Travel Greece and the Balkans, Amazing Trip! 20-Day Itinerary

Our initial plan was to rent a car and embark on a road trip and travel Greece, North Macedonia, and Albania. However, we quickly discovered that rental cars aren’t allowed to cross the borders between these countries. This threw a bit of a wrench in our plans, but it also forced us to be more creative and resourceful with our transportation options, leading to some unexpected adventures along the way!

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Itinerary Overview

• Day 0: Arrive to Athens or directly to Thessaloniki
• Day 1: Thessaloniki – White Tower, Alexander the Great statue, Arch of Galerius, Rotunda, Ladadika district, Platia Aristotelous square.
• Day 2: Travel from Thessaloniki to Skopje – Explore Skopje: Old Bazaar, Macedonia Square, Bridge of Civilizations, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, Kale Fortress.
• Day 3: Travel to Ohrid.
• Day 4: Explore Ohrid: Church of St. John at Kaneo, Old City Park, Upper Gate, Samuil’s Fortress, Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid.
• Day 5: Travel from Ohrid to Albania.
• Day 6-7: Explore Himara: Porto Palermo Castle, beaches, Himara Castle, Gjiri i Akuariumit.
• Day 8: Travel from Himara to Ksamil.
• Day 9: Ksamil, Butrint National Park.
• Day 10: Travel to Athens.
• Day 11-17: Andros Island – Menites village, Andros Town (Chora), Batsi town, waterfalls, beaches, hiking, scuba diving.
• Day 18-19: Athens – Plaka district, Anafiotika neighborhood, Tower of the Winds, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Monastiraki flea market, Evripides street, Psyrri district, Mount Lycabettus, Temple of Hephaestus, Apostolon Pavlou street, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Acropolis Museum.

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Best Time to travel Greece, North Macedonia and Albania

Summer: During the summer months (June-September), the popular Greek islands come alive. Want to party on Mykonos or enjoy the tranquility of Santorini? Be prepared for strong winds in the Cyclades, the meltemi winds can be quite intense during July and August. In North Macedonia and Albania, summer also offers perfect conditions for sunbathing and swimming, and you can explore beautiful national parks.

Spring and Autumn: If you prefer a slower pace and want to experience the authentic Balkans, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are excellent choices. Enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and blooming nature.

Winter: During the winter months (November-March), the northern parts transform into winter wonderlands and you can even go skiing in the north of Greece and in North Macedonia. In Albania, it can be a bit rainier, but it’s a perfect time to experience the local culture.

How Long Should You Stay when you travel Greece and the Balkans?

Planning a trip to travel Greece, North Macedonia, and Albania can be a delightful challenge! One of the trickiest questions is often: “How long should we stay in each place?”. We wrestled with this same question before we travel Greece and the Balkans. Here is our itinerary and thoughts on how long we spent in each location – hopefully, it gives you some inspiration!

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Travel from Athens to Thessaloniki
• Day 2-5: Skopje and Ohrid, North Macedonia
• Day 6-10: Albania (focus on Himare and Ksamil)
• Day 11-17: Andros, Greece
• Day 18-19: Athens, Greece

Reflections on the trip length:

• Skopje and Ohrid (4 days): For us, this was just the right amount of time to experience these two cities. Skopje offered an interesting mix of old and new, while Ohrid charmed us with its beautiful lake and historic churches.
  • Tip: If you are interested in hiking, consider adding an extra day in Ohrid to explore Galicica National Park.
• Albania (5 days): We really enjoyed our time in Albania! Five days gave us the opportunity to both relax on the beaches of Himare and Ksamil, and to take a day trip to Butrint.
  • Tip: If you want to see more of Albania, consider adding a few days and visiting Gjirokastër.
• Andros (7 days): A week on Andros was perfect for us! We hiked along the scenic trails, swam in crystal clear water and enjoyed the tranquility.
  • Tip: If you are not so interested in hiking, maybe 5 days is enough on Andros. You can then add more time in Athens or Thessaloniki.
• Athens (2 days): Two days in Athens gave us a good introduction to the city, but we only scratched the surface. We visited the Acropolis, explored Plaka, and enjoyed delicious food.
  • Tip: If you want to see more of Athens, we recommend adding at least one day. There are many interesting museums, historical sites, and neighborhoods to explore.

In summary:

We had 20-day to travel Greece, North Macedonia, and Albania and it gave us a wonderful mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation. We felt that we had the right amount of time in each place, but of course, it depends on individual preferences. Use our itinerary as inspiration and adapt it to your own interests and needs!

Accommodation

Choosing the right accommodation when you travel Greece and the balkans can make or break your travel experience. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly hostels, luxurious hotels, or charming guesthouses, here are some tips and recommendations for finding the perfect place to stay in Thessaloniki, Skopje, Himare, Ksamil, Andros, and Athens:

No matter your budget or travel style when you travel Greece and the balkans, there’s an accommodation option out there for you. Do your research, read reviews, and book in advance to secure your perfect place to stay!

Transportation

Athens to Thessaloniki:

• Train: The most convenient and scenic option. High-speed trains connect Athens to Thessaloniki in about 4 hours. Book your tickets in advance on the Trainose website.
• Plane: A quicker option, with flights taking around 1 hour. Check airlines like Aegean Airlines and Ryanair for affordable fares.
• Bus: The most budget-friendly choice, but the journey takes around 6-8 hours. KTEL buses operate frequent services between the two cities.

Thessaloniki to Skopje:

• Bus: The most common way to travel between Thessaloniki and Skopje. Several bus companies offer daily services, with journey times around 4-5 hours.
• Tip: Consider booking your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

Skopje to Ohrid:

• Bus: Frequent bus services connect Skopje and Ohrid, with a journey time of around 3 hours.
• Shared taxi: A faster and more flexible option, but slightly more expensive. You can find shared taxis at the bus station in Skopje.

Ohrid to Himare:

• Bus: Direct buses from Ohrid to Himare are limited. You might need to take a bus to Vlorë and then another bus to Himare.
• Furgon: These shared minibuses are a popular mode of transport in Albania. They are more frequent than buses and offer a more flexible service.
• Tip: Be prepared for a scenic but winding journey along the Albanian Riviera.

Himare to Ksamil:

• Bus: There are regular buses between Himare and Ksamil, with a journey time of about 1 hour.
• Taxi: A convenient option for a quick transfer, but it will be more expensive than the bus.

Ksamil to Athens:

• Ferry to Corfu: Take a ferry from Ksamil to Corfu (frequent ferries available).
• Ferry to Igoumenitsa: From Corfu, take a ferry to Igoumenitsa on mainland Greece.
• Bus to Athens: KTEL buses operate frequent services from Igoumenitsa to Athens.
• OR Fly from Corfu to Athens: Flights from Corfu to Athens are frequent and take around 1 hour. This can save you considerable travel time compared to the ferry and bus option. Check airlines like Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air.
• Tip: This is a multi-stage journey, so factor in enough time for connections.

Athens to Andros:

• Ferry: Ferries to Andros depart from the port of Rafina, which is about 30 minutes from Athens.
• Getting to Rafina: You can reach Rafina by bus (KTEL) or taxi from Athens.
• Ferry companies: Check ferry schedules and book tickets online with companies like Cyclades Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries.

Map for when you travel Greece and the Balkans

A qick Carry-On Guide

Travel Greece and the balkans with just a carry-on gives you freedom and flexibility. No checked baggage fees, no waiting at baggage claim, and easy mobility between destinations. Here are our top tips for packing smart for your 20-day Balkan adventure:

Tips for Carry-On Success:

• Roll, don’t fold: Rolling clothes saves space and minimizes wrinkles.
• Use packing cubes: These keep your bag organized and compress clothing.
• Wear your bulkiest items: Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane.
• Maximize space: Stuff socks and underwear into shoes to save space.
• Layer up: Instead of packing bulky sweaters, layer lighter clothing items.
• Do laundry: Plan to do laundry midway through your trip to refresh your wardrobe.
• Embrace minimalism: Be realistic about what you truly need. Leave unnecessary items at home.
• Check airline restrictions: Confirm your airline’s carry-on size and weight limits.

Bonus Tip: Pack a small, lightweight bag that can be folded and stored in your carry-on. This can be used for day trips or shopping excursions.

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Full Itinerary for when you travel Greece and the Balkans:

Take a stroll along the beautiful waterfront promenade. Enjoy the sea breeze, admire the iconic White Tower, and pause at the statue of Alexander the Great. Continue along Dim Gounan street, where ancient ruins mingle with modern buildings. Don’t miss the impressive Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, a historical church with a fascinating past. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere in the Ladadika district and Platia Aristotelous square. Here, you’ll find cozy tavernas, trendy bars, and a variety of shops. Indulge in a classic gyro and soak up the local vibes.

If you have a extra day in Thessaloniki, check out these one-day trips:

Day 2: Thessaloniki to Skopje

It’s time to bid farewell to charming Thessaloniki. Board your bus departing at 8:30 AM and prepare for a five-hour journey to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Be aware that border control can take up to an hour.

Upon arrival in Skopje, we recommend staying in the old town for its charming atmosphere and historical significance. Hotel Premium, located about two kilometers from the bus station, is a good option. Macedonian cuisine is known for its grilled meats, and you’ll find small grill stands on almost every street. Be sure to sample some local specialties as you explore the city.

Wander through the bustling Old Bazaar and be captivated by the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of food. You’ll find everything from traditional crafts to spices and textiles.

Take a walk across the historic Stone Bridge and admire the imposing statue of Alexander the Great in Macedonia Square. The Bridge of Civilizations, another beautiful bridge, is a must-see in Skopje. Visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa to learn more about the renowned humanitarian who was born in Skopje.

Enjoy a spectacular sunset from the Kale Fortress, an ancient fortress that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city. In the evenings, you can enjoy live music at one of the many bars in the Old Town. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer traditional Macedonian music or more modern tunes.

If you have a extra day in Skopje, check out these tours:

Day 3: Explore Ohrid

After an exciting day in Skopje, it’s time to change scenery and enjoy some relaxation. Hop on the bus to Ohrid, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Ohrid. The journey takes about four hours. Once in Ohrid, we stayed at Darija Apartments, an excellent choice for those seeking comfortable and relaxing accommodation with lake views. Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, and a paradise for swimmers. Pack your swimsuit and enjoy the pristine waters. After your swim, stroll through the charming old town and discover its narrow streets, picturesque squares, and beautiful churches.

Ohrid is famous for its beautiful pearls, and there are still a few families who produce authentic Ohrid pearls by hand. Visit Talevi, for example, and discover the fascinating process behind the creation of these unique jewels.

End the day with dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Enjoy delicious food and stunning views of the lake. Remember to book a table in advance, as waterfront restaurants are very popular.

Day 4: Explore Ohrid

Pack your swimsuit and start the day with a relaxing walk along the lake towards the Church of St. John at Kaneo. The church is perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Continue your walk through the Old City Park, where you can enjoy greenery and tranquility.

After your walk, you’ll reach the Upper Gate, one of the old city gates. From here, you can climb up to Samuels Fortress, an imposing fortress with a long and fascinating history. To get a glimpse into Ohrid’s ancient past, visit the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid. This well-preserved theater is a reminder of the city’s importance in antiquity. As the days become hot in the summer, take a dip in Lake Ohrid. Beach Labino is a popular choice. 

In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere on the main street. Here you will find a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops. For a more authentic experience, try a local restaurant outside the tourist areas, we had a fantastic dinner at Restaurant Fortuna.

Check out these tours in Ohrid:

Day 5: Ohrid to Himara

Morning breaks over Ohrid, and it’s time to bid farewell to this beautiful city. Pack your bags and head to the bus station to catch the bus to Tirana, the capital of Albania. The bus departs at 8:00 AM and the journey takes about three and a half hours.

If you have some extra time, it might be worth staying a night in Tirana to explore the city. But if you, like us, are eager to reach the coast, you can continue directly to Himara. There are two daily bus connections between Tirana and Himara, but tickets cannot be purchased in advance. As our bus from Ohrid was delayed, we opted for a taxi instead. The journey took about four hours and cost us 100 EUR. An alternative is to rent a car for more flexibility, especially if you want to explore the area on your own. The road to Himara is an experience in itself. It winds through mountainous landscapes, offering stunning views. Although the road can be a bit winding in places, work was underway to build modern highways.

Once in Himara, we checked into Bourbos Summer Rooms, a cozy accommodation with a fantastic terrace overlooking the sea and mountains. The location is perfect, right in the center of Himara and close to the beach. Himara is a charming little village with a relaxed atmosphere. In the evenings, it’s lovely to stroll along the beach promenade and soak up the local atmosphere. In Albania, it’s tradition to go out and socialize after the sun has set, so you’re guaranteed to find plenty of life and activity.

Check out these tours from Tirana if you decide to stay there for one day:

Day 6: Explore Himara and its surroundings

To explore Himara and its surroundings more flexibly, we recommend renting a scooter. It’s a perfect way to reach remote beaches, charming villages, and historical sites.

Start your day with a visit to Porto Palermo Castle. This impressive fortress is beautifully situated by the sea and offers fantastic views. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb up to the roof terrace for an even better panoramic view. After visiting the castle, continue to Borsh Beach, the longest and largest beach on the Ionian Sea. Here you can enjoy the sun, take a swim in the crystal-clear water, and relax on a sun lounger. The beach is usually quite deserted, which provides a nice contrast to the more touristy beaches in Greece. In the afternoon, you can return to Himara and enjoy a spectacular sunset from Himara Castle. If you don’t have time to go up there today, you can save it for tomorrow. After a day full of adventures, it’s time to a delicious dinner. We recommend Lefteris Tavern, where you can taste traditional Albanian dishes.

Day 7: Himara: Explore the coast from the water

Today we recommend a day on the water! Rent a kayak and paddle out to Gjiri i Akuariumit, a hidden little beach surrounded by turquoise water and lush greenery. Here you can swim, snorkel or just relax in the sun.

After your kayaking adventure, you can return to Himara and relax at the public beach. In the afternoon, you can head up the hill to Himara Castle. It takes about 35 minutes to walk up from the Himara center. The view from the castle is beautiful but not the most beautiful sunset we have seen.

Other things to do in Himara:

Day 8: Himara to Ksamil

Ask the staff at your accommodation when the buses to Saranda depart. There is no official bus stop in Himara, but the buses stop in front of the Supermarket on the main street, so be prepared to wave the bus down when you see it coming. Keep in mind that buses in Albania don’t always have air conditioning, so remember to bring water. The journey to Saranda takes about an hour and a half. Once in Saranda, you change buses to Ksamil. Buses run approximately once an hour and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes. Ksamil is a popular tourist resort with beautiful beaches and a livelier pace than Himara. Here you can find a wider range of restaurants, bars and hotels.

For lunch, we recommend the restaurant Beshiku, a popular fast food place that offers both local and international dishes. When evening comes, you can enjoy a waterfront dinner at Guvat Bar Restaurant. Here you can enjoy good food while admiring the sunset over the sea.

Day 9: Butrint

Get up early and take the local bus to Butrint, which only takes 10 minutes. Butrint is one of Albania’s most impressive archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore ruins from different eras, from ancient Greece to Roman and Byzantine times.

We had misread the opening hours and arrived an hour before they opened. We were lucky and were allowed in already at 08:10 (they opened at 09:00) and then had the whole park to ourselves! 

Day 10: Travel Day Himara to Athens

Day 11-17: Andros

Today we continue to travel Greece and set off for the green island of Andros, the northernmost in the Cyclades. We got up early to catch the boat that departed at 07:50. The journey takes about two hours and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the view of the Aegean Sea. From Andros you can also continue to other islands in the Cyclades, such as Mykonos, Naxos or Santorini.

We recommend renting a car, which you need to pre-book. This gives you complete flexibility to explore the island on your own. Andros is a paradise for hikers. We found the AllTrails app useful for finding hiking trails that suited us. For example, you can hike to the Pithara waterfall and from Gavrio there are several well-marked hiking trails to choose from. We chose a trail that took us through olive trees and vineyards and up to Agios Petros Tower. At the highest point we had a fantastic view of the whole city and the sea. Don’t forget to bring water!

Secret waterfall

By chance, we had heard about the secret waterfall Gerolimni and decided to try to get there. The trail starts at the village of Vourkoti and takes you through beautiful scenery, although the hike is demanding. Note! The path is unmarked and requires some climbing, but the reward is a fantastic waterfall where you can swim and swing in the liana.

A short but adventurous hiking trail leads to the impressive stone pillar Tis Grias To Pidma where we took the opportunity to take a swim in the sea.

Other things to do in Andros:

Visiting the picturesque village of Menites. The village is known for its many water sources and offers a relaxing atmosphere. Visit the charming town of Batsi. Here is a wide range of restaurants, cafes and shops. Walk along the beach promenade and enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Andros Town, the island’s capital. Here you will find a cozy square where you can have dinner at the traditional Greek tavernas. Then stroll around the narrow streets and admire the white houses with blue details. Visit the port of Gavrio and enjoy a delicious and affordable gyro at Francesco’s. 

Beaches to visit include Pardia Chalkolimnionas, Paralia Kipri, which is known for its quieter location compared to other beaches on the island. In addition to beach life, you can rent a boat, try water sports or visit one of the island’s many attractions. For those who want to scuba dive or snorkel, we recommend a diving day with Scuba Andros. They offer diving excursions for both beginners and experienced divers.

If you don’t want to drive by yourself in Andros you can book a tour instead:

Day 18: Athens

We bid farewell to Andros and took the ferry back to Rafina. A short bus ride later, we found ourselves in the heart of Athens, checking into our accommodation, Athens Studie Greece, with the Acropolis as our next-door neighbor.

Outside the hotel, a city steeped in history awaited. We began our exploration with a leisurely stroll around the Acropolis, its majestic silhouette rising against the clear blue sky. We then wandered through the charming alleys of Plaka and Anafiotika, getting lost in the labyrinthine streets and soaking up the atmosphere.

Our walk continued past the Tower of the Winds and the Roman Agora, where we imagined life in ancient Athens. Hadrian’s Library, with its impressive architecture, left a lasting impression. In Monastiraki, we encountered a fascinating mix of ancient artifacts and modern souvenirs, a reminder of the city’s rich history and vibrant present.

We continued our walk along the bustling shopping street of Ermou and the colorful districts of Psyrri and around Mount Lycabettus. We passed the Temple of Hephaestus and strolled along the charming boulevard of Apostolon Pavlou.

Suddenly, we were once again facing the majestic entrance of the Acropolis. Despite the crowds, it was an unforgettable experience to climb the hill and be rewarded with panoramic views of Athens.

Day 19: Athens

Before our departure, we took the opportunity to delve deeper into Athens’ rich history. We started the day at the impressive Temple of Olympian Zeus, where we imagined the ancient games. Next, we visited the Panathenaic Stadium, the first modern Olympic stadium, and felt the weight of history.

To gain a deeper understanding of the Acropolis and its significance, we visited the Acropolis Museum. Here we saw incredible artifacts and learned more about its construction and history.

Your Balkan Adventure Awaits!

We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the incredible Balkan region! With its rich history, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality, Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia are sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Remember that flexibility is key to a successful trip when you travel Greece and the Balkans. Embrace the unexpected, be open to new experiences, and let the Balkans enchant you with their magic.

Do you have any questions or tips to share when you travel Greece and the Balkans? Feel free to leave a comment below!

And don’t forget to share this guide with your friends and follow us on social media for more travel inspiration!

Happy travels!

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