Albania in 7 Days by Car: A Road Trip Itinerary From Tirana

Albania in 7 Days by Car

One week is enough to see the best of Albania if you have your own car: a historic capital, two UNESCO towns, the Riviera and the beaches of Ksamil. This itinerary starts and ends at Tirana Airport, keeps every driving day under four hours, and uses only paved roads.

At a Glance

Day 1 — Tirana

Pick up your car at the airport (about 30 minutes to the centre). Walk Skanderbeg Square, the Pyramid and the Blloku district, then take the Dajti Express cable car for the sunset over the city. Park in a hotel or a paid garage — street parking in the centre is limited.

Day 2 — Tirana → Berat (120 km, ~2 h)

Drive south via Durrës and Lushnjë. Berat, the "town of a thousand windows", is best in the late afternoon when the Ottoman houses of Mangalem light up. Walk up to the castle quarter, where people still live inside the walls.

Day 3 — Berat → Vlorë → Llogara → Dhërmi (150 km, ~3 h)

Take the highway to Vlorë, stop for coffee on the Lungomare, then climb the Llogara Pass (1,027 m). The view down to the Ionian Sea is the most famous in the country. Sleep in Dhërmi or Himarë.

Day 4 — The Riviera → Ksamil (110 km, ~2.5 h)

The coastal road passes Himarë, Porto Palermo castle and Borsh beach before Sarandë. Continue to Ksamil for the afternoon. Book accommodation early in July and August.

Day 5 — Butrint and the Blue Eye

Butrint National Park is 5 km from Ksamil — go at opening time to beat the heat. In the afternoon drive to the Blue Eye spring (about 40 minutes). Arrive early or late: the car park fills up at midday.

Day 6 — Ksamil → Gjirokastër (75 km, ~1.5 h)

Gjirokastër's stone old town and its castle are a complete change from the beach. Try qifqi, the local rice balls, and stay overnight in a restored stone house.

Day 7 — Gjirokastër → Tirana Airport (230 km, ~3.5 h)

Drive back via Tepelenë and Fier. Leave a buffer of at least an hour before your flight, and remember to refill the tank: the car is returned with the same fuel level you received.

Tips for the Road

Ready to go? Check prices and book your car — free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup.