📅  17th July 2025 📍Tirana

From Croatia to North Macedonia – Borders, Buzz, and Balkan Heat

We rolled into Croatia late at night – another country checked off the growing list. The roads were quiet, but our mission was clear: reach the last IONITY charger in the region. It was a key charging point on our route, and we made the most of it. With the battery fully charged and the stars above us, we continued southward, chasing the next border crossing.

Montenegro greeted us with morning light and a quick stop at the Volkswagen dealer in Podgorica. Efficient, friendly, and fast – just the way we like it. Another charge, another stamp in the mental passport of this world tour.

From there, it was a short but dusty ride into Albania. The landscape changed quickly – the air warmer, the colors more intense, the streets alive. Tirana welcomed us with open arms. At the local VW dealership, we were greeted like old friends. And it wasn’t just the ID. Buzz that got the energy boost – we did too. Cold drinks, hot food, and a moment to catch our breath before heading back into the hills.

The route from Tirana to Kosovo was nothing short of spectacular – winding through rugged mountain terrain, with panoramic views that reminded us why we love road trips. Even the tired EV seemed to enjoy the curves.

As night fell, we made it into Kosovo and pushed on toward North Macedonia. Thanks to Volkswagen, we found another fast charger waiting for us, right when we needed it most. A quick top-up later, and we were ready for the next chapter.

Next stop: Sofia