Explore Albania with a Rental Car: Travel Guide and Scenic Spots

Albania is the  hidden jewel of the Mediterranean. Located in the heart of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Albania offers stunning landscapes, countless historical monuments and a rare cultural experience. The best way to explore this amazing place is by a rental car Albania. 

Renting a car in Albania gives you the flexibility and comfort to explore the country at your own pace, to discover previously unexplored places and to fully immerse yourself in the beauty that the country has to offer. Here is a comprehensive guide for an adventurous journey through this breathtaking country.

Rent a Car in Tirana

To start your new adventure in Albania, it is necessary to book a rental car Tirana before landing at Tirana airport. You will find many agencies that offer car rental services at the airport of Tirana as well as in all the main cities of the country. The most sought-after vehicles remain the compact and economical ones, which are ideal for traveling in the country’s cities. 

SUV cars are also the ideal solution for all those who are passionate about exploring difficult mountainous terrains and untrodden roads. You should keep in mind that to rent a car in Albania you will need your original license, an international driver’s license and a valid form of payment.

Must-Visit Destinations

As mentioned above, Albania has a lot to offer. However, here are some of the places that should definitely be visited when you are traveling in Albania:

Tirana

If you arrive in Albania by plane, you will land at the international airport of Tirana “Rinas”. From there you can start your journey by driving around the country’s capital, Tirana. Tirana is the main economic and cultural center in the country. From historical monuments and frequent cultural events to buzzing bars and restaurants, Tirana has a lot to offer. Although the city itself is accessible by foot, a rental car gives you the opportunity to visit attractions around the city such as Dajti Mountain.

Berat and Gjirokastra

Berat, otherwise known as the city of “one-on-one windows” is one of the most visited cities in the country. The city is a protected part of UNESCO World Heritage and offers travelers amazing landscapes, the feeling of staying and sleeping in a fortress-city just like in the medieval times, delicious traditional foods and much more. 

Gjirokastra is also one of the places protected by UNESCO. Characterized by the fascinating architecture of the Ottoman period, the city offers the feeling of living in another era. A car Rental Tirana gives you the opportunity to move freely in these special cities, and experience all of this at your own pace.

Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera is the jewel of the Albanian coast. This amazing part of the country has received a lot of attention, especially recently, with its clear and turquoise waters, as well as white sand and pebble beaches. Your journey along the Riviera gives you the opportunity to travel the picturesque streets of Llogara and see amazing landscapes, where the mountain descends gently and majestically to the shores of the Ionian Sea.

When you rent a car in Albania, you can stop in many charming villages along the coast such as Palase, Dhermi, Vuno, Himare, Qeparo, Borsh, Lukove, and in the popular city of Saranda. With a car rental Albania, you can visit all these places at your own pace.

Kruje

Located just 40 minutes away from Tirana, the historic city of Kruje is one of the main attractions of the country. This city offers you a magnificent castle, the museum of the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu, as well as the old bazaar. Here you can walk in the narrow cobbled streets, experience the history of a part of the country firsthand, or dine with a wonderful traditional cuisine. With a rental car, you can easily visit the city at your own pace and in the comfort of a safe and comfortable car.

Albanian Alps

If you are passionate about mountainous terrain, the Albanian Alps are a place that should not be missed. Here you will find fascinating views, untrodden roads, lively nature, rare hospitality and majestic mountains. With a rental car you can visit all the places that the Albanian Alps have to offer in the comfort and convenience of a safe and convenient car.

Scenic Routes

• Llogara: Llogara is one of the most frequented roads of the Albanian Riviera. Here you will find the protected national park of Llogara, a lively nature and picturesque landscapes. With a car rental Albania you can travel this road at your own pace and stop at all the main tourist spots.
• Vlore-Sarande Coastal Road: This is another road of the Albanian Riviera, and also one of the most frequented. The coastal road from the city of Vlora to that of Saranda is famous for the rare landscape where the mountain merges with the sea. This route offers stunning landscapes, clear waters and charming tourist villages.
• Lake Shkodra: Lake Shkodra is the largest lake in Southern Europe and is ideal for all nature lovers. Known for its fascinating nature and rich aquatic world, this lake is a destination not to be missed. With a car rental Albania, you can easily visit the lake and enjoy a unique experience.
• Lake Pogradec: Lake Pogradec is the deepest lake in Southern Europe and is ideal for all nature lovers. This lake is known for its fascinating nature and the endemic species of fish that grow in it. With a rental car Albania you can visit the lake and the many tourist attractions around in the comfort and flexibility of a safe car, just as if it were your own.

Tips During the Trip

• Condition of the Roads: The main roads in Albania are in good condition, meeting the European standards. The main roads are highways (A1, A2, A3) and interurban roads. Highways in Albania are not tolled. However, in rural areas and unpopular destinations, roads may not be in perfect condition. Make sure that when you plan the destinations where you will travel, you rent a suitable car for the terrain of the place.
• Traffic Rules: The permitted speed in Albania varies from 40 km/h in residential areas, 80 km/h outside residential areas, 90 km/h on main interurban roads and 110 km/h on highways. The permitted speed in certain areas is signaled by means of signal boards. Traffic rules in Albania are strict and non-compliance is punishable by fines. Therefore, be careful when traveling and always respect the traffic rules.
• Fuel Stations: The quality of fuel in Albania is generally good. In residential areas, in the inner cities and along the main roads, you will see gas stations everywhere. In rural areas however, the fuel stations are not as frequent. Make sure you have enough fuel before you embark on a long journey.
• Parking: Parking in Albania is a paid service in the central part of the cities. The price of a parking space varies from 100-200 Lek (1€-2€). However, you can find a free parking space around the city and in certain areas, when it is signaled by a sign.

Food Stop

A trip to Albania is never complete if you don’t try the wonders of the local cuisine. In most Albanian cities you will find both modern and traditional restaurants. Stop in traditional taverns and try authentic foods such as “tave kosi” and “byrek”. Each region of the country is distinguished by different foods and specialties, so don’t miss the opportunity to try the authentic taste of traditional cuisine wherever you go.

Safety and Navigation

Security in the country is something you don’t have to worry about. You will feel safe and welcomed in the place that stands out and is known precisely for this. As for navigation, it is easy to visit all the popular places and main tourist destinations.

However, if you are passionate about traveling to destinations that are not very well known or not visited before, you should know that Google Maps is not 100% accurate in Albania. Be sure to ask the locals and take a map with you if you want to travel to such destinations.

Cultural Ethics

The Albanian people stand out for their hospitality. Therefore, wherever you go you will feel welcomed and respected. Albanians are proud of their culture, and will passionately tell you everything related to their traditions. Traditional clothes, authentic cuisine and the hospitality of the locals, especially in rural areas, will fascinate you. Therefore, be prepared and open to a whole new culture.

Conclusion

Traveling to Albania will enable you to see the country in a different prism, filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history and culture, as well as exceptional hospitality. Whether traveling along the stunning Albanian coast, the historic sites of ancient civilizations, or the bright and bustling streets of Tirana, a rental car Tirana offers you a more personalized travel experience. Experience an unforgettable adventure and explore the amazing beauty of Albania at your own pace.