A road trip is one of the best ways to explore Europe, and Albania is truly one of its most underrated gems. With stunning landscapes, turquoise beaches, impressive mountains, great food, and welcoming people, it’s a place you’ll want to return to.
We first visited Albania on a 7-day road trip, a great introduction, but definitely not enough to see it all. That’s why we came back and explored more in depth. Based on our experience, we’ve created both a 7-day itinerary for a quick trip and a 14-day itinerary to experience Albania at a more relaxed pace.
epic albania - one week, endless views, moments & adventures
Albania completely surprised us. Every turn was something new – lively streets in Tirana or Berat, quiet mountain villages in Theth and hidden turquoise beaches at the Riviera.
What we loved most? The easy life feeling, the warmth of the people, and the feeling that I was discovering a country still untouched by mass tourism. If you want adventure, culture and breathtaking landscapes all in one trip, Albania is a place that stays with you long after you leave.
We’ve arrived in Albania two very different ways and both times felt quite easy. The first time, we drove in with our own car through Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro, crossing the border and stopping in Shkodër. It was the perfect introduction: calm, welcoming and surrounded by mountains, but also a bit chaotic and hectic.
The second time, we flew into Tirana and started our road trip from there with a rental car. Tirana felt vibrant and full of energy, instantly pulling us into Albanian life. No matter how you arrive, Albania gives you that feeling of freedom from the very first moment and makes you want to keep going.
You probably will arrive in Tirana by plane. But of course there are many other ways to enter Albania. Most of you will probably come to Albania by plane, car, camper, bus or ship. The first time here we entered Albania in our own car via Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. The entry was very relaxed and offers a spectacular view of Lake Skadar. Our first place in Albania was the charming town of Shkodër. The city is located in the north of the country where we start our road trip through Albania.
Shkodër offers a great old town with an extraordinary flair. We recommend that you explore the city a bit on your first day. There are sights here such as the Rozafa Castle, which towers over the city with the best views of Lake Skadar, beautiful mosques and cathedrals, great excursion destinations and much more. A great place to get a first insight into the enchanting country of Albania.
The next morning we recommend checking out one of the good café’s and enjoying the delicious Albanian breakfast. We then continued on to the Mesi Bridge, around 8 kilometers away. The Ottoman arch bridge over the Kir River is a great photo spot that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Afterwards we went to one of the most beautiful places in all of Albania. Theth is a village in the Albanian Alps. It is approximately 2 hours by car from Shkodër. Bus tours are also offered from here to Theth. A true paradise for everyone who likes to be out in nature. The place is very original and there are only a few guest houses and locals who live there.
On the first day you can relax and marvel at the wonderful nature and the breathtaking panorama in Theth with its high two-thousanders. We stayed at Royal Land for 2 nights and can absolutely recommend it to you. The hosts were incredibly friendly, helpful and it felt like seeing an old friend again. From here you probably have one of the best views over Theth and the mountains.
The next morning we had a balanced breakfast (which was really delicious). We then drove to the Blue Eye of Theth, 9 kilometers (20 minutes by car) away. Of course you can also hike the path. You automatically come to a small parking lot where you also find two small restaurants. From here it takes around 40 minutes to get to the Blue Eye. We recommend that you wear sturdy shoes and bring enough water with you.
Back at the parking lot you can now drive to the center of Theth and take another hike to Grunas Waterfall. The path leads over some private land, but is very easy. You should take the path to the left of the waterfall because you will have a better view from here later.
Of course one building cannot be missed when visiting Theth. The church of Theth is a popular photo opportunity and is picturesquely surrounded by the mountains. It is located relatively in the center of the village and is a real must-do if you come to Theth.
On the way from Theth to Tirana you will pass Krujë, among many other beautiful places. Here you can stroll through the beautifully decorated cobbled market streets and treat yourself in one of the many traditional restaurants.
From Krujë it is around 40 kilometers to the colorful capital Tirana. Once you arrive, you first explore the city’s many sights and large parks. Of course, a visit to the famous Skanderbeg Square should not be missed.
In Tirana you can end the evenings particularly well and, especially in the summer months, sit outside, eat something and enjoy a few drinks. The city also impresses with its good nightlife. A really great place where you want to spend more time.
From Tirana it is around 100 kilometers to Berat, also known as the city of 1000 windows. The ride is very pleasant and there is a lot to see along the way. Untouched beautiful nature and cute villages. You will also drive past the city of Elbasan and it’s definitely worth making a stop here.
Berat is located at the Osum River. The most famous districts here are Mangalem, Gorica and Kalaja. We can absolutely recommend the Desaret Residence Hotel. From here you have one of the best views over the city.
Berat can easily be explored in a day. There are beautiful corners to discover and you can have a great meal here in the evenings. We recommend watching the sunset at Berat Castle. A great location with great views.
The next morning you can eat a good breakfast in Berat. Then drive to Gjirokastër, around 2.5 hours away. On the way there you will pass untouched nature with impressive mountains, beautiful rivers, lakes and great places.
The old town of Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in a valley between the Gjerë mountains and the Drino. It is an absolut picturesque city in southern Albania. We stayed the night at Kerculla Resort, wich is an awesome hotel with probably the best view of the entire city.
You can spend your day wonderfully here and explore the sweet city. The highlights here definitely include Gjirokastër castle and the Bazaar. But there are also other great sights, excursions, destinations and culinary offerings here. The next morning you can enjoy a fantastic breakfast with a great view at the hotel.
Your first stop on day six is the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër). A place worth seeing, around 30 kilometers away from Gjirokastër. The country’s richest spring is a natural paradise. Entry fee here is around 0,50€ and you have to walk around 15 minutes to get there.
Around 45 minutes away by car is the dream destination of Ksamil, with beautiful beaches and turquoise blue water. Not far away from the border of Greece and opposite the island of Corfu, Ksamil is one of the most beautiful places in Albania. You can also wonderfully spend a complete vacation here.
On the way from Ksamil to Himarë you will pass countless beautiful beaches and bays, cute villages and picturesque nature. It takes around 1.5 hours to cover just 68 kilometers from Ksamil to Himarë, but the trip is worth every minute. The small town of Himarë lies at the coast of the Ionian Sea and is one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. There is also a lot to see here and you could spend several days here.
The people in Himarë were also very hospitable, like in the whole country. Along the coast your next stop is the port town of Vlorë. It is the third largest city in Alabnia and you can definitely spend a nice day here. Vlorë has a huge beach and a long promenade, but there are also beautiful sights to discover here.
The colorful city of Durrës is around 120 kilometers away. The big city on the Adriatic coast is a charming place worth seeing. There is also a long promenade, sweet streets, good café’s and restaurants, culture and history. This is the last place on your road trip through Albania. From here it is just 39 kilometers to Tirana.
On our first visit to Albania, we spent exactly 7 days here. Since Albania isn’t very large, it’s actually quite easy to see most of the country, or rather, most of the sights and places.
On our second visit, we spent about 22 days in Albania and can say that we saw almost everything, with only a few exceptions.
After arriving at Tirana Airport, it’s time to pick up your rental car and head north to start your journey with a short drive to Krujë. The journey takes about 40-50 minutes and the route is very well developed.
In Krujë Wander through the old bazaar, visit the castle, and enjoy your first panoramic views over Albania.
We spent one night at Kruja Albergo Diffuso, Inside Kruja Castle and it was simply a super cool experience and a great location right next to Kruja Castle.
Drive north towards Lake Koman to experience one of Albania’s most stunning landscapes. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, and the road becomes somewhat rougher and more winding towards the end.
Stay overnight near the lake to catch the early ferry the next morning.
We recommend Agora Farmhouse, a kind of campsite with charming little wooden cabins and fantastic views. It’s about 20 kilometers from here to the Koman Ferry Terminal.
The best way to get there is to get up early and take the first ferry or boat from the Koman Ferry Terminal, which usually runs twice a day, generally between 9:00 and 10:00 AM and again in the afternoon (departure times vary depending on the operator).
Parking is generally available directly at the Koman Ferry Terminal and costs around €5 per day.
From here, take the famous ferry through dramatic fjord-like scenery to the Shala River.
The boat trip takes about an hour and is simply breathtaking. It quickly becomes clear why this region is called “the Thailand of Europe.”
Once you arrive at the Shala River, you can relax along the riverbank, grab a bite to eat, swim, or just enjoy a beer. The water, however, is very cold year-round.
You also have the option of staying overnight. There are only a few accommodations directly on the Shala River, probably around seven or eight. We recommend Villa’s Gio Shala River. They offer good, clean rooms, are situated slightly higher up, and have incredibly friendly owners.
You can easily spend the day here, it’s truly uniquely beautiful. In the evening, you can either eat at your accommodation or, what we recommend, grab a delicious pizza at “Dukagjini Canyons.”
Nice to know: It can get quite cold here in the evenings, even during the warmer months. So always bring a sweater or something similar.
The next morning, we recommend you enjoy the peace and quiet here. It always feels like you have the place to yourself. Have some breakfast, grab a coffee, and take the first ferry back.
From the Koman Ferry Terminal, it takes about two hours by car to reach Shkodër, one of the oldest cities in the country.
Here you can explore the old town, visit Rozafa Castle, and enjoy a relaxing evening by the lake.
One of the highlights in the Shkodër region is the Ura e Mesit Bridge. It is located about 8 kilometers outside of Shkodër and should definitely be on your bucket list.
One of the absolute must-see places in Albania is Theth. This picturesque mountain village is located about 75 kilometers from Shkodër. Shkodër is generally a good starting point, and most shuttle buses and tours depart from there.
By car, it takes about two hours. The road is well-maintained and leads through breathtaking landscapes. The journey itself is unforgettable, with winding roads and incredible views.
Once you arrive in Theth, everything slows down in the best possible way. Towering peaks rise all around you, the air feels fresher, and the whole place has this quiet, almost untouched energy. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to just stop, breathe, and take it all in.
When it comes to staying overnight, you’ve got great options: from beautifully designed hotels to cozy, family-run guesthouses where you’ll be welcomed like one of their own.
We can recommend these three accommodations:
Theth itself is a paradise for hiking, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing and enjoying the mountain panorama and fresh mountain air.
The hike to and from Valbona is particularly popular and undertaken by most hikers. Other highlights include the Blue Eye of Theth, Grunas Waterfall, Theth Church (Kisha e Thethit), and the small, idyllic village center.
Leave the mountains behind and drive back towards the coast.
Make a short stop in Lezhë before continuing to Durres, one of Albania’s main seaside cities. After days in the mountains, the sea feels like a completely different world.
In Lezhë you can stroll through the city at your leisure, enjoy some delicious food or the views from Lezhë Castle.
The drive from Lezhë to Durrës takes about an hour.
Durrës is a great place to spend the night. There’s a good selection of accommodations, from small boutique hotels to large apartments for families.
Around the city center, you’ll find several attractions, winding streets, and cool cafes and restaurants. Along the promenade, you can relax by the water, take a stroll, cycle, or simply unwind in one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Follow the coastline south to Vlorë, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet.
Enjoy a relaxing day by the water, explore the promenade, and prepare for one of the most scenic drives of the trip.
Beforehand, you can make a short stop at Divjakë-Karavasta National Park. It’s a really cool area with beautiful scenery. You can even drive your car right onto the beach there.
Vlorë is one of Albania’s largest cities, boasting a very long city beach and a charming old town. For many travelers, Vlorë is a great base for exploring the Albanian Riviera.
If you’re planning a direct trip from Tirana to Vlorë, expect the journey to take around two hours. Alternatively, there are numerous buses that run daily.
In Vlorë you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, from modern beachfront hotels to cozy apartments and budget-friendly guesthouses. Many places are located along the promenade, offering easy access to the sea, restaurants, and nightlife. Whether you’re looking for comfort, views, or value, Vlorë is a great base to relax and explore the Albanian Riviera.
We can recommend these hotels for Vlore:
Today’s drive is nothing short of spectacular.
Cross the Llogara Pass, where the road winds high above the sea, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Stop frequently at some great viewpoints, this is a route meant to be enjoyed.
Descend towards Dhermi, a little coastal village located in the mountains, known for its crystal-clear water, and laid-back vibe.
Here you can spend a wonderful day at the beach. However, it’s worth noting that the beach here is generally very crowded, with many beach clubs, hotels, restaurants, and countless sun loungers and daybeds.
Nevertheless, it’s a place worth visiting. Things are much quieter in the village of Dhermi. Here you can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful views.
Continue along the Albanian Riviera to Saranda, stopping in Himare, a charming seaside town perfect for a relaxed lunch or a swim.
The 70-kilometer drive to Saranda takes about two hours. Along the way, you’ll find some of Albania’s most beautiful beaches and bays.
Here’s a brief overview of the beaches you can visit.
Himarë is a perfect stop on the drive from Dhërmi to Sarandë, offering a mix of laid-back beach vibes and authentic village charm. The town is split into two parts: down by the coast, you’ll find the beach promenade with crystal-clear water, restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere, while up on the hill sits the old village, with narrow stone streets and beautiful views over the sea.
It’s less crowded than other Riviera spots, making it an ideal place to slow down, grab lunch, or enjoy a swim before continuing your journey south.
By afternoon, arrive in Saranda, a lively coastal city near the Greek border. The city is located directly on the Albanian Riviera. Here you can relax along the promenade and enjoy a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants.
These are some sights and places you can visit in Saranda:
Take a short trip to Ksamil, famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise water, often compared to the Caribbean.
If you’re interested in history, visit Butrint, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site with layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history.
Ksamil itself is relatively small but a major tourist spot. If you’d like some peace and quiet away from all the hustle and bustle, we recommend the Arameras Resort with its private beach, beautiful little bungalows with stunning views of Corfu, and good food.
In Ksamil, you absolutely must try the Mussel House, where you can enjoy super fresh mussels, fish, and seafood right by the lake. A truly idyllic spot.
Furthermore, some of Albania’s most beautiful beaches are located around Ksamil. Unfortunately, many of these beaches, especially in summer, are packed with sun loungers, but they still boast fantastic water and are usually in beautiful locations.
Beaches you absolutely must visit around Ksamil:
Visiting Butrint National Park feels like stepping back in time. Not far from Ksamil it’s the perfect spot to explore history, enjoy nature, and soak in Albania’s unique beauty, a must-see just outside Ksamil.
The next morning, you’ll drive towards Gjirokastër. On the way, you’ll find the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër). It’s about a 50-minute drive from Ksamil. However, there are also tours you can book directly from Ksamil and Sarande.
If you want to visit the Blue Eye, we recommend arriving as early as possible, as it gets very crowded around midday, being one of the most popular attractions in the region.
Despite the crowds, it’s a truly beautiful and unforgettable place. There’s a large parking lot and several shops, cafes, and bistros.
From here it’s another 45 minutes to the Stone City, Gjirokastër. The drive is quite scenic, and you can plan a few stops along the way.
Once you arrive in Gjirokastër, we recommend staying near the Bazaar. This is the city center, and you’ll find most of the sights, bars, restaurants, shops, cafes, and more here.
We’ve stayed here twice and can recommend these two accommodations.
Gjirokastër, the “City of Stone,” is a beautifully preserved Ottoman town with cobbled streets and traditional stone houses. Highlights include Gjirokastër Castle, the old bazaar, and the Ethnographic Museum. Wander the steep streets, enjoy local food, and soak in the historic atmosphere, a must-visit in southern Albania.
Continue to Berat, another UNESCO-listed city.
Its iconic white houses climb up the hillside beneath a large castle, creating one of the most photogenic scenes in the country.
Spend the day exploring the old quarters, visiting the castle, and enjoying traditional Albanian cuisine.
Two accommodations we can recommend in Berat.
Drive back to Tirana and explore the capital for the last two days. We returned our rental car straight away and took a taxi from the airport to the center of the city for around €20.
Tirana is full of energy, color, and surprises. From the bustling Skanderbeg Square in the heart of the city to the trendy cafes and nightlife of the Blloku district, Tirana perfectly blends history and modern life. Explore its colorful buildings, street art, and cultural landmarks like the National History Museum or the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
Take a stroll along the lively streets, enjoy local cuisine in a cozy restaurant, or relax in one of the city’s green spaces. Tirana is a city that invites you to wander, discover hidden gems, and experience the unique spirit of Albania’s capital.
Tirana is a great place to spend your days. There are several sights to see, cool cafes, restaurants, and parks just waiting to be explored.
If you’re in Tirana, we highly recommend a trip to Bovilla Lake and a ride on the Dajti Ekspres (gondola) up Tirana’s local mountain, where you’ll have one of the best views imaginable.
Albania is made for road trips. Distances are short, landscapes change fast, and every drive feels like part of the adventure. One moment you’re in a busy city, the next you’re on a quiet mountain road or parking right next to a turquoise beach. We loved the freedom to stop anywhere and discover places that weren’t even on our plan.
We experienced both:
Fuel is slightly more expensive than in some neighboring countries. If you drive through the country, you’ll quickly notice that there’s a gas station almost everywhere. So, gas stations are easy to find here.
Parking is simple: paid zones in cities, mostly free elsewhere.
Albania still feels raw, authentic and undiscovered. A road trip here isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about everything you find in between. We loved it here!
We booked our rental car through Sunny Cars, and honestly, it made the whole process incredibly easy. The car itself was picked up at Tirana Airport, with Enterprise as the local provider.
At first, we weren’t sure about the car we got, a Citroën Berlingo. It wasn’t exactly what we had imagined for a road trip and we looked at each other thinking, “Really… this one?”
But that changed quickly. After the first few days on the road, the Berlingo turned out to be absolutely perfect for Albania. Spacious, comfortable, reliable and yes, we even gave it a nickname: Bulli. By the end of the trip, we couldn’t imagine a better car for our route.
One of the biggest advantages of booking through Sunny Cars was the full insurance coverage. Because everything was already included, we didn’t have to deal with any additional insurance offers at the counter – which made the pickup much less stressful.
The pickup area at Tirana Airport felt a bit chaotic at first, with parking and rental cars spread out, but once everything was sorted, the process was smooth.
Still, it’s important to check the rental conditions carefully, especially things like:
We took a quick look at the car before driving off, mainly checking for any major damage. Nothing serious, and we were ready to go.
Finding parking was never a real problem for us – not in cities, not in smaller towns. Sometimes it felt a bit unorganized, but it always worked out. Compared to other countries, parking in Albania was surprisingly relaxed.
The Berlingo handled everything well, very well, city traffic in Tirana, long coastal drives and mountain roads. It felt stable and comfortable, even on rougher sections.
We rented the car for 22 days and with everything included, we paid around 50€ per day. Considering the flexibility, comfort and freedom it gave us, it was absolutely worth it.
Would we do it again?
100%. Booking through Sunny Cars, picking up at Tirana Airport and traveling Albania with our “Bulli” turned our trip into a true road trip experience – easy, flexible and unforgettable.
To travel to Albania works surprisingly well in different seasons. We’ve been here twice, once in May and once in September and both trips were amazing in their own way.
May felt fresh and relaxed. Nature was green, temperatures were perfect for sightseeing and road trips, and popular places were still quiet. It was ideal for exploring cities, driving through the mountains and stopping wherever we liked. It was still a bit cold for swimming to be honest.
September was warmer and more summery. The sea was perfect for swimming, the days were long and it felt like a calmer version of summer without the peak-season crowds. We were here for about three weeks and it only rained for half a day during that time.
June – August is peak season here. Ideal for beach lovers. The Albanian Riviera shines with turquoise water, long sunny days, and a lively atmosphere, especially along the coast. However, it’s also very crowded, particularly in popular spots along the Riviera like Ksamil, Dhermi, or at Blue Eye. It can also get brutally hot here in the summer, with midday temperatures around 35°C.
Spring (April – May) and autumn (October) are our favorite months for a road trip. Temperatures are pleasant, cities are less crowded and nature is at its best, ideal for exploring towns, mountains, swimming and scenic drives.
Winter is a completely different experience. It can get quite cold, especially in the mountains and some regions even see snow. Coastal cities stay milder, but many tourist spots are very quiet. Fewer restaurants and accommodations are open, yet that’s also part of the charm. Albania feels calm, local and untouched.
Let’s say, summer is best for beaches, spring and autumn are ideal for road trips and cities (but also swimming) and winter offers a slower, more authentic side of Albania (but its cold).
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⌀7°C
Jan
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⌀9°C
Feb
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⌀12°C
Mar
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⌀16°C
Apr
🌤️
⌀21°C
May
☀️
⌀26°C
June
☀️
⌀30°C
July
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⌀30°C
Aug
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⌀25°C
Sep
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⌀19°C
Oct
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⌀14°C
Nov
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⌀9°C
Dec
Before traveling to Albania, we kept asking ourselves one question:
Is it really that cheap?
After spending several weeks on the road, we can honestly say: yes – but in a very good way. Albania is affordable without feeling low-quality, and that’s what makes traveling here so enjoyable.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what we spent and what you can expect.
The rental car was one of our biggest expenses and also the most important one. The prices depend on the season and provider.
For the freedom and flexibility it gave us, the price felt absolutely fair but still a bit expensive tho. Albania is made for road trips and having a car allowed us to reach places public transport simply doesn’t.
Accommodation in Albania is very budget-friendly, especially compared to other European countries.
We stayed mostly in a mix of guesthouses and small hotels and were surprised by how comfortable and welcoming most places were.
Eating out in Albania was one of the highlights of the trip and very affordable (often more expensive in tourist regions).
Portions are generous, the food is fresh, and dining out never felt expensive, even when we did it daily.
💡Tip: Don’t order too much at first, as the portions here are often huge, in our opinion. An appetizer can easily be the size of a regular meal.
Fuel prices are slightly higher than in some neighboring Balkan countries, but still reasonable.
Fuel added up over time, but distances in Albania are relatively short.
Entrance fees were generally low.
Museums & castles: 2-5€
National parks: often free or very inexpensive (some like Butrint National Park cost around 10€ per person.
Guided tours: affordable compared to Western Europe
Many of the best experiences like beaches, hikes or viewpoints were completely free.
On average, we spent around 70-120€ per person per day, including:
You can easily travel cheaper through Albania, but this budget gave us comfort, flexibility and freedom.
We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived in Albania, but it surprised us instantly. Life here feels slower and more relaxed, especially when coming from Germany. Everything seems simpler, more carefree.
What stayed with us most was the mix of untouched nature, constant change and incredibly warm, curious people. Albania feels raw, welcoming and real – a place that doesn’t try to impress, but somehow does anyway.
We often get asked if Albania is safe and from our experience, yes, absolutely. We didn’t have a single bad moment during our entire trip.
What stayed with us most were the people. Everywhere we went – cities, small towns, remote areas we met incredibly friendly, curious and welcoming locals. People helped us without hesitation, started conversations and made us feel genuinely welcome.
Even driving felt safe once we got used to the local rhythm. Overall, Albania felt relaxed, open, and easy to travel, a country where you can simply enjoy the journey without stress.
