Albania is still considered an insider tip among European vacation destinations. Yet the Mediterranean country offers everything you need for a relaxing and varied vacation: impressive mountain landscapes, turquoise blue sea, historic cities and delicious specialties. Whether you want to spend relaxing days on the beach, hike through the Albanian Alps or explore places steeped in history - Albania offers the right experience for every taste. And best of all, getting there is easy, which keeps your travel costs pleasantly low compared to other Mediterranean countries.
In this article, you will find out how to explore Albania on your own by car or motorhome. We give you tips on the best time to travel, present places worth seeing and provide a practical packing list for your round trip.
Why Albania is worth a visit
Bordering Greece, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia, Albania offers a rare blend of authenticity and hospitality. While other Mediterranean countries have long been characterized by mass tourism, here you will still find secluded beaches, wild nature and authentic encounters. Whether on the Adriatic coast, in the mountains or in charming towns - Albania will delight you with its diversity and affordable prices.
Here we present the most beautiful destinations for an unforgettable vacation in Albania. Including tips for things to do and recommendations for the best time to travel.
Sun, beach & sea
Destinations:
- Ksamil: small islands and bays - ideal for snorkeling
- Dhërmi: crystal-clear water and long pebble beaches
- Vlorë: lively coastal town with direct access to the sea
Things to do:
- Explore the coastal road between Dhërmi and Vlorë by scooter - you will also discover hidden beaches.
- Boat trips along the Riviera are particularly worthwhile.
Best time to visit:
- In May and September you can expect pleasant temperatures, less hustle and bustle and fair prices.
Relaxation & wellness
Destinations:
- Lenggarica Gorge near Përmet: natural thermal springs in a spectacular setting
- Tirana: modern wellness hotels with extensive spa facilities
Activities:
- Visiting the natural thermal springs is free of charge.
- Combine your wellness vacation with a wine tasting in the Përmet region. There are numerous wineries here.
Best time to visit:
- Possible all year round: you can bathe in the natural springs in mild temperatures. In winter, relax with a view of snow-covered mountains.
City trip with history & flair
Destinations:
- Tirana: capital city steeped in history with a young cultural scene
- Gjirokastër: UNESCO World Heritage Site, old town in well-preserved Ottoman style - a must for culture vultures
- Berat: “City of a Thousand Windows”, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Things to do:
- Sample local specialties at traditional markets.
- Take part in a free walking tour: locals will show you the city from an authentic perspective.
- Learn traditional Albanian crafts such as carpet weaving in a workshop.
Best time to visit:
- Spring and fall are particularly suitable due to mild climate and fewer tourists.
Hiking in the Albanian Alps
Destinations:
- Theth National Park: spectacular valleys and waterfalls
- Valbona National Park: untouched nature and traditional villages
Excursion:
- The long-distance hiking trail “Peaks of the Balkans” leads over 192 km through Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. A real adventure for experienced hikers.
Best time:
- Mid-May to the end of June and September to October offer the best weather conditions for hiking.
By car through Albania: how to make your round trip a success
Whether you travel by car or hire a car, Albania is a great place to explore on a round trip. You can travel by car via Montenegro or by ferry from Italy (Bari - Durrës). Alternatively, you can fly to Tirana and book a rental car from there. Let our route for a road trip in Albania inspire you. Important documents for your trip by car: International driving license, green insurance card, vehicle registration document and credit card (if you book a rental car).
Route for a round trip through Albania (14-21 days)
1. Arrival in Tirana (2 days)
- Rent a car
- Highlights: Skanderbeg Square, Bunk'Art, Dajti Mountain
2. Northern Albania (4-5 days): Shkodër - Theth - Valbona
- Highlights: Rozafa fortress, idyllic mountain villages and hiking opportunities
3. South coast (7-8 days): Durrës - Vlorë - Dhërmi - Ksamil
- Highlights: Llogara Pass, Butrint, Blue Spring
4. Return journey through the interior (4-5 days): Gjirokastër - Berat - Tirana
- Highlights: UNESCO cities, Ottoman architecture, wine regions, local cuisine
Important information about road traffic in Albania
In the following section, we will inform you about the road traffic regulations and road conditions so that you can travel through Albania in your own vehicle or in a rental car. As in Austria, traffic in Albania is on the right. However, the speed limits and road conditions differ.
Traffic rules at a glance
- Speed limits:
- In urban areas: max. 40 km/h
- Out of town: max. 90 km/h
- Motorways: max. 130 km/h (only a few available)
- Drinking and driving: There is a strict 0.0 alcohol limit in Albania. Even a glass of wine with lunch can result in severe penalties.
- Compulsory lights: In Albania, lights are also compulsory during the day: dipped headlights must be switched on at the start.
- Safety equipment: A safety vest must be carried in the vehicle and worn in the event of a breakdown or accident. A warning triangle and a first aid kit are also mandatory.
Driving behavior & road conditions
Albanian road traffic can be unfamiliar to Austrian drivers at first. An anticipatory and defensive driving style is required, especially in cities and on country roads. Frequent challenges
- Unconventional driving style: Parking in the second row or suddenly turning in the middle of the road are common.
- Road quality: While main roads are usually well developed, secondary roads can have deep potholes, missing signage or unpaved sections.
- Animals on the road: In rural areas, goats, sheep or donkeys are not uncommon on the road - especially in the morning and evening hours. Pay particular attention to your speed and driving style here.
On the road with a motorhome
Albania offers fantastic pitches for travelers with a motorhome or caravan, especially along the coast. However, the camping infrastructure is still under construction:
- Disposal stations are only sporadically available. Plan your route accordingly and bring the necessary equipment.
- Wild camping is tolerated in many places, but is not officially permitted. If in doubt, ask the locals or the municipality.
- Tip: Many small campsites offer a family atmosphere, fantastic sea views and often home-made specialties - ideal for an authentic Albanian experience.
What you should pack for your vacation in Albania
Whether you are enjoying Albania's coasts, hiking through the mountains, exploring cities or traveling the country by car - with this packing list you are optimally prepared.
Important travel documents
- Valid identity card or passport
- International driving license
- Vehicle registration & green insurance card (if travelling by car)
- Credit card (if travelling by rental car)
- Vaccination certificate
- Proof of travel insurance
Clothing depending on the type of trip
For the beach vacation:
- Swimwear
- Water shoes (for stony stretches of coast)
- Light summer clothing
For hiking in the mountains:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Breathable functional clothing
- Rain jacket & fleece jacket
- Hiking socks
- Hiking poles
For city trips:
- Breezy clothing for hot days
- Shoulder-covering clothing (for church visits)
- Comfortable shoes for longer walks
Camping equipment (optional)
- Weatherproof tent
- Sleeping bag & sleeping mat
- Camping stove & dishes
- Headlamp & multitool
- Binoculars for nature observation
Car accessories for traveling with your own vehicle
- Safety vest (required by law)
- Warning triangle & first aid kit
- Spare wheel & tools
- Tow rope & jumper cables
- Spare canister (especially for remote routes)
Electronics & technology
- Power bank & charging cable
- Navigation device or offline map app
- Camera
Health & hygiene
- Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor
- Insect repellent
- First-aid kit & personal medication
- Disinfectant
Useful items for on the go
- Travel guide
- Small
- Albanian phrasebook
- Notebook or app for travel diary
Practical tips for your trip to Albania
To ensure that your stay in Albania runs smoothly and is full of experiences, please take note of our following tips and advice:
- Travel planning: Plan your route generously and leave room for spontaneous stops. Fewer stops mean more time to enjoy.
- Accommodation: Book early in the high season. Traditional guesthouses offer authentic experiences - often cheaper than hotels.
- Mobile phone & internet: Albania is not included in EU roaming. A local SIM card is recommended, especially for rural regions.
- Navigation: Do not rely solely on GPS. Offline maps or classic road maps are a must.
- Means of payment: Cash is essential in many places. It is best to withdraw money in the Albanian currency Lek directly on site. The euro is often accepted in tourist areas.
- Language: A basic knowledge of Albanian makes communication easier, especially outside the cities.
- Petrol stations & tolls: Plan fuel stops in advance and take possible toll charges into account.
- Tipping: In restaurants, it is customary to tip around 10%, unless it is already included in the bill. In cafés, you usually just round up.
Travel safely with Europäische Reiseversicherung
Whether you're on a road trip, beach vacation or mountain adventure in Albania - travel insurance protects you against unexpected costs. Complete cover from Europäische Reiseversicherung offers you all-round cancellation and travel protection for your trip to Albania. And you can look forward to your vacation relaxed and carefree.