When you are traveling to a new country you want to do special activities. When a country is small and bordered by other small nations, like Albania, taking day trips to its neighboring countries can be an exciting option. This is a good idea if you want a quick check in to a new country or an extra stamp in your passport.
In Albania you can get 3 other new stamps, from: North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro.
1. Day Trip to Ohrid, North Macedonia:
One of the most beautiful UNESCO sites and a short 2.5 hours drive from Tirana is Ohrid. Situated by Ohrid Lake, Ohrid is a city where time seems to stand still. Ohrid is renowned for its 365 churches, each reflecting the influence of various cultures from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire, and more. A tip for this day would be to drive alongside the lake and explore Saint Naum Monastery. You can cross the border to re-enter Albania on the other side of the lake and visit Pogradec City also. Have a nice day visiting Lake Ohrid on both sides.
2. Day Trip to Prizren & Prishtina, Kosovo
Another option is to take a tour to the brother country of Albania, Kosovo. The border is being removed between Albania and Kosovo so probably you will not get a stamp, but still a good selfie with a check-in is an option.
Prishtina is the capital of Kosovo with Prizren being its cultural capital. Prizren is a short 2.5 hours’ drive from Tirana. You can explore the old town of Prizren and enjoy a lunch in the traditional taverns of the city. Another 1-hour drive will bring you to Prishtina. In Prishtina you can see the city centre and enjoy a walk around.
3. Day Trip to Budva & Kotor, Montenegro
Budva and Kotor are situated by the Adriatic Sea and use to be pirate cities. The beautiful Venetian architecture of the old towns and their location by the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea makes them one of the most stunning attractions of the region. Along the drive there are several places worth for a short stop like Sveti Stefan. Budva is reached after 3.5 hours’ drive and Kotor only 30 minutes from Budva. These destinations are a bit further then the previous two from Tirana, however it will be forth it.