In just a few years, Albania has evolved from being one of the most isolated countries in the Balkans to one of Europe’s hottest travel destinations. It’s easy to see why: beautiful beaches, UNESCO-listed castles, charming coastal towns, delicious food, and refreshing cocktails – all at very affordable prices. This Albania road trip itinerary lets you discover the jewel of the Balkans at your own pace.
A road trip through Albania is the perfect way to experience this fascinating Balkan country. At your own pace, you can immerse yourself in local culture, explore historic towns, relax on hidden beaches, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Tirana. This 14-day itinerary starts and ends in Tirana and takes you through Shkoder, Durres, Vlore, Saranda, Gjirokaster, and Berat.
We have personally completed this road trip and visited (almost) every destination and restaurant mentioned in this guide.
ALBANIA ROAD TRIP AT A GLANCE
- Duration: 10-14 days (depending on number of stops)
- Start and finish: Tirana
- Total driving distance: approximately 700–900 km
- Best time to visit: May–June and September–October
- Recommended vehicle: Small, comfortable rental car with air conditioning
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Highlight: The coastal road between Vlore and Saranda
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DAY 1–2: TIRANA – ALBANIA’S VIBRANT CAPITAL
Tirana is a colorful and energetic city filled with cozy cafés, fascinating history, and excellent food.
Things to do:
- Explore Skanderbeg Square, the city’s main square.
- Take the Dajti Ekspres cable car for panoramic views.
- Visit Bunk’Art 1, a former nuclear bunker turned museum.
Restaurant recommendation Tirana:
- Oda Restaurant – famous for traditional Albanian dishes such as Tavë Kosi and homemade meze. In the evenings, there’s live music, and after a couple of shots of raki, you might find yourself singing along!
Read our travel guide to Tirana for the full story about everything the city can offer.
DAY 3–4: SHKODER – THE GATEWAY TO THE ALBANIAN ALPS
Drive north to Shkoder, one of Albania’s oldest cities and a great starting point for outdoor adventures. Shkoder is also the perfect base for the spectacular hiking trip from Theth to Valbona.
Driving time from Tirana: approximately 2 hours. (Allow extra time due to possible traffic buildup.)
Things to do:
- Visit Rozafa Castle.
- Cycle around Lake Shkodra.
- Walk along Rruga Kolë Idromeno.
Restaurant tip Shkoder:
- Tradita Geg & Tosk – excellent local cuisine and one of the best places to stay in town. Book the hotel here.
If you plan to hike from Theth to Valbona, add at least an extra day to your itinerary. Make sure you read our excellent guide to the Theth-Valbona hike.
DAY 5: DURRES – BEACHES AND ROMAN HISTORY
Drive south to Durres, one of the oldest port cities on the Adriatic Sea.
Driving time from Shkoder: approximately 2 hours.
Things to do:
- Explore the Durrës Amphitheatre.
- Walk along Durres Beach at sunset.
Durres restaurant recommendation:
- Restaurant Piazza – popular for seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.
Durres can feel a bit too touristy, and can get pretty crowded. If you’re short on time, consider skipping Durres and spending an extra day in Himare or Dhermi instead.
DAY 6: VLORE – WHERE TWO SEAS MEET
Continue south to Vlore, the gateway to the Albanian Riviera.
Driving time from Durres: approximately 1.5 hours.
Things to do:
- Although we have not yet visited Vlore ourselves, the city is known for its beaches, waterfront promenade, and modern hotels.
Alternative Coastal Stops:
Along the route between Vlora and Saranda there are several small town to stop in or stay the night. The atmospere is relaxed and there are few tourists.
Himare
Beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and a scenic old castle ruin with incredible views over the town. Here’s our guide to Himara.
Dhermi
A charming hillside village with traditional houses and stunning beaches.
Borsh
A tiny town, that’s home to a 7-kilometer-long beach (!). We recommend driving up to the old castle ruins and the Hajji Bendo mosque.
DAY 7–9: SARANDA – THE JEWEL OF THE ALBANIAN RIVIERA
Drive along the spectacular coastal road to Saranda. We highly recommend taking the scenic route over Llogara Pass.
Driving time from Vlore: Approximately 2.5 hours, or 3 hours via Llogara Pass. (Make sure to put Llogara in Google Maps to find the correct route. You need to take left before the tunnel.)
Things to do:
- Visit Butrint National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Explore the Blue Eye spring.
- Watch the sunset from Lekuresi Castle.
- You might want to drive to Ksamil for the beaches – but it is usually very crowded and expensive sunbeds.
Restaurant recommendation:
- Haxhi Restaurant – a local favorite serving traditional Albanian dishes.
Saranda is our favorite destination in Albania and one of the highlights of this itinerary. Read our travel guide here.
DAY 10–11: GJIROKASTER – THE STONE CITY
Leave the coast and head inland to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO-listed city famous for its stone houses.
Driving time from Saranda: approximately 1 hour.
Things to do:
- Explore Gjirokaster Castle.
- Hike to Ali Pasha Bridge.
Gjirokaster restaurant recommendation:
- Taverna Tradicionale Kardhashi – known for authentic local dishes.
Tip: Park below the old town, as most rental companies do not allow driving into the historic center.
DAY 11–12: BERAT – THE CITY OF A THOUSAND WINDOWS
Your final major stop is Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful historic cities.
Driving time from Gjirokaster: approximately 2.5 hours.
Things to do:
- Visit Berat Castle.
- Explore the Mangalem and Gorica districts.
Berat restaurant recommendation:
- Homemade Food Lili – a small family-run restaurant known for authentic homemade food.
DAY 13–14: RETURN TO TIRANA
Drive back to Tirana for your final day before departure.
Driving time from Berat: approximately 2 hours. (Allow extra time due to possible traffic buildup near Tirana.)
Last-minute experiences:
- Explore the trendy Blloku neighborhood.
- Shop for local products such as olive oil, raki, and handmade ceramics at Tirana Castle.
- Watch the hilarious show Albanian Night.
Recommended restaurant to finish off your road trip:
- Mullixhiu – one of Albania’s best restaurants, serving modern interpretations of traditional cuisine.
DRIVING TIMES SUMMARY
- Tirana – Shkoder: 2 hours
- Shkoder – Durres: 2 hours
- Durres – Vlore: 1.5 hours
- Vlore – Saranda: 2.5–3 hours
- Saranda – Gjirokaster: 1 hour
- Gjirokaster – Berat: 2.5 hours
- Berat – Tirana: 2 hours
Albania Road Trip: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to drive in Albania?
Yes. Road conditions have improved significantly in recent years. However, be extra careful in mountain areas and on smaller rural roads. Read our guide to driving in Albania.
How many days do you need in Albania?
We recommend at least 10–14 days to experience northern Albania, the Albanian Riviera, and the country’s UNESCO-listed cities.
Do you need a 4WD?
No. This itinerary can easily be completed with a standard rental car.
How much does an Albania road trip cost?
Albania remains one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. Accommodation, fuel, and dining are generally much cheaper than in Western Europe.
What is the most scenic drive in Albania?
The coastal road between Vlore and Saranda via Llogara Pass is widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in the Balkans.
Tips For a Successful Albania Road Trip:
- Book your rental car well in advance. The closer to your trip, the more expensive it will be. Use the search form below to find and book your rental car.
- Allow extra time in mountain regions.
- Carry some cash, as not all places accept cards.
- Respect speed limits and local traffic rules.
- Take your time along the Albanian Riviera – the views are unforgettable.
Have a fantastic trip!
You might also like to read:
- Best places to visit in Albania
- Travel guide to Durres
- Exploring Berat: A Journey Through Albania’s History
- 10 things you should know before traveling to Albania
- Best things to do in Saranda
- Guide to Albanian beer
- What to eat and drink in Albania
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