Albania Roadtrip Itinerary 2026
Self-Drive Tour of Albania
Wether you are currently planning your own trip, or you’re just looking for some inspiration, I’m sure the information below will help you get closer to your dream trip – check out my itineraries for your perfect roadtrip in Albania!
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1 Week Albania Roadtrip Itinerary (7 Nights)
"Classic Route"
Day 1 - Arrival in Tirana
When you land at the airport in Tirana, you can book a private ride or a shuttle bus to the city. If you rented a car, you can pick it up at the airport or in town. You can plan the rest of your day based on how much time remains, when you get there.
(Hotel in Tirana)
Day 2 – Krujë – Shkodër (daily distance 120 km)
After breakfast, get your rental car in the morning and drive to the city of Krujë. There you can visit the Krujë castle. Inside the castle you will see the restored old walls, as well as the old bazaar of Krujë, which is a good place to buy some souvenirs or gifts. Later, you can walk down Rruga Kolë Idromeno Pedestrian Street to find food and look for more gifts.
(Hotel in Shkodër)
Day 3 - Durrës (daily distance 107 km)
After breakfast, drive to the coastal city of Durrës. There, you can see the old Amphitheatre and the Venetian Tower. You can also walk along the Taulantia promenade by the sea. In the afternoon, go for a swim at Durrës Beach. You can also eat at one of the many restaurants by the seaside.
(Hotel in Durrës)
Day 4 - Appolonia - Saranda (daily distance 240 km)
Visit the old ruins of Apollonia in the morning, then drive along the coast to Saranda. In the afternoon, visit Lëkurësi Castle. You can eat dinner at the restaurant inside the castle while looking out over the city. (You may need to book a table.) Or, you can find a place to eat by the sea.
(Hotel in Saranda)
Day 5 – Butrint – Gjirokastër (86 km)
Leave early in the morning and visit the Butrint Archaeological Park. Discover the ruins and monuments from as early as the 7th century BC. your journey continues to the city of Gjirokastër (UNESCO Heritage). After lunch you could visit The Cold War Tunnel Museum (open till 16:00) or walk around and explore the city.
(Hotel in Gjirokastër)
Day 6 - Gjirokastër
Visit Gjirokastër Fortress and the Obelisk of Education. After lunch, walk through the old town to see the famous stone houses. Two of the best houses to see are Skënduli House and Zekate House. From both, you can see beautiful views of the valley below.
(Hotel in Gjirokastër)
Day 7 – Berat (daily distance 180 km)
In the morning, drive to Berat, another special UNESCO city. Start in the neighborhood called Mangalem. See the old town and the famous white houses. Then, go up to visit Berat Castle. After the castle, go to the Berat Viewing Platform for a great look over the city.
(Hotel in Berat)
Day 8 - Tirana, Departure (100km)
After breakfast, drive back to Tirana. If you have time before your flight, you can see a few more sights in the city center before heading back to the airport.
12 Days Albania Roadtrip Itinerary (11 Nights)
"Extended Route"
Day 1 - Arrival in Tirana
When you land at the airport in Tirana, you can book a private ride or a shuttle bus to the city. If you rented a car, you can pick it up at the airport or in town. You can plan the rest of your day based on how much time remains, when you get there.
(Hotel in Tirana)
Day 2 – Krujë – Shkodër (daily distance 120 km)
After breakfast, get your rental car in the morning and drive to the city of Krujë. There you can visit the Krujë castle. Inside the castle you will see the restored old walls, as well as the old bazaar of Krujë, which is a good place to buy some souvenirs or gifts. Later, you can walk down Rruga Kolë Idromeno Pedestrian Street to find food and look for more gifts.
(Hotel in Shkodër)
Day 3 - Komani Lake (daily distance 110 km)
Start your day early with a scenic drive to Koman. Catch the 09:00 ferry to Fierzë and spend the morning sailing through stunning mountain landscapes. You’ll arrive at 12:00, with little time to explore and grab a snack. Don’t miss the last return ferry at 13:00—it’s your only way back. You’ll dock in Koman by 15:30, leaving you plenty of time to drive back to Shkodër and enjoy a relaxing evening. Tickets for the ferry are available on the official website.
(Hotel in Shkodër)
Day 4 - Durrës (daily distance 107 km)
After breakfast, drive to the coastal city of Durrës. There, you can see the old Amphitheatre and the Venetian Tower. You can also walk along the Taulantia promenade by the sea. In the afternoon, go for a swim at Durrës Beach. You can also eat at one of the many restaurants by the seaside.
(Hotel in Durrës)
Day 5 - Appolonia - Vlorë (daily distance 130 km)
Visit the old ruins of Apollonia in the morning, then drive along the coast to Vlorë. Walk around in the old-town and the beautiful beach boulevard or go and enjoy the sandy beach.
(Hotel in Vlorë)
Day 6 - Vlorë
Spend another day in Vlorë. Do a boat tour to Sazan Island to see island that was a former military base & explore the Haxhi Ali Cave which was allegedly used as a pirate hideout. You can spend the afternoon at the beach or enjoy the city.
(Hotel in Vlorë)
Day 7 - Vlorë to Saranda (daily distance 115 km)
Visit the old ruins of Apollonia in the morning, then drive along the coast to Saranda. In the afternoon, visit Lëkurësi Castle. You can eat dinner at the restaurant inside the castle while looking out over the city. (You may need to book a table.) You can also find a place to eat by the sea in the city as an alternative.
(Hotel in Saranda)
Day 8 – Butrint – Gjirokastër (86 km)
Leave early in the morning and visit the Butrint Archaeological Park. Discover the ruins and monuments from as early as the 7th century BC. your journey continues to the city of Gjirokastër (UNESCO Heritage). After lunch you could visit The Cold War Tunnel Museum (open till 16:00) or walk around and explore the city.
(Hotel in Gjirokastër)
Day 9 - Gjirokastër
Visit Gjirokastër Fortress and the Obelisk of Education. After lunch, walk through the old town to see the famous stone houses. Two of the best houses to see are Skënduli House and Zekate House. From both, you can see beautiful views of the valley below.
(Hotel in Gjirokastër)
Day 10 – Berat (daily distance 180 km)
In the morning, drive to Berat, another special UNESCO city. Start in the neighborhood called Mangalem. See the old town and the famous white houses. Then, go up to visit Berat Castle. After the castle, go to the Berat Viewing Platform for a great look over the city.
(Hotel in Berat)
Day 11 – Osumi Canyon
Book a half or full day tour to the beautiful Osumi Canyon and do some Rafting/Kayaking or River-Tubing. You can spend the rest of the afternoon in Berat and enjoy the stunning views.
(Hotel in Berat)
Day 12 - Tirana, Departure (100km)
After breakfast, drive back to Tirana. If you have time before your flight, you can see a few more sights in the city center before heading back to the airport.
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For more info about suggested hotels & sights, check out the Albania Travel Guide.
Packing Checklist for a Roadtrip in Albania:
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