Looking to plan an unforgettable Albanian Road Trip?
Our comprehensive Albania Road Trip Guide is the perfect resource for those visiting the beautiful Balkan country for the first time.
We share details on how to get to Albania, best ways to get around and the itinerary for Albania that we enjoyed on a 2 week trip.
We share detailed descriptions for each destination, must-see attractions and hotels we stayed as well as suggestions on what to eat and drink on an unforgettable Albanian Road Trip!
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Planning An Albanian Road Trip
I love traveling to Europe!
As a professional food and travel journalist I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many countries in Europe including Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Croatia, Bosnia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Greece, Turkey, France, Malta and Italy!
After traveling to the majority of Europe I was keen to visit lesser known countries that are starting to emerge as trendy travel destinations.
In 2023 I organized an adventure that had me traveling to Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania…all Balkan countries I was exploring for the first time. I was excited to hear a new language, learn about a new culture and taste the flavours of new cuisines.
Closed to outsiders for much of the 20th-century, Albania has long been Mediterranean Europe’s enigma. Until fairly recently its rugged mountains, ancient fortress towns and postcard-perfect beaches were merely a rumour on most travel maps.
With the end of communism in 1991, Albania tentatively swung open its gates. The first curious backpackers to arrive discovered a land where the wind whistled through the crumbling remains of almost-forgotten Greek and Roman ruins.
Today, Albania’s stunning mountain scenery, playful capital and sun-soaked beaches rivalling any in the Mediterranean continue to enchant those who plan an adventure here.
How To Get To Albania
You can fly into Albania by booking a flight into Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza.
Many people organizing an Albanian Road Trip chose to travel overland or by boat.
By land you can arrive in the north via border crossings with Montenegro and Kosovo. To the east there is access via North Macedonia and to the south from Greece.
We arrived into Albania via the popular ferry from Corfu to Sarandë, the heart of the Albanian Riviera. The ferry from Corfu takes just 30 minutes and costs 22 EUR.
There are also regular ferry routes from Bari in Italy to Durrës.
Getting Around On An Albanian Road Trip
Albania does not have a train system or national bus network that offers scheduled services that you can book in advance online. If you aren’t renting a car or hiring a private guide, practice patients and you’ll have a great time exploring the country.
You have 4 options for getting around on an Albania Road Trip.
Private Car Hire
There are many professional drivers who offer private car hire and even act as local tour guides taking you anywhere in the country you’d like to go. This is a great option if you’re time strapped or want to do a day tour to visit specific locations. The downside is that the costs are the most expensive.
Car Rental
You can rent a car to enjoy your own bespoke Albania Itinerary. Just note that rural roads in the north are not as developed as other regions of Europe and can be a bit trickier to drive, especially in the mountains. Ensure you have an International Driving Permit, which is required for foreigners driving in Albania.
Furgon Mini Bus
Public transportation is readily available in Albania. There’s a workable system though it’s complicated to understand if you’re accustomed to traveling with a set schedule.
The main mode of transport in Albania is the furgon mini-bus. Furgon’s will typically gather in one area of each destination and have their direction/city written on sign which you can find in the front window. There are no specific departure times but the mini bus driver typically departs as soon as it is full of passengers.
Benefits of using this travel method are the affordable price but be warned they stop regularly to pick up travelers on the road so what looks like a 3 hour ride on Google Maps can actually take 6 or 7 hours. Again, pack your patience!
I took a Furgon from Tirana to Pogradec, which was 3 hours in length and cost just $5.
Albanian Tour Operators
There are a growing number of professional tour operators run by local Albania travel experts. Most tour operators in Albania offer organized group tours as well as private Albanian itineraries that can be curtailed to your interests.
When I was looking to travel from Saranda in the south to Durrës in the north I discovered taking a furgon mini bus would take me many hours and I’d miss out on visiting several top attractions along the way.
I got in touch with Albania My Way, a professional tour operator who suggested two routes I could take: Ionian Coast with stops in seaside villages and city of Vlorë or a mountainous crossing through the centre of the country, which would stop at several historic forts and castles.
I booked a 2 day Albanian Road Trip itinerary, travelling with a friendly and knowledge guide who enthusiastically shared each attractions unique history and suggested must-try regional dishes at local restaurants.
What To Eat & Drink On An Albanian Road Trip
If you’re organizing an Albanian Road Trip you’ll have plenty of time to sample the countries unique and diverse cuisine.
The Albanian diet is Mediterranean in style, featuring olive oil, sheep milk cheeses like feta, flat bread, fresh vegetables and seafood.
Hospitality is a fundamental custom of Albanian society and serving food is integral to the hosting of guests and visitors. It is not infrequent for visitors to be invited to eat and drink with locals. The medieval Albanian code of honour called “besa,” encouraged locals to look after guests and strangers as an act of recognition and gratitude.
The location of Albania in the western Balkan Peninsula and on the Mediterranean Sea has a large influence on Albanian cuisine. Many foods that are common in the Mediterranean, such as olives, wheat, chickpeas, dairy products, fish, fruits and vegetables, are prominent in the Albanian cooking tradition. Across the country, a range of microclimates allow a variety of products to be grown. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, figs and olives thrive.
Due to its proximity to Greece and Italy, tourists can look forward to affordable restaurants serving gyros and souvlaki as well as romantic patios offering pastas and pizza.
If you’re keen to taste traditional Albanian dishes be sure to scout menus that serve Byrek (phyllo pie), Tava e Kosit (lamb and yogurt casserole), Speca te Mbushura (stuffed peppers), Qofte (meatballs), and Imam Bajalldi (stuffed eggplant).
My 2 Week Albania Itinerary
After researching and plotting each attraction and hotel on Google Maps I created a fun and diverse Albanian Road Trip 2 week itinerary.
Since I would be visiting Corfu I decided to start my Albania Itinerary at the southern tip and travel north in one direction.
The Albania Itinerary below is organized chronologically in how I experienced it. I’ve included details on each destination, attractions and hotel I stayed to help you plan your own dreamy Albanian Road Trip!
Saranda
Sarandë, also known as Saranda, is a resort on the Albanian Riviera, in southern Albania.
Sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and hills of olive groves, the scenic beach town sits perched over a horseshoe-shaped bay. You’ll find locals strolling up the boardwalk at sunset, licking gelato off cones as the waves lap over the sandy shoreline.
The popular tourist town swarms with beach lovers in July and August. They come to Sarandë in the summer to tan at the towns affordable boutique hotels, which are mostly owned by locals.
From Corfu many tourists book day tours of Saranda on yachts but we obviously recommend staying a while. It really is the best place to start an Albanian Road Trip as the airport in Corfu has far more international flight options than Tirana.
Illyrian Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Saranda, Illyrian Boutique Hotel is conveniently located a short 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal. It sits directly across from the city’s ancient synagogue ruins.
The trendy 12-room boutique hotel is managed by a choir of friendly staff. Spacious suites feature comfy queen beds, rain showers, espresso makers, large fridges (perfect for chilling a few bottles of wine) and patios teaming with tropical foliage and perfumed with fresh flowers.
The property enjoyed a major face lift in the spring of 2023 when the lobby was refurbished, rooftop was renovated and 4 additional rooms were added.
Illyrian Boutique Hotel is most famous for its rooftop terrace and bar. Visit in the evening to sip cocktails and enjoy beautiful views at sunset as DJs spin blissful beach beats.
Foodies can enjoy a romantic dinner at the hotel’s signature Lemon Tree Restaurant. The menu features a lengthy selection of grilled seafood options, fresh salads, pastas, risottos and barbecued steak, lamb and chicken.
The design-tastic restaurant features an indoor dining room as well as sun-soaked outdoor patio just steps from the beach.
Ksamil
Ksamil is a scenic beachside village located just south of Sarandë en route to Butrint National Park.
Ksamil Beach and Albania’s Ionian Coast further north were recently included in The Guardian’s 20 Best Bargain Beach Holidays.
Crystal clear waters, fine sand beaches, and four small islands just off the coast have led some to draw unlikely comparisons between Ksamil and the Maldives.
If you’re looking for an Albanian Riviera beach holiday the fine sand and intimate beach clubs in Ksamil are far superior to the swimming situation in the hoking traffic jam that is Saranda. The town has more of a beach village vibe, featuring plenty of picturesque “restaurants with a view,” and lively al fresco dance clubs.
Butrint Archaeological Park
Butrint Archaeological Park is a national park near Ksamil and Sarandë in southern Albania.
The park encompasses 10,000 hectares of hilly terrain with freshwater lakes, wetlands, salt marshes, open plains, reed beds and islands. The park’s significance for conservation is reflected in the large number of species with over 1,200 different animals and plants.
The archaeological heritage of Butrint is one of the most visited attractions in the country and a must for an Albanian road trip itinerary. It contains ancient artefacts and structures that date between the Iron Age and Middle Ages.
Numerous monuments are still present including the city walls, a late-antique baptistery, basilica, Roman theatre and two castles.
In 1992, the archaeological site joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Blue Eye Natural Spring Park
Albania’s famous Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a water spring and natural phenomenon that everyone on a Albanian Road Trip should visit.
The beautiful light turquoise river stuns with its beauty and measures 46 metres deep. The water is freezing cold, even in summer time.
Located near Muzinë in Albania’s Vlorë County, Blue Eye Natural Spring Park is an easy day trip from Sarandë, a short 30 minute drive away.
After following the signs and crossing the bridge, where you’ll pay a small fee, you’ll come across a parking spot and a footpath that leads to the Blue Eye.
The gorgeous spring waters are located beneath a small metal balcony that was built so visitors can get a closer look.
Monastery of Mesopotam
The Monastery of Mesopotam, also known as St. Nicholas Monastery Church, was built in 1225. It is a very special church due to the fact that it was built on the ruins of a pagan temple.
Visitors can still see some of the stones with carved animals on it that are used as decoration to the church walls. One of the decorative stones bears the inscription “Menelau”, presumed to be a reference to the Spartan King Menelaus whose brother Agamemnon led the assault during the Trojan War.
Castle of Gjirokastra
Gjirokastër Castle is a famous fortress situated at a height of 336 metres. The castle dominates its town, overlooking the strategically important route along the river valley.
It is open to visitors and contains a military museum featuring captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation, as well as a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime’s struggle against the imperialist western powers.
The citadel has existed in various forms since before the 12th century. Princess Argjiro inspired Albanian author Ismail Kadare in a poem he wrote in the 1960s.
According to local Albanian folkloric traditions she lived in the 15th-century and jumped off Gjirokastër Castle along with her child so as to avoid being captured by the Ottomans.
We suggest spending one night in Gjirokastra to visit the castle and enjoy strolling through the scenic villages cobblestone streets, which at night bustle with outdoor patios.
Tepelena
The drive to Tepelena from Gjirokastra is a beautiful drive. On the side of the road you’ll see local farmers setting up shop where they sell organic honey, nuts and fresh fruit.
Tepelenë is a town located on the left bank of the Vjosa River, about three kilometres downstream from its union with the Drino.
It is famous for being the birth place of Ali Pashe Tepelena, an important Albanian historical figure during 18th and 19th-centuries.
Stretch your legs on a quick stop here to visit the city’s fortress, which has an engraving on the wall paying homage to British poet Lord Byron who visited.
Castle of Porto Palermo
One of the most jaw-dropping drives you can experience on an Albanian Road Trip is the winding road from Saranda to Vlorë.
The Ionian Sea route zooms through scenic beach towns, mountain villages and offers non stop jaw-dropping panoramas.
My favourite stop while driving north along the Albanian Riviera was the Castle of Porto Palermo, located near Himarë.
The fort served as former Soviet submarine base during the communist regime in Albania, and nowadays its semi abandoned tunnel and barrack attract attention of visitors, as well as the stronghold walls and gates built by the powerful Ali Pasha of Ioannina.
Vlorë
Vlorë is the third most populous city in Albania, located on the sunny southwest coast.
Vlorë was founded as Aulon, an Ancient Greek colony on the Illyrian coast and was conquered at different periods throughout history by Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Venetians and Ottomans.
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, Albanians gathered both spiritual and intellectual strength for national consciousness, which led to the Albanian Renaissance.
Vlorë played an instrumental role in Albanian Independence as an epicenter for the founders of modern Albania, who signed the Declaration of Independence on 28 November 1912 at the Assembly of Vlorë. Today, a statue commemorating this historic event stands proudly over the city.
Modern Vlorë is most famous for being a beach resort. It seems like hundreds of hotels line the sprawling beach. The sizeable city means you’ll find more nightlife and restaurant options than smaller Saranda.
Be sure to visit the city’s old town as it recently underwent an architectural rejuvenation. The colourful quarter features plenty of trendy restaurants and bars.
Durrës
Durrës is a port city on the Adriatic Sea in western Albania, which was founded by Ancient Greek colonists from Corinth and Corcyra under the name of Epidamnos around the 7th century BC. The city developed as it became an integral part of the Roman Empire and its successor the Byzantine Empire.
In the Middle Ages, Durrës was contested between Bulgarian, Venetian and Ottoman rulers. The Ottomans ultimately prevailed, ruling the city for more than 400 years from 1501 until 1912.
Today, Durrës is known for its huge Roman amphitheater, nearby 9th-century church with mosaic-covered walls and Archaeological Museum, which displays pieces from the Greek, Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Durrës is a popular jumping off point for holidaymakers who visit the region to relax in luxury at nearby beach resorts as there are ferries that sail directly from Bari, Italy.
Duka Winery
Are you an oenephile keen to visit an award winning winery on an Albanian road trip?
Duka Winery is one of Albania’s most celebrated vineyards, located a short drive from Tirana, Durres and Plazhi Hamallaj. The vineyard was established in 2004 by one of Albania’s most famous football players.
When driving into the scenic estate you’ll find row upon row of vines climbing up a steep hill. The winery itself sits perched over a beautiful lake and features two chic dining rooms and sprawling outdoor patio.
A gaggle of ducks squawked as we enjoyed a tasting of the winemakers most celebrated wines and rakia. Plan your visit during lunch or dinner to enjoy a wine pairing featuring traditional Albanian dishes.
Plazhi Hamallaj
If you’re keen to enjoy a luxury beach stop on your Albanian Road Trip be sure to book a few days of rest and relaxation at Plazhi Hamallaj.
The beautiful stretch of beach is located just north of Durrës and is home to some of the only international hotel brands in Albania like the recently opened Movenpick and Melia Resorts.
Plazhi Hamallaj is well known for being the vacation destination for Albanias rich and famous as many have beachside properties here. The beach is just a 40 minute drive from Tirana so a convenient weekend getaway for those looking to relax outside the capital.
Mövenpick Hotel Lalëz Durrës
Mövenpick Hotel Lalez Durres is ranked as one of the most luxurious resorts in all of Albania.
If you’re looking to treat yourself on an Albania Road Trip book a few days here so you can relax at the pool, sip cocktails on the beach and enjoy a soothing massage at the resorts serine spa.
Albania’s first Mövenpick property is a luxurious Swiss brand, which is part of a residential village in Lalzi Bay.
Surrounded by swaying pine trees, the well-appointed 80 room resort features 3 restaurants: casual fare at Aqua by the pool, pizza and pasta at the trendy Beach Club and a fancy fine dining concept located just off the lobby.
Tirana
No Albanian road trip is complete until you’ve strolled through the bustling streets of the capital.
Tirana was founded in the early 17th-century by a Turkish general, Barkinzade Süleyman Paşa, who is said to have built a mosque, bathhouse, and a bakery in order to attract settlement. The town gradually became a trading centre at a junction of roads and caravan trails.
The city is located in the centre of the country, enclosed by mountains and hills with Dajti rising to the east and a slight valley to the northwest overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the distance. It is among the sunniest cities in Europe, with 2,544 hours of sun per year!
Tirana is known for its colourful Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet-era architecture. Pastel buildings surround the city’s focal point, Skanderbeg Square, which is named for its equestrian statue featuring a national hero. Albanian pop star Dua Lipa famously performed to a huge crowd when she put on a free concert here.
If you’re curious to learn about Albania’s dictator and the effects of the socialist regime Tirana has two popular museums that are both interesting and educational.
Bunk’Art is located under the hustle and bustle of the city in a former Cold War bunker. It is now an underground contemporary art and history museum.
The House of Leaves Museum is a must for anyone who has ever read a spy novel. The museum is housed in the building that once served as the Sigurimi’s (secret police) headquarter during the communist era. The museum is dedicated to the innocent people who were spied on, arrested, prosecuted, convicted and executed during the communist regime.
History buffs should visit the National History Museum, which towers over the city’s main square. Above the entrance of the museum is a large mural mosaic titled “The Albanians” that depicts purported ancient to modern figures from Albania’s history.
The museum includes sections on Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Independence, Iconography, National Liberation Antifascist War, and Communist Terror.
Tirana Marriott Hotel
The towering sky-high Tirana Marriott is the Albanian capitals newest luxury hotels. It is conveniently located near the Grand Park of Tirana and as short stroll from all of the city’s top attractions.
Gracefully designed in the heart of downtown Tirana with a unique location overlooking the multi-purpose complex of the National Arena, Tirana Marriott Hotel offers stellar service paired with exceptional views.
Sophisticated suites feature comfortable bedding and modern workplaces that illuminate with warm natural light. Soothing natural tones like copper, hardwood and grey offer a calming space to rest and relax.
Tirana Marriott Hotel’s signature fine dining restaurant Terra offers a taste of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, as well as sophisticated spins on classic Albanian cuisine.
Guests gather at the hotel each morning for a complimentary breakfast buffet featuring plenty of fancy pastries, salad bar, cheese and charcuterie, and hot dishes like eggs, bacon, sausages and fried potatoes.
Valbona National Park
If you like to keep fit on holiday and consider yourself an outdoor adventurer be sure your Albanian Road Trip includes a visit to Valbona National Park in the north of the country near the Montenegro border.
Driving in the mountainous northern reaches of Albania is rather precarious so we suggest booking a trekking tour of the region with the experts at Zbulo! Discover Albania.
The local tour operator specializes in offering Albanian itineraries featuring adventurous treks through some of the countries most jaw-dropping natural landscapes.
The popular 7 night Albanian Alps Tour features stops in Theth, Valbona, Shkodra, and a fjord cruise across Komani Lake.
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