7-Day Albania Itinerary: The Perfect Car Rental Trip 

Albania outshines many other destinations in the Balkans for its beautiful landscapes and rich history. The best way to explore this country is with a car, allowing yourself complete freedom to explore all the famous sights and “secret” destinations. From the stunning coastline and serene mountains to experiencing the Albanian heritage, this road trip around Albania has it all. If you’ve decided to rent a car in Albania, we’ve prepared a detailed 7-day itinerary for a perfect road trip!

Day 1: Arrival in Tirana – Exploring The Capital City

Your road trip begins once you arrive in Tirana, the country’s vibrant capital city. Pick up your rental car from Shehu Car Rental and then head to the city center. Tirana is a bustling city that skillfully blends modernity and tradition. 

A visit to the Skanderbeg Square – the very heart of the city – will introduce you to the National Museum of History. Enjoy a guided tour and get to know Albanian’s eventful past.

From here, head to the Bllok district, known for its cafes, bars and luxurious boutiques. Back in time, it used to be an area in which only government officials could reside, and nowadays it has become one of the most popular parts of Tirana.

Spend your afternoon exploring the Pyramid of Tirana, along with the colorful bars and restaurants surrounding it. Then, head towards Mount Dajti where you can visit the Dajti National Park and get a cable ride with an amazing panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains. 

In the evening, enjoy some local delicacies at Oda, a traditional restaurant serving Albanian cuisine.

Day 2: Tirana to Shkodër – The Beginning of Your Journey Towards The Albanian Alps

Drive to Shkodër, one of the oldest cities in Albania and a gateway to the stunning Albanian Alps. North from Tirana, it is a 2-hour drive through the scenic countryside. Upon arrival, you should visit the Rozafa Castle, which is situated on a hill offering breathtaking views over Lake Shkodër and the surrounding areas.

From the castle, take a walk through the city center and visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography, where you’ll find an impressive collection of Albania’s and the Balkans’ important historical photography.

Later in the evening, go for a relaxing night time walk around Lake Shkodër and end your day with dinner at one of its lakeside restaurants.

Day 3: Shkodër to Theth

Day three finds you in the middle of the Albanian Alps – driving to Theth, an almost completely isolated village. Its pristine beauty and traditional way of life have become a main tourist attraction. 

The road that leads from Shkodër to Theth is quite narrow and rough, however, the great scenery makes up for it. The whole drive will take about 2-3 hours, but make sure to schedule more time for photo stops along the way. The mesmerizing nature views will definitely make you turn your head.

Day 4: Theth – Exploring the Area

Once in Theth, check into a local guesthouse and spend the day exploring. Go to Theth National Park, which houses the Lock-In Tower (also known as the Reconciliation Tower) and the Grunas Waterfall. 

More ambitious hikes include trekking to the Blue Eye of Theth, a natural spring where turquoise waters create a surreal swim spot.

In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner prepared by your guesthouse hosts using locally sourced produce and homemade specialties. 

Day 4: Theth to Berat: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

After having a full traditional breakfast, head south to the town of Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will be a long drive – around 5-6 hours – but the route will take you through some of Albania’s most beautiful rural landscapes.

Berat is known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”, famous for its characteristic Ottoman-style architecture. Upon arrival, visit the castle of Berat, situated high above the city offering breathtaking views of the town below and the mountains beyond. Inside the castle, several small museums and churches give a picture of the city’s rich history.

Take a walk through the cobblestone streets of the Gorica and Mangalem neighborhoods to see the very well-preserved Ottoman houses. For dinner, head to Homemade Food Lili, a family-run restaurant serving delicious Albanian dishes.

Day 5: Berat to Gjirokastër – Stone City Exploration

Drive to another UNESCO-listed town, Gjirokastër. Again, a journey of approximately 3-4 hours, the route passes through some beautiful mountain scenery. As it is often called the “Stone City,” the houses in Gjirokastër as well as its cobbled streets are made of stone.

Your visit should start with a trip to the Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest castles in the Balkans. Great panoramic views over the city and down into the valleys beyond can be seen from up there. Within the castle, there is a Weapons Museum with other relics from Albania’s communist era.

Take a walk through the Bazaar for shopping and buy a couple of handmade local souvenirs. There is little doubt that one of the highlights of the day will be the Skenduli House, one of the exceptionally well-preserved Ottoman-era mansions.

In the evening, dinner will be served at Taverna Kuka, a place where you’ll have the chance to taste typical dishes from this region.

Day 6: Gjirokastër to the amazing Albanian Riviera 

Time for the coast! Drive to the Albanian Riviera, one of the most spectacular yet still virgin coastlines in Europe. The ride from Gjirokastër to the coastal town of Himara will take about 2 hours. Famous crystal-clear waters, hidden beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere are some of the main characteristics of the Riviera.

En route, stop and visit the Porto Palermo Castle, a strange triangle-shaped fortress from the 19th century, built by Ali Pashë Tepelena. Further in the Himara, you can enjoy the rest of your day at the beach or swimming in the azure waters.

For dinner, try the local favorite Taverna Lefteri, which is known for its fresh seafood dishes and typical Mediterranean cuisine.

Day 7: Albanian Riviera: Himara – Saranda – Ksamil

On your last full day, you continue your exploration of the stunning Albanian Riviera. Start with the most famous town of the Riviera: Saranda. Visit the Lëkurësi Castle and enjoy its great panoramic views of the city and nearby Corfu island.

Continue to the Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting the ancient city of Butrint with its ruins from the Greek and Roman ages. Take an easy walk through this archaeological site and enjoy the exciting history of Albania.

In the afternoon, drive to Ksamil, a small coastal village famous for its dreamy beaches and mini islands just off the coast. For the rest of the day enjoy swimming or kayaking on the sandy shores.

Have a lovely seafood dinner in Ksamil and head out for a great night out. The next morning, you can drive back to Tirana for your return flight.

Tips For Driving in Albania

Car Rental: It is relatively easy to rent a car in Albania. Most of the international car rental agencies have offices in Tirana. It is recommended to book in advance during summer months.

Road Conditions: During the last years, Albania’s road infrastructure has developed extremely well. However, some rural roads remain difficult to navigate. If you plan on visiting Theth or another remote area, consider leasing a 4×4 vehicle.

Fuel: Most towns and main highways have fuel stations. It is a good idea to fill up before going into rural areas.

Toll Roads: Currently, there are no toll roads within Albania, but be prepared for some minor fees for parking in certain cities or near tourist attractions.

How To Find Cheap Car Rentals in Albania

Car rental in Albania does not have to be expensive. Here are a few tips that can help you save on your car rental:

Book Early: If booked in advance, especially if you’re going to travel during peak tourist months (starting from June until August), the prices for car rentals are relatively lower. Early booking can also help you secure the type of rental vehicle you want.

Price Comparison: Use different online price comparison sites to shop around for a decent deal. Sometimes, local car rental companies such as Shehu Car Rental offer much better rates than international ones.

Vehicle Types: In case most of your driving will be done within cities and along the coast, select a compact or economy vehicle. Should your plans involve going to mountain roads, such as those leading to Theth, you will need to use a 4×4. Choose wisely according to your route.

Just remember to book in advance and be aware of your itinerary, and you’re all set for a comfortable and affordable car hire for your vacation in Albania.

Conclusion

This 7-day itinerary for Albania combines culture, history and nature in just the right proportions. We can confidently say that Albania is one of the best destinations to explore on wheels. From the busy streets of Tirana to the remote nature of Theth Albania offers it all. 

Book a rental car in Albania now, get on the highway, and experience the magic of this Balkan beauty. From exploring ancient castles to relaxing on secluded beaches, this itinerary will leave you with lifetime memories.

Car Rental Albania FAQs

Can I rent a car in Albania with a U.S. license?

Yes, you can rent a car in Albania with a U.S. license, but you will also need an International Driver’s Permit. You should be at least 21 years old and have held your U.S. license for at least one year. 

Additional fees may also be charged for drivers under 25. The IDP is a translation of your license and is required by Albanian authorities, ensuring that you meet local driving regulations.

Can I hire a car in Albania with a UK driving license?

You can hire a car in Albania if you have a UK license, but you will also need a ‘1968’ International Driver’s Permit. An IDP itself is valid for three years or until your UK license expires, whichever happens first. 

An IDP is available from any UK Post Office at a small cost and must be carried along with your UK license when driving in Albania.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Albania?

In Albania, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years. In some cases, there is an upper limit of 70 years. You may be charged more if you’re less than 25 years old. You will have to check about these age policies with your car rental company.

Does car insurance come with car renting in Albania?

Basic car insurance is usually inbuilt in the price and covers third-party liability. You may want to consider taking additional coverage to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses in case of damages: CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) or Super CDW are recommended. It is always recommended to check what conditions you have in terms of coverage before you start driving.

Are there toll roads in Albania?

There are no toll roads in Albania, so any road trip within the country will be very affordable. You will likely be asked to pay small fees for parking in city centers or near very popular tourist attractions. Keep some cash on hand for these charges, as card payments may not always be accepted in rural areas.

Do I need a GPS to drive in Albania?

Many car-rental companies do offer GPS, but using the navigation apps on your smartphone – including Google Maps – may work just as well. Just be sure to download offline maps before you leave because rural areas often have spotty signal coverage.