09.02.2023 – Day 6 – Tirana to Thessaloniki – 421 km
09:03 a.m.
After a typical Albanian breakfast (omelette, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese and fruit juice), we set off for stage 6.
Albania is one of the poorest countries we’ve visited so far. Agriculture is the most important economic sector, but few farmers can support themselves.
On the shores of Lake Ohrid, we met an elderly couple offering onion braids and walnuts who gave us three apples. Though at first we thought of politely refusing, this probably would have been seen as an insult.
Our journey took us over miles of bad roads, with heavy traffic and bold overtakes – we were all on edge by the end. We noticed a remarkably high number of gravestones along the road as we crossed into Albania. This must have something to do with the way the locals drive. That’s also why we came across a large number of police checks, which we were never stopped for. The police likely just didn’t want to bother with the language barrier.
12:45 p.m.
Arrival at the Albanian border at Kapshticë
12:59 p.m.
Crossing the border into western Macedonia was more or less efficient; the friendly customs officers exempted us from checks. Time zone change: + 1 hour.
After crossing the border, we notice a marked improvement in road conditions. We continued on the motorway to Chloi. By attempting to avoid battery-sparing driving (120 km/h at all times), we ended up with high electricity consumption.
In Greece, too, a regular feature alongside the roads are various mini-churches (called proskinitàdia). They are built for the victims of road accidents, either by the relatives of victims or sometimes by the injured themselves.
Charging stop at Chloi/GR: battery level 29%; range 107 km, average consumption 19.2 kWh/100km.
4:55 p.m.
After the charging stop and a light snack, we set off for Thessaloniki, 191 km away. Battery level: 96%.
7:15 p.m.
Arrival at the Athina Airport Hotel, Thessaloniki-Peraia, Thérmi, 24 degrees – it’s the worst hotel we’ve had so far on our trip.
Total distance covered: 2415 km – daily stage 421 km
