Shehu’s Blog

Albania's capital is perfectly positioned as a launchpad for some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Balkans, and the only way to truly experience it is with your own wheels. Whether you're chasing turquoise coastlines, ancient ruins, or dramatic mountain landscapes, renting a car in Tirana unlocks a side of Albania that buses and tours simply can't reach.  These are the best day trips from Tirana in 2026, all reachable by rental car and all absolutely worth it. Why a Rental Car Makes All the Difference Public transport in Albania has improved, but it still leaves most of the country's highlights either inaccessible or exhaustingly slow to reach. With a rental car from Shehu Rental Cars in Tirana, you leave on your own schedule, stop wherever you want, and reach places that would take half a day by furgon. The road network has seen real investment in recent years: 1. Berat — The City of a Thousand Windows (1.5 Hours) Berat is the most rewarding day trip from Tirana by some distance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits in a river valley framed by mountains, its iconic Ottoman houses stacked up the hillside with rows of large windows that give the city its famous nickname. How to get there: What to see: Allow at least four to five hours in the city itself. The views from the castle walls in late afternoon are worth planning your departure around. 2. Durrës and the Adriatic Coast (40 Minutes) Albania's main coastal city is less than an hour from Tirana on a modern dual carriageway — the easiest and fastest day trip on this list. Highlights in Durrës: From Durrës, continue south along the coast toward Golem and Kavajë for quieter beaches, or head back via the old road through Vora for a different perspective on the landscape. 3. Krujë — The National Hero's Mountain Town (45 Minutes) Krujë sits on a steep ridge north of Tirana and carries enormous historical weight for Albanians. It was here that Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg held off Ottoman forces for decades in the 15th century. Why Krujë is worth the drive: The road up to Krujë is genuinely fun to drive — exactly the kind of road that makes having a rental car worthwhile. 4. Apollonia Archaeological Park (1 Hour 45 Minutes) Ancient Apollonia is one of the most impressive and least overcrowded archaeological sites in the Western Balkans. Founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC, it later became one of the most important cities in the Adriatic region. What you'll find there: Drive south on the SH4 toward Fier, then follow signs for Apollonia. Combine this with a stop at the coast at Seman for a complete day out. 5. Shkodër and Lake Shkodër (1 Hour 45 Minutes) Albania's northern cultural capital sits at the edge of the largest lake in Southern Europe, with the Rozafa Castle rising dramatically above the meeting point of two rivers. Don't miss in Shkodër: The drive north ...