Albania is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. It offers turquoise beaches, mountain landscapes, and charming towns that feel worlds away from the crowds of Italy or Greece. When I planned my two-week Albania road trip itinerary, I didn’t know what to expect. My goal wasn’t to cover every major city. Instead, I focused on the coastline, smaller towns, and natural spots where I could slow down and explore.
This Albania road trip itinerary is based on my personal journey. I’ve included notes on where I stayed, what I experienced, and suggestions for extra stops if you have more time.
Tirana: Starting Your Albania Road Trip Itinerary
I began my Albania road trip itinerary in Tirana, the country’s capital. Since my goal was to focus on the coast, I only explored the neighborhood around where I stayed. However, if you include more time in your itinerary, don’t miss Skanderbeg Square, the Pyramid of Tirana, and the Bunk’Art Museum, which all provide insight into Albania’s history.
Durrës: First Coastal Stop on the Albania Road Trip
My first stop on the Albania road trip itinerary was Durrës, a port city on the Adriatic coast. I spent a short time here, walking along the seafront and enjoying a beach break before continuing toward Vlorë. Because it’s one of the closest beaches to Tirana, Durrës makes an easy and popular stop for both locals and travelers.
Vlorë: Relaxing Base on the Albanian Riviera
I based myself in Vlorë for a few days, using it as a relaxing pause on the Albanian Riviera. It’s a lively seaside town where you can relax on the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, and take evening walks along the promenade. Moreover, Vlorë marks the official start of the Albanian Riviera, making it a natural stop on any Albania road trip itinerary.
Drimadhë Beach
On the way along the Albanian Riviera, I stopped at Drimadhë Beach, a long stretch of pebbles and turquoise water framed by dramatic cliffs. It felt quieter than some of the more famous beaches, which made it a relaxing place to spend a few hours. The beach has a mix of organized areas with sunbeds and wilder spots if you prefer to lay your towel right on the pebbles.
Sarandë: Perfect Hub for a Southern Albania Road Trip
Next, I continued south to Sarandë, another hub on the Riviera. From here, it was easy to take day trips to surrounding attractions, including the famous Ksamil beaches and the natural wonders near Përmet. Sarandë itself offers a lively atmosphere, with numerous restaurants, a picturesque harbour view, and a convenient location for exploring southern Albania.
Benja Thermal Baths: A Natural Highlight of Albania
Visiting the Benja Thermal Baths became one of the highlights of my Albania road trip itinerary. Set in a valley surrounded by high mountains, this natural spa features stone pools fed by warm mineral waters. In addition to the baths, you’ll also find a medieval Ottoman bridge, caves, and the Langarica Canyon nearby, making it more than just a relaxing soak. It’s a beautiful mix of history and nature, and one of the most unique stops on the route.
Ksamil: One of the Best Places to Visit in Albania
I couldn’t resist visiting Ksamil multiple times during my Albania road trip itinerary. Famous for its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Albania. While it gets crowded in peak summer, visiting in June felt just right, busy but still comfortable. The stunning shades of blue in the water made Ksamil feel almost unreal, a true highlight of the Albanian Riviera.
Isole Gemelle di Ksamil: A Peaceful Island Escape
While in Ksamil, I added a short boat trip to the Isole Gemelle di Ksamil. These small twin islands offered a quieter escape from the main beaches, with the chance to enjoy sunbeds, umbrellas, and the sea in a less crowded setting. Therefore, visiting these islands made Ksamil even more special.
Berat: Historic Gem on Your Albania Road Trip Itinerary
Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat added cultural depth to my Albania road trip itinerary. I only had a few hours here because of the summer heat. Even so, the charm of the Ottoman houses stacked along the hillside was unforgettable. If you have more time, consider visiting Berat Castle for its panoramic views and exploring the historic neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica.
Pogradec: Lake Ohrid’s Charming Albanian Town
Near the end of my Albania road trip, I stayed in Pogradec, a lakeside town on the shores of Lake Ohrid near the border with North Macedonia. This stop was a surprise favorite, calm, clean, and surrounded by mountains. Most importantly, the lake views at sunset created an unforgettable memory and revealed a completely different side of Albania, one that differed significantly from the Riviera beaches.
Travel Tips for Your Albania Road Trip Itinerary
Planning an Albania road trip itinerary is exciting, but a few practical tips will make your journey smoother.
- Currency: The Albanian Lek (ALL) is the official currency. I carried euros as backup, but local cash worked best everywhere.
- Payments: Credit cards were fine in hotels and restaurants. Still, I noticed that small cafés and village shops preferred cash. Luckily, ATMs were easy to find in every town I passed through.
- Language: Albanian is the national language. However, I often heard Italian, and in tourist areas, English was common too.
- Religion: Albania surprised me with its religious harmony. Mosques and churches often stood close together, showing a long tradition of tolerance.
- Food & Drinks: Try byrek (savoury pastry), tavë kosi (baked lamb with yoghurt), and plenty of fresh seafood on the coast. For drinks, sample a glass of local wine or raki, a strong fruit brandy.
- Costs: Daily expenses were far lower than in Western Europe. Accommodation, meals, and transport all felt budget-friendly.
- Driving: Road quality changed from smooth highways to bumpy local roads. Even so, renting a car gives you the freedom to reach hidden beaches and remote villages.
Final Thoughts on My 2-Week Albania Road Trip Itinerary
Overall, my two-week Albania road trip itinerary took me along the coast, into the mountains, and through charming towns. These stops highlighted the country’s diversity. Although I didn’t manage to see everything, I’d love to return one day. Next time, I’d spend more time in the Albanian Alps and on hidden beaches.
If you’re planning your own Albania road trip itinerary, this route offers a balance of coastal relaxation, cultural towns, and natural wonders. For example, you can soak in the thermal baths of Benja. You can also swim at the beaches of Ksamil or wander the historic streets of Berat. In the end, Albania is a country full of surprises waiting to be explored.
