10 Day Albania Road Trip – See the Whole Country

This is a fast paced road trip that will take you through the best of Albania from north to south. On this 10 day itinerary you’ll see the Albanian Alps, UNESCO listed historic sites, the Albanian Riviera and the capital city.

I’ve travelled this country extensively, and this is the route I recommend to experience the natural beauty, history and culture that makes Albania so fantastic.

10 Day Albania Road Trip – See the Whole Country

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. One of my last rentals with them I found a car in Durres for €17 for 4 days, including mileage.

Where to Stay in Albania

These are my top hotel choices for this 10 day Albania road trip. They are all very nice hotels with excellent locations and parking (except for Hotel Colosseo in Tirana, but you would have dropped off the car by then):

• Best in Shkoder: Cocja Boutique Hotel
• Best in Teth: Bujtina Pllumi Theth
• Best in Durres: Art Gallery Boutique Hotel
• Best in Saranda: Yacht Premium Hotel
• Best in Berat: Hotel Plaza Berat
• Best in Tirana: Hotel Colosseo

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.

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 found the driving fine and a lot easier than Greece.

I thought Albanian drivers were courteous and respectful. Some like to drive fast, especially on the mountain roads, but I just gave them to room pass. I did witness lots of double parking in the cities, but that’s about it.

For an inexperienced driver it will be more nerve wrecking – but no worse than it would be in any foreign country.

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, especially if you’re in a rental. Most rental agreements have a clause that says you can’t take the car on unpaved roads.

The roads around Theth are all unpaved (I mostly just left the car parked in Theth), and there’s a stretch between Permet and Corovode that is unpaved (but you won’t be going there on this itinerary). There’s more, but those are the ones most visitors inquire about.

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

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.
• There’s lots of strays. The dogs are generally passive and in many cases friendly. The cats just want to be pet and fed.
• 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.
• You can’t flush toilet paper.

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

When to Visit Albania for a Road Trip

The best time to visit is shoulder season. April-June and September-November. Summers get very hot in Albania, with temperatures routinely hitting 40°C now (104°F).

Winters are wet and cold, and it’s not a good idea to drive into the mountains. In Theth I saw road signs for tire chains in winter. Definitely not good road trip weather in Albania!

I’ve visited Albania is every season and I think the nicest months are April and October. That’s when temperatures are perfect and there’s fewer tourists. Prices at hotels and restaurants are lower too. May is also good, but it gets hot toward the end.

10 Day Albania Road Trip

This 10 day road trip is great if it’s your first time in Albania. You’ll see the best of Albania and experience how varied the country is. This road trip covers UNESCO sites, cities, mountain villages, beaches, and the capital. It basically ticks off all the must see sites.

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 at all. There is a historic Old Town, many churches and a lot of bicycles. It seems like everyone cycles in Shkoder.

Shkoder 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.

These articles may be helpful:

• 16 Things to See in Shkoder: Albania’s City of Bicycles
• Where to Eat in Shkoder: My 14 Favourite Restaurants & Cafes

Day 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.

The main attraction of Theth is the scenery. It is surrounded by the Accursed Mountains on all sides. Expect to slow down here, appreciate nature, do some light hiking. I spent 3 days in Theth and did a couple of short hikes, and explored the sites and town.

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.

This article may be helpful:

• Complete Guide to Theth: Albania’s Charming Mountain Village

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. 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.

On the drive to Durres, I highly recommend making a detour and having lunch at the most famous agrotourism restaurant in Albania, Mrizi i Zanave. It’s exceptional. You’ll need a reservation.

These articles may be helpful:

• What to Do in Durres, Albania: 16 Ways to Enjoy the City (2026)
• Where to Eat in Durres and How Much it Cost (2026)

Day 5: Saranda & the Albanian Riviera (overnight in Saranda)

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.

On your way to Saranda, I recommend stopping at the ancient city of Apollonia, built in 588 BC (UNESCO tentative list).

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 have spent a lot of time in Saranda, I 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.

These articles may be helpful:

• 15 Things to Do in Saranda, Albania Beyond the Beach 2026
• Where to Stay in Saranda: Best Areas and Hotels 2026
• Where to Eat in Saranda Away from the Crowds (2026)
• Saranda Beaches: Which One is Best?

Day 6: Butrint National Park (UNESCO) & Ksamil (overnight in Saranda)

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 to 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 last 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.

These articles may be helpful:

• Butrint National Park: How to Visit Albania’s World Heritage Site
• Ksamil Beach Guide: What to Expect in Albania’s Beach Paradise
• Where to Stay in Ksamil: Best Areas, Hotels & What to Know
• Where to Eat in Ksamil & What it Cost (2026)

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

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 so deep that divers have only reached 50 metres before the immense pressure forced them back. 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.

After Syri i Kalter continue to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO listed historic city. This 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.

These articles may be helpful:

• Syri i Kalter: How to Visit the Blue Eye Near Saranda, Albania
• Visit Gjirokaster: Guide to Albania’s Stone City (2026)

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

Berat is a 3 hour drive from Saranda.

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.

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 in Berat, visit one or two local wineries, like Alpeta Agrotourism and Winery, Pupa Winery, Nurellari Winery or Cobo Wine. Some of them have agrotourism restaurants attached.

These articles may be helpful:

• What to Do in Berat: Albania’s Most Beautiful Historic City
• Berat Castle: Guide to Visiting Albania’s Living Castle
• Where to Stay in Berat, Albania: Best Areas & Hotels
• Where to Eat in Berat – 10 Favourites

Day 10: Tirana – Albania’s Eclectic Capital City

End your 10 day road trip in Albania’s capital city. Tirana is a great European city and completely under-rated. It’s super walkable and compact with all the sites near each other.

Tirana has fantastic street art, a huge cafe culture, and lots of great restaurants. 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.

Tirana is less than 2 hours from Berat by car. I recommend dropping the car off at the airport and taking the airport bus into the centre of Tirana. The buses leave from the airport parking lot and cost 400 lek. The bus drops off behind Skanderbeg Square.

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.

These articles may be helpful:

• What to Do in Tirana: 26 Things to See & Experience (2026)
• Where to Stay in Tirana: the Best Areas and Places to Stay 2026
• Where to Eat in Tirana: 16 Personal Favourites (2026)
• Tirana City Break: Europe’s Best Kept Capital Secret

Where to Go After This Albania Road Trip

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. It’s a 4 hour bus ride (and you have to change buses in Durres), but Pogradec is completely different from other Albanian cities and worth a visit.

Last Words on 10 Day Albania Road Trip – See the Whole Country

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:

• Albanian Food: 32 Things to Eat and Drink in Albania
• How To Travel Around Albania in 2026
• How to Travel With a Dog To Albania: Complete Guide

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