Discover Albania by Car: Your Ultimate Road Trip Adventure
Embark on an Albania road trip and uncover one of Europe’s last hidden gems. Drive along the breathtaking Albanian Riviera, explore ancient ruins, and experience vibrant culture. From the rugged peaks of the Accursed Mountains to the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, our Albania car rental tours offer the perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Experience authentic hospitality in charming villages and end your days watching the sunset over UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Self-Drive Tour: Discover Albania’s Undiscovered Beauty
On this self-drive tour of Albania, discover a land of stunning contrasts. Drive from the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the wild peaks of the Accursed Mountains. Explore ancient history at Butrint UNESCO World Heritage Site, wander through the Ottoman-era streets of Berat and Gjirokastër, and experience the vibrant local culture. This Albania car rental tour offers the ultimate freedom to uncover hidden gems, from the crystal-clear springs of the Blue Eye to the historic towns along the Adriatic Sea. Let yourself be captivated by Europe’s most exciting emerging destination!
[multiwander_inquiry]Tailor-Made Albania Road Trip Holidays with MultiWander – Historic Landscapes, Riviera Drives & Balkan Adventure
Where can I fly into to start my Albania road trip?
Your Albanian adventure can begin from several convenient international airports! With MultiWander, most travelers fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA), the main gateway, offering excellent connections across Europe. For those exploring the south, consider Corfu International Airport (CFU) in Greece, followed by a short ferry to Sarandë for a stunning coastal start. We design fully customizable Albania tour packages that include flights, rental car, accommodation, and unique local experiences. Whether you’re connecting through major hubs like Vienna, Rome, London, or Istanbul, we’ll create the perfect itinerary tailored to your schedule and exploration style.
What is the best hotel strategy for an Albania road trip?
For the ultimate Albania self-drive experience, we recommend a three-base strategy to perfectly explore this diverse country! Start with a hotel in Tirana to explore the vibrant capital and day-trip to historic sites like Krujë. Then, move to a base along the Albanian Riviera (like Himarë or Sarandë) to enjoy pristine beaches, ancient ruins at Butrint, and coastal villages. Finally, stay in the scenic north (Shkodër or Theth) to hike the Accursed Mountains and visit Komani Lake. This approach lets you experience Albania’s rich culture, stunning coastline, and dramatic mountains without excessive daily driving. With MultiWander, we select ideal accommodations and create optimized driving routes that maximize your discovery while ensuring comfortable travel times through Albania’s beautiful landscapes.
Must-See Destinations on Your Albania Road Trip
Tirana
Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, is a dynamic mix of Ottoman, Italian, and communist-era architecture, transformed by colorful buildings and a lively café culture. It’s the perfect starting point for your road trip, offering museums, history, and a glimpse into modern Albanian life.
About Tirana:
- Explore Skanderbeg Square and the National History Museum
- Take the Dajti Ekspres cable car for panoramic mountain views
- Experience the vibrant nightlife and Blloku district
Gjirokastër
A UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “Stone City,” Gjirokastër is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Its steep, cobbled streets are lined with distinctive slate-roofed houses, leading up to a magnificent fortress that dominates the skyline.
About Gjirokastër:
- Wander the preserved Ottoman bazaar and old town
- Visit the imposing Gjirokastër Castle and its museums
- See the birthplace of former dictator Enver Hoxha
Sarandë & Butrint
Sarandë is the bustling gateway to the Albanian Riviera, with a vibrant seafront promenade. Just a short drive south lies Butrint National Park, a UNESCO site with breathtaking ancient ruins spanning Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras, set in a tranquil lagoon.
About Sarandë & Butrint:
- Discover the ancient theatre and ruins at Butrint
- Enjoy fresh seafood on Sarandë’s waterfront
- Take a short ferry to the Greek island of Corfu
Shkodër
Shkodër is Albania’s historic and cultural capital of the north, set beside the largest lake in the Balkans. It’s the gateway to the Albanian Alps and home to the legendary Rozafa Castle, offering stunning views and centuries of history.
About Shkodër:
- Visit the imposing Rozafa Castle with its dramatic legend
- Explore the historic Marubi National Museum of Photography
- Use it as a base for trips to the Accursed Mountains and Komani Lake