Have you travelled in Albania and/or Macedonia? I will be travelling there in April 2011 with my daughter and would love to hear from others who have been there. My biggest concern is public transportation and the roads. Has anyone used a furgon? Is the road between Gjirokastra and Orhid (Macedonia) terrifyingly bad? Any information you can offer would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1610 posts
We were there about 4-5 years ago. The roads we traveled in Albania and Macedonia were fine. Our route was: Ulcinj (Montenegro) - Shokdhra (Albania) and then onto Tirana
Tirana-Ohrid A furgon is just a large minivan/mini-bus that seats between 10 - 15 people. The key to transportation in Albania is to have precise information on where the furgons leave from and the timings. I strongly recommend the Lonely Planet guidebook and their thorn tree forum for more detailed information. I found information hard to come by when we were on the ground - hence, go prepared. Lastly - do not be put off by the challenges - it is worthwhile to see these countries. Lake Ohrid is a delightful town - try the crepes in the cafes there.
Posted by
OP
k-town, wa, usa
8 posts
Thank you for the info! I will check out the lonely planet forum.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Never been to Albania, but I was in Macedonia about 10 years ago. Most of what I saw, quite frankly, did not impress me- but note, I didn't go to Lake Ohrid, of which I've nothing but good things. There's some impressive mountains around Skopje, but I found the city itself to be the ugliest capital in Europe. The roads were drivable, if not in ideal condition. The M2 on the way to Sofia ascends high into the mountains. This might be one of the most scenic roadways on the continent.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1610 posts
Skopje is definitely not attractive but L. Ohrid is in a different category. Forgot to add in my first post 2 websites that I have always found useful. 1) balkanology.com 2) inyourpocket.com - I love their free guidebooks which are far superior to almost anything you will find in a bookstore here - They have the latest info and from the locals who live in the area.
Posted by
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA
62 posts
I've been to Macedonia twice (by car) and Albania once (bus). Skopje has little to recommend it but Lake Ohrid is very nice and well worth a visit. Driving in Macedonia is actually quite easy and the roads are in good condition with many of the major road signs using both Cyrillic and Latin script (unlike many parts of Bulgaria). I was not as far south as Gjirokastra so I cannot comment on the roads but much of Albania is mountainous and the roads are twisty and heavily traveled by trucks. Unless you ahve nerves of steel behind the wheel the use of the bus might be a better option for travel in Albania.
Posted by
OP
k-town, wa, usa
8 posts
Thanks for your reply. I definitely don't plan on driving myself. I have been reading Lonely Planet (book & website) and they are definitely helpful. Still hoping to hear from someone who has travelled that road between Gjirokastra and Orhid. I watched Rick's Montenegro episode tonight, that looks exciting! The roads are twisty, but look in good condition. Thanks to everyone who has replied, so helpful.