Rust-red roofs and sand-coloured buildings set again the azure blue of the Adriatic Seas. Quaint and historic towns that feel like a storybook in real life. Wild skies and crashing waves that keep a photographer on his toes.
This, in a nutshell, was our family trip through the Western Balkans and Croatia. Over the course of three weeks in April 2022 we covered about 1,200 kilometres by car and spent from 2 to 5 days in each place. Starting in Tirana, Albania, we went straight from the airport to Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia; onward through Albania to Budva, Montenegro; to Kotor, Montenegro and then to Dubrovnik, Croatia, before going back to Tirana.
Travelling with the family in tow, which includes a 9- and 3-year-old, requires a different sort of balance, photographically speaking. There are times my wife has to hike up ahead with the children so that I can shoot some images, or I’ll head out once everyone is sleeping. At times, we take our turns with the kids so that we each get to spend time doing things we enjoy. All in all, I was happy with the collection of images I returned home with.
Here’s a glimpse into our trip to this remarkable part of the world!
Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Church of Saint John the Theologian on the shores of Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia. Photo: Paul Zizka.
The view form Samuel's Fortress, Ohrid, North Macedonia. We were there in springtime and the blossoms were just opening. Photo: Paul Zizka.
A stormy day on the shores of Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia.
Church of Saint John, North Macedonia, at night. Photo by Paul Zizka.
Underwater relics off in Lake Ohrid, with the town of Ohrid just beyond. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Built in 200 BC, the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid demonstrates all the archaeological wonders that are buried under newer structures in this ancient town. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Montenegro
The resort island of Sveti Stefan, off the coast of Montenegro. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Old Town of Budva at night. Photo: Paul Zizka.
An over/underwater photo taken at the Door in Stone near Budva, Montenegro. Model: Meghan J. Ward. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Meghan and our youngest at the Door in Stone near Budva, Montenegro. Photo: Paul Zizka.
The town of Kotor and Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Entrance into the pedestrian-only town of Kotor, Montenegro. Photo: Paul Zizka.
One of the numerous Cats of Kotor, which roam the town freely. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Meghan and our youngest descend the steps down from the San Giovanni Fortress. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Perast, Montenegro, taken from a boat. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Our Lady of the Rocks in the sun on a stormy day, near Perast, Montenegro. Photo: Paul Zizka
Croatia
Meghan J. Ward overlooking the old city of Dubrovnik from the famous Walls of Dubrovnik - considered to be amongst the great fortification systems of the Middle Ages. Photo: Paul Zizka.
The old Dubrovnik Harbour. Photo: Paul Zizka.
View from the Walls of Dubrovnik down into the narrow streets below. Photo: Paul Zizka.
The matches rooftops of Old Dubrovnik. Photo: Paul Zizka.
The view of Dubrovnik’s West Harbour and the Lovrijenac historic fortress. Model: Meghan J. Ward. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Croatian coastline just outside Dubrovnik. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Over/under shot with tehe Lovrijenac historic fortress. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Laundry drying on a rooftop in Old Dubrovnik, Croatia. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Albania
Submerged tree in the Liqeni Artificial i Tiranës, Tirana, Albania. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Skanderbeg Statue and the Alban Tower, Tirana, Albania. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Alban Tower Tirana, Albania. Photo: Paul Zizka.
More perspectives of the Alban Tower Tirana, Albania. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Hills surrounding Tirana, Albania. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Residential area of Tirana, Albania. Photo: Paul Zizka.