Our Albania Travel Itineraries are based on our own road trips through a country that surprised us at every turn. From turquoise beaches and rugged mountains to charming old towns and incredible local food, Albania has far more to discover than we expected. Because one trip was not enough, we came back to explore more and now we want to share the routes, places and experiences that made us fall in love with Albania.
a journey we would happily take again
Albania is a small country in southeastern Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula between Montenegro and Greece, with Kosovo and North Macedonia to the east. With the Adriatic and Ionian Seas along its coast, Albania combines beautiful beaches, dramatic mountains and fascinating historic towns in a surprisingly compact country.
From the vibrant capital Tirana to the stunning Albanian Riviera, there is a lot to discover. And because distances are relatively short, it is easy to combine different regions in one road trip.
Getting to Albania is easier than you might think, whether you arrive by plane, bus, ferry or car. For exploring more of the country, however, we found that having a rental car gives you the most freedom to discover Albania at your own pace.
Most international visitors arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA), Albania’s main airport. From Tirana, you can easily continue your journey by rental car, bus or taxi.
International buses connect Albania with neighbouring countries including Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece. They can be a convenient option if you are travelling overland through the Balkans.
Ferries connect Albania with Italy and Greece, making it possible to arrive by sea. The main ferry ports include Durrës, Vlore and Saranda.
Driving into Albania is a great option if you are already travelling through the Balkans. Border crossings connect Albania with all of its neighbouring countries, so a road trip can easily include several destinations.
→ Parking in Albania
Parking can be surprisingly easy outside the busiest city centres, while finding a space in places like Tirana, Berat or Saranda can take a little more patience. In popular coastal towns during summer, we recommend checking your accommodation for parking before you arrive.
→ Traffic in Albania
Traffic in Albania can feel a little chaotic at first, especially in larger cities. Outside the cities, roads are generally much quieter, although mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Take your time, stay alert and don’t let the occasional adventurous driving style put you off.
Rental Car in Albania
For us, renting a car is one of the best ways to explore
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.
Start the day in Krujë, a charming historic town tucked into the mountains. Wander through the old bazaar, explore the castle and enjoy the views across the surrounding landscape. It is a great place to experience a little of Albania’s history before continuing to the capital.
Tirana
After Krujë, continue to Tirana, Albania’s lively capital. Explore the city centre, grab a coffee and enjoy the mix of colourful streets, historic landmarks and modern cafés.
→ Some Places to Visit in Tirana:
Continue your Albania road trip to Berat, the famous City of a Thousand Windows. We loved wandering through its historic streets, crossing the Osum River and enjoying the views from the hilltop castle. Berat is a beautiful place to slow down and soak up Albania’s history and atmosphere.
Continue south to Gjirokastër, one of Albania’s most atmospheric historic towns. Wander through the steep cobbled streets, explore the impressive castle and enjoy the traditional stone houses that give the city its unique character.
Syri i Kaltër – The Blue Eye
After Gjirokastër, head to Syri i Kaltër, one of Albania’s most spectacular natural sights. The incredibly clear blue water rises from a deep underwater spring, creating an unforgettable spot surrounded by lush forest.
After exploring Albania’s historic south, it is time for the Albanian Riviera. Start in Ksamil, famous for its turquoise water, small islands and beautiful beaches. It is one of the most popular coastal spots in Albania, so arrive early if you are travelling in summer.
Himarë – A Relaxed Riviera Escape
Continue north along the spectacular coastal road to Himarë. Compared with Ksamil, Himarë feels more relaxed, with a beautiful waterfront, surrounding mountains and plenty of spots to watch the sunset.
Start your final day in Vlorë, one of Albania’s most popular coastal cities. Take a walk along the waterfront, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and, if you have time, drive along the coast for some beautiful views before heading back towards Tirana.
After arriving in Tirana, pick up your *rental car and make your way towards Krujë, a historic mountain town just north of the capital. It is the perfect place to ease into your Albania road trip, with a beautiful old bazaar, a historic castle and great views across the surrounding landscape.
→ Some places to visit in Krujë:
Today, leave Krujë behind and head north towards Lake Koman, where the landscape becomes wilder and more dramatic. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with winding mountain roads, little remote villages and incredible views along the way.
What to see along the way:
Start the day at Agora Farmhouse and drive to the Koman Ferry Port, where you can leave your car before continuing by boat. From there, the journey takes you through the spectacular scenery of Lake Koman, with steep mountains rising from the turquoise water.
The boat then continues towards the Shala River, where you can spend the rest of the day swimming, relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
We recommend spending the night here in one of the charming guesthouses on the Shala River.
After enjoying the morning at the Shala River, take the boat back towards the Koman Ferry Port, where your car is waiting. From Koman, continue by car towards Shkodër, Albania’s cultural gateway to the north. Take the afternoon to explore the city at a relaxed pace, walk through the centre and enjoy your first taste of Shkodër before heading into the Albanian Alps the following day.
Today you leave Shkodër and head into the spectacular Albanian Alps. The drive to Theth is an adventure in itself, with winding mountain roads and breathtaking views along the way. Once you arrive, spend the rest of the day exploring the village and discovering some of the area’s most beautiful natural sights.
→ Places to Explore around Theth:
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Today you leave the mountains of Theth and make your way back towards the coast. The drive takes you through northern Albania before reaching Lezhë, where a short stop is perfect for exploring the historic centre and enjoying lunch. From there, continue to Durrës for a relaxed afternoon by the Adriatic Sea.
Continue your Albania road trip from Durrës to Vlorë and spend the rest of the day exploring this lively coastal city. Vlorë is where the Adriatic Sea meets the beginning of the Albanian Riviera, making it a great place to relax, enjoy the waterfront and discover some of the city’s historic sights.
→ Places to Visit in Vlorë:
Today your Albanian Riviera road trip really begins. Leave Vlorë behind and drive along the spectacular coastal road towards the Llogara Pass, where mountains meet the Ionian Sea and some of the best viewpoints in southern Albania await.
From there, continue to Dhërmi, a beautiful coastal village known for its crystal-clear water, beaches and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Tip: For Food, Drinks and Views – Check out Angelos Souvlaki & Grill in Dhermi Village.
Continue south along the Albanian Riviera, with beautiful coastal views and plenty of opportunities to stop along the way. Spend some time in Himarë before continuing to Sarandë, where you can enjoy the lively waterfront and end the day by the Ionian Sea.
Himarë is one of our favorite places along the Albanian Riviera, with a more relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches and mountains right behind the coast.
Sarandë
Continue to Sarandë, one of the most popular coastal towns in southern Albania. Enjoy a walk along the promenade, have dinner by the sea and watch the sunset over the Ionian coast.
Today is all about the Albanian Riviera, turquoise water and ancient history. Drive from Sarandë to Ksamil for a morning by the sea, then continue to Butrint, one of Albania’s most fascinating archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its crystal-clear water, small islands and beautiful beaches, Ksamil is one of the most famous coastal destinations in Albania. Arrive early, especially in summer, and enjoy a few hours by the sea before heading to Butrint.
Butrint
Just a short drive from Ksamil, Butrint offers a completely different experience. Walk through the ancient ruins surrounded by lush Mediterranean nature and discover more than 2,000 years of history.
Today, leave the coast behind and head towards Gjirokastër, one of the most beautiful historic towns in southern Albania. After exploring its stone streets and impressive castle, continue to Syri i Kaltër, the famous Blue Eye, for a refreshing break surrounded by nature.
Gjirokaster
Known as the Stone City, Gjirokastër is famous for its Ottoman architecture, steep cobbled streets and historic atmosphere.
Syri i Kaltër – The Blue Eye
Syri i Kaltër is one of Albania’s most impressive natural attractions. The striking blue spring is surrounded by lush forest, and the walk from the parking area takes around 20 minutes. There is also a small bar and café near the Blue Eye, which is perfect for grabbing a drink or a quick snack after the walk.
Today, continue north to Berat, the famous City of a Thousand Windows. Explore the historic old town, walk through the charming streets and enjoy the views over the Osum River.
→ Places to Visit in Berat:
Finish your 14-day Albania itinerary in Tirana, where you can slow down and enjoy the capital over two days. Explore the city centre, discover its history and architecture, and leave plenty of time for cafés, restaurants and a relaxed final evening.
→ Places to Visit in Tirana:
When we travel through Albania, we always save the places that make us stop and think, “wow, we need to remember this one.” From hidden viewpoints and cozy cafés to beautiful beaches and unforgettable spots, our Albania map brings all our favorites together in one place. Simply open the map and explore the places we’ve personally visited along the way.
Where you stay in Albania can be just as memorable as the places you explore. From cosy mountain stays in the north to beautiful hotels along the coast, we discovered some really special places during our trips.
Here are some of our favourite hotels and guesthouses in Albania, so you can find the perfect base for your own adventure.
These hotel links are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support ♥︎
Albania is a fantastic destination for unforgettable tours and activities. From hiking in the Albanian Alps and exploring ancient ruins to boat trips along the Albanian Riviera, there are Tours & Activities in Albania for every type of traveller.
Whether you are planning a short city break or a longer Albania road trip, booking the right Albania tours and activities can help you discover more of the country.
From hiking in the Albanian Alps and exploring ancient ruins to boat trips along the Albanian Riviera, Albania offers plenty of unforgettable experiences. Find tours and activities to make the most of your trip.
Planning a trip to Albania? A little preparation can make your journey much easier. Here are some practical Albania travel tips we wish we had known before our first trip.
If you want to see more than just one city, renting a car is one of the easiest ways to explore Albania. It gives you much more flexibility, especially along the Albanian Riviera and in the mountains.
→ *Book Your Rental Car in Albania
The local currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Cards are increasingly accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, but having some cash is still a good idea.
A local SIM or eSIM can be very useful when travelling around Albania, especially if you’re driving and using maps.
We’ve visited Albania twice, once in April and once in September and honestly, both trips were perfect. The weather was pleasant, it wasn’t as busy as during the peak summer months, and we could enjoy both sightseeing and the coast without the intense summer heat.
👉 April – May
The First Time we visited Albania in April, and its a fantastic time to explore Albania if you want mild temperatures, green landscapes and fewer crowds. The mountains are waking up, the countryside is full of color, and popular places are still relatively quiet.
→ Why coming in spring?
👉 June – August
Summer is the season for Albania’s famous coastline. The days are long, the sea is warm and beach towns like Ksamil, Himarë and Dhërmi are at their liveliest. However, July and August are also the busiest months.
→ Why travel in summer?
👉 September – November
If you ask us, September is the sweet spot. The second time we traveled through Albania in September and absolutely loved it. The summer atmosphere is still there, but temperatures are more comfortable and the crowds start to thin out.
Why exploring in autumn?
👉 December – March
Winter is a completely different side of Albania. The coast becomes quiet, while the mountains can get cold and snowy. It’s not the best season for a classic beach holiday, but it can be a great time for experiencing Albania without the summer crowds.
Why visiting in winter?
Albania can still be a relatively affordable destination in Europe, although prices in popular coastal areas such as Ksamil and Sarandë can be considerably higher during the summer.
Your budget will depend heavily on accommodation, transportation, and the season you visit. Especially in tourist areas, prices are now significantly higher and comparable to those in Western Europe.
Albania’s City of a Thousand Windows
Mountain Views & Coastal Escape
Ancient Ruins & Adriatic Beaches
The Ultimate Albanian Riviera Guide
