Plan the Perfect Albanian Road Trip: Highlights, Itinerary & Tips

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Plan your own adventure with this Albania road trip guide! Includes an itinerary, driving tips and suggested route.

Albania, to this day, remains one of our favourite countries we’ve travelled to. What made us fall so easily in love with this country? An Albanian road trip.

There are certain destinations that are just meant to be explored by car and Albania is without a doubt one of those places.

It’s a land overflowing with history, iconic landmarks, soaring mountains and beaches with some of the clearest water in Europe. However, these incredible sights aren’t always in plain view which is why Albania is ideally explored by car.

In this guide, we’ve included everything you should know when planning a road trip in Albania. You’ll find everything from a suggested road trip itinerary, the route, tips and highlights you can’t miss.

Use our recommendations to craft an Albanian road trip best suited for you.

Albanian Road Trip Essentials

🚗 Book an inexpensive rental car from Tirana Airport upon flying into Tirana. However, try to spend as little time as possible driving in the city centre of Tirana (or any major city in Albania).

🐑 It isn’t challenging to drive in Albania for any confident driver. The top things to be aware of are animals crossing the streets, curvy or narrow roads and excessive tailgating and passing.

⏱ An Albanian road trip can be completed in one week, but we highly recommend to set aside two weeks if time allows for it.

⛱ A solid Albanian road trip includes beautiful beaches along the coastline, national parks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Make sure you visit all the various areas of the country!

⛑ Stay prepared for the unexpected and purchase travel insurance for your Albanian road trip.

Is Albania Worth Visiting?

Both a blessing and a curse, Albania is one of those places that’s not at the top of many travel bucket lists. Visiting Albania never even crossed our minds until we were in a neighbouring country and thought “well, let’s just drive a little further.”

Before we knew it, we were in Albania and absolutely stunned by the country that many travellers were missing out on. 

Albania is the true definition of a hidden gem and will not disappoint those looking to discover lesser known treasures. Its remarkable landscape keeps you on your toes with one scenic surprises after another.

Whether you’re most interested in wondrous national parks and mountains or dreamy coastlines and days at the beach, Albania is a beautiful destination for both.

Although this tends to sell Albania short, Albania is also a popular summer holiday alternative to Greece, which is more expensive.

Aside from its magnificent natural wonders, the country provides something that is often hard to find for travellers seeking a unique experience. Albania is first and foremost, one of the most authentic places to visit.

Naturally, there are developed areas where tourists flock to but there are also many places to visit which remain undisturbed and in a natural state. If your travel style is similar to ours, this is undoubtedly one of the characteristics that make a place worth exploring.  

🇦🇱 You May Like: Unique Things to Do in Albania

Albania Highlights on a Map

Albanian Road Trip: Best Places to Visit

1. Vlorë

As the third most densely populated city in Albania, it’s also one of the oldest and was originally founded by the Ancient Greeks. Vlorë is endowed with a spectacular setting of a gorgeous coastline and beaches along with the rolling hills of the Ceraunian Mountains.

The city is also situated on the bay which serves as a meeting point of two seas, the Adriatic and Ionian.

Things to Do in Vlorë

Venture Off to St Mary’s Monastery – On the outskirts of the Narta Lagoon sits the St Mary’s Monastery. It is isolated from the main land and connected by a curvy pedestrian bridge.

The monastery is technically located on one of the Zvërnec islands, along with another secluded church named St. Trinity Church. While you’re in the mood for walking, the Narta Lighthouse is another distinguished landmark worth seeing.

Wander Through Vlora Old Town – The old town of Vlorë is a convenient place to catch some of the main highlights of the city, all in one place. Within the town centre, you’ll find the History Museum, Independence Monument, Heritage Museum, 16th-century mosque and ruins of the city’s fortress walls.

Drive Through Llogara National Park – Upon leaving Vlore to head towards southern Albania, you’ll get on the SH8 road. Take your time during this leg of your Albanian road trip so you don’t miss a thing!

There are many eateries, roadside stands and viewpoints to admire as you pass through Llogara National Park.

2. Tirana

Albania’s capital city of Tirana (or Tiranë) is a complex mashup of its interesting past. Once under Ottoman rule, you can most recently notice the lingering influences of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia left behind on Tirana.

From massive apartment complexes to bleak government buildings, the city’s landscape includes as much old as there is new.

Tirana unsurprisingly shares the same hustle and bustle you’ll find in most European metropolises, as well as a progressive young generation.

The city’s citizens have taken it upon themselves to bring a lively energy to Tirana with many trendy cafes, outdoor restaurants and cultural events.

Things to Do in Tirana

Skanderbeg Square – Right in the center and heart of Tirana, you’ll find Skanderbeg Square in addition to Albania’s National History Museum. The museum is one of the city’s most prominent things to see in Tirana.

Bunk’Art 2 – A more eclectic take on a Soviet era museum can be found at Bunk’Art 2. This Communist-era nostalgia collection is also housed in a former bunker.

Tirana Castle – Typically, ancient castles are often preserved and maintained for visitors to step into the past. This castle is much different and was actually reconstructed into a modern shopping district with hip outdoor seating and relics of Tirana’s medieval history. 

Tanners’ Bridge – A pedestrian only bridge, originally restored from the 18th-century!

Pyramid of Tirana – Every post-Soviet city needs a (slightly hideous) monument to always remember Communism by and the pyramid happens to be Tirana’s. When it’s not used a conference center, it’s a great spot to catch a sunset from the top.

3. Shkodër

The city of Shkodër dates back more than 2,000 years and is one of the oldest communities in Albania. Shkodër is most notable for sitting on Shkodër Lake, which belongs half to Albania and half to Montenegro.

It is the largest city on the lake but often overlooked by tourists. Shkodra Lake is also renowned for its flora and a famous destination for bird watching.

If you plan on hiking during your Albanian road trip, Shkodër is a convenient stop to make for supplies before heading off the radar and into national park territory nearby. 

Things to Do in Shkodër

Rozafa Castle – Unquestionably, the castle is Shkodër’s most popular attraction and rightfully so. It has history dating back to the 9th century, is comprised of limestone and boasts the best view of Shkodër from atop a hill.

“Marubi” National Museum of Photography – A small, yet beautifully curated museum that’s also suitable for children. From old local photographs, the history of Pietro Marubi, to vintage cameras, any photographer will surely be delighted by this museum.

Witness Everyday Albanian Life – To watch the ordinary exchanges throughout Albanian life in a city, Shkodër is a great place for this. The main street which runs in the center of Shkodër is surprisingly energetic with people continuously rushing from one shop to the next.

Want to get involved? Stop by one of the markets like this one if you happen to be passing by in the morning.  

4. Albanian Alps

Also known as the Accursed Mountains, the Albanian Alps are a section of the Dinaric Alps. The Dinaric Alps are a larger mountain range which extend over three countries in the Balkans.

It is comprised of lush forests, soaring mountain peaks and mesmerising valleys. Particularly for nature lovers, the Albanian Alps are one of the best places to visit in Albania.

For hiking, camping and off-roading, it’s a must visit highlight on any Albania road trip itinerary.

Things to Do in the Albanian Alps

Theth National Park – Some of the roads deep in Theth are very rugged and can only be completed with AWD/4WD. However, there are still plenty of places to reach by hiking trails. It is a wild and untamed national park which means you should expect little guidance, just pure nature.

For wildlife sightings, Theth is an absolute dream for spotting eagles, wild goats and even the brown bear.

Valbona Valley National Park – Incredible panoramic views and breathtaking scenery await at Valbona Valley National Park. Although this general area is quite isolated, it’s a fantastic opportunity to actually stay in the valley at one of the many local guesthouses.

It’s recommended to visit Valbona Valley National Park between June – August as that’s when most of the accommodations are open. Heavy snowfall will cause many of the roads to be closed as they do not get maintained during winter.

Bajram Curri – Along the east side of the Albanian Alps is the town of Bajram Curri. It’s the most civilisation you’ll come across during your tour of the Albanian mountain range and a fantastic little village to visit.

Nearby, you’ll find plenty of places to access the rushing river of Lumi I Valbones. This one in particular is popular for swimming, if you dare! For an unforgettable and authentic Albanian meal, head to Restaurant Caka.

5. Berat

Berat is one of the most popular Albanian destinations that isn’t situated on the coastline. The city is most known for being a magnificently preserved city from the Ottoman Empire.

Awarded the honour of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s grown in popularity and welcomes tourists on a normal basis. This means it’s one of the few places in Albania where not everyone will be confused as to why you are visiting their country. It is one of the top places to see during your Albanian road trip.

Things to Do in Berat

Look Around Berat Castle – The castle is Berat’s most substantial landmark and a magical place to wander through. From ruins of many churches, mosques and even some exquisite viewpoints, the historic castle area alone is a reason to visit the town of Berat.

The entire fortress dates back to the 13th-century with relics such as the frescoes inside Holy Trinity Church surviving from the 14th-century.

Stop at the Ethnographic Museum and Onufri National Iconographic Museum – Both museums are great options for those looking to learn about the true history of Berat.

The Iconographic Museum focuses more on religious displays of artwork and paintings which are incredible to see in such great condition. The Ethnographic museum is a better choice to see artefacts from every day Albanian life, back in history.

There is even a model medieval street created at the museum.

Cross Gorica Bridge – We heard a lot of different myths and folk stories from locals about this bridge so truthfully, we’re not sure what to believe. Once you visit, you’ll likely hear a version of the story for yourself!

What is certain is that it’s one of the oldest Ottoman bridges in Albania and serves as a cultural treasure to the country’s heritage.

Eat Local Cuisine – To experience warm Albanian hospitality at its absolute best, eat at a family owned restaurant. One of the best meals we had in all of Albania was at a restaurant named Eni Traditional Food Berat.

It was one of those experiences where we let the restaurant staff bring us whatever they recommended and we ended up eating everything. Do not leave Berat without eating here!

6. Dhërmi

The coastal town of Dhërmi is the gateway to the phenomenal southern Albanian riviera. A small village makes up the heart of Dhërmi which is actually located on the hillside just above the sea.

The remainder of the Dhërmi area contains smaller gatherings of newer construction holiday villas and even entire vacation rental complexes. Still, by staying in one of the countless accommodation options in Dhërmi, you’ll have access to some of Albania’s best beaches. 

Things to Do in Dhërmi

Head to the Famous Gjipe Beach – Arguably the best beach in Albania is situated at the end of Gjipe Canyon. Gjipe Beach is most unique in the fact that it’s technically a wild beach. Another interesting component to Gjipe Beach is its accessibility.

You can drive down the rocky road in a 4WD/AWD vehicle but a normal car will not make the journey. This means you must park ($5 for an entire day) at the top and walk 20-30 minutes down to the beach.

The journey is worth it for those looking to experience the unspoiled beauty of this place!

🤿 Read More: How to Visit Gjipe Beach

Discover Additional Beautiful Beaches – Dhërmi Beach and Drimadhë Beach are the two main beaches near Dhërmi and reliable options since they are both long stretches of sand. Some of the smaller, yet more picturesque beach heads include Rozafa Bay, Palasa Beach, Gjiri Megucit and Gjiri Teodorit. All the latter options require some light walking to reach but are absolutely worth it!

Join a Boat Tour – Taking a boat tour along the coastline is a great way to see and experience the lesser known coves and even caves. Some notable sites closest to Dhërmi include Shpella e pirateve and Gjiri Intre. These beaches are only accessible by boat which makes them that much more enjoyable.

Hike to the Monastery – A steep set of stairs will get you to the monastery here, located at the very top of Dhërmi village. Upon conquering the incline, you’ll find a sweeping panoramic view of the town and blue bays below.

7. Himarë

The region of Himarë is home to many stunning beaches in south Albania. Without being too touristy and overdeveloped, it is possibly the best area to stay for beaches. Its close proximity to so many options is interesting to those on an Albanian road trip with a mission to get a tan.

Things to Do in Himarë

Grab Drinks at the Beach Bars in Jalë – Jalë Beach is certainly one of the coolest places to chill out along the Albanian riviera. The entire beach from one end to another is lined with beach bars, trendy outdoor seating and and umbrellas for rent.

Check Out the Castles – Himara Castle and The Castle of Porto Palermo are both historic sites near Himarë town, perfect for a quick break from the endless beach visits.

🏖 Read More: The Stunning Beaches of Porto Palermo

Hit the Popular Beaches – You cannot leave Himarë without checking out one of the stunning and renowned beaches that it’s known for. Some of the most prominent ones include Livadi Beach, Sfageio Beach, Plazhi i Maraçit and Prinos Beach.

🌊 Read More: Best Beaches in Himarë

Find Secluded Swim Spots – Himarë is also equally packed with hidden gems and secluded swim spots. Although they require a short hike to reach, these wild swim spots are free of crowds and absolutely idyllic. The best locations for a private swim include Little Pool Beach, Kico Meniko Himarë and Gjiri i Akuariumit.

🐠 Read More: How to Visit the Secluded Aquarium Beach

8. Borsh

The seaside community of Borsh is surrounded by other less frequented towns on the Albanian Riviera. This results in a gorgeous stretch of Albania’s coastline that isn’t packed with too many fellow vacationing families.

Near Borsh, you’ll also find the quaint hillside village of Piqeras and Lukovë. Both are the perfect places to find home cooked and exceptional meals which is an absolute must during an Albanian road trip.

Taverna Victoria is a particular standout which serves customary dishes and offers a fantastic sunset view during dinner.

Things to Do in Borsh

Trek to the Castle of Borsh – The ruins of this castle are interesting enough to see but the real reason to visit the castle is for the view. On a clear day, you’re awarded with a sweeping panoramic vista of the riviera below and even the mountain tops on Corfu island in the distance.

Hop On a Boat to Krorëza Beach – This is one of the last wild beaches in southern Albanian before reaching the developed areas of Sarandë and Ksamil. It is only accessible boat which makes it a true paradise. It is only accessible boat which makes it a true paradise.

Boat rides are available as group tours or private charters departing from Saranda.

Hike to the Waterfall – Within the forests behind Borsh, you’ll find a modest waterfall and lovely change of natural scenery. For those interested in discovering Albania through hikes, reaching the waterfall is the perfect afternoon activity.

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9. Ksamil

Ksamil is very unique in its landscape and features many small coves and inlets as gorgeous beaches. If you’re looking for a destination which has the “whole package” then you’ll definitely want to check out Ksamil.

From all inclusive resorts and beach clubs to secluded swimming areas reachable by dirt roads, Ksamil is diverse. Although it is a frequented destination and a popular summer holiday in Albania, there are still a handful of isolated spots to discover off the beaten path.

Things to Do in Ksamil

Lay Out at Edon-Bina Beach – This beach is a healthy mix of a serviced beach without being in the tourist center of Ksamil. A dirt road leads to the beach and is only accessible with a AWD/4WD vehicle or by walking from the parking lot. For under $10, you’ll be able to rent loungers and even order from the small beach bar.

Spend the Day at Shpella e Pëllumbave – Reaching this breathtaking beach requires you to descend down a steep (and relatively old) set of stairs. For those seeking a little adventure, getting to and enjoying this beach will be right up your alley. Crystal clear waters with a dramatic cliffside overlooking the beach await below. 

Buy Seafood from a Fish Market – If a fish market is not directly located on the sea, then we’re not interested! This rustic market practically sits on the beach and sells fresh catches of the day at great prices. The seafood is incredibly fresh with a satisfying selection. If you plan on cooking anything during your Albanian road trip, let it be this.

Marvel at History at Butrint National Park – Aside from the extraordinary beaches, the second most popular attraction in Ksamil is the Butrint Archaeological Park. The park is packed with rich history, both Greek and Roman.

Visiting the park requires a light hike in order to see all of the sites such as the the Venetian castle, Roman bath house and ancient theatre. For less than €10, it’s one of the most affordable preserved archaeological parks you’ll ever be able to visit.

🏖 Read More: An Honest Review of Ksamil Beaches

10. Gjirokastra (Gjirokaster)

The city of Gjirokastër is nestled in a valley between towering mountain ranges. One look at its exquisitely preserved state and there’s no question why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is naturally a historic Ottoman-style town with original architecture and heritage dating back to the 4th century. For those looking to briefly step back into time, Gjirokastër is a must on any Albania travel itinerary.

Things to Do in Gjirokastra

Tour the Castle of Gjirokastra – The castle sits above Gjirokastra Old Town and overlooks the narrow cobble streets below. In addition to a traditional church and clock tower, there is also military history to be discovered at the castle.

There are many surprising sites within the old fortress including a retired US fighter jet from the Cold War.

Learn Something at the Ethnographic Museum – As any ancient settlement goes, there’s much to learn about and the best way to do so is by visiting the local heritage museum. From numerous and various cultural relics to traditional clothing, the museum is also housed in an old Ottoman home.

Visit the Zekate House – The Zekate family still owns and operates this museum house, allowing for visitors to walk through a meticulously preserved Ottoman-style family home.

Original rooms, furniture and overall interior of the home are cultural representations of a different time. There is also a splendid view of the entire city from the top.

Go Shopping at the Gjirokastra Bazaar – Located at the town centre, this stretch of shops is a cozy shopping district which mostly takes place outdoors. It’s one of the most charming locations in Gjirokastra, filled with local products and phenomenal places to eat.

👍 Read More: Reasons Why Gjirokaster is Worth Visiting

11. Përmet

Among Albania’s other famous non-coastal towns, Përmet is certainly the most off the radar and known as the greenest city in Albania. This is primarily what makes it known to be a paradise for nature lovers.

It is idyllically set on a rushing river surrounded by an untouched yet immaculate landscape, with majestic mountains in the backdrop. It is only 30 km from Greece, known as the “city of roses,” and home to a handful of natural attractions.

Things to Do in Përmet

Soak in the Thermal Baths (Llixhat e Bënjës) – Just outside of town are the thermal waters which run through the canyon of Kanion Langarica. Directly next to the Ottoman era Kadiut Bridge, you’ll find a natural pool, known as the thermal baths.

The water is warm year round and doesn’t often see swarms of tourists. It is unspoiled nature at its finest.

🏊🏽‍♂️ Read More: Bënja Thermal Baths, Remote Villages & Vjosa River

Go Rafting – If you’re the adventurous type, rafting along the Vjosa (or Aoös) river is a thrilling experience and a popular activity in Përmet. 

Hike Along the River – The scenic town of Përmet is best enjoyed by walking along the river which runs through it. From the river path, you can also access trails that head into the nearby hills where you’ll come across secluded churches and other ancient ruins. 

12. Tomorri Mountain National Park & Gramsh

This area is particularly the best destination suited for avid hikers, climbers and adventurers. Tomorri Mountain National Park is different than most of Albania’s national parks because it sits on sacred grounds.

The park’s primary treasures include the hiking trail atop the mountain ridge, its many lush green meadows below and the Sotire Waterfall.

The neigbouring town of Gramsh sits a tad north of the national park and is the perfect road trip stop for authentic cuisine and Albanian hospitality.

Things to Do in Tomorri Mountain National Park & Gramsh

Kanioni i Holtës – Located northeast of Gramsh town, there is a spectacular nature preserve consisting of a rocky ravine.

For hikers, you can continue the path of the ravine and through the canyon for a while but if you just wish to admire it from the start, you can do so without trekking far.

Near the entrance of the nature preserve, there is also a swimming pool to cool off in during the hot months of July and August. 

Find the Sotire Waterfall (Ujevara e Sotires) – This tall waterfall is reachable by a dirt road and then a manageable walk. It is hidden between the forest and cliffs with a small pool of water at the bottom for swimming. It is a completely wild location meaning there are no facilities and it’s not monitored.

The Sotire waterfall is one of the defining sights to Albania’s all-embracing and natural landscape.

Places to Skip in Albania: Sarandë and The Blue Eye

For the most part, Albania isn’t known for mass tourism. This is why it’s a great option for travellers like us who tend to prefer hidden gems over the top sights. Still, there are places in Albania which we believe can be skipped entirely during an Albanian road trip.

The city of Sarandë is developed to be a tourist destination and in our opinion, not worth visiting. Sarandë is packed with accommodation complexes, overpriced food and an overall inauthentic feel.

The only real reason to visit Sarandë is to catch a boat which departs from the main port. 

The same can be said for Sarandë’s natural wonder, The Blue Eye. We’re sure at some moment in time, it was a magical place to visit and enjoy. Now, it’s reached the point of being Albania’s biggest tourist trap.

Save yourself the time and discover some of Albania’s lesser known wonders instead!

Albanian Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks

• Day 1: Tirana
  • Tirana to Vlorë (2 hour drive)
• Day 2: Vlorë
  • Vlorë to Dhërmi (1.5 hour drive)
• Day 3 & 4: Llogara National Park – Dhërmi
  • Dhërmi to Borsh (1 hour)
• Day 5 & 6: Himarë – Borsh
  • Borsh to Ksamil (1.25 hour drive)
• Day 7: Ksamil – Butrint National Park
  • Ksamil to Gjirokaster (1.25 hour drive), Gjirokaster to Ujëvara (1 hour drive)
• Day 8: Gjirokaster – Ujëvara (Waterfall)
  • Gjirokaster to Përmet (1.25 hour drive)
• Day 9: Përmet
  • Përmet to Berat (3 hour drive)
• Day 10: Berat
  • Berat to Sotire (2 hour drive), Sotire to Gramsh (1.5 hour drive)
• Day 11: Tomorri Mountain National Park – Sotire – Gramsh (Kanioni i Holtes)
  • Gramsh to Shkodër (3 hour drive)
• Day 12: Shkodër
  • Shkodër to Theth National Park (2 hour drive) or Shkodër to Valbona Valley National Park (4.5 hour drive)
• Day 13 & 14: Theth National Park – Valbona Valley National Park – Bajram Curri

2 Week Albanian Road Trip Route

Things to Know Before Visiting Albania

What Currency Is Used in Albania?

The Albanian lek is the official currency of Albania. In popular tourist areas of Albania like Ksamil, you can get away with paying with euro.

If you plan on exchanging cash before arriving or taking out cash at an ATM, make sure you’re calculating the exchange rate correctly.

Albania is a destination where having cash on hand is vital. Aside from big cities like Tirana, many businesses will only accept cash and no debit or credit cards. Not even in hotels!

Language in Albania

Albanian is the official language of Albania, co-spoken in Kosovo and also spoken by other minority groups in the Balkan area. It is an extension of the Indo-European language family and uses a variation of the Latin alphabet.

Unlike comparing the similarities between French and Italian, the Albanian language is unique and it’s worth learning a few phrases before your trip.

Does Albania Belong to the European Union?

Unlike it’s direct neighbour (Greece), Albania is not part of the EU and is not included in the Schengen area. For an Albanian road trip, it’s best to keep this top of mind for border crossings.

Albania has been working on joining the EU for quite some time, similar to other Balkan countries like Bosnia and North Macedonia. This fact is important to remember in regards to any visa arrangements, travel restrictions and anything that may impact your stay.

Although you are in Europe, travelling throughout EU states versus non EU states can come with significant differences.

Your SIM card will not work in Albania if you’re travelling with an EU-only valid SIM card. Purchase an eSIM card for your Albanian road trip and ensure you’re connected while travelling.

Religion in Albania

A little over half of Albania’s population is Muslim and the remainder is split between Christian and undeclared. Although Muslim religion makes up a majority of the population, Albania isn’t predominantly known as an Islamic country. This is possibly due to the western influences on their culture.

This means, there are no strict dress codes for women and no strict customs that apply to visitors. Still, it’s important to be mindful of this during your trip to Albania as a general sign of respect. 

Driving in Albania

Is It Easy to Drive Around Albania?

If you consider yourself a confident and proficient driver, driving in Albania is not challenging. With some common sense, pre-existing knowledge of Albanian road rules and maintaining awareness in new situations, anyone can drive in Albania.

Albanian road trip safety should certainly be a priority during your journey, but it should not be a main concern. To assess if you’re ready to drive in Albania, identify if you’re experienced or capable of the following:

• Handling narrow roads
• Driving on unpaved roads
• Watching out for animals
• Manoeuvring through mountain and/or cliffside roads

Road Conditions in Albania

Streets that run through major cities and larger towns are all paved, well marked and see frequent traffic. To avoid any panic of driving around too many other cars, people, or tight streets, do not drive directly in town centres.

Highways or major motorways in Albania are the easiest routes to navigate and very comparable to any westernised country.

Through mountainous terrains or cliff sides along the coastline, be prepared for narrow roads. You’ll need to expect oncoming traffic at all times and ensure that you’ll be able to pass without any problems. This is typically only an issue when taking the more scenic and “back road” routes.

Popular roads are well equipped to handle large amounts of traffic. Herds of goats or sheep in the middle of the road are another obstacle you will frequently run into while driving in Albania.

Many of the best beaches in Albania are reachable by rugged dirt roads. Some of these paths are manageable even by a regular vehicle, as long as you drive slowly.

Others are only accessibly by larger SUVs with off-roading capabilities and it’s not recommended you risk these situations if you’re driving a regular car.

Car Rentals in Albania

The best place to rent a car for your Albanian road trip is in Tirana. As the main city, you’ll find the most options that are also accommodating to tourists. Particularly if you’re flying into Tirana, grabbing a rental car at the airport is the most convenient and will get you on your way the quickest.

As with most European countries, car rentals with manual transmissions and ones that are compact in size will be the cheapest. However, if you’re planning a road trip throughout the various terrains of Albania, it’s recommended you consider a SUV or 4WD/AWD capable vehicle.

Many of the best attractions and beautiful places to see in Albania are accessible by dirt roads. To avoid missing out on certain sites, ensure your rental car can handle some light off-roading.

Do not skip purchasing additional insurance when renting a car. There are certain places where extra insurance is an unnecessary waste of money but not in Albania. Having that extra layer of coverage is needed when driving in Albania, a place with an “anything goes” mentality on the road.

Best Time of Year for an Albanian Road Trip

Since Albania does not experience over tourism (aside from Ksamil), there really isn’t a very bad time for an Albanian road trip. However, to ensure the most confidence while driving in Albania, it’s best to do so when the roads are clear.

Steer away from any months prone to snow or even heavy rainfall such as December – February. Naturally, you’ll want to visit during warmer months to experience Albania’s remarkable beaches.

To avoid a large number of families on summer holiday, schedule your Albanian road trip for September or early October. 

Is Albania Safe for Tourists?

One thing that truly frustrates us is Albania’s reputation in western countries, mainly in the U.S. As Americans, we can confidently tell you that we never felt unsafe during our Albanian road trip.

We also ran into other fellow American visitors, some who were evening travelling solo and they shared the same sentiment. Yes, Albania is safe to visit.

The guidelines to staying safe in Albania apply in any country.

• Stay vigilant (especially in crowded areas)
• Do not leave your belongings unattended
• Respect local laws
• Keep common sense top of mind

How Much to Budget for an Albanian Road Trip

Aside from the beautiful beaches, natural wonders and historic sites, there’s another noteworthy reason to take an Albanian road trip. It’s really affordable.

It’s no secret that visiting Albania can be done on a budget and is an overall fantastic value for travellers. Below are some of the estimated daily expenses you should budget for.

Cost of Accommodation in Albania

Camping can cost as little as €15 per night. A mid-range hotel or apartment can start as low as €50 per night in peak season. Luxury or resort stays can range anywhere from €100 – €300/night.

Dining Out and Groceries

A modest local restaurant can cost around €15 per person with drinks included. Cheaper eats are available for as little as €5 per dish. A draft beer or glass of wine can easily be found between €2 – €4.

Including daily staples such as bread, fruit, vegetables, cheese and even meat, the daily cost of groceries for one person ranges from €5 – €10.

Prices for Activities in Albania

Boat tours are the most common activity and can typically be booked for under €30 per person but does depend on the locations.

Cost of Fuel in Albania

Gas and diesel are typically and comparatively inexpensive in Albania. For a roundtrip from Tirana to see all of the highlights, you should estimate between €100 – €180 for fuel costs during an Albanian road trip.

How to Make a Positive Impact on Tourism in Albania

Since Albania tourism is still developing, people who do visit have an unspoken responsibility to contribute to its growth. There are a few small things that travellers can do while visiting Albania which will only leave a positive mark on its tourism future.

1. Minimize Trash

It’s unfortunate that it has to be said but Albania does have a visible trash problem. It is mainly due to the lack of recycling, comprehensive trash system and management of the issue.

Now, this is part of a larger and political discussion which we don’t want to jump on. But as a visitor, you can still do your part!

Any small effort towards eliminating waste can be beneficial, especially when setting an example for the growing number of tourists. Using reusable water bottles, containers, packages without plastic and always properly disposing of garbage is a fantastic start.

2. Support Local Products and Small Businesses

Local products and businesses are still a vital part of Albania’s economy on a micro level.

By choosing to stay at family owned hotels, eating at multigenerational restaurants and picking up handmade souvenirs or fruit from a roadside stand, supporting small businesses can be positively impactful.

3. Leave Reviews

In addition to actually patronizing a local business, making it known to other travellers is equally as important. The end goal is to encourage tourism in Albania. By leaving reviews, particularly on websites like TripAdvisor or Google Maps, other travellers are likely to listen to people like them and consider visiting one of the splendid places in Albania.

Do not underestimate the value you’ll contribute and appreciation you’ll receive from business owners.

4. Be Mindful of Stray Animals

We’re self-proclaimed animal lovers and understand this recommendation isn’t for everyone. Still, it’s worth putting out there! You’ll notice many stray animals in Albania which are not always tended to.

If you can afford it, keeping a bag of dog or cat food in your car is easy enough. It’s a convenient way to spread a little love along your journey.

Where to Stay in Albania

Albania has no shortage of accommodation for the growing number of tourists. As more and more travellers begin to discover and explore Albania, Airbnb listings are rapidly increasing as well as entire resort complexes being developed.

As you’re planning your Albanian road trip, you do not have to set your route based on where you’ll find accommodation.

There are enough hotels, apartments, guesthouses and farm stays in Albania for convenient stop overs during your road trip itinerary. Looking to travel Albania on a budget? Consider camping in Albania as there are tons of campgrounds, most under €20 per night.

Travel Resources for an Albanian Road Trip

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator