Best Places to Visit in Albania by Car

Tirana is the capital of Albania and the most common starting point for visitors. Many travelers arrive through Tirana International Airport, pick up a rental car, and either stay in the city for a few days or start their road trip immediately.

The city has restaurants, cafes, museums, nightlife, shopping areas, and landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, Blloku, the New Bazaar, and Dajti Mountain. If this is your first time in Albania, spending at least one day in Tirana can help you understand the country better before heading to the coast or mountains.

Driving inside central Tirana can be busy, so it may be better to park the car and explore the center on foot. If you are staying in Tirana first, check whether your accommodation includes parking.

Berat is one of Albania’s most beautiful historic cities and is a great destination to visit by car. It is known for its old houses, castle area, river views, and traditional atmosphere.

A car makes Berat easier to combine with other stops, such as Durres, Tirana, or Gjirokaster. It is a good choice if you want culture, history, local food, and a slower pace than the beach towns.

Parking near the old town can be limited depending on the season, so it is useful to check your hotel’s parking options before arrival.

• Good for history and old architecture
• Great overnight stop
• Easy to combine with a wider Albania road trip
• Suitable for couples, families, and cultural travelers

Gjirokaster is another historic city that is very rewarding to visit by car. It is famous for its stone houses, castle, old bazaar, and mountain views. The city has a unique character and is one of the best cultural stops in southern Albania.

Because Gjirokaster is inland, a rental car makes it easier to combine with Saranda, the Blue Eye, or the Albanian Riviera. Many travelers visit it on the way to or from the south coast.

The old town streets can be steep and narrow, so drive carefully and choose parking wisely. Once parked, it is better to walk through the historic center.

Vlora is one of the most popular coastal cities in Albania and a common gateway to the Albanian Riviera. It has beaches, restaurants, hotels, and a long seaside promenade.

If you are driving from Tirana or Tirana Airport, Vlora can be a good first coastal stop before continuing toward Llogara Pass, Dhermi, Himara, and Saranda.

The city works well for travelers who want beach access but still prefer a larger city with more services, restaurants, and accommodation choices.

The Albanian Riviera is one of the main reasons many visitors rent a car in Albania. The coastal road between Vlora, Llogara, Dhermi, Himara, Porto Palermo, Borsh, and Saranda is one of the most scenic routes in the country.

With a car, you can stop at smaller beaches, viewpoints, villages, and restaurants along the way. This flexibility is hard to match with public transport.

During summer, the Riviera gets busy. Start early if you want easier parking and avoid trying to visit too many beaches in one day.

• Dhermi
• Drymades
• Jale
• Gjipe
• Himara
• Porto Palermo
• Borsh
• Qeparo

Saranda and Ksamil are among the most famous summer destinations in Albania. Ksamil is known for clear turquoise water and small islands, while Saranda offers more hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and access to nearby attractions.

A rental car is useful because it lets you visit Butrint, the Blue Eye, nearby beaches, and different viewpoints without relying on taxis. However, parking in Ksamil can be difficult during peak summer, especially in July and August.

If Ksamil is your main destination, consider arriving early at beaches and choosing accommodation with parking. The area is beautiful, but it is also one of the busiest parts of Albania in high season.

Shkoder is one of the best destinations in northern Albania. It has a relaxed atmosphere, lake views, cycling culture, Rozafa Castle, and access to the Albanian Alps.

Many travelers use Shkoder as a base before heading toward Theth, Valbona, or Lake Koman. A rental car makes it easier to move around the area, although some mountain routes may require more planning.

Shkoder is also a good stop if you are combining Albania with Montenegro, but always check whether your rental car is allowed to cross borders before planning an international route.

Theth is one of Albania’s most impressive mountain destinations. It is popular for hiking, waterfalls, stone houses, mountain views, and nature. The drive itself can be part of the experience, but it requires more care than driving between major cities.

Road conditions can vary depending on weather, season, and exact route. Before choosing a car for Theth or other mountain destinations, check whether a small car is enough or whether a higher-clearance vehicle is recommended.

For mountain trips, avoid rushing. Plan enough time, check your accommodation location, and make sure you are comfortable driving on narrow or curvy roads.

The best places to visit in Albania by car depend on your travel style. For beaches, focus on Vlora, Himara, Saranda, and Ksamil. For history, include Berat and Gjirokaster. For mountains, consider Shkoder and Theth.

Do not overload your itinerary. Albania may look small on the map, but coastal and mountain roads can take longer than expected. A slower route usually gives you a better experience.

Choose a rental car that fits your trip. A small economy car can work for simple routes, while families, groups, long coastal trips, and mountain itineraries may need more space or comfort.