10 Day Albania Road Trip: North to South

This is a fast paced road trip that will take you through the best of Albania from the dramatic Albanian Alps in the north to the beautiful beaches of the Riviera in the south. You’ll explore UNESCO historic sites, drive an incredibly scenic coastal route, visit wineries and experience the capital city.

I’ve travelled through Albania extensively, and this is the route I recommend for first-time visitors who want to experience the amazing variety this country offers.

10 Day Albania Road Trip: North to South

10 days in Albania is not a long time, but with a well planned itinerary you can cover a lot of ground. This itinerary is best done with a rental car. It is possible to do it by bus (Albania has an extensive bus network), but not in 10 days. Buses take longer, so you’ll need to add a couple of days.

I highly recommend using Discover Cars to rent a car in Albania. I always use them and have gotten some great deals, especially when I book a few months in advance.

If you have less time, see my 1 week Albania itinerary for a shorter road trip through some of the country’s highlights.

10 Day Albania Road Trip at a Glance

Assuming you’re flying into Tirana, the easiest option is to pick up your car rental at the airport and drive to Shkoder. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.

You could also take the Hermes Airport Shuttle to Shkoder and rent a car there, but since this road trip ends in Tirana, it makes more sense to pick up and return the car at the airport.

Day 1: Shkoder – the Ancient Capital of Albania

Shkoder is a really nice small city that’s easy to explore. Although it’s the site of the ancient Illyrian capital, the city doesn’t feel ancient. There is a historic Old Town, many churches and a lot of bicycles. It seems like everyone cycles in Shkoder. This is where I discovered goulash for breakfast – it’s on a lot of breakfast menus!

Shkoder is located at the foot of the Dinaric Alps on Lake Shkodra, surrounded by nature. It’s considered the gateway to the Albanian Alps and popular with hikers for that reason. But there’s plenty to appreciate about Shkoder if you’re not a hiker.

Days 2 & 3: Theth – the Albanian Alps

The drive from Shkoder to Theth is one of the most spectacular drives I have ever done. The scenery through the Accursed Mountains is breathtaking. It’s only 76 km, but the drive takes over 2 hours through the mountains.

On my way to Theth I made a small detour to see the Mesi Bridge – a beautiful Ottoman era bridge just outside of Shkoder.

Albania is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries, and Theth is arguably the most picturesque mountain village. It’s the usual end point of the famous Valbona Pass Trail, but Theth is worth seeing even if you aren’t a big hiker.

In Theht the main attraction is the scenery. Expect to slow down, appreciate nature, and do some light hiking. I spent 3 days in Theth and did a couple of short hikes, and explored the sites and town. I recommend exploring the village on your first day, and doing some hiking or just relaxing on the second day.

Keep in mind Theth is very seasonal – there can still be snow in early May which impacts hiking.

Option: If you only want to spend 1 night in Theth, add a second night to Shkoder and do the Lake Komani day trip through the Albania’s fjords. The fjords have been compared to China’s Three Gorges.

Day 4: Durres – Albania’s City on the Adriatic Sea

It’s a 3.5 hour drive to Durres, the second largest city in Albania which is on the Adriatic Sea. On the drive to Durres, I highly recommend making a detour and having lunch at the most famous agritourism restaurant in Albania, Mrizi i Zanave. It’s exceptional. You’ll need a reservation.

Durres does not feel like a big city at all, it feels very compact and has an easy going, every day vibe you won’t find on the Albanian Riviera. The city has two parts: the centre where the ruins and ancient amphitheatre are, and the beach area (called Plazhi) which is 2 km from the centre.

I’ve stayed in both areas and prefer the centre (which is also on the water) for exploring the sites. The beaches in Durres are decent, but not as nice as the Riviera – so save the beach days for when you’re in Saranda.

Day 5: Saranda & the Albanian Riviera

There are two ways to drive to Saranda from Durres: the faster way along SH4, or the slower, but more scenic coastal route along SH8. I always opt for the more scenic coastal road – it’s beautiful, especially between Vlore and Lukove.

This is primarily a driving day, but I recommend stopping at the ancient city of Apollonia, built in 588 BC (UNESCO tentative list) on your way to Saranda. Allow 5-6 hours for the drive, plus extra time to explore Apollonia. Leave Durres early so you’re not rushed.

Saranda is a lovely, small city on the Ionian Sea. It is the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, and a favourite summer tourist destination. I’ve spent a lot of time there and love the Mediterranean feel, and the way the city is directly beside the sea with views of Corfu, Greece. The seafront promenade is a favourite walking route for my dog and I.

There are a few sites in Saranda, but mostly it makes a fantastic base to explore the region, which is how I’ve set out this 10 day Albania road trip. Make sure you try the seafood in Saranda – it’s fresh and excellent.

Day 6: Butrint National Park (UNESCO) & Ksamil

Butrint National Park is a rare combination of archeological history and nature, and it’s one of Albania’s UNESCO world heritage sites. I saw my first wild calla lilies at Butrint.

It’s an 86 square km nature reserve which includes Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins going back to 800 BC. UNESCO calls it “a microcosm of Mediterranean history.” It’s unique and special, one of Albania’s must-see sites.

From Saranda, Butrint is 17 km straight down SH81, practically at the Greek border. The traffic on this stretch of highway can be terrible – I was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic heading to the beaches one June. Leave by mid morning at the latest.

After Butrint, stop at Ksamil on your way back to Saranda. Ksamil is often called the Maldives of Europe for the beautiful beaches. I like Ksamil 7 Beach and Poda Beach, but they’re all nice.

Ksamil is Albania’s premiere beach resort town – everything revolves around the beach. It’s busy and touristy, but great to visit for an afternoon. I really enjoyed my meals at Basilico Restaurant and Garden Mix Grill.

Day 7: Syri i Kalter – the Blue Eye of Saranda & Gjirokaster (UNESCO)

Today you’ll visit two of southern Albania’s highlights. Start at Syri i Kalter (the Blue Eye), then continue to the UNESCO city of Gjirokaster before returning to Saranda for the night.

Syri i Kalter, or the Blue Eye, is one of Albania’s most famous natural wonders, and it’s only 20 km from Saranda. It’s a natural spring that rises from a karst cave. The colour of the water is a brilliant blue, like a human eye (hence the name). While there are signs forbidding swimming, lots of people were swimming when I visited. The water is very cold, though.

Once you park you have to walk about 1 km and there’s not much shade, so bring a hat and water. There’s also a lot of steep walking in Gjirokaster. Good walking shoes will be essential today.

Gjirokaster is a really pretty mountain town, often called the City of Stone, because of the cobblestone roads and stone houses.

Explore Gjirokaster Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Albania, the Old Bazaar, an Ottoman era market with cafes and restaurants, and visit traditional fortress homes like Zekate House.

I found the historic bazaar a bit too commercialized for my liking, but the castle is great and there’s no mistaking the beauty of the town. Good places to eat are Corner Bazaar and Vojsava Restaurant.

Days 8 & 9: Berat (UNESCO) – Albania’s Most Beautiful Historic City & Wine Tasting

The first time I visited Berat was as a day trip from Vlore, and as soon as I saw Berat I wanted to stay longer. Out of all the historic cites I’ve visited in Albania, this remains my favourite. It’s a 3 hour drive from Saranda.

Berat is often called the City of Thousand Windows for the Ottoman era homes with narrow, but many windows. It is divided by the Osum River, and is basically a post card everywhere you look.

On my last trip to Berat I spent my time strolling through the cobblestone streets, exploring Byzantine churches, historic mosques and Berat Castle, where people still live and work today.

I didn’t realize until my first trip to Albania that there is a thriving and very old viticulture. And Berat is right in the heart of vineland.

On your second day, visit one or two wineries near Berat for a tasting. Some of them have agritourism restaurants attached. The drive through the countryside surrounding Berat is beautiful too.

Day 10: Tirana – Albania’s Eclectic Capital City

I recommend spending your last night in Tirana and flying out the following morning. If you’re flying home on Day 10, you’ll need to adjust your sightseeing depending on your departure time.

Tirana is less than 2 hours from Berat by car. If you don’t want to bring the car into the city drop it off at the airport and take the airport bus into the centre. The buses leave from the airport parking lot every hour. The bus drops off behind Skanderbeg Square.

Tirana is a great European city and completely under-rated. It’s super walkable and compact with all the sites near each other. There’s fantastic street art, a huge cafe culture, and lots of great places to eat. Plus, it’s one of Europe’s most budget-friendly capital cities. I’ve been many times, and never grow tired of it, despite it being small.

If you’re curious about Albania’s communist dictatorship (1944-1992), this is where to explore that. Evidence of the repressive regime is all over Albania, but nowhere more than Tirana.

This is the end of your 10 day itinerary in Albania, but Tirana has enough to keep you busy for 2-3 days if you want to extend your trip. Even though it’s a capital city, Tirana is unpretentious.

Driving in Albania

Before my first Albania road trip I was nervous about driving there. I had read a lot of negative things about Albanian drivers and the roads. But honestly, I find the driving fine and a lot easier than Greece.

In my experience, Albanian drivers are courteous and respectful. Some like to drive fast, especially on the mountain roads, but just give them room to pass. I do witness lots of double parking in the cities, but that’s about it.

As for the roads, they are mostly good. Some of the secondary highways are narrow for two-way traffic, but the main highways are fine. There are still some unpaved roads and you have to be careful of those.

Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in Albania.

When to Visit Albania for This Road Trip

I love Albania in April and October, but because this road trip includes the Albanian Alps, I recommend travelling from late May to June or September to early October. The weather is generally good throughout the country, and you’ll have a better chance of enjoying Theth without snow affecting your plans.

Things to Know Before Travelling to Albania

Here are the most important things to know before you land in Albania for your road trip:

• Cash is king. Make sure have local currency (lek). Not all places take cards. Get some lek at the airport ATMs when you arrive. ATM fees are high, so get as much as you think you’ll need in one go.
• You can’t drink the tap water. There are exceptions, but in most places you’ll have to drink bottled water. Tap water is okay for brushing teeth and cooking.
• Not everyone speaks English. Most in the tourist sector and the younger generations do, but many older people don’t.
• Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated.

For the complete list, including tips on eating out, local culture and safety, see my Albania travel tips.

Is Albania Safe?

Yes, Albania is very safe! I’ve spent considerable time in Albania solo and have never felt unsafe. Tourists (especially women) overwhelmingly report feeling safe in Albania.

Albanians are welcoming and have a very strong sense of honour. You will be perfectly fine walking or doing a solo road trip through Albania. There is no need to grip your purse to your side, or avoid taking your phone out in public. It is one of the safest countries I have travelled.

Have More than 10 Days in Albania?

If you have more than 10 days in Albania, you could spend a few more days in Tirana, or visit one of these destinations below:

• Kruja: Beautiful historic mountain town only 1 hour from Tirana. Some lovely traditional sites and castle. Might be too quiet for several days, but perfect for an overnight excursion or day trip. Easy to reach from Tirana by bus.
• Elbasan: 4th largest city in Albania with ruins, castle and ethnographic museum. I’ve only spent a couple of hours in Elbasan enroute to Korce, but it’s very high on my list for a return trip. It’s only 40 km from Tirana, less than an hour bus.
• Pogradec: Small city on Lake Ohrid, one of the largest and oldest lakes in Europe. The main attraction is the beautiful lake with a long promenade, beaches, swimming, and lakefront restaurants and cafes. A favourite holiday spot for Albanians.

Last Words on 10 Day Albania Road Trip: North to South

With 10 days, you can see the whole sweep of Albania, from the dramatic peaks of the north to the turquoise waters of the south. I’ve travelled this country extensively, and this is the exact route I recommend to first-time visitors who want to understand how varied Albania is.

Also Recommended:

• Why Renting a Car is the Best Way to See Albania
• Albanian Food: 32 Things to Eat and Drink in Albania
• Albania Wine Routes: 4 Road Trips for Wine Lovers
• 44 Albania Travel Tips: Useful Things to Know (2026)

Share on Social: