s nature, history, and hospitality.

What This Trip Left Behind

This wasn’t just a road trip, it was a reminder of how much can be packed into four days when the road is open and the friends are right. Every border crossing brought a new language, every town its own rhythm, every meal a story. In just four days, we tasted the Balkans in all their complexity and beauty: lively cities, sleepy villages, mountain passes, coastal sunsets.

But most importantly, we came back a little different. More connected to the world, to each other, and to ourselves. The Balkans gave us more than memories, it gave us a new way of seeing.

Furkan Öğüt